Wednesday, May 21, 2014

Greg Hopkinson's Boundless


Boundless | Greg Hopkinson
Mountford Media
Published: 19 May 2014
RRP: $29.99

Available at booksellers nationwide or via www.boundless.info

 On one level, Boundless will appeal to readers who find Greg’s escapades from a near-death experience in an avalanche, through to doing business in the decaying Soviet Union, and few other adventures in between, fascinating. Others who are looking for more happiness and contentment in their life, but haven’t got a clue where to start, will find his journey to become a monk equally fascinating. Written in a down-to-earth and accessible style Boundless has the potential to change anyone’s preconceptions about happiness and success. The contrast between the Greg in part 1 and the Greg we see emerge in part 2 is testament to that.

Greg Hopkinson was born in 1958 on the West Coast of the South Island. The West Coast is a rugged, dramatic place that tends to shape the lives of the small group of people who live there. Greg was attracted to the more adventurous characters at school – all of whom had a natural inclination to extend the envelope of acceptable behaviour. He studied engineering at the University of Canterbury by day and partied hard at night.

After graduating he worked as an engineer in a diverse range of industries and locations before co-establishing a construction business in the Soviet Union as things started to unravel under Gorbachev's stewardship.  This was a tumultuous time – a phase when every aspect of life appeared limitless. Few foreigners travelled and engaged with the Soviets as much as Greg did during this period of rapid change – as a consequence he appears to have an intimate understanding of the enigmatic Russians of that era.

Back in New Zealand he established a very successful chain of retail stores with his wife and a group of friends. But as Greg’s marriage finally failed and he exited the business he went on his quest to find a better way in life. He found that and now lives in a remote location in New Zealand’s South Island high country with his partner Sally. They are both monks of an ancient non-religious teaching. He travels extensively and fills his life with the things that make him content – skiing, walking in the bush near his home, socialising and chipping away at a range of diverse projects.

Boundless, the book, is part of a bigger project.  Boundless Facebook, Twitter and website are now live and are already getting great feedback (from as far away as the UK).  More information on the project is available at www.boundless.info.


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