It’s hard to describe a book like Take Off Your Shoes. It’s neither a Travelogue nor a Self-Help book. It’s a journey of self-rediscovery, an attempt to find personal fulfillment and rebuild family relationships. This book is about the trials, tribulations, joys, and miracles encountered during a journey to self-realisation.

Take Off Your Shoes is the true story of Ben Feder, an extremely successful CEO of Take-Two Interactive (the creators of the Grand Theft Auto & BioShock game series). Despite achieving tremendous success, Feder discovered that he was no longer happy in his personal life & his relationship with his wife and kids was suffering. In order to mend his family relationships and rejuvenate his life, he embarks on a life changing journey. Together with his wife and 4 children, Feder decides to live in Bali (near Indonesia) for a year, as a sabbatical. The book is about the year-long sabbatical and how that experience transforms them all. It’s about how Feder & his family re-evaluate their lives, in a totally new environment.

The story is something that a lot of people can relate to. It was interesting to read how Feder’s family managed to settle in Bali and the gradual adjustments they had to make to their set lifestyle. The way the family bonded during the sabbatical or during their trips was heart-warming. Ben’s experiences while learning yoga and drawing were illuminating. The thing I loved most about this book was that author shared his experiences in learning these skills, rather than just writing about learning them.

The whole story was told via author’s diary entries, so the narration feels a bit disjointed. There is a chapter on Yoga and the next chapter jumps to a bike trip. I wish there had been more chapters on the author’s experiences rather than his travels. Feder’s family were integral to the entire story. So, I wish there had been more chapters on how they adjusted to the new environment & evolved through the entire period instead of getting a brief mention.

Overall, I liked this book and it was very interesting to follow the author and his family through their travels and their experiences. The book was entertaining as well as enlightening. If you liked ‘Eat Pray Love’ and if you ever thought about re-evaluating your life, you would enjoy this book.

Many Thanks to Netgalley, Radius Book Group and the author for the ARC.

I really enjoyed this memoir of a family who took a sabbatical, to reconnect with each other in Bali.
Ben Feder, was an executive in NYC, always busy, stressed or traveling, with little time to devote to his wife and kids. Realizing what was happening, he decided along with his wife, that they needed to make a change or lose contact with their families, goals, wishes, concerns, aspirations, etc., so they decided to search for a place where they could spend 6 months to a year, and decide on Bali in Indonesia.
First they traveled to Africa, and went on a safari, and then off to Bali to start off their new life for awhile.
It was a lot of fun to see how they each adapted to their new lives, one that was at a snail pace compared to their lives in New York city.
The children went to the Green School, a completely sustainable school whose main focus is ecology and improving the world, hopefully creating Green Leaders. Here the children experience a way of living, which was so foreign to them, yet what became a very important lesson, for all of them.
The parents each had things they were interested in doing, jointly biking and yoga. The author also became interested in the arts, and would take drawing lessons, visit artist groups and was able to get into and enjoy a different way of life than what he was used to.
When the time came for them to leave, they all had a hard time leaving their interest and friends.
This is a great story to show how a little bit of time away, doing something different, can really change your life.
I would like to thank NetGalley and AuthorBuzz and Radius Book Group for the ARC of this book

Take Off Your Shoes is the diary of a man who, with his family, moves to Bali for a "corporate sabbatical."

I enjoyed this book a lot more than I initially anticipated. The format of Feder's story is told through stream of consciousness, so it is much less "tidy" than similar travel memoirs. After the first few chapters, though, I began to appreciate the truth behind this--not every theme is resolved in real life, and we aren't always promised dramatic chapter endings. For me, some of his stories dragged on (I am so un-interested in corporate America, and I've done enough yoga that I skipped some of his practice descriptions), but ultimately I loved seeing how his family's experiences shaped their individual growth.

I was also surprised at how much I learned from his experiences. Feder shares some great tools for mindfulness and mediation by showing the reader how he learned these skills. Because of this, he imparts this wisdom not as a patronizing teacher, but rather a fellow student. He's also very quick to credit his teachers (including the books he's read), which I found helpful.

