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Home > Long Way Round: Chasing Shadows Across the World
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Long Way Round: Chasing Shadows Across the World
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By Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman
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 (80 Reviews)
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Atria Books
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December 31, 1969 |
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320
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It started as a daydream. Poring over a map of the world at home one quiet Saturday afternoon, Ewan McGregor -- acclaimed actor and self-confessed bike nut -- noticed that it was possible to ride all the way round the world, with just one short hop across the Bering Strait from Russia to Alaska. It was a revelation he couldn't get out of his head. So he picked up the phone and called his fellow actor-slash-biker friend Charley Boorman and told him it was time to hit the road.... Long Way Round Beginning in London, Ewan and Charley chased their shadows through Europe, the Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, and Russia; across the Pacific to Alaska; then down through Canada all the way to New York. Long Way Round is the result of their four-month, 20,000-mile joyride. Featuring original diary entries, travel maps, mileage charts, and dozens of photographs, this is a freewheeling, fully charged, and uproariously entertaining book about two world-famous individuals who chose the road not taken...and made the journey worthwhile.
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Customer Reviews:
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 For what it is... it is a great read., March 9, 2005
By S. Box (Maine, USA)
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I normally do not bother writing opinions. You dont know me, my outlook, or how I relate to you.. so what is my opinion worth?
But after reading the slew of negative reviews I was enticed to add my .02. This 'review' will actually be more of a scathing critique of previous feedback than a true review of the book (which I do own and read), but the book review is in there.
If a person does any amount of online research, such as reading the description of this book before buying it, you will realize it is two fairly well known people taking a trip across a vast distance. Just this fact would inform most intelligent people that an A-List actor and a well-to-do buddy (d-list actor?) would not be loading up 2 mopeds and heading into the wilds without some support.
People get hung up on the description of around the world.
They said 'AROUND THE WORLD",
- not 'touching every continent',
- not 'around the world by equator
- not 'around the world by your definition.
They said they went around the world and they did. They took a route across the Northern Hemisphere that allowed them, with the exception of oceans, to travel by land around the world. They even made the choice to arrive farther west to the US than they needed to. They also chose not to stay strictly to the rail system from Eastern Russia through Manchuria.
You also need to accept they will have some sort of support, and accepting they will have some level of support, it was refreshing to see that it was really only 2 Chase vehicles and a Camera-Man also on a bike. The chase vehicles were not super-duper mega prepped uber-vehicles, they were pretty much off the shelf SUVs that also proved their worth in the environment that these travellers undertook. If anyone has watched even one or two episodes of the current crop of reality automotive shows (overhaulin, biker build off, monster garage, american chopper, etc.) on TV, you will notice that those single 1 hour shows have WAY more technical support that these two guys had. They have a bazillion cameras, chase vehicles, and often a helicopter to boot.... all in the US, on pavement, sometimes when it rains, but often they trailer them when it gets to that point.
So give these two guys some props. Amatuers with little true MC experience, 2 chase vehicles, and a camera man.
People complain about sponsored vehicles. Petty.
Sure, they are rich, but rich does not always = willing to throw my own money down when someone else will pay. Otherwise they would = poor. Would any poster here choose to NOT accept corporate sponsorship?
ANYONE, would accept free rides over some they had to pay for themselves. They just had the clout to get it done. And while they wanted KTM, BMW was nice enough to pony up.
People get tired of the whining in the book...
I found it refreshing. they did not excerpt only the glossy, happy go lucky, make me appear loveable to promote my marketability, parts. They presented themselves as they were; uncomfortable, tired, haggard, testy, and a wee-bit irritable at times. They presented themselves as people, not glamour queens.
(an aside.. while I hate the show, I like that Paris Hilton and Nicole Ricthey are willing to try something embarrassing in "The Simple Life"... they certainly dont need the money either)
And I guess lastly in terms of critiques, people keep commenting they thought it was going to be like (insert name of previous marathon adventure MC stories here). Well, it wasn't. I/We appreciate that you did not find it to be like what you thought it might be, but that is not the fault of the book. that is YOUR fault for making an incorrect assumption. Dont reduce your rating on the book because you were wrong.
ok.. so what do I think?
- I think it was a great, fun, read.
- It was not a grass roots book, but as another responder listed there are a number of other resources online and in print that I will chase down now that my adventure interest is piqued.
- It was not perfectly written, but that lends some credibility to the fact that it is 'their' story, not some market media mock-up to enhance their saleability.
- I am looking to get back into local touring and BMW did a good thing in risking their reputation with their bikes. I'll be considering them a lot harder despite their extra cost.
- I can not wait for the American DVD release.. I ALMOST am willing to order the UK version, but not quite.
* If you like reading about people taking on a challenge that 99% of the rest of the riders in the world would never even attempt, let alone accomplish (even with support), then pick up the book and enjoy their adventure.
* If you are a true 1%'r who will scoff at their nice new bikes, their support, and their complaining, then please save your money for your own adventure and come back to link to YOUR adventure so we can all read it as well.
(side note.... RoadRunner Magazine [ http://www.rrmotorcycling.com/ ] is running a great storyline in their magazine about a couple who are solo'ing (supportless) around the southern hemisphere. It is also a great story to keep up on.)
62 of 66 people found the above review helpful.
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Enthralled, November 9, 2004
By honest reviewer (Indiana, USA)
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I am hooked on this book and the show on Bravo. As a fan of Ewan McGregor, it's natural I would be enthralled with the book and the show. I read the book during my breaks at work and I hate it when I have to stop to go back to work. The route McGregor and Charley Boorman takes on this trip is brave and gutsy. That's why people think their trip is great, that it's not a normal route. They are essentially taken the "road less traveled".
It's interesting to see McGregor and Boorman being themselves. I am more familiar with Ewan McGregor, and it's interesting to see him being himself and not a character.
It's not everyday I start a book and is engrossed in it and I am engrossed with this one. You cannot put it down and there are pictures in there of their trip.
So, go read the book and if you miss the show, maybe it will come out on DVD, and then buy that too. I'm 1 for 1.
26 of 37 people found the above review helpful.
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Read the book and saw the show, December 1, 2004
By dharmabutt (Akron, OH)
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I saw the first episode of the Bravo series and immediately fell in love. Not only beacuse it's Ewan (and Charlie kinda grew on me too), but because what it's really about is the friendship between these two wonderful men. The bumps along the way serve only to strengthen their brotherly love for each other.
The joys and hardships along their path really help them to understand how small our world is and how similar we all are as humans. We all care about our children, a roof over our heads and a good meal, no matter where you are in the world. The times when they visit the Unicef centers just break your heart and make you want to sign your next paycheck over to this great orginazation. The BMW website says Ewan auctioned off his bike for 85,000 pounds for Unicef and a couple other charities. I know I'll be sending them what I can.
On a similar note, I got a response to an email I sent the production company and was told they will be releasing the DVD in the US & Canada around January along with the soundtrack CD. The title song from the show is apparently by Stereophonics (I've been unable to find which album it's on) and will be on the soundtrack. I cannot wait!!
24 of 26 people found the above review helpful.
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Long Way Round, May 20, 2005
By W. Knoble (Prescott, WI)
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I had to drop my car off to get the brakes fixed and I suddenly wished I could ride my cycle around town while I waited. I couldn't do that because my bike was still in the garage a few towns away. I walked down to get a book and a coffee to pass the time. I strolled through a local book store and was pretty convinced I wouldn't find anything I liked. I saw a new release in the travel section and saw the two BMW bikes and a couple of guys standing beside them. The guy on the right looked familiar. I frowned when I saw it was McGregor because I didn't even know he liked bikes. I immediately picked it up and turned it over. A couple of actors on an "adventure?" I smirked. "This should be a fun read," I mumbled sarcastically.
I picked it up and grabbed a coffee.
I was laughing outloud by the first dozen pages. When Boorman describes him doing a wheelie in front of his dad and his father's reaction after the wall . . . man, that was hilarious . . . because everyone's been in a humbling situation like that at least once in their life.
So what if they are actors? I'm sure all these 1 & 2 star reviewers would get a bad review themselves if they were held accountable for some of their own petty complaints. I bet you it wasn't on the back of a bike in Russia!
I couldn't put the book down. In fact, there were three days at work I was a zombie because I wanted to see where the two rode into next . . . and kept reading into the wee hours of the night.
I've taken cycle trips and spent 12 hours straight on the back of a bike. I love being so stiff and numb from riding that you groan when you lift your leg and get off. I love the cloud of dust when you slap your weathered and wrinkled leathers.
I'm only half-way through this book and I felt like I should drop a line to let others know it's pretty damn good. I like seeing the story from both of their perspectives too. I find it really wierd some of the people who read it were suprised the actors were whining. Huh??? Didn't they have a clue Ewan and Charlie might complain when they realized the authors were in fact, actors? Man, there's a shocker! I find myself wanting to rant and rave about the bad reviews because they are complaining about everything they should have realized they'd get when they bought a book about 2 actors taking on a trip around the world. One complaint was they didn't see every country. The book wasn't titled, "Every country." Long Way Round was the title of an episode Ewan did on ER so I'm assuming that's where the title came from. The title wasn't intended to boast about encircled every square inch of the globe! Argh! These complaints . . . it's like someone shooting themselves in the foot and then complaining about the pain!
Oh well, everyone is entitled to their own opinion . . . and I guess I should have realized there would be bad reviews mixed in with the good . . . kinda like people who bought a book about two actors, should have realized they might act like, gee, a couple of actors.
