Off the Map
by CrimethInc Author
A punk rock vision quest told in the tradition of the anarchist travel story, Off the Map is narrated by two young women as they discard their maps, fears, and anything resembling a plan, and set off on the winds of the world. Without the smug cynicism that seems to permeate most modern radical tales, this story is told with genuine hope, and a voice that never loses its connection with the mysteries of life, even in the midst of everyday tragedies. Wandering across Europe, the dozens of vignettes are the details of the whole-a squatted castle surrounded by tourists on the Spanish coast, a philosophizing businessman on the highways of France, a plaza full of los crustos in Barcelona, a diseased foot in a Belgian train squat, a glow bug on the dew-covered grass of anywhere-a magical, novel-like folktale for the end of the world. 146 pages long with a cover featuring original artwork by Nikki McClure.
by CrimethInc Author
You must log in to comment.
Comments & Reviews
Simply beautiful.
I enjoy this book, and love NIkki McClure's cover. The best part was lending it to my sister, who surprised me by 1. actually reading it, and 2....really liking it! It takes you outside of your self and into other settings.
This book is absolutely wonderful, kind of a short read, but wonderful nonetheless!
This book has changed my outlook on life as a whole. It made me realize that this is exactly what everyone wants in life. Total freedom. Because of this book a good friend of mine took a trip to Australia, no money, no map, and very alone. I can only imagine what she has discovered about herself while shes been gone these last few months.
Also i've decided to move From MI to Calif, only because I want to.
A couple of days ago, a friend of mine gave to me, as a gift, a copy of "Off the Map." I just finished reading it. I think it gives wonderful insight in to how society and government make us think that we have to conform and place labels on ourselves and others and the possibility that there may be so much more to life then that. It is refershing to know that there are still young poeple out there who are non-conformists, dream and take the 'road less travelled.' At one time, I was very much like these two young ladies, and in many ways still am. I have now passed the book along to my youngest daughter, age 19, in hopes that it will inspire her and give her a glimpse into what possibilites may be out there. Really a nice read. I enjoyed it throuroughly.
VERY good book. Worth reading by anyone. I sat outside and read this book until I finished it.
XXX
Imagine what your punk-rock male travelouge would read like if it was written by a couple of intelligent, rebellious, freedom-seeking women. I believe OFF THE MAP is one of the best books/zines of this sort I have ever read. The authors describe all of the breathtaking highs and lows of their multimonth trip though Europe- hitchhiking, squatting, and so on- but the emotional sensitivity of the narrative and the emphasis on the power of female friendship are what really set this book apart. True, some of the observations are naive, wide-eyed and hopeful- but these qualities win out every time over lifestyle-pushing narrowmindedness.The bottom line is, this book is all about welcoming, encouragement, and inclusiveness. Highly recommeneded for anyone who was put off the the overly "male" tone of EVASION and the like.
one of the best books i've ever encountered. kika and hibinka are really witty and generally good writers. it changed my outlook on a lot of things and it definately makes you miss the road (if you've retired) or it makes you want to get out there and do it. it's for sure worth buying. i think my copy is floating around berkley somewhere if you can't afford it.
This book is really (don't want to sound cheesey but) magical. It made me feel like when I was a kid, like all my dreams are in a reality. It was wonderfully reassuring.
It changed the way I look at the world
This is one of the greatest books I've read in a while. I love it. It's now a book on my "Free Spirit" book shelf.
Off the Map is indescribable. A complete must-read and utterly life-changing. It's well-written and so full of pure life. The events it covers aren't about doing interesting and amazing things, but about making everything you do interesting and amazing. This book shaped my thought-processes and feelings...and it spawned the courage and determination I needed to take my own adventure and devour the world.
i liked it. you may not but hey just get barns and nobles to order it and then steal it! Can't hurt can it?
very disappointing... stagnant and dull. Don't waste your money and, more importantly, yourr time.
This book gives a new definition to love and freedom, compared to societys views.
New-Age is actually savage, so why is it new again?
I forced myself through this because it was so highly reccomended and sounded promising. 1)their adventures are NOT really impressive. if travel zines quality relate whatsoever to the trip, then that is why this book is lame for starters 2)their whole reflections upon things are also not cutting. i admit the most simple trip down the street can be the most effecting thing in ones life by chance but, even the meaning here was really lacking, and ANNOYING. the fairy magic stuff was REALLY annoying & completely new-age cheesy.
This book is amazing. because it's a Crimethinc release I often hear it compared to Evasion, i think this book has alot more heart, and more story to it, not to say Evasion isn't amazing, and it did change my life; but this book helped to reaffirm, why I choose to live this way. A must read.
I'm almost done reading it, and it's quickly became one of my favorite books. Situational humor, intimate writing styles, its all here. I enjoyed the more optimistic views from the authors. Instead of the "Fuck everything" attitude a lot of kids are used to, they decide to take their lives into their own hands.
It's hard to find a book I can't put down. I picked this out as a gift for my cousin and it was so good I had to buy an extra for myself!