Gui Ren: Extraordinary Stories of Ordinary People

Gui Ren is a written Chinese phrase that encompasses the synchronicity of people entering your life with purposeful timing to help guide you through difficult challenges. Erin O'Neil graduated from college with a plane ticket across the globe and her dream job in hand. She had all the building blocks in place for a successful post-graduate career and a thrilling adventure. But when all fell tumbling down on her, and she found herself stranded in Shanghai, China, unemployed and heartbroken, she knew she had a decision to make.

Gui Ren is about a young woman's mission to prove that there is always a choice; that it's possible to perceive a devastating loss as an opportunity to grow. It's about the synchronicity of adventure and the people who impacted her life along the way. Erin began to discover meaningful connections and unanticipated friendships as she traveled through China, Hong Kong, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Taiwan, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam. Gui Ren is about travel, love, vulnerability, and transformation. It is about the places that left her breathless and the people who changed her life forever.

Reviews (courtesy of Amazon.com & Goodreads.com):

“Gui Ren is light on travel itineraries or details about destinations but is rich in inspiration to travel, respect for Asian cultures, and positive reflection on humanity.”

“Erin captures you and takes you on a journey that stirs emotions, teaches life lessons, and encourages you to explore what is possible. Erin has profound insight on life, love and how we connect to the universe and all those that engage. A must read for young adults to 100+.”

“While not heavy-handed in any way, the energy Erin is expending in each chapter made us feel like we had to catch our breath. A great read if you are into adventure, travel, and storytelling.”

“I love O’Neil’s authenticity, her courage, and her honest commitment to being real, and to finding the beauty in humanity. She takes us on a journey that I won’t soon forget, and while it was lovely to read about a part of the world I have not seen, truthfully, it is her journey of self discovery that delighted me most.”