All Over the Place: Adventures in Travel, True Love, and Petty Theft

All Over the Place chronicles travel writer Geraldine DeRuiter's experiences exploring the world after losing her tech industry job. The memoir follows her evolution from directionally-challenged novice traveler to professional blogger and founder of the Everywhereist website. DeRuiter recounts misadventures across multiple continents while traveling solo and with her husband Rand. The stories span her navigation mishaps, cultural faux pas, culinary discoveries, and observations about marriage and relationships on the road. Her self-deprecating accounts of getting lost in both foreign cities and familiar neighborhoods provide the backdrop for larger reflections. Through travel narratives and personal essays, she explores themes of finding one's way - both literally and metaphorically - while examining identity, love, and the unpredictable nature of life's journeys.

Readers describe this memoir as honest and humorous, with many relating to DeRuiter's travel mishaps and anxiety. The book resonates with those who appreciate self-deprecating humor and imperfect journeys over polished travel writing. Liked: - Raw portrayal of anxiety and neurological issues - Engaging writing style that blends humor with vulnerability - Stories about her relationship with her husband - Balance of funny moments with serious topics Disliked: - Some found the humor forced or trying too hard - Several readers expected more focus on travel details - A few noted the narrative felt scattered - Some sections drag with too much personal backstory Ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (2,800+ ratings) Amazon: 4.4/5 (240+ ratings) Reader quote: "Like sitting down with your funniest friend who tells great stories but also isn't afraid to get real about life's challenges." - Goodreads reviewer Critical quote: "Less a travel memoir and more a series of personal essays with travel as the backdrop." - Amazon reviewer

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🌎 Geraldine DeRuiter started her popular travel blog, The Everywhereist, after being laid off from her copywriting job in 2008. ✈️ The author has a rare neurological condition that affects her sense of direction, making navigation especially challenging for a travel writer. 📝 The book's title references an actual petty theft - DeRuiter once accidentally stole a bar of soap from a hotel in Venice. 💑 The author's husband, Rand Fishkin, is the founder of tech company Moz and features prominently in her travel stories. 🏆 The Everywhereist was named one of Time Magazine's "Best Blogs of 2011" and Forbes' "Top 10 Lifestyle Websites for Women" in 2012.