Carrie has released 3 books so far. Blurbs and links below. Stay tuned for more!

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On Sale

On Sale

All Aboard! A journey on the Trans-Mongolian Railway and through eastern Europe

A$3.50 A$2.00

A tale of railways, nomads, ice, Soviets, food, culture, beauty, humour and excitement...

' I can't recommend this book enough! I feel like I'm on the journey with Carrie... it's engaging, funny, and I've learned so much already... '

Keeley O’Hagan Montagu

Come on a journey with Carrie, a young Australian with a notebook and an evocative ability to bring places you may have never seen to life through her words. See stretching grasslands 100km wide; hear the music of ice by a beach; smell some rousing local cuisine; grapple with challenging political history; and watch the earth’s surface change through a train carriage window.

Ten countries, tens of thousands of kilometres, and a whole lot of adventure.


Readers are DELIGHTED by All Aboard!:

 

This book is a great read. By page 5 I was laughing out loud. A thoroughly entertaining travel guide.

-         Angie McGowan


Reading this book was like taking a trip in real time, narrated by your entertaining Australian mate.

It is an account of a solo rail trip from Beijing to St. Petersburg, then on through the Baltic States and Eastern Europe. The author clearly has a thirst for adventure and does not isolate herself in a railroad car. She also engages with local culture, through home stays and couch surfing.

The book is written in a very ‘instant’ diary form but, although the story is obviously linear, there are plenty of side shunts into amusing anecdotes. The comical illustrations were a delightfully original touch.

I felt I was right beside the author as she stared in wonder at the world flashing past the windows of her carriage. 

-Jacqueline Lambert


I love it. Every time I sit down for a cup of tea, I read more and reluctantly put it down. It is so engaging to travel with you and learn things you never would. You really should be proud of what you have achieved - intrepid adventures on your own in very culturally different countries, writing intimately, frankly and honestly in journals and then producing such a readable book. Fabulous.

-         Sally Ord
Ebook
A tale of railways, nomads, ice, Soviets, food, culture, beauty, humour and excitement.
​Come on a journey with Carrie, a young Australian with a notebook and an evocative ability to bring places you may have never seen to life through her words. See stretching grasslands 100km wide; hear the music of ice by a beach; smell some rousing local cuisine; grapple with challenging political history; and watch the earth's surface change through a train carriage window. Ten countries, tens of thousands of kilometres, and a whole lot of adventure.

On Sale

On Sale

All Aboard! A journey on the Trans-Mongolian Railway and through eastern Europe

A$3.50 A$2.00

A tale of railways, nomads, ice, Soviets, food, culture, beauty, humour and excitement...

' I can't recommend this book enough! I feel like I'm on the journey with Carrie... it's engaging, funny, and I've learned so much already... '

Keeley O’Hagan Montagu

Come on a journey with Carrie, a young Australian with a notebook and an evocative ability to bring places you may have never seen to life through her words. See stretching grasslands 100km wide; hear the music of ice by a beach; smell some rousing local cuisine; grapple with challenging political history; and watch the earth’s surface change through a train carriage window.

Ten countries, tens of thousands of kilometres, and a whole lot of adventure.


Readers are DELIGHTED by All Aboard!:

 

This book is a great read. By page 5 I was laughing out loud. A thoroughly entertaining travel guide.

-         Angie McGowan


Reading this book was like taking a trip in real time, narrated by your entertaining Australian mate.

It is an account of a solo rail trip from Beijing to St. Petersburg, then on through the Baltic States and Eastern Europe. The author clearly has a thirst for adventure and does not isolate herself in a railroad car. She also engages with local culture, through home stays and couch surfing.

The book is written in a very ‘instant’ diary form but, although the story is obviously linear, there are plenty of side shunts into amusing anecdotes. The comical illustrations were a delightfully original touch.

I felt I was right beside the author as she stared in wonder at the world flashing past the windows of her carriage. 

-Jacqueline Lambert


I love it. Every time I sit down for a cup of tea, I read more and reluctantly put it down. It is so engaging to travel with you and learn things you never would. You really should be proud of what you have achieved - intrepid adventures on your own in very culturally different countries, writing intimately, frankly and honestly in journals and then producing such a readable book. Fabulous.

-         Sally Ord
Ebook

On Sale

On Sale

Japan Unexpected

A$5.00 A$3.50

You might know of tea ceremonies, samurai and vending machines, but how about honorific speech, a shrine to carry gods through a neighbourhood, and miso ramen-flavoured ice-cream?