*Throws up hands in disgust*
I have a Yamaha V-Max, and ol' max and I have been on some road trips together. Reading this book has been an utter delight and I applaud Ewan and Charley for it and their decision to share the "adventure." Support crew or not, it's still an adventure by a couple of guys on motorcycles. Hell, I watch that kinda stuff on discovery channel all the time. Never once have I wanted to complain about the cameras that were there.
Reading it makes me think of heading out west with my brother one fourth of July, sitting above the shimmering heat of the highway and squinting against the dry wind, aching in every joint, and loving every moment of it. I'm gonna hand this book to my brother and have him read it when I'm done. If I could, I'd hand a copy to a lot of people, but I can't . . . so I hope this review helps.
Hey Ewan & Charlie, if you ever want to ride in the U.S. again, come to Wisconsin . . . I'll ride with ya.
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17 of 18 people found the above review helpful.
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20,000 Miles of Strange, November 16, 2004
By Gunny (Winnemucca, NV)
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Looking at a map of the world, you can really see that if you start in England and go east, there are just two big spots where you have to cross major bodies of water - the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. But besides that, there are a hell of a lot of miles followed by a hell of a lot of miles.
Well it's certainly not your ordinary Sunday afternoon drive. These guys, actors by profession, not professional riders decided to ride motorcycles from England across Europe, across Asia, across Russia, then after a short airplane ride across Canada and across the United States.
Being actors, what do you take along but a camera crew and you film a six-hour television documentary. It was shown on the Bravo cable channel, premiering on October 28, 2004.
The writing is surprisingly thoughtful, these two guys have more going for them than just acting ability. Still I wonder if they'd make the trip again.
16 of 24 people found the above review helpful.
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 So many better 'travel by bike' books out there..., January 4, 2005
By Craig Wright (San Francisco, CA USA)
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Quick, easy read, but without much narrative beyond trying to keep a schedule and reflecting on personality clashes. Yes, these two did take time out of their busy acting careers to make the big trip, but it fell short for a number of reasons:
1. Very little reflection/observation about the trip.
2. Ever-present commentary on the group's personality clashes.
3. Spent the whole trip trying to keep a schedule and focusing on when they could get back home; they spent a lot of time missing their wives and kids (hey, that's great, but didn't they think about that before hand? - is there a lesson here?)
4. Two friends wanting to get away from it all but having the luxury of being well funded with a complete support/film crew; this takes much of the 'experience' out of travel.
5. Two friends wanting to see it through the eyes of lone travelers, and in search of 'interesting' experiences, but then begging for their support crew and tagalongs the minute things did get a bit interesting.
6. Limited camping/outdoors experience, mechanical competence, and utter lack of research on the route, history or customs of the places they sped though.
Nothing against these guys - I do a lot of extended traveling by motorcycle and am envious of being able to do such a trip, but it was a sponsored/corporate trip (complete with book and TV shows) made by a couple of actors who haven't seemed to have cut their teeth on much real travel or introspection beyond liking motorcycles. Again, an easy and at times entertaining read, but there are much better motorcycle travel books that will impress, inspire, motivate and captivate other than this one.
15 of 22 people found the above review helpful.
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 Cheesy Riders, January 24, 2005
By C. H. Patterson (Little Rock, AR USA)
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So you two guys want to ride motorcycles around the world to find Real Adventure and Deep Inner Satisfaction. You're successful movie actors -- presumably with a lot of money. So what's the first thing you do? That's right, you find someone else to pay for the whole thing. You get BMW to give you the bikes and you finance it all by lining up producers to make a television documentary of the journey. You bravely set out on this True Adventure with an entourage of several people and two support vehicles.
Then you spend the whole trip bitching and moaning about the documentary staff being along, while simultaneously throwing Hollywood-style temper tantrums, having nervous hissy fits, screaming at the help and generally acting like spoiled three year olds. You cry a few crocodile tears at your set-up visit with Chernobyl orphans and reflect to yourself about how all this has further ennobled you and made you even more gosh darn sensitive and caring and all that stuff.
You have somebody called Robert Uhlig put together a book for you, but you use enough of your own words so that your preening, self-indulgent, paranoid personalities come out -- or maybe Mr. Uhlig just knows you well enough to write what you really think and could afford to be honest about it, knowing neither of you would ever sit still long enough actually to read the book.
You probably end the trip fighting over how to share out the money from the book and the documentary. If that's in the book, though, I didn't see it, because I chucked it across the room into the wastebasket at Page 137.
That's what you do if you are Ewan McGregor and Carley Borman.
Most of the words are spelled right and the grammar is pretty good. There are some color photographs, but they aren't particularly interesting.
15 of 38 people found the above review helpful.
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Long Way Round, May 20, 2005
By W. Knoble (Prescott, WI)
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I had to drop my car off to get the brakes fixed and I suddenly wished I could ride my cycle around town while I waited. I couldn't do that because my bike was still in the garage a few towns away. I walked down to get a book and a coffee to pass the time. I strolled through a local book store and was pretty convinced I wouldn't find anything I liked. I saw a new release in the travel section and saw the two BMW bikes and a couple of guys standing beside them. The guy on the right looked familiar. I frowned when I saw it was McGregor because I didn't even know he liked bikes. I immediately picked it up and turned it over. A couple of actors on an "adventure?" I smirked. "This should be a fun read," I mumbled sarcastically.
I picked it up and grabbed a coffee.
I was laughing outloud by the first dozen pages. When Boorman describes him doing a wheelie in front of his dad and his father's reaction after the wall . . . man, that was hilarious . . . because everyone's been in a humbling situation like that at least once in their life.
So what if they are actors? I'm sure all these 1 & 2 star reviewers would get a bad review themselves if they were held accountable for some of their own petty complaints. I bet you it wasn't on the back of a bike in Russia!
I couldn't put the book down. In fact, there were three days at work I was a zombie because I wanted to see where the two rode into next . . . and kept reading into the wee hours of the night.
I've taken cycle trips and spent 12 hours straight on the back of a bike. I love being so stiff and numb from riding that you groan when you lift your leg and get off. I love the cloud of dust when you slap your weathered and wrinkled leathers.
I'm only half-way through this book and I felt like I should drop a line to let others know it's pretty damn good. I like seeing the story from both of their perspectives too. I find it really wierd some of the people who read it were suprised the actors were whining. Huh??? Didn't they have a clue Ewan and Charlie might complain when they realized the authors were in fact, actors? Man, there's a shocker! I find myself wanting to rant and rave about the bad reviews because they are complaining about everything they should have realized they'd get when they bought a book about 2 actors taking on a trip around the world. One complaint was they didn't see every country. The book wasn't titled, "Every country." Long Way Round was the title of an episode Ewan did on ER so I'm assuming that's where the title came from. The title wasn't intended to boast about encircled every square inch of the globe! Argh! These complaints . . . it's like someone shooting themselves in the foot and then complaining about the pain!
Oh well, everyone is entitled to their own opinion . . . and I guess I should have realized there would be bad reviews mixed in with the good . . . kinda like people who bought a book about two actors, should have realized they might act like, gee, a couple of actors.
*Throws up hands in disgust*
I have a Yamaha V-Max, and ol' max and I have been on some road trips together. Reading this book has been an utter delight and I applaud Ewan and Charley for it and their decision to share the "adventure." Support crew or not, it's still an adventure by a couple of guys on motorcycles. Hell, I watch that kinda stuff on discovery channel all the time. Never once have I wanted to complain about the cameras that were there.
Reading it makes me think of heading out west with my brother one fourth of July, sitting above the shimmering heat of the highway and squinting against the dry wind, aching in every joint, and loving every moment of it. I'm gonna hand this book to my brother and have him read it when I'm done. If I could, I'd hand a copy to a lot of people, but I can't . . . so I hope this review helps.
Hey Ewan & Charlie, if you ever want to ride in the U.S. again, come to Wisconsin . . . I'll ride with ya.
-
14 of 15 people found the above review helpful.
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 Cautionary Tale, January 25, 2005
By karoshi (Dallas, TX)
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This is word-to-the-wise about compromise wrapped up in the clothes of a motorcycle travelogue. It's a great idea-McGregor gets an itch to ride around the world with his friend and fellow actor, Charley Boorman. Just the two of them on the open road, travelling incognito, meeting the locals, etc.
Unfortunately, like most dreams, this one didn't survive contact with the real world. Financial and professional contraints meant that the trip had to be planned and executed in an unrealistically small amount of time. They decided to pitch the trip as a potential television show in order to get financing and planning resources. This was probably neccesary in order to make the trip happen, but it drastically changed the nature of the journey.
Instead of two blokes on the road together, now the journey was two blokes and a cameraman with a large support crew behind them and fixers at every border to ease the problems with dealing with the locals, not to mention quite a bit of publicity preceding the blokes, so that "meeting the locals" oftentimes meant "media event." What evolves, then is that the book is less the story of this larkish journey than of the tension between the original vision of the trip and the reality of it.
Everyone gets on each other's nerves, of course. It doesn't help that the planning was extremely amateurish. It quickly becomes clear that the fixers and support crew were an blessing-they'd never have made it without them. McGregor and Boorman know quite a bit about riding bikes, but almost nothing about fixing them. Since both actors need to get back to work, they really don't have the time to linger in the places they're visiting. Their cross-continent journey is really more of a race, and a gruelling endurance race at that.
