Where the West Ends

Stories from the Middle East, the Balkans, the Black Sea, and the Caucasus

By: Michael J. Totten

Narrated by: Steven Roy Grimsley

Prize-winning author Michael J. Totten returns with a masterpiece of travel writing and history in this journey through 13 nations - all but two formerly communist - just beyond the edge of the West where few casual travelers venture.

His work as an independent foreign correspondent takes him deep into the field beyond the sensational headlines, from his hilariously miserable road trip with his best friend to Iraq to the Wild West of Albania, the most bizarre country in Europe; from the killing fields in Bosnia and Kosovo to a Romania haunted by the ghosts of its communist past; from the front lines in the Caucasus during Russia's invasion of Georgia to the otherworldly post-Soviet disasterscape in Ukraine. Where the West Ends is high-octane adventure writing at its finest and is Michael J. Totten's most entertaining work written to date.

©2012 Michael J. Totten (P)2013 Michael Totten

A good travel narrative

I also wanted to write a review contradicting the assertion that the author is a right-wing nut or even necessarily a Republican.

This is a good listen. It helped remind me of how good we have it in this country. It was also interesting to learn that there are parts of the world where the United States is actually respected and liked. Perhaps this is why another reviewer thinks this guy is a right-winger.

May you live in interesting times...

The author gives new meaning to the ancient eastern cursze: "may you lice in interesting times," by plunging headlong unto the most politically interesting p?aces on earth 😱=-O

Great Story Great Info

Just loved the storytelling and the information about these lesser known regions. Well told well narrated. Wish there was a part two.

Loved it!

A great story both informative and enjoyable! A great fun perspective not often heard.

Loved this book

If you could sum up Where the West Ends in three words, what would they be?

Riveting Travel Essay

What did you like best about this story?

Was looking for more information about the Balkans and this was not only informative, but very entertaining and would call it a page turner except I listened to it. Would definitely listen or read to other books by him just because I liked the author and his style of delivery. If you have any interest in this area of the world, this would be a good read/listen.

Any additional comments?

Solid book. Wish he had more about this area and I could find more like this.

Good for Political insight at the local level.

Good for political insight at the local level in the countries the author visits. Medium story quality, but it's more because nothing that crazy happened to the author. What he does experience, he tells about in solid form. Good for political science nerds or intelligence about regional issues. The book won't age well, as it is mostly about current issues, and will be less relevant 10 years from now to anyone not looking to read history.

Not a right wing fanatic

I just have to comment on one of the earlier reviews which state that Totten is a right wing fanatic, it almost put me off from reading this book. This is far from true, sure he is pro-Israeli and has an American perspective but he could very well be a Democrat. There is nothing fanatical or even extreme about his views.

Like being there

Totten's retelling of his journeys through the Mideast, the Balkans, and former Soviet republics is very entertaining and informative, always against the backdrop of recent history and the people who live there.

Interesting travels

A very interesting book about parts of the world you don't really hear much about. Partly travelbook, but mostly about the places itself. Highly recommended

Where ever you go there you are

A very good book if you're someone curious about a region, as he aptly points out, that is somewhat lost between East and West. Totten is clearly up to the challenge of trying to write about a road trip where nothing happens. In fact several road trips. This is magnified by the fact that someone decided that because nothing happened that the book was too short and that he should try to make it as long as possible.
All that aside, his descriptions are enticing and his insights penetrating; his thoughts on the Ukraine are eerily prescient. And because nothing happens we are left with the country itself, a remarkable book