Waltzing Australia

(Official Apex Reviews Rating: 4.5 Stars) Waltzing Australia takes the reader on a journey through the heart and soul of the country & continent affectionately known as "Down Under." Comprised of chronological entries in an extemporaneous travel diary, Cynthia Clampitt's tome serves as a comprehensive guide to just what makes Australia one of the most unique and inviting places on earth. Guided by Clampitt's masterful narration, the reader is treated to the vicarious thrills and excitement that she experiences on her sojourn through a land that she had long dreamed of but never visited. Along the way, she learns volumes of native history, sees breathtaking sights that others only read about in books, and becomes increasingly fascinated with the vast and sundry local wildlife. She also builds invaluable new friendships, through which she's introduced to the customs, mores, and folkways that bring the land to life. Aside from its geographical and sociological appeal, Waltzing Australia's true power lies in the notable lessons that it can teach readers - lessons whose inherent value elevate them above those found in traditional history books. As a personal witness to the environment and living history of the country, Clampitt lends her already compelling account an added, deft touch of humanity, which makes it universally more appealing than a bland, sterile recapitulation of facts and information. For a welcome, first-hand account of a fascinating place of truly well-earned renown, readers would serve themselves well to peruse the pages of Waltzing Australia. In so doing, they may very well ignite the same fire within themselves as that which propelled Clampitt to visit the fabled mini-paradise - and feel just as fulfilled as a result. Krystal Pearson Apex Reviews

I fell in love with Australia in 1993, when I made my first trip. It stole my heart then and continues to hold it now. I am fortunate to sell travel to this diverse and amazing country, so I have been back many times. Cynthia Clampitt sees inside MY heart and puts on paper feelings I have yet been able to describe adequately She paints vivid pictures of people, places and adventures. I can feel the sun, hear the crush of the bush beneath my feet and smell the salt of the sea. I know I will go back again to Australia but I can revisit anytime just by picking up Waltzing Australia and reading a few pages. I will treasure and keep this book for a very long time!

This is a compelling tale of adventure and dreaming. Cynthia takes us on a journey and climbs her 'Everest'. Many Australians make similar journeys to Cynthia- it is still a challenging country to travel through. Yet as we share her travels something becomes clear; there is one thing that most of us cannot do.... and that is to write about our adventures and dreams in such an engrossing way. This is what marks this travel book apart from other similar tales; it is a piece of literature. As an Australian I could almost smell the scent of eucalyptus leaves coming out of the page. (This is the highest praise an Australian can offer!)

This is such a wonderful and compelling book! As a nature photographer, I have a sense of adventure and a love of the outdoors that is shared by Cynthia and expertly conveyed to the reader along the way. I was amazed at her journey and felt I was right there with her. I found myself reading slower during the last few chapters of the book as I didn't want the journey to end. This book really brings to life the wonders of Australia and I admire Cynthia's adventurous spirit and joy in discovering all that nature has to offer.

What a lovely book: a smart combination of memoir and a fresh view on the usual travel story. No one could write this well about travels in Australia without a true love for the country, its people, and its remarkable landscape. Cynthia Clampitt surprises us with a writing talent and story-telling technique that is tough to master, yet she is consistently compelling to read. She puts her full energy into explaining culture, history, anthropology, animal life, and the rigors of being a woman on a long solo journey. Honestly, I'm only 147 pages into this big book, but could not wait to share my enthusiasm for Waltzing Australia. Helen Gallagher, author: Release Your Writing: Book Publishing, Your Way