Stories from Ecuador

A Collection by Tyrel Nelson

Non-Fiction - Travel
207 Pages
Reviewed on 02/20/2022
Buy on Amazon

Author Biography

Tyrel Nelson wears many hats—award-winning writer, bilingual teacher, non-profit organizer, and service-trip leader—to name a few. Tyrel has lived in Venezuela, Spain, Nicaragua, and Ecuador and is passionate about leading volunteer trips all over Latin America. In his latest memoir, Travels and Tribulations, he shares details from his unique experiences abroad and immersing himself in other cultures. He weaves his travel experiences with some of life’s greatest trials, emotions, and tender mercies throughout his beautiful books.

He holds a B.A. in Journalism and Spanish Studies—plus a School for International Training TESOL Certificate. He’s spent time teaching English abroad and currently teaches Spanish in his home state of Minnesota. He and his wife have been married 6 years, have a 15-month-old daughter, and a 31-year-old painted turtle, Kirby.

When he’s not jet-setting around the globe or working, Tyrel enjoys every minute spent with family—and playing his guitar for loved ones.

    Book Review

Reviewed by Diana Lopez for Readers' Favorite

Tyrel Nelson, an English teacher who lived in Ecuador for a year, learned everything he could about the traditions in a different land that he loved. He transmits that love in Stories from Ecuador, where he narrates his experiences throughout various destinations he visited. He tells us both his likes and dislikes, explains the culture and beliefs through stories based on his travels, and describes the people he lived with. Each chapter is illustrated with photographs taken on his travels. He also tells us about what it is like to travel from one place to another, the climate, nature, and the local people, giving us a very clear and accurate representation of what can be found in the towns he visited.

Stories from Ecuador conveys a lot of affection and friendship. Tyrel Nelson shares his love for education, not only because he talks with us about his students, but also because of his willingness to learn about a different culture. He makes reading about another culture an easy experience. He does not use technical data because he describes real experiences, but he does occasionally use words in Spanish, which makes you feel a little closer to Ecuador. The descriptions are magnificent and are accompanied by photographs, so you feel as if you were there. Narrated tours are a very enjoyable way to expand your horizons in a natural way where you can share the feelings that Tyrel Nelson conveys from his experiences.