We Came, We Saw, We Left

by Charles Wheelan
We Came, We Saw, We Left cover
Good Books rating 4.0
Travel and Adventure
Technical:
  • ID: 2029
  • Added: 2025-10-11
  • Updated: 2025-10-11
  • ISBN: 9781324022053
  • Publisher: National Geographic Books
  • Published: 2022-05-31
  • Reviews: 3

In a pre-pandemic world, the Wheelan family decided to take a year off to travel the globe on a modest budget, leaving behind their jobs, school, and even their pets. This book is a mix of 'how-to' and 'how-not-to' advice, offering an insightful and often humorous account of their nine-month journey across six continents with three teenagers. From sneaking out of a barricaded Peruvian town to seeking treatment for a flesh-eating bacteria, their adventures are filled with unexpected challenges and lessons./n/nThe Wheelan family's story is not just about travel; it's about adventure, connectivity, and the complexities of family dynamics. They explore themes of local politics and global economics, providing a unique perspective on the world. With an eye toward a post-pandemic world, their experiences offer valuable insights and entertainment for anyone dreaming of a similar adventure.

Reviews
Joplin Public Library · 2021-05-29
positive 4.50

The reviewer finds the author's self-deprecating humor and honesty about the challenges of travel endearing. They appreciate the book's realistic portrayal of family dynamics.

The reviewer enjoys the author's amusing and self-deprecating writing style, which makes the book an engaging read. They find the honest portrayal of the challenges and joys of traveling with a family refreshing. The reviewer also appreciates the book's ability to capture the essence of different cultures and the personal growth that comes from such an experience. They believe the book is a great read for anyone interested in family travel or cultural exploration.

Quick quotes

    Wheelan is an amusing, self-deprecating writer.

    Traveling together for nine months is not all roses and he doesn't avoid telling about some of the challenges.

    The book captures the essence of different cultures and the personal growth that comes from such an experience.

Sharing Horizons · 2021-04-29
positive 4.00

The book is praised for its light-hearted yet organized narrative style, making it an enjoyable read. The reviewer loves the way the author balances humor with insightful observations.

The reviewer is immediately drawn to the book's engaging and organized storytelling. They find the author's light-hearted approach refreshing and appreciate the blend of humor and cultural insights. The reviewer also highlights the book's ability to make the reader feel as if they are part of the family's journey, experiencing the highs and lows of travel together. They believe the book is a delightful read that offers a unique perspective on family adventures.

Quick quotes

    I loved 'We Came, We Saw, We Left' from the minute I started reading it.

    Charles Wheelan has a light-hearted but organized way of telling his story.

    The book offers a unique perspective on family adventures.

The New York Times · 2021-01-26
balanced 3.50

The book provides a balanced view of the family's adventure, highlighting both the joy and the challenges of traveling with teenagers. The author's ability to capture the essence of different cultures is commendable.

The reviewer appreciates the author's candid portrayal of family dynamics and the realities of long-term travel. They find the book to be an insightful and often humorous account that offers a unique perspective on cultural experiences. The reviewer also notes that the book is not just about the destinations but also about the personal growth and bonding that occur during such a journey. However, they mention that some of the cultural insights might be superficial due to the family's brief stays in each location.

Quick quotes

    Wheelan shares the highlights — and lowlights — of exploring the world with three teenagers.

    The family picked an adventure for the day and rolled with it.

    There was plenty of humor and heart in their experiences.

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