Bestselling travel writer Mark D. Walker has announced that his latest travel e-book, The Guatemala Reader: Extraordinary Lives and Amazing Stories, has achieved bestseller status in the Guatemala History and Guatemala Travel Guides categories. This development comes at a critical time when Guatemala faces a crisis of democracy and persistent turmoil along its borders, making understanding of the country's human realities more crucial than ever.
A graduate of the Institute of Latin American Studies at the University of Texas in Austin with over a half-century of study and writing about Guatemala, Walker delves into the extraordinary lives and stories of its people. Through his personal encounters with ordinary Guatemalans and his profiles of local Mayan leaders, advocates, writers, and poets, he offers a profound appreciation and nuanced understanding of this vibrant country. Maps, graphs, fact sheets, and photos support 18 stories to provide insights into the inner workings of Guatemalan society.
The book's importance extends beyond tourism as it addresses contemporary issues facing Guatemala. The remaining stories focus on contemporary Guatemala, from the impact of the Peace Corps over the last 60 years to the dynamics leading to the ongoing immigration crisis, ending with an insightful overview of Guatemala's political, cultural, and economic life with a new section at the end about how individuals can make a difference through their actions and philanthropy. The reader can also tap into the "Yin and Yang of Travel Series," which transports the reader to the far-off reaches of the country and includes some of his "saddest pleasures"—horrendous journeys that "gave him eyes."
"After studying and writing about Guatemala for fifty years, I've focused this book on some of the country's extraordinary people and their amazing stories," Walker stated. "Given the crisis of democracy in Guatemala and the continued turmoil on our border, this is the time to understand the human realities better and take action to secure a more promising future."
The book has received significant praise from readers and reviewers. One 5-star reviewer called the book "A treasure trove of things Guatemalan." Bob Graham, Author of 50-50 at 50 and Founder of the Katalysis Partnership and Namaste Direct, said, "As a 50+ year student of all things Guatemalan, I can enthusiastically say the book is a modern-day classic." Joe Lurie, Emeritus Executive Director of UC Berkeley's International House, stated that the book offers "inspiring escape hatches from misleading, oversimplified stereotypes and opens the possibility for enriching personal and humane engagement."
Professor of English Literature at the University of New Mexico, Stephen Benz, said, "The Guatemala Reader is brimming with wisdom, insight, and compassion. Mark D. Walker is the ideal guide for those looking for a deeper understanding of the issues confronting Guatemala and Central America." More information about Walker's work is available at his website: https://millionmilewalker.com.
Walker's previous works include his second book, My Saddest of Pleasures: 50 Years on the Road, which describes his evolution as a traveler from a young Peace Corps Volunteer to a professional fundraiser organizing donor visits. His first book, a memoir, Different Latitudes: My Life in the Peace Corps and Beyond, was recognized by the Arizona Literary Association for Non-Fiction. More than 20 of his articles were published in journals, including Ragazine, Literary Yard, Literary Travelers, Quail Bell, and WorldView Magazines.
The timing of this bestseller achievement is particularly significant as Guatemala attracts several million tourists per year, with visits often beginning in Central America's largest city before venturing to ancient Mayan ruins and contemporary Maya villages. Walker's work provides essential context for understanding the complex realities behind the tourist destinations, especially as immigration dynamics and political challenges continue to shape regional relationships.
