The Trip to Panama

It has to be the publishing sensation of the year - for me at least. Congratulations to the Andersen Press for republishing one of my favourite books that has been out of print for some time.

If you have never read The Trip to Panama by Janosch, you are in for a treat. Go out and buy it now. It might help if you have small children to give you an excuse. If not, buy it anyway. Although this is a children's book in shape and form, its message is important for everyone.

I won't spoil the story but I will say that it's all about understanding the things that really matter in life. It's about discovery, making friends, and enjoying the good things in life.

In fact I found it so inspiring I went out and bought the comfiest sofa (which northerners like myself would generally call a settee) I could find. No regrets.

If you do read the book, perhaps you would share your thoughts with me about the messages in the bottles that pass by from time to time. I have my own ideas about them but I would like to know if others concur.

I have used this book many times in lectures and referenced it in my book, Blood, Sweat and Tears, The Evolution of Work. But it's a long time since I have seen a copy. Gill bought me one today as a surprise. It's made my day.