"Carrie Riseley made me feel like I got to visit this special country. Her insights and stories in this book are vivid, diverse, plentiful, and entertaining."

-Sal Nudo

Explore some little-known and sometimes surprising elements

of one of the most unique countries in the world, as viewed by Carrie, a young

Australian teaching in Japanese elementary schools. Even those things known

about in the outside world are examined in detail by Carrie and unexpected

elements brought to light.

In Japan, new things mix with old things through uninhibited

creativity to make more unique items of food, technology and culture than you

would find anywhere else. It’s a culture that must be seen to be believed – and

through this book, you can see it too.

Readers are IMMERSED and INTRIGUED:

“I’ve just spent the last day and a half on a very interesting journey to Japan, in particular Iwaki, north of Tokyo, and what a journey it has been. The author writes in a free flowing and up beat style of her time spent teaching English at primary schools, and of her adventures to many places that not many westerners get the chance to do. That’s what makes it such a good read, as she shares not just her escapades, but her feelings and thoughts on the complex, sometimes weird, and wonderful country that is Japan. I thoroughly recommend this book to anyone who shares a love of Japan, its food and its people.”

-          Felicity Turnbull

"From the moment I heard about it, I was looking forward to reading this book. I had my own experiences in Japan in the late 70s and early 80s, and Japan Unexpected didn't disappoint. From the first page I was hooked - the author's attitude to education is identical to mine; that the most beautiful education is one that teaches about other peoples and cultures. "It builds connections and understanding across distances and time periods".

Riseley writes extremely well and gives beautiful, detailed descriptions and explanations of everything from food, history, customs, language, and events. Her affection for Japan and the Japanese is clear without being gushy... I would recommend Japan Unexpected to anyone planning a first visit to the country.

I highly recommend this book."

-         Rachel Caldecott, travel author

"Japan Unexpected by the experienced world traveler Carrie Riseley made me feel like I got to visit this special country. Her insights and stories in this book are vivid, diverse, plentiful, and entertaining. I was hooked right away during the “Arrival” chapter, where she talked about Tokyo’s stacked, twisted highways and immense, complex subway stations. I immediately had the sense of a forward-thinking, modern, and vibrant culture in which many things are done right, or so I’ve heard. There are no dull moments in the book as Riseley relates the many interesting people she met and her wide-ranging adventures. I learned so much about the intricacies of Japan and its culture in Japan Unexpected that I felt like a visitor from afar.

The author seems to have a dedicated following of readers, and it’s easy to see why. She has a real passion for travel and is a talented travel writer with a personable style. I would be interested in reading more from Riseley about other parts of the world she has visited."

-         Sal Nudo, author of 'The Newspaperman'
Ebook
You might know of tea ceremonies, samurai and vending machines, but how about honorific speech, a shrine to carry gods through a neighbourhood, and miso ramen-flavoured ice-cream? Explore some little-known and sometimes surprising elements of one of the most unique countries in the world, as viewed by Carrie, a young Australian teaching in Japanese elementary schools. Even those things known about in the outside world are examined in detail by Carrie and unexpected elements brought to light.
In Japan, new things mix with old things through uninhibited creativity to make more unique items of food, technology and culture than you would find anywhere else. It’s a culture that must be seen to be believed – and through this book, you can see it too.

On Sale

On Sale

Japan Unexpected

A$5.00 A$3.50

You might know of tea ceremonies, samurai and vending machines, but how about honorific speech, a shrine to carry gods through a neighbourhood, and miso ramen-flavoured ice-cream?

"Carrie Riseley made me feel like I got to visit this special country. Her insights and stories in this book are vivid, diverse, plentiful, and entertaining."

-Sal Nudo

Explore some little-known and sometimes surprising elements

of one of the most unique countries in the world, as viewed by Carrie, a young

Australian teaching in Japanese elementary schools. Even those things known

about in the outside world are examined in detail by Carrie and unexpected

elements brought to light.

In Japan, new things mix with old things through uninhibited

creativity to make more unique items of food, technology and culture than you

would find anywhere else. It’s a culture that must be seen to be believed – and

through this book, you can see it too.

Readers are IMMERSED and INTRIGUED:

“I’ve just spent the last day and a half on a very interesting journey to Japan, in particular Iwaki, north of Tokyo, and what a journey it has been. The author writes in a free flowing and up beat style of her time spent teaching English at primary schools, and of her adventures to many places that not many westerners get the chance to do. That’s what makes it such a good read, as she shares not just her escapades, but her feelings and thoughts on the complex, sometimes weird, and wonderful country that is Japan. I thoroughly recommend this book to anyone who shares a love of Japan, its food and its people.”

