John Groot

Taiwanese Feet John Groot

Canadian John Groot's walk around the entire coastline of Taiwan takes us through bustling cities, fishing ports, rural villages, military sites, and magnificent coastal scenery for a unique, intimate look at the country.

Groot first came to Taiwan in 2001, fell in love with the island and its friendly people, and decided to stay. Years later, looking for a big adventure and a way to forge deeper bonds to his adopted home, he set off on foot from Tamsui, traveling clockwise around the island on weekends and holidays, in what would turn out to be an eight-year trek.

Taiwanese Feet recounts this remarkable journey with honesty, warmth, and a zest for life. And great humor too. This is much needed as Groot braves sinister tunnels, crumbling cliffside trails, packs of stray dogs, long dull slogs under sweltering skies, and massive plates of sashimi.

The book is unpretentious, casual yet informed. The island's geological history is explained as Groot walks through diverse landforms. The travelogue also shows us Taiwan off the beaten path and introduces us to an unexpected and heart-warming cross-section of Taiwanese society.

What's more, it reveals in terms of history, culture, commerce, and temperament, how much Taiwan is a maritime nation. Taiwan's strategic location on China's doorstep has seen numerous foreign powers competing through the centuries for control over the island, and Groot unearths the fascinating stories of these struggles.

Taiwanese Feet is sure to become a travel classic and inspire readers to hit the road and explore Taiwan.