Reflections and Revelations in Autoethnography: A Review of Meaningful Journeys of Quest and Identity Transformation

Authors

Niroj Dahal, Kathmandu University School of Education, NepalFollow

Abstract

In this review of—Meaningful Journeys: Autoethnographies of Quest and Identity Transformation, edited by Alec Grant, Ph.D., and Elizabeth (Lizzie) Lloyd-Parkes, Ph.D., I have made an effort to offer my evaluation that explores the autoethnographies of quest and identity transformation (Grant & Lloyd-Parkes, 2024). The book presents a curated anthology of personal ethnographic narratives, each grounded in the foundational concepts, philosophical insights, and linguistic roots of “journeying,” “questing,” and both ancient and contemporary interpretations of “pilgrimage.” As an autoethnographer, even during the different phases of life—personal and professional—I have been through the different roots of transformation, and now, at this stage of life, I am considering them as meaningful journeys. In this review, I have tried to draw both myself and readers by extending the invitation, entry to each chapter, and my thoughts as an evaluation of the book. The book gathers personal stories that examine the themes of travel, exploration, and sacred journeys as ways to reshape our sense of self. It offers a wide variety of tales, from athletic endeavors and spiritual treks to individual pursuits, all highlighting how such experiences can profoundly alter who we become. This seminal book is essential for anyone eager to uncover the significant journeys and quests that have shaped their identity.

Keywords

autoethnographies, journeys, quest, transformation, pilgrimage

Author Bio(s)

Niroj Dahal (https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7646-1186), works as a lecturer at the Department of STEAM Education, Kathmandu University School of Education, Nepal. He also serves as an editorial board member of TQR. Likewise, according to July data on the AD Scientific Index 2024, Mr. Dahal is the 3rd scientist in education of Nepal. His research interests include ICT in education, artificial intelligence (AI), generative artificial intelligence (GenAI), qualitative research—action research, participatory action research, appreciative inquiry, arts-based inquiry, autoethnography, narrative inquiry, case study, content analysis, critical ethnography, critical social theories inquiry, decolonizing methodologies, decolonizing autoethnography, thematic analysis, narrative analysis, and collaborative inquiry (among others), mathematics education, open, distance & e-learning, STEAM education, research and development, and ICT & e-Research. Mr. Dahal has been teaching graduate and undergraduate students for the past one decade. He has also been continuously taking part and presenting his research and practices in more than five dozen national and international conferences, workshops, and seminars. He has published articles, research notes, commentaries, editorials, book reviews, books, and book chapters in various national and international journals and publication presses in ICT, qualitative research, education in general and mathematics education, and STEAM education. He has been contributing continuously as an organizing committee member at national and international conferences, seminars and workshops. Besides his regular work, he has been engaging with scholarly communities worldwide by offering his support in research, innovation, and publications. He also serves as the editorial manager of the Journal of Transformative Praxis (JrTP), which publishes a yearly issue from Kathmandu University School of Education, Nepal. He may be contacted by e-mail at niroj@kusoed.edu.np.

Acknowledgements

I would like to dedicate this review to the readers, writers, and researchers who recognize the profound impact of sharing their significant experiences through autoethnographic writing. I am deeply thankful to editors Alec Grant, Ph.D., and Elizabeth (Lizzie) Lloyd-Parkes, Ph.D., along with the contributing authors—Sophia Arjana, Ph.D., Alexander Boswell, Ph.D., Blayne Harcey, Reinekke Lengelle, Ph.D., Linita Eapen Mathew, Ed.D., Phiona Stanley, Ph.D., Rebecca Hedd Thomas, Simon Thomas, Ph.D., Tina Thomas, Jason Wragg, Ph.D., and Susan Young, Ph.D.. Their contributions have been remarkable in crafting the extraordinary volume Meaningful Journeys: Autoethnographies of Quest and Identity Transformation, a significant work in the scholarship worldwide.

Publication Date

8-5-2024

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 4.0 International License.

DOI

10.46743/2160-3715/2024.7508

Recommended APA Citation

Dahal, N. (2024). Reflections and Revelations in Autoethnography: A Review of Meaningful Journeys of Quest and Identity Transformation. The Qualitative Report, 29(7), 2032-2038. https://doi.org/10.46743/2160-3715/2024.7508

ORCID ID

https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7646-1186

ResearcherID

AEK-2733-2022