-          Felicity Turnbull

"From the moment I heard about it, I was looking forward to reading this book. I had my own experiences in Japan in the late 70s and early 80s, and Japan Unexpected didn't disappoint. From the first page I was hooked - the author's attitude to education is identical to mine; that the most beautiful education is one that teaches about other peoples and cultures. "It builds connections and understanding across distances and time periods".

Riseley writes extremely well and gives beautiful, detailed descriptions and explanations of everything from food, history, customs, language, and events. Her affection for Japan and the Japanese is clear without being gushy... I would recommend Japan Unexpected to anyone planning a first visit to the country.

I highly recommend this book."

-         Rachel Caldecott, travel author

"Japan Unexpected by the experienced world traveler Carrie Riseley made me feel like I got to visit this special country. Her insights and stories in this book are vivid, diverse, plentiful, and entertaining. I was hooked right away during the “Arrival” chapter, where she talked about Tokyo’s stacked, twisted highways and immense, complex subway stations. I immediately had the sense of a forward-thinking, modern, and vibrant culture in which many things are done right, or so I’ve heard. There are no dull moments in the book as Riseley relates the many interesting people she met and her wide-ranging adventures. I learned so much about the intricacies of Japan and its culture in Japan Unexpected that I felt like a visitor from afar.

The author seems to have a dedicated following of readers, and it’s easy to see why. She has a real passion for travel and is a talented travel writer with a personable style. I would be interested in reading more from Riseley about other parts of the world she has visited."

-         Sal Nudo, author of 'The Newspaperman'
Ebook

On Sale

On Sale

Smiles and Spices: journeys and encounters in east Asia

A$5.00 A$3.50

Come on a journey from the Great Wall all the way down to the Mekong Delta; from Korea right across to Mt Everest. See crumbling temples in the jungle; hear the crashing drums and cymbals of a dragon dance; taste the spices. Adventure through nine countries and many more ethnic and cultural identities.

“Right from the start, the storytelling is beautiful.”

-        Jacqueline Lambert


With in-the-moment detail and light-hearted humour, join Carrie on a Beijing stopover; a Korean holiday; backpacking from Shanghai to Tibet and back and then down to Southeast Asia; and some hair-raising drives around Taiwan. Experience these diverse and contrasting places: from yaks to water buffalo and trishaws to tuk tuks; from bustling cities to peaceful mountains covered in terraces of rice paddies; from boiling mud pools to markets filled with colour and life (literally – sometimes the produce runs away!). Not to mention all the mad things you'll see on the back of Vietnamese motorbikes…

 

Smiles and Spices entrances readers…

 

“Right from the start, the storytelling is beautiful. The author describes flying into Beijing, then takes you like a personal tour guide around South East Asia. You see everything instantly through her eyes and share the wonder. From the outset, I felt immersed.

Yet, this was not an easy trip. Frequently travelling solo, the author has to deal with very alien cultures, often with no language and absolutely no idea what’s going on. Join her on a motorcycle chase after her bags in Cambodia, inadvertently caught up in a political demonstration in Thailand, and on some terrifying drives in a hire car through Taiwan.

This is the second memoir I’ve read from this author and once again, I loved her thoughtful reflections on cultural differences and her clear empathy for countries where living standards and freedoms differ greatly from the Western world. She also explores how an extended trip or long-term travel is not just about collecting truly unique experiences. It is a means to test and re-form your initial reactions and challenge your values and preconceptions.

If you want to discover the best sightseeing spot in China, an ancient Korean drinking game, and a mighty fine collection of toilets, you will do worse than join Carrie for some smiles and spices!”

-        Jacqueline Lambert

 

“Carrie is not a professional travel writer. And that's a good thing. Reading her book is like traveling along with her: the diary entries are written as she travels, so you get her immediate impressions and thoughts. I admit that south east Asia is not an area that I would dare to travel to alone, so kudos to Carrie for her bravery. I enjoyed the way she makes friends so easily, and her opinions on the places she visits. From Beijing to Korea, China, Tibet and Taiwan she mixes with local people and eats local food, despite the language difficulties. She describes her tours so well, and gives background and history too. I feel as if I've been chatting to her in the pub, or sitting at home with a cup of coffee, such is the relaxed style of her writing. I'd previously read one of her books and will definitely read more.”

-        Chris Moore

 

“I really enjoyed this book. Having traveled to some of the places Carrie visited, I enjoyed seeing them through her eyes. Her descriptions of the other countries she visited were fascinating and full of fun. It was interesting to find out how connected the back packing community becomes as they travel from place to place. i would recommend this book if you enjoy reading about travel and want to learn something new.”