The authors alternate telling the tale, and their voices are distinct and their writing clear. You never really forget that you're reading the words of a couple of celebrities, but then again, most of us wouldn't have picked up the book without the famous names on the cover. Ewan, in particular, mentions his films on many occassions. He's an actor, sure, and that's what he knows, but it does make him seem less a "bloke" and more a "star."
I think it's fascinating and really refreshing that a couple of actors would take the time off for an adventure like this, even if the original vision of it was very little like the reality. It's a huge risk, both physically and career-wise, for these gentlemen, and I respect that enormously. My biggest gripe, I suppose, is that they didn't seem to have very much fun doing it. Between the compromises and the hard work work (often a result of naive planning), they seem to have had a very unpleasant time of it. It's an impressive accomplishment, biking around the world, even with a support crew and fixers and all, but I just wish they're been a little more joy in it.
14 of 18 people found the above review helpful.
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PAMPERED PONCES WITH NO SENSE OF ADVENTURE!!!!!!!!!, February 15, 2005
By www.danielburman.com (london, england)
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This was a complete dissapointment! i am addicted to travel, i love bikes and i even liked ewen mcgregor before this. i had easy rider aspirations set aside for this book, but gave up on page 105, after not being able to tolerate any more of these two moaning gits whingeing and their unadventurous outlook towards travel.
The fact that they employed an office load of people to look after them, had state of the art gear, GPS, had contact with officials along their route as well as an accompanying team of doctor, mechanic, cameraman and producers, kind of detracts slightly from any form of real experience. This would not be the case if they had set out to make a documentary about the cultures and people of the countries they visit, however they are too consumed with themselves and their petty quarrels to really engage the reader in any sense of travel.
This was one of the worst books i have ever read! just dont bother with it. ultimately it is just a banal account of two actors on bikes, written without creativity or flair, and ewen mcgregor just keeps goin on about his stupid i-pod!
As an englishman, i would appreciate it if any foreigners would refrain from judging me and my fellow countrymen by these pampered, self obsessed, drab faux-adventurers.
14 of 30 people found the above review helpful.
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Cautionary Tale, January 25, 2005
By J. Lawson (Austin, TX)
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This is word-to-the-wise about compromise wrapped up in the clothes of a motorcycle travelogue. It's a great idea-McGregor gets an itch to ride around the world with his friend and fellow actor, Charley Boorman. Just the two of them on the open road, travelling incognito, meeting the locals, etc.
Unfortunately, like most dreams, this one didn't survive contact with the real world. Financial and professional contraints meant that the trip had to be planned and executed in an unrealistically small amount of time. They decided to pitch the trip as a potential television show in order to get financing and planning resources. This was probably neccesary in order to make the trip happen, but it drastically changed the nature of the journey.
Instead of two blokes on the road together, now the journey was two blokes and a cameraman with a large support crew behind them and fixers at every border to ease the problems with dealing with the locals, not to mention quite a bit of publicity preceding the blokes, so that "meeting the locals" oftentimes meant "media event." What evolves, then is that the book is less the story of this larkish journey than of the tension between the original vision of the trip and the reality of it.
Everyone gets on each other's nerves, of course. It doesn't help that the planning was extremely amateurish. It quickly becomes clear that the fixers and support crew were an blessing-they'd never have made it without them. McGregor and Boorman know quite a bit about riding bikes, but almost nothing about fixing them. Since both actors need to get back to work, they really don't have the time to linger in the places they're visiting. Their cross-continent journey is really more of a race, and a gruelling endurance race at that.
The authors alternate telling the tale, and their voices are distinct and their writing clear. You never really forget that you're reading the words of a couple of celebrities, but then again, most of us wouldn't have picked up the book without the famous names on the cover. Ewan, in particular, mentions his films on many occassions. He's an actor, sure, and that's what he knows, but it does make him seem less a "bloke" and more a "star."
I think it's fascinating and really refreshing that a couple of actors would take the time off for an adventure like this, even if the original vision of it was very little like the reality. It's a huge risk, both physically and career-wise, for these gentlemen, and I respect that enormously. My biggest gripe, I suppose, is that they didn't seem to have very much fun doing it. Between the compromises and the hard work work (often a result of naive planning), they seem to have had a very unpleasant time of it. It's an impressive accomplishment, biking around the world, even with a support crew and fixers and all, but I just wish they're been a little more joy in it.
14 of 18 people found the above review helpful.
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I've read better., January 29, 2005
By Uncle Paul (Wyoming)
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As a motorcycle rider I wish I could take a trip like this with support teams along with me. I bought the book thinking they did this all on there own. While what they did is still a big acheivement this trip is far from what most people could do. A much better book is Dave Barr's Riding the Edge, in which he rides around the world on old 1972 Harley-Davidson. Barr is alone most of the trip and is a double amputee. No support teams for him.
12 of 24 people found the above review helpful.
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Wonderful book, November 2, 2004
By J. Hamilton (Georgia, USA)
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This book is beautifully written from the points of view of both Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman. The pictures used in the book are those of their own personal collection (made while on the trip), and they way they recount their adventures with such vivid language makes the reader "see" what they saw while making their trek around the world.
A must read for any Ewan fan, Charley fan, or all around motorcycle enthusiast.
11 of 19 people found the above review helpful.
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They are both amazing!, November 4, 2004
By OS (NY, NY)
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With the Bravo show premiering last week, I just had to go and get this book. I mean, c'mon, it's Ewan!! And Charley seems like a real sweetheart as well. The book is interesting and has made me want to go out and do something exciting (don't think I can really ride a bike for that long of a trip, though). I am in the middle of the book and it's so nice to see two Hollywood folk dive into other cultures and experience the things I only dream about. This is a must have if you ever dream of traveling and living a nomad's life.
11 of 22 people found the above review helpful.
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Travelling on two wheels., November 28, 2004
By Peter Hehn (Montreal, Qc, Canada)
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For those that love travelling by bicycle, scooter or motorbike you will appreciate the insights into the preparation, training and experiences of this trip.There have been longer trips around the world in the last few years but surely none as brave as this one. The chapter on choosing which motorbike to ride around the world is worth the price of the book alone and not to mention the great pictures, over 70, all in color. I always found myself looking at the pictures when Ewan and Charley wrote about a certain passage or country in the book.
This is how a travel/adventure book should be written.
10 of 15 people found the above review helpful.
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Long Way Round- disappointment, December 31, 2005
By Patrick J. McCarthy
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I was really looking forward to reading this book. A "get-away" adventure that would expose me to areas of the world I would probably never get to see and experience. The problem is, they gloss over where they are and the people they meet. Much of the book describes their own problems with being homesick and tired. They had a chance to teach us about the history or the areas, what people did for a living, about their abilities to help the people they meet--etc. But alas, the book concentrated too much on their own needs. The other thing that was a disappointment was that you realize how much of this trip was done through outside financing and the work of their support crew. It just becomes another story of the "rich and famous" and not realistic for the average person who dreams of that type of adventure. There is a lot of repetition in the way its' written with each chapter being written from both their viewpoints..., it grows tiring reading it.
10 of 17 people found the above review helpful.
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Chasing Shadows and Discovering So Much More, December 2, 2004
By KibaKei (Rochester, NY USA)
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I've long been a fan of Ewan McGregor and now after watching the series and reading the book I am also a fan of Charley Boorman. They are truly a lucky pair to find a friend that becomes so much more and to share an journey of a lifetime.
I applaud their tenacity, courage and compassion. They brought their readers and television audience on a real life adventure and shown us all just how different yet so very much a like we all are on this planet.
I also applaud their expanded support for UNICEF.
The printed edition is a lovely volume and the pictures are a treasure.
I do warn people to NOT buy the eBook version unless you don't mind being without the pictures included in the print edition. I was most disgusted by this short changing of the customer by the ebook publishers.
My advice - buy the printed book - it's worth it.
9 of 13 people found the above review helpful.
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Based in fantasy, June 8, 2005
By Plains Scout (USA)
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Okay. I liked the BMW Adventure motorcycle and the book was a gift from a cousin who knows I ride long distance on a BMW. Let me put it this way -- was the book an easy read? Yes. Will I recommend that this book be read by others? Yes, but with these warnings.
First I was really sucked into the view of the former east block and the descriptions of the people. Until they reached USA and started describing the American Indian. Two actors living in fantasy seeing what they want to see. They did not research what the reality of situations and circumstances of people are, but rather perpetuated the movie star myths of how certain peoples are more noble than other groups. It made me doubt the authenticity of the entire trip when they got into the movie industry "bad white settlers taking the way of life away from the more noble Native Americans."
Second, I really grew tired of the constant whining of missing family. What did they expect? And the satellite phone made them as close as a call to get their fix. It added nothing to the book. Very self indulging and distracting. Save it for the letters home boys.
Third, the support crew was complained about, but never told to go home. Great security. I guess the biker in me said -- sarcasticly -- either accept there was a support crew there to help or send them home.
Still for someone that is a fan of these two actors, and I frankly am, I was impressed that they chose the right bike for the task, they planned as well as they did and did not give up. That they road those bikes whenever they could and did not weenie out impressed me. They stuck it out.
They had a dream and saw it through to the end. That was admirable. Too bad part of the dream was based in fantasy and not reality, but then again it is only a book.
9 of 14 people found the above review helpful.
