My Mother's Side

Book excerpt: "My Mother's Side: A Journey to Dalmatia" is a travel-memoir set in the exquisite southern Mediterranean city of Split, Croatia, on the Adriatic Sea, where the author, on a bicycle trip with his son, accidentially discovers his ancestral village -- Stobrec -- the birthplace of his maternal grandmother, an ancient and thriving fishing village inhabited, shockingly, by dozens of his cousins who warmly welcome him into their lives. This profound discovery of a beautiful family and a simple way of life takes place amidst the malfeasance and fear of the financial crisis of 2008 and a period of challenging midlife transition. The author would learn from his Dalmatian kin what matters -- family, love, and community -- and how to deal with adversity. The author is a noted travel writer whose work has been praised by the New York Times, Gourmet, and the Wine Advocate.