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NON-FICTION, MEMOIR, travelOGUE (142 pages)

Essence of Tucson: The Story

 

Embark on the transformative journey of “Essence of Tucson: The story” where Aneta Hebrova from Prague is unexpectedly drawn to the vibrant deserts of Arizona. Guided by a shaman upon her return to Prague, she is inspired to come back to Tucson and document her experience in a book.

In Tucson, she delves into the town’s spirit through personal interviews with celebrated and lesser-known residents, exploring topics such as astronomy, birding, dude ranching, gastronomy, golf, history, cycling, mountain biking, the Sonoran Desert, and local cultures, including Hispanics and Indigenous Yaqui and Tohono O’odham. Immersed in their unique stories, our heroine weaves a narrative of personal growth, cultural exploration, and the timeless spirit of the Southwest.

San Francisco Post

In a captivating exploration of one of the oldest inhabited areas in the United States, Aneta Hebrova’s “Essence of Tucson: The Story” delves into Tucson’s multifaceted heritage. This meticulously crafted book has earned a prestigious place as a 2024 International Book Award Finalist, reflecting its unique blend of memoir, travelog, and narrative that echoes the classic Hero’s Journey.

“Essence of Tucson: The Story” invites readers on an immersive journey through the rich tapestry of Tucson’s cultural, spiritual, historical, and natural heritage. Hebrova’s work is not merely a documentation but a celebration of the profound connection between the land and its people. Through intimate interviews with both renowned and lesser-known residents, Hebrova peels back the layers of Tucson, revealing its essence in a way that transcends ordinary storytelling.

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Tucson Natural Awakenings 

Essence of Tucson: The Story is a captivating and beautifully written book that enlightens you with the author’s irrepressible spirit of adventure. This book is not just a travel guide—it’s a springboard for you to visit the Old Pueblo with intention. Author Aneta Hebrova brings you her unique perspective of travel combined with insights into finding self-awareness, personal growth and purpose in life.
A native of the Czech Republic, Hebrova co-authored her first book, Prague Green City Guide, with a friend in 2016. In 2018, while working as a freelance research and marketing consultant, she took a business trip to Arizona. She immediately fell in love with Tucson’s landscape, as well as the people of Tucson who embraced her.
Visitors come from around the world to enjoy Tucson’s outdoor adventures and the awe-inspiring beauty of the mountains and desert. As Hebrova drove from Saguaro National Park via Gates Pass toward downtown in the late afternoon, she says, “The desert landscape’s golden glow left me in awe. Witnessing thousands of saguaros bathed in orange light was a truly mystical experience.”
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Words and Work by Ted Prezelski

Words and Work

By Ted Prezelski

Writer and activist Ted Prezelski talks to authors and labor leaders. A presentation of the National Writers Union – Tucson Chapter and Downtown Radio. Listen the podcast on Spotify.
Listen to the Podcast

Catalina Foothills Magazine

As someone from Prague, what were your initial impressions of the landscapes in southern Arizona? Did any particular natural features stand out to you?
The landscape felt incredibly exotic to me. Witnessing thousands of saguaros illuminated by the vibrant orange glow of the setting sun was nothing short of jaw-dropping. I found myself in a state of awe, which is not something that happens every day.

Over time, you do become more accustomed to the beauty of the desert, but I make a conscious effort to recall that initial impression. The scenery seemed almost surreal, like a painting or a scene from a dream.
It was a moment when the natural world appeared so vivid and captivating that it was hard to believe it was real.

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"A timeless, poignant and esoteric journey into the heart of Tucson, and oneself."

-FOREST STARR

Finance Graduate at the University of Arizona

"With gentle curiosity, this young Czech visitor has opened the hearts of some of Tucson’s most admired, diverse, and cherished personalities to generously pour out their stories. Theirwords—and hers—express Tucson’s off-the-wall combo of diversity, like a verbal Tucson Meet Yourself celebration!"

-MARTHA A. BURGESS

Artist and Ethnobotanist

"Essence of Tucson captured my attention from the very beginning. Even after living in this region for more than 30 years, I found myself wanting to revisit old forgotten places and explore new local destinations. I was yearning to be a better citizen. Equally surprising was the author's story and her journey through this sacred land. Powerful and mesmerizing. Every resident and student of Tucson should add this book to their library!"

-PAUL C. BELLOWS

Author and Business Broker

"Essence of Tucson is a charming and affirming account of the magic that unfolds when we listen to our inner guidance and open ourselves to the beauty of the world that awaits. Hebrova gives a rare and intimate glimpse into many of the personalities that give Tucson its distinctive essence. Her genuine, unassuming interest in the Old Pueblo's inhabitants - both human and beyond human - takes the reader on a journey that is refreshingly less transactional and more connection-driven. A delight to read!"

 -NICOLE DEHAVEN

Interior Designer and Artist

"This story inspires me to keep following the cosmic bread crumbs in my life in order to align with my soul's calling and network as a means of community building. The way Aneta made connections on her journey and found a home away from home is heart warming."

-T.J. VON ISSER 

Therapist and Health coach

"Essence of Tucson is a personal journey into each of our own World Navels, wrestling us from the control of mediocrity and sending the reader on a quest to discover their own external world and their own navigation of it so as to always find purpose in the simple yet sacred beauty just a grasp away."

-NATURE GO’ER

A REVIEW FROM BARNES & NOBLE PAGE

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