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Tries But Doesn't Fly, May 16, 2005
By nonnan (Paranaque, Metro Manila Philippines)
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Unfortunately, this book is badly written, that's all there is to it.
It's not about Mr. McGregor's whining or Mr. Boorman's fits, it's just that the whole thing is badly written. And it's difficult to try and finish the whole book because of that. Perhaps their co-writer should have tried to edit this a bit better or at least put some patina of style and syntax to it. Unfortunately, it comes off as rambling and boring. Which I am sure their trip wasn't.
If you want a travel book with an accompanying t.v. series written by a famous person, with a huge support crew, buy Michael Palin's books instead.
9 of 16 people found the above review helpful.
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Imperfect, but enjoyable, June 16, 2005
By Marjorie James (Kensington, CA USA)
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I bought this book mainly because of the similarities to Michael Palin's travel books (famous Brit travels the world with a film crew), which I love, and also because I am a sucker for anything on adventure travel. I won't say that I was thrilled with the book, but I wasn't exactly dissappointed either. The writing can be cringingly amatuerish, but the scope and interest of the undertaking is almost enough to make up for it. And you certainly can't fault the writers for their hontesty; in spite of their less-than-adept prose talents (or perhaps because of them) you get a definite feel for them as people, the good and the bad. And they did see some pretty awesome stuff. Overall, I wouldn't put this book in the pantheon of great travel writings, but I will say that if you are susceptable to a bit of wanderlust, it will certainly get you in the mood to hit the road.
8 of 9 people found the above review helpful.
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It would have been shorter if they did not whine so much, August 27, 2005
By James Grant (San Diego, Ca, United States)
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I started to read this but the constant whining in the first few chapters really put me off. I love riding long distance and would love to ride around the world some day. I was hoping to live this fantasy out through this book but I never once felt connected to them. They even started out the book by pretending that they were just normal family men trying to make ends meet when they are anything but that.
I would loved to hear more about their riding experiences or the bikes but we only heard snippets of it between them complaining about missing their families or the camera crew.
8 of 13 people found the above review helpful.
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The Road Less Travelled, November 26, 2005
By cc coach (trenton, michigan USA)
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Mr. Boorman and Mr. McGregor have written a fine companion piece to their documentary TV series (which I have not seen). Clearly ( in my case) the book stands alone as a delightful adventure read. Their descriptions of their adventure are quite vivid, particularly the sequences in Mongolia and Siberia.
7 of 8 people found the above review helpful.
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A journey that leads to your inner self, January 7, 2005
By The Creative
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A side note before I start my review. I am very upset with the producers of Long Way Round because they may not make a DVD version of the series for us here in the States. I found this out when I looked up the DVD version on Amazon and read that they not release it here. I signed up for the email update which by the way is also a way of voting to show support for them to make a DVD version for us.
Anyway off on my review. Have you ever been enthralled by journeys that delve into someone's soul? A journey so gripping that you shut the rest of the world out just to see what the next episode or chapter will reveal? Well that is what Long Way Round is all about.
It's a journey of 2 close friends Ewan & Charlie that transverses the world using motorcycles. I personally am not a big fan of motorcycles but the journey was truly enlightening. The pitfalls, hardships, the comoradarie, the support and most of all the search for the inner self.
This gripped me like no other. I at times, found myself riding along side. Trying to picture how I would handle the circumstances if I were there. Then I found myself yearning for adventure like this. For adventure to release my soul and push myself to overcome obstacles such as Ewan & Charlie faced.
Truly inspiring!
7 of 12 people found the above review helpful.
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Complaints about the bed your made, June 2, 2006
By Right Turn Clyde (the Palouse)
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I made the mistake of reading Simon's JT before reading this work. I failed to adequately drop my expectations, and was let down as a result. I say that on two levels. First, the writing, and second the riding. That Simon met with these blokes to shake hands and snap photos does not mean their "adventure" was on par with his. Second their writing, like the ride it seemed, was the product of some tight schedule driven by "have to's" versus desire to.
What these guys had in tech, support and rider skill (oh, and $$$) simply added to the chasm that separates their experience from the globe loop Simon chronicles. He rides the last Triumph from a closing factory, and they gripe about Bimmers vs. KTMs. They complain about the annoyance of cameras, crowds of fans, and annoying support crews, while Simon chronicled cultures and the terse psychology of a solo venture beyond imagination. And I guess that is part of the rub; they gripe and moan about the bed they made; they wanted the 'free ride' ride, but they made the reader wade (and wade, and wade) through their regret.
Maybe one needs to view the DVD set to like this work. I suspect that it, though, also grows tedious with profanity, complaining and bit-too-contrived journey of too guys who at once moan about a lack of funds and simultaneously reap the profit form this trip. Kudos to you two; you got to do a great ride, improved your publicity, and also turned a buck in the process (and still today, I suspect). And kudos to Claudio for putting up with you both.
7 of 22 people found the above review helpful.
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Long Whine Round, January 14, 2005
By W. Celtrick (Valencia, Spain)
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Not having seen the show, which seems to be what most people have based their book reviews on, I was sorely disappointed with this so-called great adventure!! These two yahoos claim they wanted the trip to be "....Just [us] on our own, meeting the locals like any other traverlers and dealing with problems ourselves." If that's the case than why was it necessary to have sponsors, "fixers" and doctors along as well?!?! Seems to me like these two Holywood types were afraid of any "real life adventures." They act fed up when the locals turn out to greet them (as if the whole point of this enterprise wasn't to draw attention to themselves in the first place), constantly whine about missing their families (this was their idea, was it not?), and complain about such trivial things as one or two mosquito bites. Stick to your day jobs, boys.
7 of 23 people found the above review helpful.
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Nice stories, motivates me to ride again!, March 13, 2005
By R. Xue
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I picked up this book from the local library with an open mind, not really sure what to expect. I think this is the key in reading a new book - other reviewers here (-ve posters) may have specific expectations, and failed to accept it for what it is.
I did not expect this book to move me in tears, nor do I expect a manual on adventure riding (or how to become a millionaire). I was just curious about what these 2 actors did, how they did it, and some ideas of what they had to endure along the way.
I find this book easy to read, entertaining, and most of all, it has motivated me to ride a motorcycle again after 20+ years. I am enchanted by it, and may just take up long distance touring eventually.
I got what I needed out of it.
6 of 7 people found the above review helpful.
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Awsome book for Anyone, not just motorcycle fans., December 13, 2004
By Durden (Alberta Canada)
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This book is amazing, telling such a great story adventure and emotion. Expected a book about motorcycling, ended up with so much more.
The book is written by Ewan and friend Charlie. Ewan is a much better writter, but its interesting to get contrasting views back to back. Makes one believe anything is possible. Well worth the time and money, just need to find where I can buy the DVDs now!
6 of 11 people found the above review helpful.
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Long Way Round: Chasing our egos..., October 3, 2007
By Matthew J. Landon (edgewater, co)
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As a guy who wakes up everyday, goes to work, comes home with more work and less time for his own children, I was really looking forward to some genuine escape, some interesting descriptions, epiphanies, maybe even insights into life on a bike traveling around the world. What I got was a couple of "priveleged blokes" to borrow a previous reviewers description, who really do nothing but whine about missing their families, complain about being uneasy in a crowd, and who really say nothing about the geography or culture they encounter.
I would give my eye-teeth for a new 1200GS Adventure, with a "full-kit," I settled on a book about it and doubt I'll even finish it - these guys bore me to death...
6 of 12 people found the above review helpful.
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NOT a Hardcore Trip, January 29, 2008
By Hired Gun. (Chicago, IL)
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This book is about a fully planned, fully prepped, fully sponsored long-distance bike trip with a movie star in tow. It is not like `Jupiter's Travels' or `One-Man Caravan', two excellent books about solo motorcycle travel...
I starting reading this book, hoping that by the end, Ewan and I would be 'friends' via his words and I would identify with his journey, as I am a solo motorcylist myself, having done a lot of long-distance touring. I found that his trip relates to me on virtually no levels.
Ewan and crew have local fixer, chase vehicles, and assistance every step of the way. There's no sense of danger or adventure. It's all a money making vehicle for them. All of the risk and spontaneity has been removed from their trip.
In the book, Ewan basically pees himself everytime he sees someone with a gun, as guns offend his narrow English sensibility. There's a lot of whispering and then they decide they need to leave there right away, as peril is imminent! Doesn't he realize in the real world, outside of the U.K., people use guns on a daily basis both as tools AND to defend themselves and their families.
And he does take basically any chance he can to speak down about America and what this country is about. He dedicates hundreds of pages to the rest of the world, but just a few about his 3,000 miles across the U.S. If you take Route 66 across the U.S., you can see things and meet people that would allow you to fill a 1,000 pages. He just dismisses the whole country as one big strip mall.
In short, this book is about a spoiled movie star, on a fully-prepped trip, basically riding a motorcycle with no sense of adventure or spontaneity. This book is for Ewan McGregor fans, not motorcyclists.
No offense to Ewan or Charley Boorman here, just giving my opinion.
6 of 16 people found the above review helpful.
