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Fellow reader's thoughts on Here Comes The Sun

"From start to finish Here Comes the Sun encapsulates all the wonderment and curiosity's of the late 60’s from the refreshingly honest and fresh faced perspective of a young man finding his place in the world. Ranging from hilarious to heart stopping there isn’t much ground that isn’t covered in this all encompassing coming of age tale which separates itself from other such tales because of its truth and sincerity which seems to pulsate from every page. Allan Bryce holds back nothing in this riveting journey and puts everything of himself into each word written, a truly enjoyable book you won’t be able to put down until it’s complete and even then you might be inclined to start it all over again"

Reviewed in Canada on August 26, 2024

5 Stars on Amazon - Groove

AMAZON
Customer Summary
Review

Customers find the content astonishing, compelling, and powerful. They describe the story as engaging, immersive, and full of heart-pounding adventure. Readers also describe the book as timeless, preserving the raw, unfiltered essence of the 1960s, a decade defined by idealism, rebellion, and self-discovery.

CANREADS
Professional
Book Review

          Alan Bryce’s debut memoir, Here Comes the Sun: A 1960s Story of Travel, Adventure and
Self-Discovery, is an intoxicating blend of nostalgia, danger, and self-discovery. Less about
Beatles-inspired enlightenment and more about a kaleidoscopic journey through the technicolor
1960s, the book reads like Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas meets Eat, Pray, Love, with significantly
more cross-border mishaps. A captivating travelogue that vividly resurrects the spirit of the
decade, it transports readers into a world of adventure, uncertainty, and transformation.
           The memoir about a young man and his friend travelling through Latin America in the 1960s
sparkles with authentic voice and character development that would make any fictional
protagonist jealous—except these escapades actually happened. Bryce’s narrative prowess turns
what could have been another “I found myself while backpacking” tale into a time capsule of
transformation, complete with gun-toting antagonists and an unhinged ship captain (no, really).
           While the writing captures the era’s freewheeling spirit, the frequent references to altered states can sometimes feel a bit repetitive. Along with this drawback, the book teases with mentions of letters to his girlfriend back home—yet leaves readers wanting more of these paper trail
breadcrumbs. Perhaps starting chapters with these letters could have anchored the cosmic
wandering with some grounded perspective. However, Bryce excels at crafting those crystalline
moments of clarity that punctuate the chaos—those “aha” instances where the universe seems to
pause and wink. His knack for painting both physical landscapes and internal revelations gives
readers a front-row seat to his evolution. The personal photographs and stories add authenticity,
though the inclusion of stock photos in the latter half of the book feels unnecessary.
           Then, like the ending of a five-star vacation, the conclusion of Bryce’s adventures is so relatable it hurts. His great escape into foreign lands and incredible experiences is suddenly halted by the necessity of obligations and the surprises life brings. The unforgettable ending perfectly captures the universal struggle between aspirations for adventure and the constraints of reality.
           For publishers, this manuscript would sit in that sweet spot between historical zeitgeist and
personal odyssey. With some refinement and tightening, it could find a home with independent
publishers who appreciate narratives that straddle the line between counter-culture confession
and transformative travelogue. This would also make an exceptional audiobook—imagine Canadian
Paul Gross narrating those close calls in Central America.
          Regardless of which edition of this distinctive memoir is available, its title will likely have readers humming the corresponding song throughout. The memoir’s uplifting tone offers a welcome sense of joy, particularly in these uncertain times. Ultimately, Bryce’s storytelling transforms misadventure into memoir gold, making Here Comes the Sun a must-read for fans of immersive, real-life odysseys.

Jennifer Noble
(5 Star Amazon Review)

Simply beautiful:)

This is just simply a beautiful book. It’s taken me a long time to review it, partly because I was having a hard time formulating words to describe how it took me away with it back to a time that I can so relate to, on many levels. I had the privilege of reading it in Mexico, at times sitting or walking on a gorgeous beach, albeit the Gulf, but so transporting, all the same. Beautifully written, full of engrossing story… you just have to read it. I think I’ll read it again:) ❤️

Isabella
(5 Star Amazon Review)

"A Classic Tale for the Ages

This exhilarating and immersive book has the potential to become a classic in travel and adventure literature. What makes it truly unique is that it was written over 55 years ago, preserving the raw, unfiltered essence of the 1960’s, a decade defined by idealism, rebellion, and self-discovery. Alan Bryce transports the reader into the heart of that era, allowing us to experience the world through the eyes of a 21-year-old traveler. His vivid storytelling captures not only breathtaking landscapes and cultural observations but also moments of heart-pounding adventure and laugh-out-loud humor.

Just as J.D. Salinger masterfully portrayed the teenage psyche in Catcher in the Rye, Bryce offers an equally candid and compelling window into the mind of a young hippie navigating an era of transformation.

And then comes the twist ending, an astonishing, almost cinematic conclusion that elevates the book beyond a mere travel memoir. The unexpected turn of fate at the end is worthy of a well-crafted detective novel, leaving readers both stunned and deeply moved.

Here Comes the Sun will resonate with readers of all generations - those who lived through the 60s, those who wish they had, and those simply curious about a time when the world seemed full of endless possibility.

