Cuba Open from the Inside

Travels in the Forbidden Land

By: Chris Messner

Narrated by: Kevin Haberer

Length: 9 hrs and 21 mins

Publisher's summary

Cuba occupies a place of undisputed fascination in the American psyche. Despite its proximity to America, this island nation remains a mystery to most Americans. Few Americans have traveled to Havana, and still fewer have traveled deeper into this isolated country. Chris Messner, a photographer, is one of the few Americans who have been able to travel extensively throughout this island. In his book, Cuba Open from the Inside, Messner documents the character of Cuba's people, its rich history, and the vast culture of the country. As Cuba's leaders age and the possibility of travel to Cuba increases, this book acts as an exceptional resource for would be travelers. Through multiple journeys, Messner has covered more than 4,000 miles on the back roads of Cuba. Through his words, he provides a snapshot of this island nation and documents the Cuba of today - the 1950s time-capsule country 90 miles from the US coast.

©2011 Chris Messner (P)2015 Chris Messner

Too Colloquial

Many of us dream of writing a book and few of us do; therefore, I applaud the writer for carrying out this effort. That said, I cannot believe this book got past an editor as it is written. While this book contains some description of Cuban life as it was at the time of the author's visit, far too much of the writing is about his banter with his travel companion and his personal feelings.

One item I found a detriment was that the book was written in a very talkative style while following rules for the written word, such as avoiding contractions. When the narrator reads this casually written style, it sounds odd. It would have seemed more natural had contractions been added where one might naturally use them. As it is, the book has an awkward sound.

With an aggressive editor, this could have been a great book. By cutting out much of the banter and expanding on Cuban life and sights, readers could have gotten just enough familiarity with the author to warm to him and gained insight into this mysterious little country. Instead, we are left with an image of potholes and Jeff Dunham one liners. It is not a terrible book, but it was not what I hoped to find either.

Misadventures of Visiting Cuba Now

Would you consider the audio edition of Cuba Open from the Inside to be better than the print version?

.

What was your reaction to the ending? (No spoilers please!)

It tied up loose ends.

What does Kevin Haberer bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Kevin narrated this story so that it was suspenseful/enjoyable listening.

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

Having been on various trips to third-world countries, I could sympathize with the author's Customs' hassles and traveling by rented vehicle. I was touched by the friendship between his local amigo, Jésus, and him.

Any additional comments?

The author (photographer) also mused how legal American tourism could either help low-income Cuba or ruin its timeless scenery/culture.

Interesting story but reading voice is terrible.

I liked this book overall, although I found the part about the interrogation at the airport was way too long!
But the man who read the story was terrible. The book is on English but it has a number of names and words in Spanish, which the man pronounces in the most painfully gringo way possible. So painful!
Also, he managed to completely mispronounce clerestory (its pronounced "clear story"). I know it's not the most common word, but it sounds super unprofessional, and as a professional he should really know how to pronounce it. How did nobody catch that?

Great book!

I absolutely loved this book! A great read! The author has a way of writing that lets you feel like you are right in the middle of all the adventure..nervous for him at times,and also laughing at times, as there are a few hilarious parts. I enjoyed reading about the people, the food, and learning so much Cuban history that I didn't remember or never knew. I would definately recommend this book!

Don't bother...

Whiny, self-absorbed, melodramatic American travels to Castro's Cuba wringing his hands the whole way and invoking his wife and children as if daily he was facing El Paredon (wall against which many brave Cubans were executed), with obvious results. Spare us. Also, get a narrator with some knowledge of Spanish, not a linguist mind you but someone who can at least pronounce the Spanish alphabet.

No Insight or Info

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

His fiends in Cuba are his guides, people that he pays for services. Insight? Don't expect it. Information? Only if you are interested in the details of his meals. You'll love this book if you enjoy self-absorbed boors.

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

Astonishment that anyone can be so dense and so focused on the wrong details.

Egocentric, naive, all about the author's petty trials.

Small blips about actual history of Cuba, mostly just diarrhea of the mouth and egocentric soul. Painfully ignorant and melodramatic stories. Has this guy actually been anywhere episode his backyard before? Couldn't get through it. Very disappointing.

A look into many aspects of Cuban lifestyle

I listened to this book in prep for a trip Cuba. The author traveled to many places in Cuba by car. His descriptions of the scenery, landmarks, travel conditions, food and people was wonderful. I thoroughly enjoyed the book.

don't reccomend

since I could never write a book I am hesitant to criticise those who do. purchased this book daydreaming about a trip to Cuba. but the author is so annoying. the book is read in an irritating tone of voice which is well matched to the narrative, I'm not convinced it's the narrator's fault, not sure if there way any other way it could have come across. author is patronising of people he meets. book poorly edited and written.
I got more than half way through, hoping it would get better, but eventually gave up.

Cuba Road Trip outside the mianstream

What made the experience of listening to Cuba Open from the Inside the most enjoyable?

I love listening while driving. Time to spend on a book is hard to come by in my day so maximizing road time is terrific.
Instead of focusing on bumper to bumper on the freeway, mentally I was bouncing along on back roads with "Jesus and Chris" as I listened to this book.

What did you like best about this story?

The format is different. It tells one a lot about Cuba without the tedium of a guide book. One feels one has joined a "road trip". If that is your thing then this should be on your must listen lists.

What does Kevin Haberer bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

For me the ability to listen will driving is the biggest upside. Habereer hits all the right notes without becoming a distraction from the story.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No it should be savored. Drive time is a great way to enjoy this audible feast.