Ben Feder (1)

Kirkus review:

The CEO of a corporation and his family take a sabbatical from a hectic life in New York City and head to Bali to recharge and reconnect.

In his debut memoir, Feder shares an adventure many dream about. It began when he was at a career high point. His wife, Victoria, managed a thriving community center and a preschool she had founded. Their four children were attending a competitive private school. Everybody was overscheduled, living in his or her own world. They needed a break from their safe bubble. Once Feder agreed to take a temporary respite from the breathless, goal-driven pace that had begun to define him, he found himself realizing “that constantly striving to get ahead over the years slowly gnawed at a more humanistic set of values. Outwardly, I maintained a firm position, but I felt the edge had already begun to come off.” After many months of careful preparation, Feder and his family left New York in a December snowstorm and headed to Tanzania, where they spent two weeks on a safari before heading for their reprieve in Bali. The children were enrolled for the spring semester in Bali’s Green School, established by a Canadian expatriate: “The school’s mission statement talked about joy, leadership, and teaching kids to be global citizens.” Feder challenged himself physically through mountain biking and spiritually through yoga, meditation, and drawing. Although occasionally the narrative has the dispassionate tone of a genial tour guide, there are strong moments when the author reveals the excitement of unlocking a new way of experiencing the world: “My drawing opened up a new dimension of travel for me. Spending an hour or so truly observing an image and perceiving the lines, edges, shadows, and perspectives was an unimaginable luxury. I then chose to turn those perceptions into drawings because I would add something of myself to the image, an expression that was personal and unique.” The text bogs down in details of mastering the complexities of yoga exercises, but Feder’s self-deprecating humor remains charming throughout.

A refreshingly pleasant addition to the journals of self-discovery, with a timely focus on ecological stewardship.… (más)

I would dub this “Eat Pray Love for the Corporate Set”. While it’s interesting to see how one would go about preparing a family for an extended sabbatical from the hustle-and-bustle of life in Manhattan, I feel that this book wouldn’t resonate with the average American who cannot afford (in every way) such luxury. I did enjoy the different point of view of moving a family to Bali rather than traveling solo and it was interesting to see the changes in each family member during their stay abroad. I do hope that the author and his family were able to hold on to some of the lessons they learned overseas when they were state-side again and everything inevitably returned to normal. I believe this book definitely will find its intended audience, however I think it’s difficult for the common man to empathize with Mr. Feder’s story. I gave this book three stars. I received this e-book in exchange for an honest review from Netgalley and Radius Book Group.… (más)

Ben Feder, a CEO of a multi-million-dollar company was good at what he did. However, he felt he was losing touch with his family, his wife, and even with himself. His wife suggested a sabbatical. After much thought, he decided to risk his career and commit to this suggestion. After thinking of possible places to go for a year, they finally settled on Bali.

This book is Ben’s honest account of the trials, tribulations, joys, and miracles that he and his family undergo during this experience. He talks about their struggles and their triumphs. It is very well written, and I could not put it down. I was truly inspired by this book. I also learned a tremendous amount about the brain, meditation, and thought, as well as about the world.

I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.… (más)