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Read Ewan Whine, Whine, Whine, and Whine, April 20, 2005
By azindn (Arizona, USA)
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I bought this book as easy reading for a trip to Europe, lots of trains, time to get into a no-brainer kind of account. This is the tales of two very rich, very spoiled guys who decide they will ride from London to New York and see how the other half lives. What they give, through the efforts of a good ghost writer, Robert Uhlig, is the almost verbatim account of their much hyped tv series for Bravo also titled the same. Ewan moans and whines throughout the entire trip about missing his wife and family, who seem alittle dependent on daddy to make their day, while Charley Boorman manages to find his routine of bikes and more bikes rather shallow. These two manage to diss most every situation until they encounter people in lands where their priviledged lifestyle, bikes, and camping equipment are so far above the standards of living that it is obscene. At the UNESCO sites of children afflicted with radiation poisoning from power sites blown up twenty years before, to the little kids of the sewers, where survival is left up to fate, the pair of Ewan and Charley finally grow up, long overdue after their mid-30s life crisis.
A means to make money for two who seem to be aware they are taking advantage of the situation and complaining about how guilt ridden it makes them feel while raking in the bucks, the two should be less overt and more grateful they have the cushy lifestyles that permit them to cruise the worst roads on BMW's donated for their use. As if it cost them any money, this is capitalism at its worst, yet McGregor makes his trip seem as if it was a world-saving event "for the kids." Horse-pocky!
6 of 17 people found the above review helpful.
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Interesting Ride Through Asia: Could Use More Detail, January 16, 2006
By Daniel Hurley (Chesapeake, VA.)
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This is an interest book on the travels of two actors who do literally travel the world on BMW motorcylces with the aid of a support crew. The meat of the book is when they leave Europe and head through the Ukraine and Kazakhstan, but the book is most insteresting in Mongolia where the two adventurers are more descriptive of the people and write something of their lifestyle. The book virtually is an oral history of the trip rotated between the actors, you read what one has to say and then switch to the other. The beginning is slow since each man talks of his initial love of motorcylces , which includes how each almost killed themselves at some point. The book has great pictures of their travels, particularly in Mongolia and in Siberia and where a truck driver went off the road but seems happy just to sleep until help comes along the way. The draw back of the book is that each man relates more of their personal thoughts often as a diary and, as another writer stated, they spend a lot of verbage on being homesick throughout the trip. The book would have been better if they had the asssitance of a writer/explorer who could have been more descriptive of the places they experienced. A very challenging trip particularly when people ceased to recognize them. I give it four stars because the trip was such an accomplishment with seriou travel hardships in Mongolia and Siberia (river crossings, mud and rutted and soft roads). For hard core motorcycle riders, this may not be your book since both riders have some mechnical ability but it does not appear deep and their descriptions of repairs are limited, which I would think would have been most interesting for the hard corp rider. It is amazing that something awful did not happen to them in the wilds yet does in Canada when they meet a teenager in a Honda Civic. Not a bad tale but in this case, the movie (the trip was filmed) will probably be better than the book.
5 of 6 people found the above review helpful.
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Excellent compliment to the series, October 30, 2007
By pixelgryphon (Mint Hill, NC United States)
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I expected this book to be a rehashing of the TV series, but I was wrong. Certain events overlap such as Igor and a memorable Mongolian dish, but 80% of this book relates events that never aired or were never even filmed. The book is written in a light entertaining style much like the TV series. One reviewer complained that the book was "just them using Ewan's fame to get them through borders", but I only felt that there was one time his powers may have been from the "Dark Side" of the Force. Hopefully "The Long Way Down" is done as well, both my wife and I thoroughly enjoyed "The Long Way Round".
5 of 6 people found the above review helpful.
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Readable... but only just, May 3, 2005
By Peter J. Shortall (New York, USA)
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Because I kept reading until the very end I have to admit that this book is worth the time but probably not worth real money. I borrowed mine from a local library and would recommend that others do the same. I can't imagine anyone re-reading this fluff or feeling strongly enough about it to pass on to a friend.
On the positive side, the fundamental description of how the big Beemers performed over 3 continents is impressive and the guts to keep going across all those rivers in Mongolia and Siberia is a testament to courage.
However, somehow all the good and admirable stuff seems to happen between the main storyline: sissies on tour.
If there is one thing that stands out about this book, it is the incessant WHINING mainly of Ewan ("oh, fame is such a burden", "the support team cramps my style", "I miss my wife and daughters", etc) but also Charley occasionally ("I'm afraid of camping", "the mosquitos are biting my bum", etc). My God, what did they expect when they set out?
The other strange aspect of the book is that in spite of Ewan's claim that riding across America was a lifelong dream he held, Alaska to New York gets only about 20 pages at the end of the book. OK one can't compare US interstates to Siberian yak tracks but does that mean you effectively quit writing? I think it must have something to do with the contract with their TV partner. It would explain a lot if Bravo paid for 12 segments through Russia but only 2 through America (including the highly staged family reunion a day early). That's how the end of the book feels.
I'm a weekend biker myself and I did a 6 month backpacking tour of Southeast Asia in my youth so I have some sense of the hardships in world once you leave the West but really, I expected a bit more from grown men setting out on the road.
5 of 9 people found the above review helpful.
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what is everyone's problem, February 10, 2005
By Jeremy Palmi
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I didn't read the book but am interested in doing so after watching these WONDERFUL episodes.
I figured I'd read what everyone has written on this but after the first 4 of 5 dreadfully lengthy negative posts, I stopped reading.
Since I actually saw the show and know what it's about, I'm just going to rely on the Obvious that I will like this book because it's the same journey as the show.
You all need to stop your whining and negative talk.
I'd love to do what these guys did. the adventures they had, the people they met. Yes they did have support vehicles but they didn't ride with Charley and Ewan. They only met up at borders where entering countries may become difficult seperately. Yes they did have people to work on their bikes when they needed it, but it wasn't anyone from their group. they were locals of the towns they were visiting.
If you were on a journey like this and your bike broke down, would you just say Hmmm, I can't have it fixed or it will pamper my experience because I didn't do it myself? or would you get the bike fixed so you can get on with the trip which is the whole point. the breakdowns were just obsticles, the same as the mud holes and road conditions. THAT'S THE WHOLE PURPOSE OF THEIR TRIP, To experience all there is to experience in the 20,000 miles of journey they are on.
For those of you who actually know what they're talking about and know what they're interested in, Please watch the DVD (Should be available in USA on Feb 15th from what I've seen. I'd recommend the book but I haven't read it YET. But I definately will.
I was amazed that two actors that COULD be living pampered lives with the money they make in movies, etc instead decide to go on this long trip without Plans to stay in hotels and such each night. Plans to be part of the elements around them. Yes people along their way offer food and shelter for them, but why turn it down, it's not like they were just laying back and relaxing. They bust their buts riding all day and Naturally need sleep, if you're offered a roof over your head for the night by people that you meet along the way, why turn it down? I mean, meeting people and seeing sights, etc is the purpose of the trip.
I apologize for this being so long winded, but I don't want people to be mis-led by the negative posts.
thanks for listening, Enjoy.
5 of 15 people found the above review helpful.
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The Road to Destiny, November 7, 2006
By author, Chasing the Wind & Fin.. (St. Louis, MO)
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I don't understand some of these reviews. I've read the book and seen the TV series, and as an adventure travel junkie, I enjoyed both tremendously!
Why do you call them whiny? I didn't see that at all. They did explain, right from the start, why they went for a TV deal. Not the best option for their personal objective, but the most practical solution under the circumstances. They weren't crazy about having all those people along, it was simply a necessary evil. I'd go nuts if I'd ever had to travel with a three-ring circus following me--but to be fair, I can go where I want when I want. My work is wherever I happen to be. Working actors don't have that luxury. Time was definitely a factor in their case.
I'm sure their respective handlers lobbied for the support team, TV series or no. There are always risks involved in adventure travel--I've had more than one serious injury myself (one required major surgery, the other resulted in temporal lobe epilepsy). For two guys who make their living in front of the cameras, well....
As to the criticism regarding their homesickness and/or concern for their families: we have here two healthy young men, away from their wives for almost four months. You'd better believe they were homesick!!!!
Just because they chose to realize a dream and make this journey does not mean they don't love their families or miss them. It might sound a bit selfish, but the heart wants what it wants, and fulfilling certain longings can make all the difference between being able to be a good spouse and parent, and ending up bitter and resentful, always wondering what might have been. To their credit, Eve McGregor and Olly Boorman seem to realize this.
There were several comments here criticizing them for using the trip for publicity. One could hardly call them publicity hounds, especially those of us who are American, natives of the bizarro world of publicity hounds. These two are flying way under the radar compared to Tom Cruise's high profile midlife crisis (now that he's head of UA, we'll never get rid of him) and Anna Nicole Smith's paternity dispute (Who's the daddy? Don't know, don't care! Note to Entertainment Tonight: video of her C-section does NOT qualify as entertainment!).
There was at least one comment regarding the British slang being a distraction. They are British, after all. If it had been edited out, then they would have been accused of not writing their own stuff!
And a final note I'm sure will elicit a few snickers: there's no such thing as coincidence, folks. From the beginning, it's Ewan who's obsessed with making this trip. He was very moved by the little girl they encountered in Mongolia. Last year, he and his wife adopted that child. He was being compelled, not knowing why, to make that trip at that time because he had to find her. Later might have been too late.
3 of 4 people found the above review helpful.
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Vicarious Travel, February 12, 2006
By Andrew Desmond (Neutral Bay, NSW Australia)
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I am one of the individuals who are a sucker for travel narratives. As much as I love to travel, there is very little likelihood that it will ever involve a motorbike journey around the world. Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman do just this and their tale is a delight.
