Tales of a Female Nomad

Living at Large in the World

By: Rita Golden Gelman

Narrated by: Rita Golden Gelman

Length: 12 hrs and 41 mins

Publisher's Summary

Tales of a Female Nomad is the story of Rita Golden Gelman, an ordinary woman who is living an extraordinary existence. At the age of 48, on the verge of a divorce, Rita left an elegant life in Los Angeles to follow her dream of connecting with people in cultures all over the world. In 1986, she sold her possessions and became a nomad, living in a Zapotec village in Mexico, sleeping with sea lions on the Galapagos Islands, and residing everywhere from thatched huts to regal palaces. She has observed orangutans in the rain forest of Borneo, visited trance healers and dens of black magic, and cooked with women on fires all over the world. Rita's example encourages us all to dust off our dreams and rediscover the joy, the exuberance, and the hidden spirit that so many of us bury when we become adults.

©2001 Rita Golden Gelman (P)2014 Tantor

Critic Reviews

"An idiosyncratic but exuberant homage to wanderlust." ( Kirkus)

Not what I thought

This book wasn’t for you, but who do you think might enjoy it more?

Anyone who doesn't like traveling alone

Would you ever listen to anything by Rita Golden Gelman again?

I think I'd be cautious

What did you like about the performance? What did you dislike?

The performance was pretty good actually.

What reaction did this book spark in you? Anger, sadness, disappointment?

I felt slightly deceived by the fact that this Nomad didn't like to be alone and went to unusual lengths to make sure she wasn't.

Any additional comments?

In one respect, the fact that she demonstrated her ability to find company would be a bonus for some. She has, in her renditions of joining others, given readers who might be inclined with the same need, mental permission and a practical application that could prove worth it to them. But this style was not for me and so I couldn't finish the book. I was not interested in how a meal was made and how long it took to make it etc. I wanted to know her philosophical outlook and the way traveling was pulling it in certain directions for better or worse. One thing this lady did, she got up and made her world better than it was rather than sitting and moping about. That holds inspiration for anyone. My opinion shouldn't deter from the art of her contribution to Audible. My opinion has more to do with what I am needing at the moment rather than what she is offering.

Tales of Human Nature

What did you love best about Tales of a Female Nomad?

I love how this story shows us that people are just people, no matter where you go. Rita puts a lot of work into her relationships with people and she gets a lot out that.

What did you like best about this story?

Tales of a Female Nomad goes beyond a travel book in that it's not about getting somewhere, it's about being somewhere with your whole self. She inserts her mind and soul into a place and tries to explain what it feels like to be an outsider learning about a culture. Sometimes she succeeds and sometimes she struggles. In the end the triumph is in the attempt...the will to try and not give up.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

I have experienced this moment with many travel based books and it's this realization, the world is not as scary and dangerous as we are led to believe and if you are kind and put the work in to get to know people as they are and accept them they will likely accept you in return.

Any additional comments?

There are moments in this book where Rita takes an anthropological approach to situations that she doesn't want to interfere in personally that can be upsetting to some readers that can not emotionally distance themselves. Keep in mind that she is just one person and she does do a lot of good with her life, so if in the book you find she isn't acting when you would remember that we are each our own person and try to enjoy the book for what it is.

Stick with it because the story is great

I struggled at first with the narration but I'm glad I stuck it out. I love her story. I love her spirit. I love her heart. There is courage in what she did and especially at her age. It gives me inspiration that someday I can travel again and jump out there where the adventure is real and I don't know the language. I too love most of all the connections I have made in my past travels. As Rita tells her tale I am reminded of places I have been, introduced to new places I might someday explore too and most of all my heart is filled with admiration and love for this lady. The world needs more like her so it was great to hear about her nee project in the epilogue. Another great discovery from this book is the Servas network for traveling and hosting which I found out when I looked it up was founded in 1948 and is still active and used in countries all over the world. I can't wait to try this out. I love the idea of staying with a local and having an introduction into the real way of life in a new place. I will be listening to this book my Rita Golden Gelman again before traveling and I also plan to look up her kids books as well for my 2 & 4 year old. Happy listening & happy travels to all :)

there are good things

I just couldn't keep interested . there are good moments that are nice to witness , but for some reason this is one account of a personal adventure I didn't really get addicted to .

Hesitated, but LOVED it!

So many travel/nomad books I've read fall flat of expectations, but this was a pleasant surprise! Her tales entwined with her life as a mother back in the states really hit home. I laughed, and I'll admit cried, with the wonderful story telling. I can't recommend this book enough!

Wonderful book

I loved how I became a part of her journeys right along with her! Thank you Rita for sharing.

Will give wanderlust

A beautiful and inspiring story about connecting with people around the world. She is a lovable and fun lady.

Lovely

As an aspiring female nomad, Rita took me on several trips making me feel as if I were with her all along. Very inspiring and personal. I highly recommend to anyone wanting to truly learn about living abroad.

It's okay...

The narrator's voice reminded me of a grandma who was proud to state her past traveling experience, but lacked the real emotion that it entailed.

High Adventure

Rita is amazingly courageous and adventurous. I will definitely be incorporating some of her travel approach into my retirement travels, but I will probably skip the bit in Borneo! All-in-all, loved the book and her reading.

Insprational!

Thank you Rita for sharing your adventures and inspiring us older adventures that it is never too late to explore 😁👍

Inspirational and unorthodox - how it should be!

Where does Tales of a Female Nomad rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

This was a wonderful story of a woman who change her life for the better and it was a pleasure to share her adventures.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Tales of a Female Nomad?

The whole thing!

What three words best describe Rita Golden Gelman’s voice?

Strong independent woman!

Heart warming. Inspiring

Loved it. A great listen. Having been to many of the same places, it was especially poignant for me.