“If your library has no other book on Mongolia, this should be this one.” Randall K. Barry, acquisitions and cataloging librarian for Mongolian materials at the Library of Congress, Washington, DC. (read full review here)
“I have never seen, let alone read, a more beautiful book than Moving with the Seasons: Portrait of a Mongolian Family. Ms. Carter’s wonderful photographs and her captivating prose will capture your heart and mind. This well written and researched book is about the people themselves, not a travel log of the experiences of a tourist. It takes you through the four seasons with a nomad family, reporting on the trials and tribulations that they face daily. This book is nothing short of amazing and was a joy to read. I highly recommend it to one and all this holiday season. It would make a wonderful gift for someone that likes to travel or enjoys reading about exotic and far-away places.”
ReaderViews.com
“In an age when most travellers whiz about the globe at light speed, Liza Carter prefers a slower pace that has given her a rare and in-depth look at the fast-disappearing nomadic culture of Mongolia. Her timely book displays extraordinary passion and sensitivity for the people she meets and with a careful eye she brings her reader into the cozy felt gers that the Mongols have called home for centuries. The news cycle in Mongolia tends to focus on the country’s mining boom, evolving business culture, and political tumult in the capital, but Liza Carter instead paints a portrait of a traditional nomad family as they struggle to survive the harsh landscape and unforgiving climate in a land once considered the greatest empire on Earth.”
Michael Kohn, Author of Lonely Planet’s Guide to Mongolia
“This beautifully illustrated and well-researched story is a tribute to the life of a typical Mongolian herding family. We are given a glimpse into just how close many people live to the edge of survival. Their environment is becoming harsher with the impacts of climate change––raising the question of how much longer they can remain nomadic herders. This book is timely and important.”
Clyde E. Goulden, Ph.D., Director, Institute for Mongolian Biodiversity and Ecological Studies, Academy of Natural Sciences
“In this well-written and engaging volume, Liza Carter offers a vivid view of the Mongolian nomadic pastoral lifestyle in modern times. Readers will enjoy her descriptions of the herders’ shelter, food, customs, and beliefs. Ms. Carter portrays both the joys and difficulties the herders face in a difficult and often inhospitable environment and political landscape. Her anecdotes about the Mongolian families she visited provides the reader with insights into their demanding lifestyle.”
Morris Rossabi, Distinguished Professor of History, City University of New York. Author, Modern Mongolia and Khubilai Khan
“An illuminating look at Mongolian life… charming….even long-time visitors will find fascinating new facets of Mongolian herders’ life here.”
Christopher P. Atwood, professor of Mongolian studies at Indiana University
“…stunning landscapes [which] evoke the feel of the open spaces and invite the viewer into the more intimate aspects of Mongolian nomadic life… Ms Carter tells their story in a straightforward style that hold the reader’s interest with the inclusion of intriguing detail and personal commentary.”
Elaine Gaul, Curator of Exhibits: Mathers Museum of World Cultures, Bloomington, IN.
“As someone who has worked extensively with Peace Corps over a number of years, I found this book remarkable for conveying what it is like to live in a dramatically different foreign culture for a long period.”
Susan Miller-Coulter