THE REVIEWS
N.B. Not all are flattering. Check out number 9. Bloody kids!
2. I'm just reading your amazing
book, the Lao Lao sneeze incident really made me laugh! Mark Rhymes
3. Just
finished reading this book and it 'twas fab. Lots of laughing out loud and
interesting moments. Thanks Mark Swain for sharing your
journey xx Tracey Davies
4. Friend from college (art college, back in the day) wrote a
book about cycling from Ireland to Japan with his 18 yr old son. It's fab! Inspiring
me for future cycling holidays with boys, but not to Japan! Larraine Rettie
5. Hi
Mark, Finished the book;
I have experienced so much reading it although I have never owned a bike! – The descriptive writing and relationship between you and Sam made for a very good read -
· I laughed aloud with the drunk getting caught having a piddle by his missus!
· I got hungry every time I read – proper food!
· I was astonished at some of the places you stayed
· And couldn’t believe the ‘risk’ taken when cycling along, going down waterfalls etc..
Brilliant! Ian James
I have experienced so much reading it although I have never owned a bike! – The descriptive writing and relationship between you and Sam made for a very good read -
· I laughed aloud with the drunk getting caught having a piddle by his missus!
· I got hungry every time I read – proper food!
· I was astonished at some of the places you stayed
· And couldn’t believe the ‘risk’ taken when cycling along, going down waterfalls etc..
Brilliant! Ian James
5. A
friend recommended this to me, and WOW. I couldn't put it down!
Not only could I relate to my relationship with my father, but can also see how this also relates to me and my children.
You find yourself wanting to know what is around the next corner, how they will cope, and will they see the next day, let alone the end?
I suppose the only question is where will they go next? I for one will sign up for the Japan to Ireland book if it ever came off.
I would recomend this to anyone, grab a copy and enjoy. There is something in there for everyone! Thanks. Richard
Not only could I relate to my relationship with my father, but can also see how this also relates to me and my children.
You find yourself wanting to know what is around the next corner, how they will cope, and will they see the next day, let alone the end?
I suppose the only question is where will they go next? I for one will sign up for the Japan to Ireland book if it ever came off.
I would recomend this to anyone, grab a copy and enjoy. There is something in there for everyone! Thanks. Richard
Highly Recommended. Bought this as a stocking filler for my
partner and he couldn't put it down. I have never known him to talk so much
about a book before. He is a keen cyclist and also has a grown up son so he
could relate to everything that was written in the book. This is much more than
a story about 2 guys cycling to Japan (his words not mine). Helen
6. The author of this book has created a masterpiece - engaging
from the first word. I did not get bored at all. The book also has pictures and
beautiful maps so you can fully engage in what is going on. Would
recommend. Lopez
7. Excellent. Well written, honest and compelling. A real
adventure that inspires the imagination. The descriptions of physical challenge
and emotional reflection combine to make this a great example of travel
writing. David H
8. Fantastic Read. Not the type of book I usually read but I
really enjoyed the book and the different perspective from Mark and his son
Sam. Made me want to visit some of the locations and avoid others at all cost.
Tracey.D.
9. A good read. Thank God this man was not my father; he would
have driven me mad. A very long suffering son. Steven
10. Excellent! A psychological, spiritual and philosophical,
inspirational connection between father and son. When I read the book, it
almost felt like someone was speaking to me. His experiences are very well
explained, I felt like I was living the experience. I would love to recommend
this book to my friends, if only it was translated in French. I recommend this
book to anyone, especially those wanting to experience the journey themselves.
Veronique
11. I love reading guides but not many travel stories as I
normally get bored pretty quickly. I just drift off to my own travels. However
this was different. I loved the fact he had used such a good opportunity to
share the adventure with his son. Such a long way and a long time, well put
across, thanks for sharing. W.G.Skipper
12. Mark and Sam have written this book honestly and from the
heart. It is a great adventure and kept me interested all the way to the end. I
liked their honesty and found it refreshing to read about a man who so
obviously wants to improve his relations with his son while also working on
improving himself! La Lucy.
13. Read it, you will love it! As you follow Mark and Sam on
their journey from the UK to Japan it is fascinating to read about the highs
and low's that they come across along the way. I love the way that you read
Marks version of what happened and then Sam's and how different the journey can
feel through a different set of eyes. This is an insight into different
countries and cultures and the great people that they meet along the way. It is
a great read about father and son relationship as well as the trials and
tribulations of an amazing cycling experience. An entertaining and interesting
read for all. Linzi.B.
14. A compelling read. I read this book in one sitting, which is
unusual for me, and found it quite compelling. Like some other reviewers have
commented, it can be enjoyed on several levels. The psychological journey
unfolds in parallel with the gruelling physical journey. Descriptions of the many
locations were fascinating and memorable and real eye openers - especially when
father and son stayed in less than glamorous lodgings! Their stamina and
openness is impressive. Recommended reading! Veritas
15. Fascinating website Mark, I launched 1 child (now 40) and have 2 teens to go... you're my new hero:) Seeley James
16. Something for everyone. So far, this is a great book! (I'm a
third of the way thru'). Never a true word said using the phrase `there's
something in it for everyone'; if you love to travel and want to learn a little
about the countries they visited and locals they met along the way, if you love
cycling (this book would equally be invaluable for those who choose an engine
instead of pedals!), if you want to do the same kind of journey (with or even
without one of your offspring!) and if you're a dad, (my son is 8 months old
and I have much to learn. At times reading this book, it also made me reflect
upon my relationship with my own father, which may not be a bad thing), if any
of the above strikes a chord with you then give this book a try.
One of the messages I have taken from this book so far, is that if you're a successful businessperson with a loving family; who `says' you can't take some time out for a journey like this, it's what life is all about.
It's fascinating to read what goes thru' the minds of a dad and his son during the long hours on the road and to read about how they deal with all sorts of challenges on route, it's as interesting to read about how they deal with all the `good stuff' that happens too.
It's extremely well written and has a nice helping of humour along the way, I feel like I'm on the journey with them, both physically and mentally, I'm looking forward to the next country! Colin.
One of the messages I have taken from this book so far, is that if you're a successful businessperson with a loving family; who `says' you can't take some time out for a journey like this, it's what life is all about.
It's fascinating to read what goes thru' the minds of a dad and his son during the long hours on the road and to read about how they deal with all sorts of challenges on route, it's as interesting to read about how they deal with all the `good stuff' that happens too.
It's extremely well written and has a nice helping of humour along the way, I feel like I'm on the journey with them, both physically and mentally, I'm looking forward to the next country! Colin.
