The Long Way Around


Non-Fiction - Memoir
276 Pages
Reviewed on 06/17/2024
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    Book Review

Reviewed by Foluso Falaye for Readers' Favorite

Leon Mecham's The Long Way Around is a riveting memoir filled with exciting sports exploits, tumultuous family relationships, and troubling religious experiences. Though Leon was raised in a religious Mormon home, he found his parents' behavior questionable. He had to struggle with surviving his mother's emotional abuse and his father's actions before he was sent out of the house for not attending church. Though Leon's chaotic relationship with his family remained constant throughout the years, he endeavored to make the best of his choices. Guided by his grandfather's advice, Mecham worked hard to make a living, whether he was working in the oil fields or learning carpentry. His story takes us through his various exploits, including dealing with drug addiction, playing football, and giving love another chance after three divorces.

Leon's life story is amazing. From biking, racing cars, and laying hands on as a bishop to playing tennis and winning trophies in karate, Leon Mecham's story shows he's an adventurous soul who has lived a rich and active life. Thankfully, Leon's skillful writing complements his compelling story. Apart from the lyrically narrated events, his soulful writing displays that he maintains a great level of self-awareness and has gone deep into the art of meditation. Leon, who has survived several abusive treatments and challenges, inspired me to forgo past hurt and transgressions with profound words like, "Meditation brings the meditator to the present." All in all, The Long Way Around combines diverse experiences that draw attention to the importance of living life to the fullest, working hard, and confronting bullies. The fast-paced stories and the smart mix of vivid fight scenes, profound life lessons, and inspiring feats left me completely speechless!