Pros:
-The intermittent descriptions of Bali and its cultures (both national and expat) are striking. I love learning about other people and places, and I loved the descriptions of local foods, ceremonies, and landscapes--I wish there had been so much more. In case the blend of ambitious businessmen, crunchy expats, and welcoming Balinese wasn't enough culture for you, Feder also shares his family's adherence to Jewish tradition while in Bali.
-I defy you to read this memoir and be unmotivated in some way to start drawing, play a musical instrument, write, practice yoga, or one of the fifty creative experiences that Feder and his family undergo throughout their sabbatical. You'll be terrible and slightly embarrassed at how bad you are. Keep doing it.
-If you have wanderlust, reading Take Off Your Shoes will definitely fan the flame. His family travels all over, and if you're like me, you'll be making some additions to your travel list.
-The Green School is such an interesting concept, and I really enjoyed learning about their ecological projects like self-composting toilets, an eco-friendly community, and the water turbine.

Cons:
-At places, the narrative is choppy and places emphasis on weird/random pieces of information that don't really enhance the story. Of course, when I got to the end and realize the whole story was told via his diary that he kept, everything made sense. I just wish it had been edited a little more to make things easier on the reader (keeping people's names straight, less emphasis on which companies he was buying and why, and less rushing of some narratives).
-This is a personal frustration, but reading stories about long-term travel to poor places often read as very imperialistic. Unfortunately, this book wasn't an exception for me. A rich western family moves to a place with a poor economy to escape , and spends most of their money at a western school, western-owned yoga, western drawing classes, western-owned restaurants, etc. I loved that they got to know their landlord's family and became close with them, but most of the mentions of the nationals and their culture is in passing, and I felt the narrative would have gained a LOT from a fuller exploration of their host culture.

Overall, I'd recommend this book to anyone wanting a quick travel-read, or anyone wanting to know more about expat culture in Indonesia. This wasn't an earth-shattering read, but I learned some great things about re-orienting my mindset that I think will stick with me.

A fabulous journey of a family who risk everything to find themselves and prove that going back to basics can really reawaken a love for life. The author is engaging whilst challenging the norm and take us on a journey with his family to 'find' themselves again which they do with huge success. The honesty and vibrancy shines through and makes you feel you're with Ben Foder and his family on their journey. An absolute joy to read.

A recommended read for anyone who has gotten to the point where she/he needs to unplug, take time off and simply appreciate themselves. Thanks Netgalley for the eARC.

I absolutely *loved* TAKE OFF YOUR SHOES. Turns out I needed it too. It came to my attention at the right time. I do not have the luxury of taking months off from work to go, disconnect from everyday life and recover, however, this was the next best thing. Reading how Ben decided to take time for himself and his family, even though the decision remained clouded with uncertainty, helped me to put my own life in perspective. Reading about meditation, time for self-reflection, and reconnecting with his wife and children after professional success was heartwarming. I only wish this was an opportunity afforded to us all. A terrific read.

I highly recommend Ben Feder's account of his sabbatical journey of self-discovery to Bali and back. For anyone who has considered making a radical change to their life (and who has envied those who did), reading this book is a great way to understand what that experience can bring. The author is very frank about the challenges for him and his family, and does not sugar-coat either the ups or the downs. It's highly readable and engaging.

It did make me think of eat pray love. A lot.
Overall I enjoyed it.
I would love to go on the same journey.
Recommend

Ben and Victoria are wanting to take a sabbatical fron their life in New York with the busy schedules not only for the two of them but for their four children. They select Bali as it would be completely different from the life they are living now. At first the kids are not sure they want to do this but eventually the whole family gets into the mood and leave New York as winter is coming. Ben wants to make changes in his thinking as well as to reconnect with his children and wife. The children go to a school completely different from what they have known. Through meditation and yoga ben does work on his thinking and feeling. He takes up art which is completely different for him. He explains the places they go and the things they see. He talks about the books he reads and hoe they help him. A very interesting book.

Good writing, well thought out listing the events as they happened. I found this adventure somewhat frustrating from the perspective of how the decision to embark in this journey had affected the entire family.

