Sungods and Surfers True Adventure

"I kept telling myself to follow those deep, inner feelings and let them guide me with absolute confidence and faith in the universe."
-'Sungods and Surfers True Adventure' by Stan Dean

Thank you NetGalley for ARC copy of this book.

Interesting Premise
There are some travel memoirs out there that fall flat. This usually happens because they recount events with no premise. In Dean's 'Sungods and Surfers True Adventure', this is not a problem at all.

This book has a very strong premise. It explores the concept of synchronicity, which each and every traveler is familiar with. Each chapter is introduced with a different quote, all of which point back to this premise. This book did a really good job laying out the premise. Every scene, every description, all comes together to line up with the premise of the presence of synchronicity.

The premise is very strong, because every travel memoire I've ever read hints at this topic, but I've never seen one address it so outright. Of course, the traveler, who walks an unknown path, will cultivate a deep relationship with quantum mechanics. This explores synchronicity from a Jungian perspective, how it related to the manifestation process, and puts it into the context of being on the road. Read this book and let the lesser-traveled path seductively reveal itself to you.

"Strange meetings, coincidences, thoughts materializing-- how could all these unlikely experiences occur? Reality was unfolding in perfect harmony with all my thoughts and desires-- seemingly magical yet totally natural."
-'Sungods and Surfers True Adventure' by Stan Dean

Travel Memoir
This is a really easy, loose read. You will feel like you are right alongside Dean, at a waterfall in the jungle, catching waves, and partying. The pacing flows well and keeps the reader engaged. I think you will read this quickly and enjoy each page. You will feel like you're stepping between the words onto a balmy beach.

Wisdom of the Ocean
Though I am primarily a diver, I do like to catch waves as well. There is an innate knowledge between every ocean goer, be it a diver, fisherman, or surfer. We all know that the ocean is ruthless. It could bury us without a sound. It could smash our soul into rocks. It could hold us gently and help us forget anything troubling us on the land-based portion of our world.

But more than anything, we all know, that the ocean is wiser than us. It touches shores we could never dream to walk upon. It houses life. It bubbles with things we could never know.

So I appreciated seeing the wild essence of the ocean portrayed so well in 'Sungods and Surfers True Adventure'.

Coming of Age
I love when travel memoirs are written by narrators who are looking back on their younger glory days. The coming of age trope from an older perspective is rich. I love looking into the past alongside the author. I wonder if Dean kept a journal, for his accounts were vivid and immersive.

Nostalgia
Personally, this book stood out to me, because it made me nostalgic for my own travels in Mexico. This book perfectly captures the laid-back vibe of a Mexican beach village. I felt like I was transported back to my own adventures. It also made me nostalgic that Dean traveled without plans, listening to his own instincts. I really enjoyed reading his reflections on his past adventures, for their own merit, but also because it was like seeing a reflection of my own tromps across Mexico.

Also, I must note that in the introduction for this memoir, Dean notes that he wrote this book for his mother, but she passed away before she could read it. That is remarkably sentimental, and I hope her reincarnated energy is proud of her son's book.

Release Date
'Sungods and Surfers True Adventure' by Stan Dean came out on October 31, 2023 (the same day as my debut novel, 'Pharmakides')

Wishing you magic-filled days ahead!
Alice Abyss
Author
Aslcepius.Press
info@asclepius.press

The idea of this novel is quite solid. It delves into the concept of synchronicity, which every traveler is familiar with. Each chapter begins with a different quote, all of which refer back to the central idea. This book did an excellent job of laying out the notion. Every scene, every description, all fits into the assumption of the presence of coincidence. The idea is compelling since every travel book I've ever read alluded to this subject, but I've never seen one address it so directly. Of sure, the traveler who embarks on an uncertain journey will have a close relationship with quantum mechanics. This article looks at synchronicity from a Jungian perspective, how it relates to the manifestation process, and how it relates to being on the road. Read this book and allow the less-traveled route to seduce you. This is a quick and easy read. You'll feel like you're right there with Dean, catching waves and partying by a waterfall in the forest. The pacing is smooth and keeps the reader interested. I believe you will read this quickly and thoroughly. You will feel like you're stepping between the words onto a balmy beach. So I was pleased to see the untamed character of the ocean captured so brilliantly in this book. I enjoy travel memoirs written by narrators who reflect on their earlier glory days. I enjoy travel memoirs written by narrators who reflect on their earlier glory days. Coming of age from an older perspective is a rich motif. I enjoy going back in time with the author. I'm curious if Dean kept a journal because his experiences were so real and deep.