Dear Bob and Sue

Written by Matt Smith and Karen Smith

Narrated by David Colacci and Susan Ericksen

Dear Bob and Sue is the story of our (Matt and Karen Smith's) journey to all 59 U.S. National Parks. We wrote the book as a series of emails to our friends, Bob and Sue, in which we share our humorous and quirky observations. It is at times irreverent, unpredictable and sarcastic, all in the spirit of humor. We describe a few of our experiences in each park but do not provide an exhaustive overview of each experience or park. We use these events as the vehicle to deliver insights about our relationship. We did not intend for this book to be a travel guide nor a recommendation for how to visit all 59 of the U.S. National Parks, although many readers have said they've found it to be a useful guide. Rather, it is our story about how we did it.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Tantor Media, Inc
• Release date: Dec 26, 2017
• ISBN: 9781977370150

Matt Smith

Matt Smith drew his first Conan the Barbarian adventure when was eight years old. A children’s book illustrated fascinated by traditional lore and comic-book heroes, Matt lives with his wife and their dog in Lexington, Massachusetts. Visit his website at www.barbarianlord.com, find Barbarian Lord on Facebook, or follow him on Twitter (@barbarianlord).

Reviews for Dear Bob and Sue

[Laura · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Good, easy listening read for when you're working on something mindless. I liked the voices of the narrator's, too.

[Debbie Esker · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Great book! Daily account of couple's visit to all National Parks. Full of sarcastic wit. Very funny.

[alphawoman_1 · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

First of all, the Smoky Mountains are gorgeous and smoke rises from the dense forest that will take your breath away! Aldo, they were there when the fireflies swarm in June. This was not mentioned. Mammoth Cave is awesome and the drop in temperature as you descend was not mentioned either. Nor any of the wonderful stories and history that makes the cave more than a huge cavernous hole in the ground. Key West is the most beautiful place on earth. Eccentric, funky, perfumed and a paradise. I was offended they made fun of the tourists and made no mention of Hemingway who is synonymous with Key West!!I struggled reading this book and found my mind wandering quite a bit. I can't put my finger on it. I love this genre of writing. But usually there is something worthwhile in the journey. I suppose the premise, e-mails written to friends with the sign off "your friend" does not invite thoughtful analysis and reflection of the narrative. I sign off to my friends, Stay Frosty or Dazed and Confused.I suppose these are blog posts and meant to entertain in a frivolous and entertaining manner. Any examination of personal growth or better awareness of your life partner were not factored in. Though I am certain that spending a year together 24/7 made for many opportunities to grow as a couple.Maybe that's the next book.This is akin to speed dating.

[ellenh_28 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I enjoyed reading this book, it makes me want to get out there and see what I can before I'm too old to do it. While this is definitely no replacement for a good travel guide to the National Parks, it was a good read about this couples goal of seeing all of the Parks while they took a hiatus from their jobs. Their trips were often rushed, but actually well researched to get the the best of each park in their limits of time. Full of good ideas, humor, and appreciation for what there is.

[hobbitprincess · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Matt and Karen set off to visit all of the national parks, and this wonderful book is the result. I laughed out loud in many places! I also read the book with my laptop in front of me - I looked up every park and got to "see" what the Smiths saw and experienced, as best I could. I also learned about many parks that I didn't know about, so it was a very educational read also. I thoroughly enjoyed my own virtual journey around America.

[winecat · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Delightful and clever way to tell a story.