Ben Feder gives an honest account of his struggle to keep a healthy work life balance in a high powered corporate job in New York. I admired his courage to step away from it for a year to reconnect with himself and his family in Bali. He dives into meditation, art and yoga and pushes through the initial struggle to surrender to what is and I admired his persistence and candour in describing those challenges. A lot of people talk about taking a sabbatical and can give lots of reasons why they shouldn't or can't so kudos to this family for making it happen. As a woman and a mother I would have liked to hear more of his wife's perspective so perhaps men would enjoy this book more than I did.

I really enjoyed this book! It may be slightly unrealistic to those (like myself) who cannot take off work and travel for a year, but it's sure nice to think about! To me, it was a good perspective on how important it is to take time off and reset and recharge.

An engaging narrative of a proactive way to stave of a middle-age crisis. I enjoyed the background story of how the desire for a significant change and break from the status quo developed for Ben and his family. That set the table nicely for the description of the sabbatical. I enjoyed the effort to share the viewpoints of the entire family and all of the decisions and parenting challenges that go hand-in-hand with uprooting and moving abroad for a year. The continuation of the story through their return home and transitions that the entire family made and lasting impact of travel and living abroad they all felt.

The book is refreshing as it deals with all the challenges and rewards that travel and living abroad have for a family. Many books in this genre are about younger single people or couples who haven't yet set deep roots in place and can readily pick up and leave. I've been there and done that. But, now with a family at various stages of schooling, I enjoyed reading about the different challenges that resonated with my current situation.

I'd recommend this book to anybody who has a travel bug, particularly if inspired by career induced ennui. If you've wondered how to make a "gap year" work beyond your thirties, Ben's book will help you recognize the issues you face and how he and his family overcame the attendant challenges.

Ben Feder's sabbatical in Bali resulted from the realization that his wife and 4 kids were being 'neglected'. He didn't have time for them with his demanding job in New York. Ben enjoyed the challenge and always wanted more out of his career and when he left to go with his wife and kids he still felt he needed his old job back later. But his thinking changed, He was able to travel around and show the family amazing places, plus enroll his kids in a very different and much less demanding school. He explains how he thought how each of his children would benefit from time away from the demands of NewYork. While there, to help himself relax and unwind he delved into the art of yoga and meditation, which changed his life.. Some of his writing, I thought, went into too much detail, for example, his first yoga class, my mind would drift.

A great read, very well written and can give many of us time to reflect on how we spend our time.. I highly recommend it.

I would dub this “Eat Pray Love for the Corporate Set”. While it’s interesting to see hoe one would go about preparing a family for an extended sabbatical from the hustle-and-bustle of life in Manhattan, I feel that this book wouldn’t resonate with the average American who cannot afford (in every way) such luxury. I did enjoy the different point of view of moving a family to Bali rather than traveling solo and it was interesting to see the changes in each family member during their stay abroad. I do hope that the author and his family were able to hold on to some of the lessons they learned overseas when they were state-side again and everything inevitably returned to normal. I believe this book definitely will find its intended audience, however I think it’s difficult for the common man to empathize with Mr. Feder’s story. I gave this book three stars.

If you like Eat Pray Love you will love this book.
This book tells the story of a man who leaves the big time corporate world to go and live in Bali.
I found this book fascinating and wish I could do the same!

If you loved Eat, Pray, Love, this is for you. If you thought it must be nice to have the money to take a year off and navel gaze as in Eat, Pray, Love this is not for you.

Since this was about a family that took a "sabbatical" of sorts, three kids and a husband and wife, I had higher hopes and while they all did learn something(s) that hopefully, they will take with them, it was still an adventure in how the other half or even 1% lives.

Honestly, I did not read much-traveling books before. But finding Take Off Your Shoes: One Man's Journey from the Boardroom to Bali and Back by Ben Feder at Netgalley is good luck. Something that makes me directly choose this book to read is a picture of "temple" cover section. "Pura" is a temple typical of Hindu worship place in Bali. Then I realized if this is the story of Ben Feder in Bali. I can not wait to read this story, because I live in Indonesia, so I want to know what Ben Feder got from Bali.

