My Odyssey

Paul Straub
Outskirts Press (2010)
ISBN 9781432747862
Reviewed by William Phenn for Reader Views (12/10)

 

What Magellan did with his ship, Dr. Paul Straub did in his Airship. “My Odyssey” is an interesting volume of his escapades over the years. From his childhood days up through his adult years, Dr. Straub’s life has been a cornucopia of good fortune and adventure. As a young twelve-year-old during the depression, he managed to get a job when others were out of work. He was always an ambitious person and had a knack for achievement. From getting his pilot’s license to becoming a medical doctor, Paul had a variety of jobs and interests. He was mechanically inclined and would tinker and invent things, like fabricating his own diving equipment after learning how to dive or building a propeller powered backpack. Paul built a flying contraption that strapped on his back so he could ski uphill while all the others were going down. This was an intriguing unit because of its portability, could be used anywhere.

He had his plane modified for long distance flying so he could follow through on one of his dreams, like circling the globe. Straub’s list of accomplishments goes on and on with having visited seventy countries, circled the globe six times and being one of only seventeen to solo around the world.

“My Odyssey” is a brief 255-page chronicle of Paul’s life and world travels. He does not devote too much time or go in depth about any of his trips and that was a bit disappointing. With having visited so many interesting places, I expected him to expand on those enticing chapters of the book. The cities he visited, the exotic places he lived, all made for enjoyable reading but all leave the reader wanting more. I don’t know for certain, but I would predict that this is only the first of a wonderful series of travel and adventure books that Dr. Straub will be writing.  I gave “My Odyssey” a well deserved B because I looked at it as a Whitman’s Sampler of future books from Straub. He tells just enough to get the reader interested, but then cuts the adventure short. Any one reading “My Odyssey” will agree with me. “We want more”!

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