Female writers share 32 transformative stories of traveling in diverse locations — some exotic, and some more familiar.

Lynn Cecil is a visual artist, writer and teacher who began traveling while in the Caribbean and has continued to travel, and sometimes live, in places like Tahiti, Fiji, and most recently Bermuda and Spain. She now lives in Regina, Saskatchewan with her husband and two children.

Lynn Cecil's profile page

Catherine Bancroft is a social worker in Toronto. She is a social activist and presently works with women survivors of trauma. She has traveled and lived in Zimbabwe, Africa, and has traveled throughout Asia.

Catherine Bancroft's profile page

The Vancouver Sun

Anthology of travel stories by Canadian women - Saturday, November 05, 2005

TORONTO-- Thirty-two Canadian women have contributed real-life stories to the new anthology Outside of Ordinary, writing about how travel has changed their lives.

Some explore "the healing power of nature," says the book's introduction. Others discover a sense of inner strength while retracing their family roots or "breaking away from confining roles or situations."

The stories span the globe. Sharon Butala travels to Italy, Lorna Crozier to Chile, Jane Eaton Hamilton to Mexico, Ellen Jaffe to Russia, Alison Lohans to Iowa and Carole TenBrink to Vietnam. Other women write about the southern United States, New Zealand, Indonesia, Nepal, Peru, Taiwan, Papua New Guinea, Nicaragua, China, Eritrea and Spain.

Along the way they reveal "deeply personal thoughts on their relationships, health, families, ancestors," say the editors.

Outside of Ordinary, edited by Lynn Cecil and Catherine Bancroft, is published by Second Story Press.

The Vancouver Sun

You may find yourself looking to their stories for your own travel inspiration.

CAA Magazine

The collection doesn't present travel, adventure, and introspection as activities reserved for adolescents.

Prairie Dog

The common thread linking these tales is a thoughtfulness that makes them engaging and compelling to read.

The Globe and Mail

What each piece shares is a sense of how quickly the familiar slips away when we're not at home.

Monday Magazine (Victoria)

…rife with amusing bits of conversation and unexpected images, and through their eyes, the glory of travel is illuminated.

ForeWord Magazine

One of the most charming characteristics of many of these stories is the humour.

Herizons

There aren't any real duds among the stories, and Outside of Ordinary contains a few gems.

Toronto Star

Inspiring and empowering perspectives on women who go beyond their comfort zones to learn about themselves and the world.

Transitions Abroad