From the beginning, Ben Feder told me that he is a perfect person. Wait, this is not pride but a life to be told. Ben Feder married Victoria and lives with his four children in New York. The family life is perfect, Ben Feder's career is at the peak, as well as full of love with Victoria. Their children: Sam, Oliver, Nava, and Rita also live well off without any economic problems. But what Ben Feder feels can then become changed. What if He suddenly performs sabbatical. Long breaks to reflect. He has a perfect career, but often feels less happy when he meets his children. He feels guilty for his family. Then Victoria gave a startling proposal. Leave a career and try to live away from New York. The decision to go to Bali is not easy. Ben Feder and Victoria take careful decisions. Because the education of their children must walk. As the color of Indonesia, I feel happy Ben Feder finally settled in Bali.

The discovery of Ben and his family

Ben Feder rented a villa in Ubud. Ubud is the perfect place to find peace. I myself feel it when going to Ubud for two or three days to reduce stress. I imagine going to Ubud, following the flow of the Ayung river, feeling the cool breeze and the beautiful green rice fields. Ben felt something to make a difference in his life. The balance between career, family life, and feelings. Honestly, throughout this book, Ben Feder has a lot to say about his career journey, such as the decision to leave his career at the top and how he is risking his career when he has to return to New York.
Yoga, art, and travel in Ubud are a perfect part of the life of the Ben Feder family. Reflections on how the life of people in Bali is very interesting. Anyone can feel the peace and start thinking about what you are living for. I believe this is the best part for Ben Feder. While the journey of art is another story of Ben's discovery. There is a process that begins when learning from several artists in Ubud. I often encounter tourists who enter the gallery, buy and go home bringing the work. But from Ben Feder, I do not know if so much of a person's reflection on art can change personal and deep thinking.

Nothing to worry about

I felt sad when it was time for Ben and his family to leave Bali. I imagine that feeling and if I can not go from Bali. But Ben's decision to return to New York is a fair thing for his life. Children should get a good education, their families in New York and careers.

The trip gave effect to the Ben Feder family all the way to New York. It is not easy to get back to the same career and it also happens. Then the growing children made Victoria want to return to a career. And Bali is becoming a more beautiful beginning for this family.

I think this the right decision for Ben Feder. There is nothing wrong with someone with a high career to go for a moment. Bali will heal you all like Ben. In the end, there is nothing to regret.

As an Indonesian

I do not know what Ben Feder hopes for this book. But as an Indonesian, I try to be honest. Ben Feder gives me a picture of what people are coming to Ubud. I live in Java Island and often spend time in Ubud. Initially, I imagined the Ben Feder family like other tourists, just spending the time to have fun and get out of the crowds of New York. But I was wrong. There is something to be achieved by Ben Feder who later also spread to his wife and child.

There are some things that make me tickled, like when Ben went cycling to Ijen. Some time ago I just go to Ijen and through the forest at night. I found a village that had just felt the pleasure of having electricity. It's like Ben's complaint when cycling on the streets of Indonesia. Not all good roads. I do not want to give criticism to anyone, but the condition is honest.

Or when Ben and the kids go to Sumatra. I've also been to Sumatra and felt the same kind of alienation as Ben felt. Then when their guide said "Sumatra is dangerous", I am not offended.

So, thank you for making Bali an important place in your life.

Also thanks to Netgalley, Ben Feder and Radius Book Group.

Enjoyed reading a book about someone who took a break from high stress corporate environment. The author and his wife took a risk by leaving high paying jobs and living in the big apple in order to renew their relationship and offer their children a different world view. Inspirational!

Ben Feder, a CEO of a multi-million-dollar company was good at what he did. However, he felt he was losing touch with his family, his wife, and even with himself. His wife suggested a sabbatical. After much thought, he decided to risk his career and commit to this suggestion. After thinking of possible places to go for a year, they finally settled on Bali.

This book is Ben’s honest account of the trials, tribulations, joys, and miracles that he and his family undergo during this experience. He talks about their struggles and their triumphs. It is very well written, and I could not put it down. I was truly inspired by this book. I also learned a tremendous amount about the brain, meditation, and thought, as well as about the world.

I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.