61°F
weather icon Clear

Educator turns love of travel into novel

Jim LaBuda educated youngsters in Boulder City for eight years before moving on to the world of higher education and now, almost 15 years later, he has found a new calling and is sharing the stories of his travels in his first novel, “Santorini Escape.”

LaBuda was a fixture in Boulder City for the better part of a decade, first as principal of King Elementary School and then Garrett Middle School around the turn of the millennium.

Since retiring from education and Nevada State College, LaBuda found himself looking for an outlet and found it in combining his skills as a writer with his love of travel.

After a few years writing the monthly column “Side Roads” for Destinations Travel Magazine, LaBuda found himself enamored with what he calls his second home, the island of Santorini in Greece.

“From our first trip to Greece nearly 10 years ago, we fell in love with the island,” said LaBuda. “It’s so beautiful and the people have been so kind and welcoming, now it’s like we’re part of the family.”

LaBuda set to work on a story of love, life and travel, much of it drawn from he and his wife’s experiences over the past few years, exploring and finding a new life after work.

LaBuda, who lives in Henderson, originally published the book as a romance novel but it has found a home with a second audience as a Greek travel guide, climbing as high as No. 17 on the Amazon rankings, out of well over 1,000 in the category.

LaBuda will appear for a book signing and presentation at 6:30 tonight at the Boulder City Library, 701 Adams Blvd.

“Santorini Escape” is available to order on Amazon for Kindle and at http://santoriniescape-lifeloveandtravel.com/

Contact reporter Hunter Terry at hterry@bouldercityreview.com or call 702-586-6711. Follow him on Twitter @HunterBCReview.

MOST READ
LISTEN TO THE TOP FIVE HERE
THE LATEST
Rating reflects teachers’ commitment and determination of students

There’s no better way to begin this school year than by celebrating a truly incredible accomplishment of Garrett Junior High School officially earning a 5-Star school rating. This distinction represents the highest level of achievement under Nevada’s School Performance Framework and recognizes not only strong academic performance, but also growth, teamwork, and a positive school culture.

Everything from A to Z available at Country Store

Whether you call it a garage sale, yard sale or tag sale, Grace Community Church’s Country Store is one of the largest of its kind in the area.

Homecoming: Small town tradition

There’s something special about Homecoming in Boulder City.

Student achievement main focus at Mitchell

Mitchell Elementary has enjoyed a great beginning to our school year as our staff continues to serve our students and families as their children learn and grow their leadership skills.

What is a PSA test and why you need one

PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) is a protein produced by the prostate gland, which is found in small amounts in the blood. The PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) test is a blood test used to screen for prostate health and to help detect prostate cancer.

Wurst Fest kicks off fall event season

For nearly three decades it kicks off a very busy event season in Boulder City; one that goes up into the holidays.

Chugging Along

Photos by Ron Eland/Boulder City Review

Class In Session: Bobcats hit the ground running

The 2025-2026 school year is off to an exciting start at Garrett Junior High School. From impressive academic growth to new STEAM classes, our Bobcats are showing what it means to learn, lead, and succeed.

BCHS going strong at 85

The 2025–26 school year is off to a fantastic start at Boulder City High School.

Falls at home place seniors at significant risk

We may crack up watching slip and fall accidents on TikTok or “America’s Funniest Home Videos”, but in real life, especially for seniors, it’s no laughing matter.