Exploding Turkeys and Spare Trousers

Critics Review

• Travels and Aphorisms. This is one of those quick, read any way you want type books that you can read straight through or you can read a short chapter in a few hurried minutes, in any order you want. Those familiar with Christian daily devotional books will recognize the overall format, though this is a purely secular book based on Pasternak’s near 50 years of travelling all over the globe as a high level corporate businessman. Filled with short yet interesting stories, many of them apparently already shared on his LinkedIn page in nearly the same (200 ish word) length, this is a great book for someone looking for a light read or a businessman looking for a business-oriented read with some solid truths in that space. Very much recommended.

  NetGalley

• Fun and enjoyable read. Beware this is not a business or investing book but a memoir of the author’s life experience that was fun, unusual and memorable. After each small story there is a lesson learned that was informative and at times interesting. I enjoyed traveling to all the interesting places the author has been and experience some the most memorable moments especially the F1 stories.

  NetGalley

• This work is a series of short notes and stories, each of which is no longer than a single page, about various events in the author’s life and what he has taken away from the experience described. Think a format similar to Aesop’s Fables.

  This was a quick read for me. Each story was well-written and concise. This work would make an excellent gift book, or perhaps a restroom reader.

  NetGalley

• Love this book for its comfortable conversation, the feeling of the author’s presence. It is easy to read and plenty to learn. Simple stories with simple conclusions that drive you through the wisdom of the author aka coaching you through storytelling.

  NetGalley

• They say you can’t judge a book by its cover – or by its title – but I was immediately intrigued and hooked by both when introduced to Ken Pastenak’s wonderful new work, “Exploding Turkeys and Spare Trousers.” Part travelogue, part memoir, and part business book, with each vignette the author transports us in time and place, taking us along with him on a journey of international exploration and discovery. Through his insightful and often-humorous storytelling, reading this snapshot-filled book often felt like a chat with an old friend walking you through his business trip photo album, sharing one interesting and entertaining tale after another…each accompanied by a universal lesson in leadership and in life. And, as it can be read in any order – either from start-to-finish or at random – these light and tasty, appetizer-sized chapters collectively add up to one sumptuous and memorable meal.

  Amazon

• This book is a heartwarming and uplifting read. The best part is how much the reader can identify with the life lessons, Mr. Pasternak has learned from his travels and encounters. And yes, these lessons are useful in business, but carryover to all of our shared experiences. The self effacing humor makes this little gem an easy read. Highly recommend.

  Amazon