There´s no doubt in my case that it was books which made me choose this odd life and I really need to be surrounded by books to feel really content with life. For this reason I have written two articles about books I recommend:
1. 10 best books about adventure and travel to read over Christmas
2. 5 most complete travel books ever
Lately I have been given a lot of opportunities to review other people´s books and I have said no, because the books were just not interesting enough. I don´t want to waste my time reading nonsense. However, this last month I have received two really good books, so I have decided to do just that, starting as of August 2011 to review interesting and challenging books. (So, please, if you have a book you want reviewed, please send it to me.)
Desert Snow
One Girl´s Take On Africa
By
Helen Lloyd
I actually read Helen´s book during one night. A bad cold made it hard for me to sleep, so I picked it up and couldn´t stop reading. A real page turner. I think I even got rid of the cold during the read! It is a book that everyone who has ever thought about cycling or have cycled themselves should have as essential reading. Lately I have read three cycle books. Helen´s is by far the best. One reason, men and women write differently and like to female take on life. And Helen is no ordinary human being. She is brave, funny, thoughtful and writes in clear detail about how the life is being a long distance cyclist. And this in Africa, which is by far the most challenging continent to travel through.
Since I have spent 90 000 km:s and 7.5 years in the saddle, passing through Africa I can feel every pedal movement she does. I have never read a cycling book which so accurate describe this life on the road. Excellent descriptions. Her take on Africa is of course in general very positive, but doesn´t hold back on when she can´t take all the pressure it means being a white woman most of the time by herself.
It is a very easy read, interesting, her style is good being her first book and at times very funny. I think Helen is one of the most interesting explorers on earth today, on the young scene. Keep an eye on her.
My only hesitation is at times her controlled Britishness, with everything that means as regards to relations including love. Feelings come across as naive and far too controlled at times. I would like to read a development on this theme much more in future blog reports, article and books. Because we want much more from Helen!
I also miss her photos to illustrate her exciting story, but I understand it has to do with costs. because she is a good photographer as well.
Desert Snow, One Girl´s Take On Africa By Helen Lloyd is a book all travelers should read!
