To Timbuktu for a Haircut: A Journey Through West Africa

To Timbuktu for a Haircut is one of the most beautifully written books I have read in years. It's the story of Rick's month-long solo expedition to Mali, from planning to completion. A story about the people he meets, travels with and on whom he comes to depend. A history of explorers who preceded him to Timbuktu, many of whom never returned home. And, a description of the untamed (and, sadly, often garbage-strewn) countryside. There are pearls of wisdom from Ebou, his compartment-mate aboard a train who suggests to Rick that "No one is promised another journey. Enjoy the one you're on." And, the fact that the Tuareg Tribe so lives in the moment that there is no word for "tomorrow" in their language. And, then, there is Rick's luxurious turn of a phrase, as in one of my favorite passages in the book: "Timbuktu does not long to be loved; it shrugged at my arrival. It did not judge my entry; it would as soon have let me pass. My coming meant nothing; it never would. Timbuktu is of consequence to me; not me to it."

I really enjoy travel writing, particularly when a book is written with humour (i.e., Bill Bryson). This book was terrific! The author goes on such an incredible journey and meets such unique characters. He is so descriptive that I could truly conjur up what he saw, ate, etc. There were laugh out loud moments. All in all, a wonderful journey, written beautifully by a great writer.

To Timbuktu for a Haircut is a great read. It's easy to imagine the author's journey and experience what he experienced...and want to pursue similar experiences. This is really about more than a journey across West Africa. It may sound a bit trite, but this book can help motivate you to pursue that journey you have always wanted to pursue -- whether it is a trip to Timbuktu or Antarctica or a "journey" of a different sort. Thanks for writing this book!

Reading Rick Antonson's book on Mali took be back to 2006 and my quick trip through Mali. Having visited many of the places that Rick featured it was a great experience to witness someone who had been there before me. As a travel book I believe it to be superb and a great way to feel Mali. And lo and behold he loved the same things about the places - Mopti, Dogon, Timbuktu and Essakane - that I came to treasure. He writes very well, he experiences the real feel of the Niger River area, he captures you into his journey. And the two things that he loved most about Mali, that is Timbuktu and its manuscripts and Le Pays Dogon; his time in both locations will send me on a return trip to Mali to further experience that remarkable country. This book on Africa is as close to a real guide as anything written by Paul Theroux or investigated by Lonely Planet. I so enjoyed this book.