While poring over a map of the world one day, McGregor noticed that a road ran through Europe to Russia and then Kazakhstan before moving on to Mongolia and back to the Russian Far East. He was hooked on an idea. This is clearly an option for a movie star. Time and money are less pressing. For the bulk of people the idea would remain just a dream.
McGregor and Boorman's journey is a joy. Sure, it may be self indulgent but so what! The journey is an experience and a pleasure to read. Don't expect a literary masterpiece but do expect to enjoy great vicarious adventures.
For most of us, the wilds of Kazakhstan and Mongolia are unknown. For those of us that live in western countries, having to live by your wits in a backwater is unthinkable. We all live such cosseted lives that so often involve little more adventure than commuting to work. Read this book just for the heck of it. You will be rewarded.
3 of 4 people found the above review helpful.
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Great companion to the show, June 9, 2005
By B. Hartshorn (Seattle, Wa USA)
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Many people seem to want to attack Charlie and Ewan for being actors and for having money. How about the book?
I saw Long Way Round on Bravo and loved the episodes I saw. I missed about half. This book has been invaluable because it has filled in the blanks. There are many things that are discussed here that weren't filmed. What some people have seen as the writer's whining; I took as a revealing look at the real men behind the image- Warts and all. Charlie and Ewan took a facinating riding adventure from London to New York; and traveled through areas of Eastern Europe, Russia, Central Asia and The Far East. They were in places new to most Western travelers, after decades of cold war and geographic isolation. Mr. Borman and Mr. McGregor have written of their feelings and frustrations in the moment. An honest, unvarnished view of some facinating places in the world and how They saw them. I think They should be commended for not sugar-coating Their impressions from this journey. The book isn't PC mush, but it is revealing about the places they have been and how they got there. Check it out from Your library first; but keep an open mind. You will want to buy it after all.
3 of 4 people found the above review helpful.
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If you like the series, you'll like the book, April 15, 2010
By David Grimm (Fort Worth, Texas USA)
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I purchased this book after watching and enjoying the TV series I saw on DVD. I was concerned that the books would be redundant to the DVD, but it is really complementary to the series. The book highlights to a greater detail the emotions and friction between the team. It dwells upon the homesickness they felt and the interactions between the locals and the team. It contains information left out of the series and if you like the series, you'll no doubt enjoy this book.
2 of 2 people found the above review helpful.
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Awesome !, December 15, 2006
By The Ancient Mariner (Angus, Scotland.)
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What an awesome book, recording an awesome experience. As a biker myself, I was attracted to the book just to read about a trip that is beyond my means and abilities, but the book ended up meaning much more than that to me. It showed me, yet again, that wherever you go in the world (And I've travelled a fair bit of it myself in my work as a seafarer !) people everywhere are just people like you and I, when you get past the religious, political and economic differences that can so often divide us. It also highlights the fact that people who make a living in the film industry are not necessarily unapproachable, self centred and addicted to adulation. They can be warm, human and prone to the same joys, fears and desires as the rest of us. In short, they are human beings who just happen to have a good job. This is not just a good read about a motor bike trip of a lifetime, it is a book that rekindles hope that the world, and its varied people, is a beautiful place after all, and not half as dangerous as some would have us believe. Whether you're a biker, an armchair traveller or just someone looking for an exciting and inspiring read, then this book is for you. I can't praise it highly enough.
2 of 2 people found the above review helpful.
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Not as good as the DVD, but pretty enjoyable, December 27, 2008
By J. Bosiljevac (san fran, ca)
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In 2004, actor Ewan McGregor set out with his buddy (also an actor), Charlie Boorman, on two BMW touring bikes with the goal of traveling 19,000 miles, from London to New York, the "long way round." They travel across Europe, through the Russian Federation, across Asia, through the "'stans" and Mongolia, then catch a flight up to Alaska where they cross Canada and the U.S. It's quite an undertaking for two bikers with a moderate level of experience.
Some of their encounters in the former Soviet countries are pretty entertaining, specifically one where they're invited to a man's house for a feast, and after quite a bit of drinking, their host comes down the stairs with a guitar in one hand and an AK-47 in the other. By the time they reach many of the small towns, word of their journey has preceded them, which becomes helpful at times and frustrating at others. But by far, the most interesting part of the trip is eastern Asia, where paved roads give way to wide open land and many of the rivers are too deep to cross on bikes alone. Throughout this part of the journey, they're often forced to place their fate in the hands of locals who don't speak their language and have no stake in their journey, but are nonetheless happy to help.
As a piece of travel writing, this book has a lot going against it. It trades off between McGregor and Boorman in the narration, which gives some differing perspective, but neither is a great writer. As such, it sometimes feels like an amateur journal, and much of of the landscape isn't as vividly described as it probably could be. And because the trip was also covered in a documentary, there's a sizable support crew traveling with the riders, which bogs down the sense of adventure and at times reads more like a behind-the-scenes of a reality show. That and McGregor's celebrity add aspects to the book that aren't necessarily good or bad, just make it different from your typical travelogue. It feels more like a companion piece to the DVD. Frankly, though the book is sometimes enjoyable, I'd recommend the DVD.
2 of 3 people found the above review helpful.
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Travels with Charley, and Ewan:Detailed Vicarious Thrills, January 24, 2006
By Patricia Flannagan (Eustis, Florida USA)
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You need this book to get a lot of detail that's oddly missing in the DVD. The video diaries are okay but its nice to get deeper between the ears of the two jaunty bikers as well as they discover themselves and the perils of the trip. You learn the name of the huge Russian truck that gets them through the swollen river. You read about Ewan freaking over losing his wedding ring when the DVD makes him look like a jerk. You get more stories about what happened when they got to America and Canada,and the aftermath of the trip.A literary vicarious thrill.
2 of 3 people found the above review helpful.
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Its A Long & Winding R...o...a...d...To The Sea...., November 2, 2005
By dessert
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Yes the adventurers are whining here BUT they are truly adventurers at heart going thru all the emotions that affect travellers in remote 3rd world developing countries. If they don't whine, then they are not human!! Probably cloned.
I felt very invigorated and at the same time experiencing their frustration after reading their journey. I admire their tireless effort in getting their bikes to move across whatever tarmac, stones, mud, water, or any mere semblance of a road to see them through their mission. If you had to do it, chances are most would give up. But, they persevered.
They are so UN-cool as actors, very grounded and very humbled when they meet common folk who generously helped them even without being asked. It simply restores faith in humanity and brotherhood.
Altogether, read it for the sheer pleasure of indulging in the spectacular landscape in Central Asia.
2 of 3 people found the above review helpful.
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Entertaining book, though ending struggles a bit, October 10, 2005
By Babaylan (Florida, United States)
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I will admit that I picked up this book because I am a fan of Ewan McGregor. But I thoroughly enjoyed this book, for the incredible journey that he and Charley Boorman took, but also because their personalities really shone through, giving you an honest sense of how their cross-continental experiences changed them.
The whole book is structured like one long conversation, one long storytelling yarn by the fireplace. So it came across as very personal, and a nice read overall. I did find the British slang a little distracting, if only because I had to pause for a moment to be certain that I could "translate it."
I enjoyed the pace for most of the book, though it did seem that at the point when the pair were truly exhausted, the book lost a little of its steam too. There was an evident struggle to get to their finish line, which isn't surprising. But you'll find that the book reads like that as well.
2 of 3 people found the above review helpful.
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inconceivable, June 22, 2006
By Danielle (RI)
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I'm so baffled and delighted by the adventure these 2 guys embarked on, I've been wildly telling all my family and friends to check out this DVD because though it takes 2 sittings to watch the entire thing (you just can't condense 100 days into 2 hours you know), every minute is plain riveting. I would recommend watching the DVD's before reading the book, then you can better picture where they are and the people they meet while you're reading along.
Problem is, I'll probably never find anyone who wants to ride from NY to London with me now that these guys have done such a great job of documenting all their trials and tribulations! Really amazing!
2 of 4 people found the above review helpful.
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Language challenged, April 5, 2008
By Roger Slater (Spokane. WA)
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I only watched one episode of the TV series as it was yet another "adventure TV" with full supporting cast. Spotted the book in local library so decided to give it a go, BIG MISTAKE. Why oh why are not books clasified for content as are movies? Where do these two apparently well educated authers get off with their constant use of four letter expletives? They will no doubt say it is a reflection of the real world, I find it insulting and uncalled for. I gave up half way through what was in fact a good read as I could not put up with the filth that they presumably believe to be clever.
Roger
Spokane, Washington
2 of 12 people found the above review helpful.
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Hop on your BMW and drive away from this book, March 8, 2008
By Garry Beattie (NS, Canada)
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One of the great things about the best travel writing is that it not only makes you want to travel, you actually want to be there with the author.
Not only did I not want to travel after this book, I have decided to avoid Ewan and Charley and give most of Asia a wide berth. They are miserable characters and you actually wish something bad would happen to them.
2 of 15 people found the above review helpful.
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Great accompaniment to show, March 17, 2011
By Dan (USA)
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I watched Long Way Round on DVD and absolutely loved it. Once I found out there was a book, I knew I had to read it. I was slightly worried that it would be pretty similar to the show though. That was not the case at all. While the TV series was great, the book is so raw and real and I loved reading about the real emotions that took place on this trip.
I rarely read non-fiction, but I ended up finishing this book in under a week which is incredibly quick for me.
1 of 1 people found the above review helpful.
