The Tenth Island: Finding Joy, Beauty and Unexpected Love in the Azores by Diana Marcum

"The Tenth Island is what you carry inside you. It's what's left when everything else falls away. Those of us who live between worlds just know the Tenth Island better. No matter where I have lived---I have never left my island."
             -Alberto to Diana, from the book


This book was free---an Amazon First Reads selection for my Kindle. I was intrigued that much of the story took place in the Azores, a port-of-call on our last cruise. Because of that and other factors, I really enjoyed the book. In fact, I gave it a 5 rating.

Author Diana Marcum, a Los Angeles Times journalist, follows up a Pulitzer Prize-winning story on Central California agriculture with a trip to the Azores. You may have guessed from the quote that her interest was piqued by the Azorean diaspora in California, many of whom owned or worked on farms and ranches and some of whom she had interviewed for her article. Diana had discovered so many Azorean immigrants in the United States that she called it the Tenth Island. She also learned that many of these folks returned to their native islands regularly.

My husband and I had visited Ponta Delgada on Sao Miguel, one of 9 islands in the archipelago. (I actually had to look up the name of the island. The port had been named but I'm not sure the island ever was.) Although the author spent most of her time on Sao Jorge and Terceira, I could relate to some of her descriptions of the breathtaking scenery, including cliffs, volcanic peaks, beautiful waters and hydrangeas growing wild and profuse even along highways. I also learned a lot from the book about Azorean culture---foods, celebrations, language and a popular sport which sounded much like their version of "running with the bulls."

I really liked the author's style---so down-to-earth, witty and quite personal. I felt like she'd be someone I'd like to know. The format of the book---I would call it travel memoir--was similar to Eat, Pray, Love but the vibes were so different. While Elizabeth Gilbert came across as very self-absorbed, Diana Marcum showed humility and seemed genuinely interested in other people. More likeable, for sure. Marcum has a delightful sense of humor, as well. I found her "theories" quite clever, e.g. "The Paper Cut Theory" or the "Willy Wonka Candy Bar Theory."

Overall, a delightful read!