Highly recommended. Five stars ⭐️ 

Doug Thompson
editor of
A Course in Miracles Urtext Edition

“Amazing Stuff. Bryce makes the time and place come alive, leaving me feeling that I was there with him. I can hardly find superlatives adequate to the praise his work deserves in terms of enabling me to hear and smell and see the landscape he describes. I feel like I’m standing there with him, musing on the karmic connections over a 12 cent Cerveza.”

Heather 
Urquhart

"Having read the book, I love how it flows; I can picture you living through everything you are sharing"

Nathan Vanek
Author of
Unprotected Sects

“I just finished your book, and my overall opinion is that it’s a fantastic book. It is absolutely fantastic. It definitely is a gem!”

Thorsten L.

“Finished your book. Wonderfully written. Sumptuously lyrical and plucking wistful arpeggios on the dusty cobwebs of my memory. There's even more evidence of an antediluvian time in Bolivia and Peru.”

Stephen P.

“I have just returned from one of the most thrilling and wonderful trips of my life,  together with with two young adventurers who unbeknownst to themselves opened up a new continent for me and introduced me to many new countries,  new peoples and new cultures. Thank you, thank you, thank you………The wonders of your adventures thrilled me and educated me beyond all expectations

 

Your adventures were crowned for me with the surprising trip across Lake Titicaca. My Housemaster for five years at school was a man called Donald Hall who led the 1924 Cambridge University Expedition that “discovered “ Lake Titicaca. I believe that there is a memorial plaque in the ferry ticket office. So I felt a very special bond with you and Donald Hall as we crossed this wondrous lake, high up in the Andes and witnessed for ourselves the unique floating islands, surely placed there by the hand of God.

 

Thank you, thank you for the opportunity to share your adventures. When you go to India I would like to join the expedition..”

Lucy B.
(5 Star Amazon Review)

“Buckle Your Seat, this adventure captures the essence and curiosity of the 60s through the candid and vibrant lens of a young man's journey into South America. From laugh-out-loud humour to moments of breathtaking intensity. Gripping. This memoir explores a wide range of emotions and experiences. I enjoyed every page brimming with passion, sincerity, and chock full of magic.”

Stacy D.

“I wanted to let you know how much I love your book and what a wonderful read it has been. I’m organizing a book club around it because I love it so much… This has made my entire month! Seriously, you are so magical with your words… I was up at 4am to finish the book … all I can say is “WOWWWW” I am at a complete loss for words. Your book is incredible, I enjoyed every single page.  Thank you for sharing this, what an amazing adventure! I am so jazzed today. This book has me excited about life.”

Anonymous

“This book has so much dope in it, it should've been printed on zig-zag paper”

James Mednick

“Really enjoyed this time capsule and coming of age story. Comedy, danger, adventure with an idealistic but honest perspective of the world from a young hippie. Great read.”

"Steve"

“I found "Here Comes The Sun" to be a truly enjoyable read. From one chapter to the next I keenly followed with anticipation Alan's trek through South America. And I was pleasantly surprised by the action packed storytelling! A delightful, engrossing read.” 

"Alex Braun"

“Immensely enjoyable journey to read! Hard to put it down!”

Photo Credits

SHUTTERSTOCK


Machu Picchu full site overview.
Seumas Christie-Johnston / Shutterstock


Hitching Post of the Sun (Intihuatana) pyramid, Machu Picchu.
Jan Nedbal / Shutterstock


12-Angle Stone on Calle Hatun Rumiyoc Street, Cusco.
ocphoto / Shutterstock


3-tiered walls in Sacsayhuaman, Peru.
SL-Photography / Shutterstock


Aerial overview of Sacsayhuaman, Peru.
Myriam B / Shutterstock


Mount Veronica, Peru.
Jeff Cleveland / Shutterstock


Mount Illimani, overlooking La Paz, Bolivia.
Ariel Escobar / Shutterstock


Mount El Misti Arequipa, Peru.
saiko3p / Shutterstock


Monte Alban, Oaxaca, Mexico.
Anton_Ivanov / Shutterstock

Alamy


Inca stone street wall in Cusco.
Wirestock, Inc. / Alamy Stock Photo


Hitching Post of The Sun (Intihuatana).
Sue Cunningham Photographic / Alamy Stock Photo


Gateway of the Sun (God Figure) Tiwanaku, Bolivia.
Vibrant Pictures / Alamy Stock Photo


Machu Picchu full site overview.
Thomas ROUSSEL / Alamy Stock Photo


Coricancha (Inca Golden Temple of the Sun)
with Spanish Convent of Santo Domingo above.

Matyas Rehak / Alamy Stock Photo


Monte Alban aerial view.
Jennifer Booher / Alamy Stock Photo


Avenida 9 de Julio in Buenos Aires
(the widest street in the world).

Prisma by Dukas Presseagentur GmbH / Alamy Stock Photo


Floating islands in Lake Titicaca.
Leandro Mise / Alamy Stock Photo


Native boat Lake Titicaca.
imageBROKER.com GmbH & Co. KG / Alamy Stock Photo

Ferry boat crossing Lake Titicaca.
Ildi.Travel.Bolivia / Alamy Stock Photo

Luxury Dining Car Altiplano Bolivia
robertharding / Alamy Stock Photo

Train Ride Crossing the Altiplano

Ivan Sebborn / Alamy Stock Photo

Current Author Photo
Margaret Mulligan Photgraphy

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