This storming book that is the second book from Nathan is a direct follow on from his ride from Australia to England ( on the same little 105cc Postal bike ) Going Postal as the title was in Australia .
It ’ s a very bravely written account of Nathan ’ s inner thoughts and often at the start , self loathing and plagued with doubts of just about everything – coming to the stage of breaking down in tears and contemplating suicide .
Nathan ’ s Running Towards the Light captures the real essence of a journey that brings the parallel of a physical journey running alongside the journey of a troubled mind and the perceptions and change that go along with such an undertaking .
Taking on a vast solo ride across the expanse of America ( and part of Canada ) shows you the amazing difference that people make to an area . How those attitudes that are ‘ grown ’ in that area or state as it is here can be so driven into the psyche . Changing attitudes , climates and views are all part of the wonderful story that has Nathan interacting with so many souls along the way . Never remiss to let you know just how much those interactions touch him , change his own opinion or on occasion reenforce opinions already held .
As the reader you get a real ‘ intimate ’ sense of the writer and it being so personal you cannot help but feel a connection through the pages – like reading a very personal diary of secret emotions now laid in ink and still feeling so fresh and raw . Injected into this emotional rollercoaster are some wonderfully historic insights of the places that Nathan stops to look around and explore .
The advantages and the disadvantages of the lone rider are expressed with a beautifully deep , rich quality that you cannot fail to be touched . The words are heartfelt while Nathan struggles with choices that have to be made ( or do they !). Sitting at a beautiful vista alone on a little bike personified with the name Dorothy is a thin , scruffy little bloke looking out as couples and families pull up with laughter ringing from the motorhome , you feel his aloneness . Then expressing the need for a challenge or some form of self-flagellation to be required to add an essence of worth to a journey is something that resonates in the heart of many a would be explorer seeking personal adventure and discovery and you would not be without these moments .
But this is perhaps not a story of triumph but of ‘ getting there ’ physically , emotionally and even spiritually on occasion with still more to do , as life always should be .
But there is so much humour and light caught in the pages and as the story rolls with an effortless ease and the ride comes deeper into the country you find that Nathan ’ s mood too takes on the lighter side of the landscape . Richer perhaps for the many interactions he has along the way .
From ageing cyclists meet in the middle of nowhere to toothless drug addicts in a McDonald ’ s forecourt – they all add to this tale that simply could not have been down without the touch of kindness that people and their kindness and Nathan is the first to not only acknowledge this but to celebrate the fact .
This is a very thought provoking book on so many levels and forces you , almost unintentionally to ask questions of yourself and how we interact with our fellow humans . It certainly shattered a few misconceptions I had on things . More than that this paperbound beauty causes celebration of the ‘ average Joe ’ out there against the odds with the novelty of a bike that is hard pressed to get over 37mph ! Time to ride , think and be a part of things , if only briefly and take that away with you . Making you richer for the experience in this searching story that does not fail to deliver .