Eat the Grapes Don't Fight the Battles: A Memoir of a Teacher's Experience in Turkey Paperback – November 16, 2009

I had a smile on my face when I finished this book. Eat the Grapes is an enjoyable look at one Minnesota family's venture outside of their comfort zone and an insider's view into living life outside one's culture after so many years in America. I was amused by the interplay of wills and personalities as each of the family members dealt with changes and new experiences. This book is definitely a must read for any reluctant adventurer; it is inspiring to read about a man who, at the end of his career, takes his family on an exploration of unfamiliar regions, customs, and way of life.

I wish I had read Eat the Grapes before my family moved overseas several years ago. Sprinkled with humor throughout, Mr. Johnson beautifully articulates the "irks, quirks, and perks" of living in a new culture. Lots of people talk about a new adventure in a different part of the world but "Mr. Craig" actually stepped out and led his family on an unforgettable experience. If you have already spent significant time in a different culture, then you will enjoy this book as you relate your own life to their two years in Turkey. And if you are planning a move overseas, then you should consider reading this book as preparation for what is in store.Andy L. Donahue, Singapore