The Passenger: How A Travel Writer Learned To Love Cruises Other Lies From A Sinking Ship

This is a nice small hardbound book written by a travel writer who reflects on his own personal life while recounting a would have been idyllic or even boring until it turned catastrophic inland cruise. This event occurred rather recently, just before the pandemic, so those of us who might wish we had gone on an inland cruise then can read this and get an appreciation of the complicated actual scenario of inland cruises, with their "hidden" hard-working staffers, as well as (not explored much in this memoir, but so many other things were reflected on) the environmental impact giant cruise ships have on the physical environment. Those of us who are fascinated by citations can also admire the author's meticulous use of international news sources, as well as his even more impressive personal communication with individuals he followed up with, and invited to communicate regarding their role in assisting and rescuing the ship's passengers on the fateful trip. A relative quick read for the book addict, and thought provoking even long after it is read. I gave it 4/5 stars because the only thing that could have made it even better might have been a bit more editing for smoother reading and even the author including narrative from fellow passengers. Readers might want to share copies of this book as a great "stocking stuffer" (small but fun winter holiday gift). I already passed my own copy along to a neighbor but am thinking of ordering another copy to re-read, or even multiples to send as gifts.