No Touch Monkey: And Other Travel Lessons Learned Too Late (Adventura Books Series)

by Ayun Halliday

Release Date: November, 2003

Edition: Paperback

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ayun rocks.

i've been a fan of ayun's writing on parenthood for a few years now..from her column in BUST, the 'east village inky' and her first book The Big Rumpus..but i was concerned about her veering off into a travel narrative. it actually sat on my nightstand for almost 2 months, for fear of starting it and being disappointed that it lacked the humor that Inky and Milo provide. last night i picked it up and couldn't put it down, i read it cover to cover in three hours and now the only disappointment is that i wish i savored it a little longer. i never traveled to all the exotic lands she did but my travels, like hers, have come to a halt since motherhood. she has provided, in a humorous page-turning way, enough travel memories to last through the toddler years. thank you ayun..i'll never doubt you again!

ps. i never once thought the book was "whiney!!"

Absorbingly human and painfully funny travel diary

Already a big fan of 'The Big Rumpus' and her 'East Village Inky' zine, I was more than pleased to get a signed copy of Ms. Halliday's latest work as a b-day present. I was not disappointed. After about two chapters, I could barely put this book down and looked forward to bedtime every night so I could delve into the next wacky misadventure. Maybe it's her self-depracating sense of humor, maybe it's her willingness to do the things I'll never have to guts to do, maybe it's her talent with the pen. It's probably all of those things, but I loved this book and laughed aloud often enough to alarm those around me. I loved every last bit, but especially connected to the chapters on Kosiya, Doggiepants, and, because I am a mother, what it's like to suddenly find yourself tethered to a little one. And the inclusion of the 'no touch monkey' sign at the beginning was priceless. Can't rave enough about this little gem, so please do yourself a favor and pick up a copy for yourself.