Rating: 
Summary: What Will He Possibly Think of Next?
Review: Tony Hawks is an odd person and a very funny writer. This book is kind of like if Dave Barry authored a Fodor's Guide on Moldova. I loved his earlier 'Round Ireland With a Fridge,' and consequently bought this volume. I prefer the Ireland book, as it is a little less dark, and a little more travelogue, but I am quite fond of this one as well. The plot basically concerns a bet about his being able to defeat the entire Moldovan National soccer team at tennis. His quests take him to Moldova, naturally enough, Northern Ireland, and Israel to play all the team members. Travel to Moldova is very difficult, and will definitely be off your list of potential vacation destinations after reading this book. I found the book funny and warm, and especially enjoyed the relationships formed with the family members he stayed with in Moldova. The last thirty or so pages are absolutely exquisite, and I won't ruin the surprise ending, other than to say it is wonderful, and I didn't see it coming. I anxiously await a new book from Tony at the earliest possible moment!
Rating: 
Summary: Great fun, and an insightful observer
Review: Tony's done it again! While the challenge was more difficult, and the setting much less familiar, Tony makes fun while he observes a country that is forlorn in many ways. Your heart goes out to the Moldovans, and the things that they live with that we consider absurd or unbelievable in this day and age. It does provide quite a contrast to Tony's quest, which seems extremely silly in comparison. But Tony doesn't take himself too seriously, and he knows his quest is absurd to the Moldovans. You have to hand it to him, though, with his goal to prove that optimism is worth something, as is sticking with his goal. The letter he received at the end was priceless.
Can't wait to hear more from Tony. Absolutely marvelous.
| 
