New Zealand A Personal Discovery

Pacific Book Review Star
Awarded to Books of Excellent Merit

Written in an overall friendly and informative tone, New Zealand; A Personal Discovery starts with an introduction to the country by way of explaining the detailed history of the discovery of New Zealand, its peoples (the Maori) as well as the often exploitative development of the country. Albeit, while the general nature of the book is an autobiographical narrative, this book reads more like a well-developed travelogue which includes a comprehensive history and facts which incites the readers’ curiosity.

In the first chapter, Parsons sets out from Britain with his wife Anne, on a personal quest to live out his longstanding desire to visit and tour around the north and south islands of New Zealand, seeking new experiences and all that encompasses the beauty and majesty of New Zealand. Sequentially, each subsequent chapter brings his adventures in each colorful locale into expansive focus; he includes a wealth of information including background history, modern life, population and local wildlife. His first stop lands him in the largest city in New Zealand; the City of Sails, Auckland, which is the largest city as well as having the highest degree of cultural integration. Parsons notes not only the major sites in the area like the well-known One Tree Hill, located on the summit of an extinct volcano, he also notes lesser known monuments, businesses, parks and he even explores relevant local politics.

Moreover, aside from finding the whole book to be a pleasurable read. I also enjoyed the pervading sense of adventure and wonder that permeated the book as it made you want to go on your own journey of discovery, especially when he describes the breathtaking panoramic views from volcano cones.

Conclusively, New Zealand; A Personal Discovery made for a great, well-written read. The author’s thoughts and perspective come through with lucid clarity. Overall, Dick Parsons made visiting New Zealand a vicarious possibility with this book that deepens the readers’ knowledge and appreciation of the stunning venue which is New Zealand. He included many photos; I found myself wanting to observe additional photos, to expand my reading experience and distributed them throughout the book. Notwithstanding the photo issue, this book was a great read and I do recommend it to all those interested in traveling, whether it be from a chair or in person.