Reviews
Just a few of the reviews and emails I've received
They keep me going
A Bike at Large - Ordeals on Wheels: (A Wider Rider at Large is the latest in this series)
"Jo gives us a wonderfully described picture of his adopted home of the north west and its beautiful scenery. I have read all his other books when he was afloat mostly in Europe and all were similarly descriptive of the gorgeous scenery. I’m not familiar with this neck of the woods so to read of his short escapades by motorised bicycle was both amusing and absorbing especially when you realise these hills will be around for a very long time impervious to seeming man’s intent of building on every piece of flat land available . Lovely book, feel the fresh air, the peace and quiet, the wild life and dream you are there with Jo puffing his way up those inclines."
"This book is an inspiration, it's made me realise sitting in a chair is a downward slope healthiest...In places it was a real laugh His descriptions
of his travels really paints a mental picture, and takes you along with him..I was sad to get to the end...easy reading at its best, thanks jo."
"You don't have to enjoy cycling to enjoy this book - you just have to enjoy living life. If you do, you'll be drawn in by the self-deprecating humour and honesty, and the perceptive descriptions of the places Jo visits and the people he meets along the way. Lovely stuff...."
Operation Vegetable: (Operation Boomer is the follow-up)
"Beautifully written and most unusual hero’s - more please."
"Lots of banter. a colourful cast of characters and lots of chuckles."
Emails land from time to time via my website. The latest arrived the other day.
Dear Sir,
I must let you know how much I enjoyed your books. They give me great pleasure reading and make me laugh out loud when I'm down. In fact, at times I'm in heaps of laughter at some of your description of situations. On top of it the information you provide regarding the surroundings of where you walk or cycle are lovely and very informative.
Please forgive me if I made any language errors. I am Austrian by birth and I used to live in Hertfordshire for many years.
Please continue writing, I would love to read more from you.
Kind regards, M.
(Full name withheld for privacy)
One email from a stranger began:
'What an inspiration you are!’
That was an attention grabber if ever I saw one. He went on:
‘In the autumn of my years I developed a blood cancer - not life threatening but life changing (according to the man with the knowledge). Anyway, my previous addiction to my bicycle saddle has faded due to some balance issues leading to a lack of confidence.
Due to these balance issues, I no longer cycle, However, it doesn't stop me using my legs to walk. Lucky then that my wife's recent Parkinson’s diagnosis has resulted in walks aplenty. Got to keep the brain to muscle connections in fettle.....
In short, I found it extremely amusing and it has given me a few hours of escape.
Thank you for a damn good read.
Here’s another which cheered ME up one Christmas…
Received 27th December 2021
2 days before Christmas I tested positive for covid so I am confined to the bedroom of a small 2-bedroom house I share with my wife and teenage daughter I also have a passion for canals and canal boats which is not shared by the wife or daughter so sadly any idea of a canal holiday are zero. Anyway, I'm not a big reader only of Bill Bryson but my wife saw A Narrowboat at Large on amazon and got it me for Christmas. It is the best and funniest book I have ever read and thank you so much for getting me through isolation I just could not put it down she gave me the book early just before Christmas and I have just finished it superb thanks again.
P.H.