Getting Rooted in New Zealand
Jamie Baywood, 2013
CreateSpace
224 pp.
ISBN-13: 9781482601909
Summary
Craving change and lacking logic, at 26, Jamie, a cute and quirky Californian, impulsively moves to New Zealand to avoid dating after reading that the country’s population has 100,000 fewer men.
In her journal, she captures a hysterically honest look at herself, her past and her new wonderfully weird world filled with curious characters and slapstick situations in unbelievably bizarre jobs.
It takes a zany jaunt to the end of the Earth and a serendipitous meeting with a fellow traveler before Jamie learns what it really means to get rooted. (From the publisher.)
Author Bio
• Birth—June 9, 1983
• Where—Savannah, Georgia, USA
• Raised—Petaluma, California
• Education—B.A., San Diego State University; M.A.,
University of Leeds (UK)
• Currently—lives in the UK
Jamie Baywood grew up in Petaluma, California. In 2010, she made the most impulsive decision of her life by moving to New Zealand. Getting Rooted in New Zealand is her first novel about her experiences living in New Zealand. Jamie is married and currently living in the United Kingdom working on her second novel. (From the author.)
Book Reviews
Giggle Worthy... It is difficult to write so openly about your life as you have and I found myself keenly reading to see what happened next. All your adventures with those crazy people sounded so dreadful, but provided such amusement in the way you have represented them. You make no real judgment on any person and I can tell that while you respect them as humans, you don't put up with bad behaviour, so that's an inspiration in itself. (4 out of 5 stars.)
O. Dale (Amazon Customer Reviews)
As a New Zealander, I really enjoyed this book. It was funny, and a lot of the things about NZ are definitely true.... I live overseas, so I can understand that no one outside of New Zealand really gets our slang and sometimes our accent, so that part really spoke to me! However, at the same time it doesn't paint a true picture of New Zealand, given that the author worked in terrible jobs, had visa restrictions, didn't have a lot of money, and stayed in run-down housing. Auckland, while being the largest city, isn't necessarily representative of NZ. Overall, I'd recommend this book. (4 out of 5 stars.)
Mark (Amazon Customer Reviews)
Honest Humor... A great read! Honestly and effortlessly humorous. I giggled lots and really felt for Jamie at her times of struggle. Thank You for sharing so openly your experiences, obstacles and breakthroughs. (5 out of 5 stars.)
Sparkles (Amazon Customer Reviews)
Really enjoyed this book, I have to say. It was funny, quirky, even weird in places, but always entertaining. Having lived in New Zealand myself, I can definitely relate to some of Jamie's experiences as a foreigner. Love NZ and love this book - highly recommended! (5 out of 5 stars.)
Polak (Amazon Customer Reviews)
Fantastic, hilarious & Inspiring, I absolutely loooovvvveeeedddd it. It is funny & absolutely honest. Very inspiring as it really draws reader's attention to read more and more. I can't wait now for her 2nd novel to come out. A movie should be made on "Getting Rooted in New Zealand". Definitely will be a super hit (5 out of 5 stars.)
A-dreamer (Amazon Customer Reviews)
Must Read Book - Hilarious! A real page turner - like reading a very funny / interesting friend's secret diary.Also a fascinating insight into life in New Zealand as seen through the eyes of a traveller. Jamie Baywood is the thinking man's Bridget Jones—with an edge. Would make a hilarious movie - but until that comes out the book is a must. (5 out of 5 stars.)
J. Hamilton (Amazon Customer Reviews)
Discussion Questions
1. Jamie decided to move to New Zealand to escape her dubious love life in California. Have you ever had dating experiences that made you want to flee the country?
2. What is the meaning of the title Getting Rooted in New Zealand? Would you have called the book something else? If so, what would your title be?
3. While in New Zealand, Jamie had a lot of temporary jobs. Which one did you find the most shocking and why?
4. Are there any books you can compare Getting Rooted in New Zealand to?
5. Who do you think should play Jamie if Getting Rooted in New Zealand was made into a movie?
6. What surprised you most about Getting Rooted in New Zealand or Jamie?
7. Did any of the characters in the book remind you of anyone you know?
8. Were there any quotes or scenes that stood out to you in the book? Why?
9. At the end of the book, Jamie makes another impulsive decision. Where do you think Jamie and various characters in the book will be in five years?
(Questions provided by the author.)