Quest - Book reviewed

 

Quest by Aditya Raj Kapoor
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is one book that can be judged by its cover.
On the cover you see the man and his machine under the title ‘Quest’.
As the title says this book is all about the quest that Aditya Raj Kapoor is on. His vehicle for the Quest is the Motorcycle which he has ridden around the world across seventeen countries clocking thirty-five thousand kilometres over a period of ten months.
He makes it clear at the outset that this is not a travelogue but it is about a journey of self-discovery. Motorcycling is the perfect vehicle for this ‘activity’ of introspection. As soon as one starts the ride one tends to zone out and meditation begins. It is multitasking at its best.
In this book Aditya, who hails from a premier family of the Hindi film industry, the Kapoors, son of Shammi Kapoor, traces his life right from the time he got thinking about his life as a young adult. He has been strongly influenced by his Guru who directed him on the path away from the film industry, that he has diligently followed.
Wherever he goes he meets up with his Guru’s disciples who ensure he has safe passage.
What stands out is the fact that a Round the World trip on a motorcycle is a very tough task, physically and mentally.
Aditya, despite his influential contacts in most parts of the world took a long time in getting his plans off the ground, so one can imagine how difficult it would be for a commoner. Hence, if you are planning a similar trip, remember it will be ten times tougher.
This book is more of an autobiography with snippets of his life woven together with circumstances that he finds himself on his motorcycle journey. Very interesting.
This is not a book that can be finished in one sitting. It is a book that has to be relished and digested chapter by chapter which again are thought sized pieces.
Do read it to get an insight into the life of a thinker who loves to balance his life on two wheels round the world.
Does he get the answers he is looking for?
I will not be a spoilsport. Read the book to find out.

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Book review - Jupiter's Travels

Jupiter's Travels by Ted Simon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A four year journey through forty five countries covering 125530 kms or 78000 miles round the world on two wheels, alone! Wow!
I journeyed vicariously through his writing despite his unavoidable biases and preconceived notions about third world countries. It is a honest, down to earth write about the pains and pleasures of travel and the lessons learnt.
It is only when one travels alone, that too on two wheels, does one open up oneself to all the vagaries of nature and its inhabitants.
One has to keep in mind that this was done in the seventies when riding round the world was not a style statement nor was there any instant assistance available via global positioning systems and smart phones were maybe a distant dream making communication a luxury.
It is a book for everyone to read whether one is a rider, traveller or a mere armchair traveller to enable widen ones mental horizons.
The book is not about destinations so dont look for vivid descriptions about countries he passed through. It is more about the culture, attitude of the people, the common on-the-street people that make up this world and their reactions to what he is doing.


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Book review

That was a marvellous ride! My first with Gordon B. Hilton, who has been writing fiction and creative non fiction since the 1990s.
His debut novel Biddy Debeau Rides for His Life is very well written and keeps you engaged with the story right through. It gives an insight into the dark underbelly of the life or maybe strengthens the stereotype of an American biker, giving you glimpses from the movie `Easy Rider'. Being a rider myself, certain portions of the book I could identify with, which is proof enough that there are certain things which are common to bikers all over the world irrespective of nationalities. Nothing in the book seemed fake. It all rang true, including the surreal drug induced scenes or the highs that a rider gets while on a ride and the mind wanders. The author must have been a rider himself to uncover the workings of a biker's mind. Yes, it is different.
It is definitely a must read whether you are a biker or not, just for the sheer adrenalin pumping action scenes of across the border adventures that have been plotted and woven beautifully. It does have a retro feel to it and maybe would have been a vrooming success if it was published in the 90s or maybe earlier.
Not an author to be written off. Look forward to more of his wonderful work!
This book was received by me from Story Cartel, as an advance reader copy, in exchange for my unbiased review.

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Finally....

And the baby has arrived.

A new journey begins as I sit astride my Royal steed and thump my way gently to destinations far and near. The palpable excitement matches the gentle heartbeat of the machine.

It starts raining and am blessed. Elation, as we are drenched, riding in the rain!

Great beginning, instant bonding.

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Desert Storm beckons!

The wait has begun. In just a couple of days my newborn baby will be with me to spend a  lifetime of riding rough and smooth roads in varying temperatures. Now is the time for me to get ready to receive her and ensure she is safe with me.

The Royal Enfield Desert Storm beckons.

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Back on two!

Growing up was fun,

riding around on two wheels,

visiting places for the ride.

Marriage happened 

and so did children.

Had to move on to four wheels 

for journeying together.

Life moved on 

and so did the children.

The freedom to ride is back.

Life has turned full circle.

Soon I shall ride on two!

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