During this mini episode we turn the Authors Spotlight onto Chris Donaldson and his novel “Going the Wrong Way”.
Driven by a desire to break free from his mediocre, middle-class existence and escape the Belfast (IRA) “Troubles” of the 70’s, Chris Donaldson strikes out on his café racing Moto Guzzi on a cross-country road trip of self-discovery.
But when the Iranian revolution stops the planned motorcycle trip to Australia, he switches gears and begins a 33-country, 50,000-mile odyssey across Europe, Asia, and the Americas including 10,000 miles on an ocean-going racing yacht.
As Chris leaves the “Belfast Troubles” behind, he creates his own trouble. Along the way, there are formidable roadblocks: trigger-happy soldiers with AK-47s in war-torn Africa, getting bogged in the Sahara Desert, waves the size of Everest that threaten to sweep him overboard, hepatitis E in South America, and PTSD when he gets home.
A ‘coming of age’ road trip like no other...
Going the Wrong Wayis raw in its exposure, thoughtful in its deliberations, and revealing about the regimes and cultures it passes through. What an amazing adventure in the days before Google maps, mobile phones and social media. Chris encounters a near-death experience around almost every corner, and a cast of characters that will change his life forever. All told in an honest style with the best of Belfast humour.
This is not just a solo travel memoir. It's a story about finding oneself in the midst of chaos, and about the transformative power of travel. As Chris navigates the challenges and joys of the open road, he learns important lessons about perseverance, friendship, and the importance of following your dreams.
Discussion Points:
- Why we should read their book
- 1300 5 star reviews
- Wrote the book 40 years later
- Changing direction
- Driving through the Sahara desert on a road bike
- Did he make it to Australia?
- Driving off his map
- Maps, phone calls and boarders
- Life lessons learned along the way
- Reality tv verses real adventures
- How technology has changed everything
Mentioned on this episode of Book Interrupted:
Book Interrupted YouTube Channel
Book Interrupted Facebook Book Club Group
Going the Wrong Way by Chris Donaldson Book
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