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Friendship, September 30, 2010
By Denise Buchanan
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This book is a great read...and the movies/documentary regarding their trip was amazing. My family could not stop watching...all ages from 12 years old to 45 years old. My hubby can not wait to read this book, even the teenagers want a turn. The book/movie makes you fall in love with these two fellas and root for them, warts/whinning and all. Who knew traveling thru mud and dust could be so entertaining and funny. The people they met along the way welcome them into their lives. If you have ever traveled to a third world country you know this to be true...the people want a diversion from the normal and would give you the shirt off their back. Charlie and Ewen are great friends and make you want to be a part of their friendship. Seems like Ewen's wife was so jealous of their friendship and making memories that she had to tag along on the next trip but even that turned out to be a good thing/experience. I have and do recommend this book to all my friends and hope you will at least give it a try. Dont have high expectations of classic writing skills, but know that it was heart felt words and just be happy to asked to "come along for the ride" You will not regret it!!
1 of 1 people found the above review helpful.
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More about the trip and less about the emo, January 16, 2010
By Never Read a Book Just Once (ACT Australia)
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I've just finished reading Long Way Round and have to say while I enjoyed the book I didn't feel that it added all that much to the DVD series of the same name. If someone felt in the DVDs that on occasion the sometimes snippy or petty comments between Ewan and Charlie were a bit boring then be prepared for a bit more of it in the book.
Don't get me wrong it is interesting and I have no doubt whatsoever the mental toll of a trip like this would be quite large. But I think it was Ewan who said early in the book how he was sick of the production team setting up staged shoots (like getting their portraits drawn on a bridge) and that the show would be more interesting if it focused on the actual trials and tribulations (such as Claudio not getting his license which could have thrown the trip).
In my opinion they should have taken their own advice in this regard - instead of whining about the production crew, or how someone hurt someone's feelings because they said the wrong thing at the wrong time - and focused on what must have been really happening. Such as getting stuck in rivers, thoughts of turning back, bikes breaking down etc. Maybe they thought if you get stuck in 30 rivers you only need to read about it once, and if that was the case I disagree. I want to read about every challenge, every obstacle and every person they met.
Sure there is an element of how the personal relationship is going and it has its place, but I honestly thought it just got a little too much air time in the book when there must have been much more interesting things to read about.
1 of 2 people found the above review helpful.
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Fantastic read for adventure travel fans., January 16, 2007
By book addict
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Having enjoyed the show on television I was a little apprehensive about getting the book. I assumed that these two thespians, as talented as they are in their field, were most likely going to be terrible writers. As you can see by my rating on the book, I was very pleasantly surprised.
1 of 2 people found the above review helpful.
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Two guys, two bikes, 20,000 miles., May 11, 2006
By Lady J (Kentucky)
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When my husband first brought this book home, I was hooked on the premise. As a motorcyclist and someone who wishes for the time and means to travel around my state, let alone the world, I knew I'd have to read this one.
The book opens in Magadan, Siberia, the culmination of weeks of strenuous riding through some fairly wretched conditions. Ewan and Charley are exhausted, but relieved. As I started reading the book, I was very aware that its authors were celbrities. But in the vain of great buddy adventures, these two (and their support crew including the intrepid Claudio), became a couple of guys on a couple of bikes riding 20,000 miles around the world, give or take a mile here and there.
The stories along the way - even the difficulties in Khazakstan - were the real journey, not the trail itself. While the trail itself was a bit of a story for the sometimes muddy, sometimes gravelly, sometimes "where the heck is it" nature of their path.
But it was the people they met, the places they went and the scenes they saw that were the real journey. As the old biker saying goes, it's not the destination, it's the journey. Perhaps one of my favorites parts of the book included a stop where Ewan had a lengthy conversation with an old eastern european woman, and neither spoke the other's language.
By the time the two reach their final Eurasian destination, you forget that these are two guys of celbrity statues. It's no longer Obi-Wan and (for me) the son of the guy who made Zardoz. These are two blokes I could see myself taking a week long road trip by bike with.
Their adventures are sometimes harrowing, frequently entertaining, and always enlightening. The journey is presented in an easy to read, but still interesting format that left me wanting so much more.
1 of 2 people found the above review helpful.
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Wow what a ride!!!!, January 15, 2006
By teacher sharon (pennsylvania)
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This was an excellent book and a great companion to the DVD series. The book gives great insight to the scenes shown on the DVD and the DVD helps the reader picture the experiences described in the book. You will go from book to DVD back to book over and over!
1 of 3 people found the above review helpful.
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I want to go on a trip with these guys!, January 1, 2006
By mrsewanmcgregor (Houston)
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If you like Ewan McGregor or motorcycles or travel you will enjoy this book. Ewan and Charley are hilarious at times and all too human in others. The desriptions of the different cultures they come across take you with them and makes you wish you had been there too.
All in all, a good solid read. I recommend the DVD series as well. It's brilliantly funny!
1 of 3 people found the above review helpful.
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It's ok, December 5, 2010
By Edgar A. Osborne IV
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So these guys want to have an adventure. Great idea. Then they decide somebody else should pay for the trip, because god forbid they spend their own money. Then they decide a company should give them bikes to do the trip, because god forbid they use their own bikes. Then they take a support crew...
It has interesting parts about people they meet and such that kept me interested. However, I was lost on the whole "adventure" aspect because everything was laid out for them / paid for / provided by somebody else. All they really did was ride the bikes. I don't really see much of an adventure. I've been on greater adventures exploring the unknown within my own state. They rode a long way, but by no means was it an adventure or was it not almost entirely planned out by their assistants. I could have done with a little less of the whining about family or personality clashes and would have liked to see more talk about the actual trip itself.
1 of 3 people found the above review helpful.
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Would you like cheese with that whine?, August 8, 2008
By Sapphire Dave (Florida)
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I enjoyed Ewan and Charley's first trip, and was excited to see that they were on another adventure. Having been to Africa myself, I was especially interested to see how the boys fared. I was very disappointed in the amount of time that the boys and the crew spent bickering with each other. Here are these two rich guys, on the trip of a lifetime, and they are complaining constantly! While their side trips to introduce us to various charities were moving, the amount of time spent complaining about the roads (did you think the roads in Africa would be pristine?), the amount of time on the bikes (should have planned better!) each day and about each other (this isn't your first trip, so you should know about everyone's little quirks) made the book a bit unenjoyable. I would have loved to read more about the places visited, the people met along the way and the sights, smells, sounds and tastes. Get over yourselves and RIDE!
1 of 7 people found the above review helpful.
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My inspiration for travel, August 30, 2011
By lonewolf
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First off, I dont get all the whining about the book and the whole trip. Judging by some of the comments, they obviously didnt read the book. No they didnt have an entourage catering to their every need. They made it clear several times they wanted to ditch the support crew and police escorts and just travel alone. As for the boys whining about things that happened, I'm glad they put it in the book instead of doing a light fluffy feel good piece where every day was wonderful. You're going to have days where things dont go right and you miss your family.
Are Ewan & Charley the first 2 to do this kind of trip? No. Have others done bigger or longer trips? Probably. But they never told us they would be doing something thats never been done before. The boys made it clear that the whole trip was about 2 mates having an adventure. The fact that they decided to film it and get someone to fund it is beside the point. If I could get someone to put up the money and the bikes I'd do it too.
I have to say, I'm not a big fan of Ewan's movies, and didnt even know who Charley Boorman was before this book and show. But now I'm a big fan of both guys. I found the whole story fun, exciting, moving and at times scary. What I do like about them too is even when they do lose their cool, they're man enough to admit wen they're in the wrong. How many other big stars would have edited the book or tv show to put them in a positive light? How many would even attempt this?
I loved the adventure, as well as Long Way Down and By Any Means. Great fun and made me wanna travel and see the world. If you dont like the book fine, but at least get your facts right before doing a review instead of accusing them of things they didnt do.
1 of 1 people found the above review helpful.
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A whole lot of nothing, January 15, 2011
By Rick (austin)
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First off love the two guys as actors! But geez, what a boring book. This should have been an epic journey and have me rivited to my seat...instead it was quite booring. Seriously, a around the world journey and that was it! Plus, seems as though your celeberty status made it an easy journy. What would happen if I made the same trip? Next time have Chuck Thompson ghost write your novel!
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Long Way Round, January 13, 2011
By Spider Monkey (UK)
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I found this to be a good account of their round the world bike trip, but also found it a little repetitive, virtually every chapter has a 'he said and I said and then he said' feel about it, which is a shame. It seems like a great adventure and the TV series showed that aspect really well, the book on the other hand is a little dry. Worth it if you're a big fan of the series, other wise you can give it a miss and not worry too much.
Feel free to check out my blog which can be found on my profile page.
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LD motorcycle must read, September 17, 2010
By Power Planet Forever
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Fun read. If you enjoy reading long distance motorcycle trip books, this is a good one!
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Wonderful product!, May 22, 2010
By Jessica Bloodgood
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Arrived before the promise date and in excellent condition as promised! Included three sections of photos from the trip which was a nice touch and tied it into the tv series even more; loved it!
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Great book, August 2, 2008
By B. Bates (Los Alamos, NM USA)
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Great book that should be a companion to the DVD set. I do recommend that instead of this book you buy the illustrated edition. MOre pictures and the same verbage. But, buy at least one of them.