- Sue Raymond
Ebook
Come on a journey from the Great Wall all the way down to the Mekong Delta; from Korea right across to Mt Everest. See crumbling temples in the jungle; hear the crashing drums and cymbals of a dragon dance; taste the spices. Adventure through nine countries and many more ethnic and cultural identities.
With in-the-moment detail and light-hearted humour, join Carrie on a Beijing stopover; a Korean holiday; backpacking from Shanghai to Tibet and back and then down to Southeast Asia; and some hair-raising drives around Taiwan. Experience these diverse and contrasting places: from yaks to water buffalo and trishaws to tuk tuks; from bustling cities to peaceful mountains covered in terraces of rice paddies; from boiling mud pools to markets filled with colour and life (literally – sometimes the produce runs away!). Not to mention all the mad things you'll see on the back of Vietnamese motorbikes…

On Sale

On Sale

Smiles and Spices: journeys and encounters in east Asia

A$5.00 A$3.50

Come on a journey from the Great Wall all the way down to the Mekong Delta; from Korea right across to Mt Everest. See crumbling temples in the jungle; hear the crashing drums and cymbals of a dragon dance; taste the spices. Adventure through nine countries and many more ethnic and cultural identities.

“Right from the start, the storytelling is beautiful.”

-        Jacqueline Lambert


With in-the-moment detail and light-hearted humour, join Carrie on a Beijing stopover; a Korean holiday; backpacking from Shanghai to Tibet and back and then down to Southeast Asia; and some hair-raising drives around Taiwan. Experience these diverse and contrasting places: from yaks to water buffalo and trishaws to tuk tuks; from bustling cities to peaceful mountains covered in terraces of rice paddies; from boiling mud pools to markets filled with colour and life (literally – sometimes the produce runs away!). Not to mention all the mad things you'll see on the back of Vietnamese motorbikes…

 

Smiles and Spices entrances readers…

 

“Right from the start, the storytelling is beautiful. The author describes flying into Beijing, then takes you like a personal tour guide around South East Asia. You see everything instantly through her eyes and share the wonder. From the outset, I felt immersed.

Yet, this was not an easy trip. Frequently travelling solo, the author has to deal with very alien cultures, often with no language and absolutely no idea what’s going on. Join her on a motorcycle chase after her bags in Cambodia, inadvertently caught up in a political demonstration in Thailand, and on some terrifying drives in a hire car through Taiwan.

This is the second memoir I’ve read from this author and once again, I loved her thoughtful reflections on cultural differences and her clear empathy for countries where living standards and freedoms differ greatly from the Western world. She also explores how an extended trip or long-term travel is not just about collecting truly unique experiences. It is a means to test and re-form your initial reactions and challenge your values and preconceptions.

If you want to discover the best sightseeing spot in China, an ancient Korean drinking game, and a mighty fine collection of toilets, you will do worse than join Carrie for some smiles and spices!”

-        Jacqueline Lambert

 

“Carrie is not a professional travel writer. And that's a good thing. Reading her book is like traveling along with her: the diary entries are written as she travels, so you get her immediate impressions and thoughts. I admit that south east Asia is not an area that I would dare to travel to alone, so kudos to Carrie for her bravery. I enjoyed the way she makes friends so easily, and her opinions on the places she visits. From Beijing to Korea, China, Tibet and Taiwan she mixes with local people and eats local food, despite the language difficulties. She describes her tours so well, and gives background and history too. I feel as if I've been chatting to her in the pub, or sitting at home with a cup of coffee, such is the relaxed style of her writing. I'd previously read one of her books and will definitely read more.”

-        Chris Moore

 

“I really enjoyed this book. Having traveled to some of the places Carrie visited, I enjoyed seeing them through her eyes. Her descriptions of the other countries she visited were fascinating and full of fun. It was interesting to find out how connected the back packing community becomes as they travel from place to place. i would recommend this book if you enjoy reading about travel and want to learn something new.”

- Sue Raymond
Ebook
The links provided go to Carrie's online shop for ebooks (all money to Carrie except the transaction fee) and to Lulu.com for paperbacks (the book retailer that provides the highest margin for authors and pays promptly without requiring Carrie to meet any minimum sales amounts first). Carrie's books are also available from several other online retailers and lending services - if you have a favourite retailer or library, odds on Carrie's books are there. Links at books2read.com/CarrieRiseley , or just Google her!