Exploring the world of adventure travel, this book delves into the collaboration between travelers and local communities. It highlights the importance of sustainable tourism and how partnerships can enhance the travel experience while benefiting the environment and local economies. Through engaging narratives and practical insights, readers are encouraged to embrace responsible travel practices that foster cultural exchange and environmental stewardship.
Mark J. Curran Book order






- 2024
- 2023
Set against the vibrant backdrop of Colombia, this adventure travel narrative captures exhilarating experiences and unexpected challenges. The author shares thrilling escapades through lush landscapes and bustling cities, highlighting the rich culture and diverse environments. Moments of mayhem showcase both the beauty and unpredictability of travel, offering readers a glimpse into the heart of Colombia's adventurous spirit. Engaging anecdotes and vivid descriptions bring the journey to life, making it a compelling read for thrill-seekers and travel enthusiasts alike.
- 2023
The narrative follows Professor Mike O'Brien and his wife, Professor Mariah Palafox O'Brien, as they navigate life in Abilene while working on a history project and preparing for a Fulbright trip to Brazil in 1971. The couple explores cultural intersections, with Mike discussing Abilene's cowboy history and Mariah focusing on American literature classics. Their journey introduces them to notable figures in military and literature, while their diverse heritages add depth to their experiences. The book intertwines personal growth with rich cultural exploration.
- 2023
The Writing and Publishing Journey
- 156 pages
- 6 hours of reading
Focusing on the author's extensive body of work, this compilation chronicles Professor Curran's writings, spanning academic books, cultural texts, and fiction experiments. Each volume features a full-color cover image and offers insights into the creation process, detailing the timeline, motivations, and challenges faced in publishing. The conversational narrative invites both academics and aspiring writers to connect with the author's experiences, making it an engaging exploration of the writing and publishing journey.
- 2022
Set against the backdrop of Guatemala's rich Maya heritage, two adventurers, Professor Mike Gaherty and AT Leader Amy Carrier, explore key locations like Antigua and Tikal while researching potential travel trips. Their journey highlights the resilience of the Maya people amidst challenges following the 1976 earthquake and ongoing political unrest. As they delve into the intertwined histories and cultures of the region, they encounter unexpected dangers and must navigate tough choices that could impact future travel plans.
- 2022
The Master of the "Literatura De Cordel" Leandro Gomes De Barros
A Bilingual Anthology of Selected Works
- 286 pages
- 11 hours of reading
Focusing on the influential poet Leandro Gomes de Barros, this bilingual anthology showcases selected works and offers insights into the "Literatura de Cordel," a unique Brazilian literary form. Professor Curran revisits his early research from the 1960s, exploring themes such as politics, culture, and societal changes in Brazil. The book includes commentary on Barros's contributions and the oral poetic traditions of the time, highlighting the challenges and joys of translating his work into English.
- 2022
Exploring the complexities of friendship and loyalty, this novel delves into the lives of two individuals whose paths intertwine in unexpected ways. As they navigate personal struggles and societal challenges, their bond is tested by external pressures and internal conflicts. Themes of resilience and the impact of choices are woven throughout the narrative, offering a poignant reflection on the human experience. The characters' journey is both relatable and thought-provoking, inviting readers to consider the depth of relationships and the consequences of their actions.
- 2021
Set against the backdrop of Brazil's political turmoil in 1984, the narrative follows Professor Mike Gaherty as he resumes his research and reporting after a 13-year hiatus imposed by censorship. Tasked with covering the "Direct Elections Now" movement for the New York Times, he navigates old friendships, rekindles ties with musician Chico Buarque, and updates his studies on "Literatura de Cordel." Amidst the watchful eyes of the DOPS security agency, Mike's journey intertwines with Brazilian culture, nostalgia, and the complexities of past romantic entanglements.
- 2021
The Collection
- 326 pages
- 12 hours of reading
Focusing on Brazil's "Literatura de Cordel," this book provides an in-depth introduction to the Mark J. Curran Collection housed at Tulane University. It chronicles the assembly of the collection, highlighting primary sources, notable poets, and the traditional stands that sold broadsides from the mid-1960s to 2013. The narrative is enriched with photographs and brief biographies of key figures in the cordel tradition. Additionally, the second part includes comprehensive lists of broadsides and secondary sources, making it an essential resource for researchers and enthusiasts alike.
- 2021
Rural Odyssey Iii Dreams Fulfilled and Back to Abilene
A Fictional and Historical Narrative
- 220 pages
- 8 hours of reading
Focusing on the fulfillment of dreams, this narrative follows Mike O'Brien and Mariah Palafox as they achieve their goals of graduate education and embark on travels and research in Mexico. Upon returning to Abilene, they encounter new adventures that enrich their lives. This third installment in the series weaves fictionalized elements with historical context, continuing the journey inspired by Mark Curran's autobiography.