I do not usually do reviews here. Mostly, because I think so much of what we like or do not like is subjective. Additionally, my personal choices are not only personal, but often affront the delicate tastes of others. However, recently I had the opportunity to review the audiobook version of the A  to Z of Spanish Culture by Pilar Orti,  and three things occurred to change my mind. 

In one of my favourite parts she recaps seven Spanish language authors that she suggests we might find of interest. Such were her descriptions and explanations that I had to stop the audio several times to write down those authors I wanted to hunt out immediately. And this is something I think you will find yourself doing again and again. Suddenly there is an explanation of a phrase, or the use of a certain refran. 

And, as someone fascinated by Spanish history, the accounts of some of the most significant events in the 20th century - such as the transition to democracy and the attempted military coup in under Lieutenant-Colonel Antonio Tejero were told with such drama, that I felt I was reliving the whole episode.

If someone was to ask me if I would recommend this 3.15 hours length audiobook, not only would I say yes, but I would add it should be obligatory listening to anyone who rents, buys or visits Spain for longer than a weekend. You have been advised. 

At the very end of the book, Pilar concludes that she hopes her book will have made you at least smile or think. Well I did both  - and often. I'm sure you will too. The A to Z of Spanish Culture is available on Amazon Audible. Get it from this link here. 

Take 15 minutes out. Go on, do it now. 

Take out a quarter of an hour, plug in your headphones, put your feet up and transport yourself to the very center of Andalusia for this ambient, audible short story on how to live life at an altogether different pace. 

Just don't rush it. Savour the moment. Laugh, sip your tea and just relax. 

For there is another way of looking at the world  - a view that is rapidly disappearing.  But there is one man that is carving another route home: The Slow Route, and in his time-consuming way, he is showing the rest of us another path.

Based on Gandhi's belief that we should live the way we wish the world to be - Miguel displays a wisdom that others have forgotten,

Download the audiofile to your phone or mp3 player, listen to it here on this webpage, watch the video introduction below, or go the whole way, find out how to step forward with a slower pace and grab the whole story on Amazon here for 99c or less.