When he was just four years old, Rene Paul de la Varre earned the nickname "schling," meaning rascal in his native German language. He admits to having a wild side from a young age and spending much of his life like a wandering nomad in the quest for knowledge and adventure.

This memoir retraces Rene's footsteps through America, Europe, the Mediterranean, and the Middle East over the course of fifty years. His journey pays particular tribute to his relationship with his father, referred to as Pop-a talented filmmaker, pianist, and writer. Rene candidly discusses coming to grips with his...