🔖 At first you will think this book is a travel memoir about Australia, and so it may surprise you when it reveals itself as a tale of self-discovery and personal awakening. These twists are revealed when the subject turns to dropping out of law school, flirting with anorexia and getting dumped by a string of wildly inappropriate men. Hold steady when that time comes, dear Reader, because that's where the truth happens. And without truth, there can be no story. You will find that this book is also about growing up a missionary's daughter, at which point, if you're paying attention, you'll recognize the heart of the matter all along. That all travel is soul work. That looking forward and looking backward are one and the same. Lastly, that no really good adventure ever happens without a couple of skinned-up knees. In the Belly of Oz is an inspiring story of adventure, personal triumph and the perseverance to dig into the depths of one's soul and emerge victorious. An enjoyable and immensely positive read.