BOOK REVIEWS
Dirt And Dust Amelia Olsen with Riley Olsen 2021 ISBN 978-1-9225975-5-7
With a laugh and plenty of tears you ’ ll be drawn into Dirt And Dust , the journey of mother and son to reach Australia ’ s most northern tip whilst admitting that both had extraordinarily little experience motorcycle riding , especially in one of the world ’ s toughest environments .
Written through the eyes of eighteen-year-old son Riley , Amelia Olsen has crafted a story of the two bonding over the ride whilst exploring and overcoming the suicidal death of a father and husband . Dirt And Dust doesn ’ t hold back as it comes to terms with understanding of what happens when a family suffers suicide and what it means for those left behind . The often-taboo subject is touched upon as the other riders on this trip ask questions and offer advice . Olsen has crafted a unique approach to the subject , humour pulls the reader in and then you ’ re slapped with the horrible truth of suicide and mental illness , then often humour allows you to slip away without feeling pity .
Dirt And Dust is definitely about the camaraderie of such a motorcycle journey yet offers plenty of life advice through a clear direction and understanding of what everyone goes through both as a novice to adventure riding and to a family trying to come to terms with the outcome of suicide .
Providing insights into riding , life , and family dynamics you ’ ll find Dirt And Dust extremely hard to put down .
Riding Through The Shadow Tim Collins 2021 ASIN B09DRR6HDP
Tim Collins has been on a journey , battles with drug and alcohol addiction left him at a point where life seemed irrelevant , until a reacquaintance with motorcycles provided the spark needed .
Collins ’ story is documented in Riding Through The Shadow , and while it ’ s a compelling story it falls a little short in providing an insight into how the writer , the rider did come through the shadow .
Riding Through The Shadow draws the reader in through a confronting account of a state of mind then tapers off as Collins sets off on numerous motorcycle adventures riding around the United States . The rides become a little mundane as we ride from one point to another , greater depth , more detail , and an insight into the authors state of mind would ’ ve benefitted this tale . It doesn ’ t come until we reach the Epilogue . Here ’ s Collins recounts his experiences with drug addiction , homelessness and a little of his state of being as he revisits San Diego .
Riding Through The Shadow is a noble attempt that does need more , perhaps a second volume could address this as Collins promises to ride around the world , seeking greater adventure . At just 165 pages Riding Through The Shadow is an easy read yet you ’ ll want to know so much more about Collins ’ inspirational story .
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