They were young, brilliant, and bold. They set out to conquer the world. But the world had other plans for them. Bestselling author Susan Jane Gilman's new memoir is a hilarious and harrowing journey, a modern heart of darkness filled with Communist operatives, backpackers, and pancakes. In 1986, fresh out of college, Gilman and her friend Claire yearned to do something daring and original that did not involve getting a job. Inspired by a place mat at the International House of Pancakes, they decided to embark on an ambitious trip around the globe, starting in the People's Republic of China. At that point, China had been open to independent travelers for roughly ten minutes. Armed only with the collected works of Nietzsche, an astrological love guide, and an arsenal of bravado, the two friends plunged into the dusty streets of Shanghai. Unsurprisingly, they quickly found themselves in over their heads. As they ventured off the map deep into Chinese territory, they were stripped of everything familiar and forced to confront their limitations amid culture shock and government surveillance. What began as a journey full of humor, eroticism, and enlightenment grew increasingly sinister-becoming a real-life international thriller that transformed them forever.Undress Me in the Temple of Heaven is a flat-out page-turner, an astonishing true story of hubris and redemption told with Gilman's trademark compassion, lyricism, and wit.
UNDRESSED is an intoxicating story that pulled me from the first page. I always enjoy reading about professional hockey players and I love everything about Logan James, who plays with the Stampede hockey team. He’s a nice guy with a southern drawl and he’s been attracted to Abby Fields since she started as a publicist for the team. They start a relationship, but can’t let anyone know they’re seeing each other because it goes against the company policy. When Abby starts her job, she signs a contract stating she won’t date anyone working for the team. At first a secret relationship sounds like a good idea, but as time goes by, trying to keep their relationship secret becomes difficult for both of them.
Logan insists on staying out the limelight and he doesn’t make Abby’s job easy. He believes his personal life is private and has no interest in doing anything to gain publicity. He hasn’t been in a relationship in a long time and he’s surprised by his strong feelings for Abby. They just seem to click and enjoy being together. I admire Abby. She loves her job, and works hard to be the best in her field. Although she cares about her job, Abby also wants to be with Logan. Logan and Abby both carry some scars and it takes them a while to open up and share their secrets with each other. This is part of the Country Roads series and is a stand-alone. It’s a well written story that is fast paced and even though it’s a novella, didn’t feel too short. I enjoyed everything about this story and easily connected with Logan and Abby.
Reviewed by Karen for Cocktails and Books
Reading updates
-
Started reading
-
Finished reading
-
19 February, 2015:
Reviewed