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chasing your dream, November 10, 2004
By panos (Greece)
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having started to read through what appeared to be at first a travelers note-book, I thought that the only thing I would get of it was the fact that Charley boorman was a far better writer to Ewan McGrecor, leave alone the fact that the things he wrote about riding a bike shown a man of deep knowledge-especially the part of cornering in roundabouts in South London.
However after the first 100 pages you get a much clearer picture of the relationship betwin the two men and I have to admit that I had at some points rushed some pages in order to read Ewan's point of view on an incident or the other way around.
One of a kind! Especially because it comes from simple guys and not hardcore biker
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Fabulous Material, June 8, 2009
By Lou Baby (Queensland, Australia)
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It was a FABULOUS book to read!!! And having also purchased the DVD of the same experience, made it a FABULOUS combination!!! I hadn't actually intended to purchase the book as well, but it so happened and it made the whole experience, absolutely FABULOUS!!! I'd read the book, so far, then watch the DVD and so on, all the way through, to the EXTREMELY EXCITING end!!!
So I've just LOVED, the whole adventure and feel as though I know those two WONDERFUL guys and their families!!!
THANK YOU Amazon, for making this possible!!!!
0 of 1 people found the above review helpful.
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Colorado, January 25, 2009
By Rainbolt
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This is a wonderful trip. You get to see things that other travel trips shows skip.
These two are good friends open to try anything.... even food!
When you finish this title you will be looking for the next trip.
(Hint it is Long Way Down)
This is not just a motorcycle movie, its a view of the world we live in.
PS I do not own or ride Motorcycles
0 of 1 people found the above review helpful.
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Very insightful, April 2, 2008
By Random Reader (IN)
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This was an amazing book. Both men tell compelling stories and convey their sense of wonder about what they see and hear.
0 of 1 people found the above review helpful.
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Riding hard, February 9, 2008
By Richard A. Watson (Phoenix, AZ USA)
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adventure travel to expctic places has always facinated me. This book is a diary written by two men wh took an adventure tour. The descriptions of the landscape and the people they meet are intriguing. The expression of the feelings they experienced gives some idea of what it might be like to take on such an adventure. I highly reccommend this book it is entertaining and facinating.
0 of 1 people found the above review helpful.
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Inspirational, December 23, 2007
By Joseph Sarti (Bay Area)
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This book is a worthwhile read. I found I could not put it down as I was curious to what was going to happen next and the reflections on the experience.
0 of 1 people found the above review helpful.
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Page Turner, November 3, 2007
By An Morachaineach (Salem CT USA)
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I bought the book to read on a trans atlantic plane trip. I was laughing out loud and missed the movie which I had actually wanted to see. It's basically documentary so I was not expecting any surprise twists and turns and I didn't get any, just a really good well told account. I enjoyed the book and the "he said/he said" format. I highly recommend this book.
0 of 1 people found the above review helpful.
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Close to perfect, but no cigar., October 6, 2007
By J. Banza
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Good account of the trip. Photos and diagrams are very important features, it could however have more of both.
0 of 1 people found the above review helpful.
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Very good companion piece..., September 4, 2007
By Sheryl McCallister (SLC, UT United States)
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I loved the show when I saw it on Bravo, but thought, "More than this has to have happened on a 4 month trip!"
And so it did.
I'm particularly fond of the first person voice from BOTH men. Ewan seemed on the show to be just a little to consciously charming, while Charlie seemed to be something of a cry-baby--which I'm sure was a bit of a conscious choice on the part of the editors of the show.
The book gives a much fuller picture of the situations they encountered, and proves a much more rounded picture of both these fellows. And because I read the book before I watched the DVD's of the show again, it even made the shows more enjoyable.
All in all, I hope they do another book for their ride 'Down!'
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Great Story, February 11, 2007
By Craig D. Pindell (Cheyenne Wyoming USA)
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An excellent tale about a long motorcycle trip. Must read for bikers and those who wish they were. If you ever wanted to take a long trip off the beaten path, this book will either push in the right direction, or keep you on the sofa.
0 of 1 people found the above review helpful.
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Fantastic Read!, January 3, 2007
By Java (Los Angeles, CA USA)
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Fantastic read especially for a future BMW biker -- great trek and had to get the DVD set as well (full series).
0 of 1 people found the above review helpful.
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I'm so envious!, November 9, 2004
By Stephanie K. Roehr (Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada)
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If you're impressed by adventure, this book is fabulous. It's a great read because it's incredibly honest.
Charley and Ewan fulfill a dream with this trip and they are aware of it through out, even when it seemed impossible to continue.
It's a great ride.
0 of 1 people found the above review helpful.
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Wrong way around, January 11, 2011
By Lynn R. Thomas (Helper, Utah)
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If you are looking for a story about motorcycles, by real motorcycle guys, or about the challenges of a motorcycle ride around the world---This isn't it! It IS a story about a couple of pampered British Socialists who are riding bikes around the world on somebody else's dime. They have an entourage seeing to their every need--they don't even have to pick up their own bikes if they fall off. You won't be hearing anything much about their bikes (BMW's) or the ride itself, or about the nature of the countryside through which they are riding. What you will hear about is their activities in the evenings and whenever they aren't riding their bikes. From that standpoint their story is mildly interesting but I'm put off by their whining and worrying when, if fact, the major burdens of their trip are carried by others. This book is a more a study of the world as seen through the eyes of Hollywood type actors who just happen to ride motorcycles---a motorcycle adventure it is not.
0 of 2 people found the above review helpful.
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The Great Adventure Uncaptured, September 10, 2008
By TWISTED-IMAGES (Porterville, CA USA)
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A really good trip that gets blown by putting this adventure in
the hands of an amateur writer.
While this is an overall good story with some great adventure, I found
myself at times having to figure out what was going on because of a lack
in the writers ability. I don't know if this is a result of poorly kept journals or the inability of the writer to fully take on the opportunity to embellish on this tale and turn it into the truly great adventure that I'm sure that it was.As a result, I feel that at least half the adventure gets lost by what is not written. Furthermore,to sum up the entire North American continent in the course of about 30 pages was an extreme disappointment. Either they chose not to find any adventure in the this region ( I believe this to be the case as they seemed quite anxious to just get it over with by this point ) or they felt more compelled to focus on the more exotic,lesser known countries.
All in all I will say that it is a good read, at times fun, but it does
lack the overall quality that would make this a great book. I hope that
their next undertaking includes a better written tale to capture and convey to the reader their whole experience.
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Decent, June 19, 2007
By sseale (New York)
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This book was pretty good. I enjoyed it because it was about a motorcycle trip around the world. However, beause Ewan and Charlie are so privileged it was dificult to care about some of their problems. For, instance it was hard to sympathize for them when they were having difficulties getting someone to pay for the trip for them. Then after they get a movie deal to pay for the trip, they complain about how the movie production cramps their style. It really seems like they wanted their cake and wanted to eat it too. They could have just maned up and paid for it themselves, then they wouldn't have any problems of the support crew cramping their style. Similarly, when they had to cross a border, they had someone else take care of all the problems for them and were able to sit back and rest.
I did enjoy reading about some of the remote parts of the world and how they had to overcome some of the obstacles on their own. I think this book is worth reading, but I would reccomend getting it from the library.
0 of 2 people found the above review helpful.
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Long Way round..excellent book, February 8, 2007
By Peter C. Tam (Riverside, CA)
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This is a good, easy read. It goes best with viewing the TV series as well. The book goes into how both Charley and Ewan think and feel every step alone the way. They switch off on authorship every few pages, so it really gives a good perspective on things.
0 of 2 people found the above review helpful.
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An absolute whining, crying tour round the world!, November 17, 2010
By Zaine Ridling (Missouri, US)
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Ewan and Charley barely get out of their driveway in England before they start blubbering about missing their wives and kids. Page after page of crying is insufferable and now leaves me with a poor opinion of these two chaps. Had their turned the bikes around right there and ended it, we would have been spared this self-indulgent tour of two spoiled rich kids. First, they take a small army of support crew to help them, then they bitch about them and argue with them the whole way. Second, they literally cry on most pages -- for their kids, their wives, for the kids again, and more for the wives. Both must be extremely whipped. Third, the book is terribly written; grammar is almost nonexistent and you get no sense of the adventure, just of "getting to the next town" as fast as they can because they have a deadline. Fourth, once they hit Alaska, they spend days in lush hotel rooms watching movies and ordering in. Fifth, it's a small point, but the book is misnamed -- they didn't take the "long way around" but effectively drove as quickly from point A to point B so they could get home to the wives.
Don't buy this. Buy a Glen Heggstad or Robert Edison Fulton or Ted Simon motorcycle adventure book instead and be grateful you didn't waste your time here.
0 of 4 people found the above review helpful.
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good adventure book, April 28, 2012
By Sean McKinnie (Richland, Wa United States)
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Written like a dialogue between Charlie and Ewan - its a great supplement to the dvd series that gives you behind the scenes look at their big inspiring adventure.
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Tragic lack of historical knowledge, February 23, 2012
By stephan
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Recalling his final day in Magadan before leaving for America, McGregor wrote:
"Magadan, Siberia. The place that had been in my thoughts and dreams for two years, like a mythical city forever beyond my reach. I wanted to capture it, somehow hold on to it and take a part of it with me when we began the long journey home."
Does this ''''' (modakh: moron) know what he says? Maybe get a piece of Auschwitz while he is at it!
0 of 2 people found the above review helpful.
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