Right To The Edge Charley Boorman 2009 ISBN 978-0-75154-345-2
Charley Boorman is one of those travellers who doesn ’ t mind using whatever means is available to suit his needs , it ’ s all for the benefit of the viewing public , the readers of his books . We ’ ve all seen it , and there ’ s no denying he and his mates made ‘ adventure ’ motorcycle riding popular . But , what about By Any
Means ? And in this case the second edition , Right To The Edge ?
Right To The Edge , sees Boorman make his way from Sydney ( Australia ) to Tokyo ( Japan ) utilising a variety of interesting forms of transport including his favourite two-wheeled mode yet , unfortunately , it lacks the adventure that the original By Any Means took on , and while interesting it feels forced and contrite , was Boorman already at the end of his peak when Right To The Edge was released ( 2009 )?
Boorman has ( ghost ) compiled a well written tale with Right To The
Edge despite the lack of passion . And whilst feeling forced it will still have you looking for the next adventure , something to inspire you to look for more … look further and read one of Boorman ’ s other books , the more bike related ones are exceptional , Right To The Edge a little less so .
If you ’ re a fan of Boorman , Right To The Edge could still be worth picking up , if you ’ re not then perhaps try one of his other reads .
On The Edge Richard Hammond 2008 ISBN 978-0-75382-404-7
Writing about an accident whilst doing something you love could be considered indulgent at best yet Richard Hammond , famous for his time on Top Gear , has a compelling story to tell .
Sixteen years ago , Hammond suffered head injuries whilst filming a piece in a jet-powered dragster . It went wrong and the motoring public feel into silence waiting for the outcome . Hammond was in a coma for days and when finally awakening he then faced a test of whether he could recover his life .
On The Edge recounts how Hammond came to be hospitalised and the recovery process thereafter . It ’ s a compelling account from the point of view of Hammond and his wife Mindy and what they , family , and friends endured through such times . It ’ s a revelation into the sterilised world of celebrity whilst enduring something so life changing .
Well written , On The Edge demonstrates a deep love between Hammond and Mindy , as well as that of his friends and supporters , amazingly they find the best in everyone , even those determined on making a living from the misery of others . It ’ s a true test of human perseverance .
If you want Top Gear , forget it , yes Hammond ’ s co-conspirators , James May , and Jeremy Clarkson , feature well however , on a more personal level . It ’ s clear the three have a deep respect and love for each other , something that goes well beyond the TV shows .
On The Edge is well constructed , written with a purpose that goes beyond celebrity … it ’ s adventure remarkably close to home , from a hospital bed …
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