A Bike at Large
Jo gives us a wonderfully described picture of his adopted home of the north west and its beautiful scenery. I have read all his other books when he was afloat mostly in Europe and all were similarly descriptive of the gorgeous scenery. I’m not familiar with this neck of the woods so to read of his short escapades by motorised bicycle was both amusing and absorbing especially when you realise these hills will be around for a very long time impervious to seeming man’s intent of building on every piece of flat land available . Lovely book, feel the fresh air, the peace and quiet, the wild life and dream you are there with Jo puffing his way up those inclines.
Lesley
BOAT BOOKS
A Narrowboat at Large
“A really good read….”
Very well narrated, feeling like you were there on their journey! Lovely to hear of cruising the canals without too many disasters that water and boats can create.... smashing.
A Barge at Large
“Best Barging book ever!”
Excellent read a humorous take on real canal life, and the contribution from the pet just nailed it for me a very clever and entertaining style of writing can't wait for the next book, brilliant!
A Barge at Large II
“A completely different laugh out loud”
I am two thirds the way through this the third book, having read the first two. They are completely different read, even if "messing about" on a long boat on the canals of England and mainland Europe may not be your thing the "situation" humour had me cackling to myself all the way through all three books. The self-deprecating attitude of the author is clearly very honest and at times poignant. I would recommend these three books to anyone who want a little emotional escape and just some light reading. Brilliant. I wish there was another 3!
By Email:
"Message: What an inspiration you are!"
In the autumn of my years I developed a blood cancer - not life threatening but life changing (according to the man with the knowledge). Anyway, my previous addiction to my bicycle saddle has faded due to some balance issues leading to a lack of confidence.
Due to some balance issues I no longer cycle, However, it doesn't stop me using my legs to walk. Lucky then that my wife's recent Parkinson’s diagnosis has resulted in walks aplenty. Got to keep the brain to muscle connections in fettle.....
In short, I found it extremely amusing and it has given me a few hours of escape.
Thank you for a damn good read.
A Narrowboat at Large
by Email:
2 days before Christmas I tested positive for covid so I am confined to the bedroom of a small 2 bedroom house I share with my wife and teenage daughter I also have a passion for canals and canal boats which is not shared by the wife or daughter so sadly any idea of a canal holiday are zero. Anyway, I'm not a big reader only of Bill Bryson but my wife saw a narrow boat at large on amazon and got it me for Christmas it is the best and funniest book I have ever read and thank you so much for getting me through isolation I just could not put it down she gave me the book early just before Christmas and I have just finished it superb thanks again.
Dick van Bike at Large
"Thanks for a really good read."
It resonated with me because a lot of the places you visited are places I know.
I have just gone Electric myself and love it.
Don't have a motor home and at 81 don't expect to be getting one soon!!
Thanks again for a fab read.
Ken.
The Boro
I loved this book. Great humour and also a great description of a small village/town and the people who live there in a way that makes you want to live there.
Tab