Rating: 
Summary: If you read one book this summer...
Review: ... you really should read more. But, if one book meets your literary quota, this should be it. Carlstein's motorcylcle saga was a tremendous pleasure to read, and I highly recommend it to anyone who is looking for pure, unabashed escapism. Fluidly written with excellent prose, this opuscule superbly combines the elements of a "how-to" book, an adventure journal, and a coming-of-age story in a tight and entertaining package. Though often charmingly flip in tone, Carlstein really proves himself a sensitive, effective, and perceptive writer in his affecting descriptions of everyday hardship in Colombia (haunting), and in his account of the plight of Bolivian mine-workers (just plain sad), among others. Also touching is the story of a Colombian enchantress that I know all readers will fall in love with, as I did... Hopefully the author will take another trip and bring us another fascinating tale.
Rating: 
Summary: Entertaining, fun, revealing
Review: A refreshing read by a novice adventurer that highlights both what to do and what not to do on this kind of expedition. Half the time I wanted to shake him silly for some some stunt, the other half of the time I was laughing at his descriptions of the same stunts. His awareness of his own weaknesses are an important part of the story. There is a good mix of technical narration, local history, and philisophical exploration. There are loose ends, a lot of references that could use a web site or phone to follow up, but enough info to track down if one is really interested. An excellent first effort, I look forward to another book from this guy, both for the writing and to see how he develops.
Rating:
Summary: Cajones galore!
Review: A rich, fun and sexy read for anyone with a spirit for adventure. The author's honesty is irresistible, lending the narration a charm that soon has you hooked. Delightful character observations, historical anecdotes, cultural pearls and even a little philosophy are woven with humor and tension to create an engrossing journal. Even the technically challenged reader will get caught up the struggle to keep those mechanical beasts on the move. You'll come away feeling invigorated and a little wiser, touched by both the beauty and ugliness of the people and terrain encountered - and no doubt with a burning desire to be on the back of Carlstein's bike for his next quest. Get in line.
Rating:
Summary: DELIGHTFUL, entertaining and inspiring
Review: Although the author professes to be completely inexperienced that aspect becomes one of the most endearing traits of the book. Rather than listen to the seasoned rider, unflappable and arrogant, blather on about how he managed everything the road threw at him because of his wisdom, Andres takes the reader along to discover a world that I, at least, knew very little about; mistakes, errors, accidents, successes and all. Carlstein is also very good at describing where he is and I felt as though I was only a bike length behind him as he traipsed through this often overlooked part of the world. His two riding comrades, however, were a big reason as to why the book is so enjoyable and Carlstein does a great job of illustrating how his initial impressions and appreceations change for his riding-buddies as they struggle with four-months together. My only complaint is how often the reader has one-night stands along the way. Kinda tacky. Until he finds an Italian gal in Argentina that he, and the reader, really like. But with youthful inexperience he botches that up too, and does not hide his regret. I found myself hoping as much as he, that he could reconnect with her. His honesty is pleasant, and makes the adventure feel more real and tactile. If you enjoy traveling, enjoy motorcycles or love stories of adventure, do not miss this wonderful book. I wonder how much a good KLR 650 is going for these days? hmmmm....
Rating: 
Summary: The good with the bad
Review: Andres motorcycle adventure is something that every hardcore traveler with wander lust wishes he could take. It's a good read however there are some observations. -Andres relationship with his riding partners seem dubious. He seems to be that irresponsible roommate that you had in college and it is highly interesting that he doesn't tell you Robert's last name or where he is from like he does with Peter. If Robert is his real name, why after spending months with Andres would he not want to be identified?
-He claims to have little money and a poor college student but has 10's of thousands of dollars worth of gear, equipment and resources and he worries little about rent, hotels until the very end. Did his trust fund run out?
-He parties like he is on spring break from one end of the continent to the other.
-He is constantly perturbed by the locals. Why travel to a foreign country only to be frustrated by the natives. All and all, it is an adventure worth reading although the writer is not entirely likable. I recommend "10 years on 2 Wheels" for a truely amazing rider and adventurer, Helge Pedersen. To qualify some previous comments. I observed numerous spelling/grammatical mistakes in this book. The publisher should consider hiring better editors.
Rating:
Summary: Couldn't put it down!!!
Review: I agree with the previous review, what was Robert Day thinking? I've read this book twice, and I could only find one editorial mistake. Further, the book was so exciting and entertaining that I read it for the first time in one sitting. I could not believe this is Carlstein's first novel. I, for one, hope there are many more to come. Not only is the story amazing, but you truly feel for Andres during both his adventures and misadventures. I have never ridden a motorcycle, but I am now determined to buy one and take a trip of my own. I can only hope my riding partners are as entertaining as Robert and Peter.
Rating: 
Summary: Riding Companion from Hell
Review: I bought this book excited to read about a fellow KLR rider undertaking a trip that I've been comtenplating myself. But instead of any insightful look at the people or places along the way, what we're left with is a juevenille cursory glance, while most of the book consists of the author looking to score with the ladies. I felt entirely sympathetic with his two riding companions, as countlessly the author performs bone-headed manuevers, over-sleeps, doens't prepare in the least for a trip of this kind, and the guy wonders at the end why he isn't invited to one of their weddings. This was a huge dissapointment, and if you're looking for insightful looks at motorcycle and travel, read The Perfect Vehicle, or Ghost Rider, or Zen and the art of Motorcycle Maintenence. All great books. Avoid this stinker.
Rating:
Summary: Really good read!
Review: I don't know what this dude Robert Day was talking aobut in his editorial, because this was a really good book. Robert himself call it "great" in another editorial that slams another book, which I suppose may be a sign of PMS induced mood-swings. The story is entertaining and funny, and I had a realy good time reading it. Two thumbs up!
Rating:
Summary: A adventure from start to finish.
Review: I have never read a "Travel" book before, let alone a "Motorcycle Travel" book so I may not be qualified to say that this is more of a tale of adventure than a guide of any sort. That said, this book has been a page-turner that has me looking for something similar to replace it now that it is over. Andre's makes you feel like you have been on the road (and off the road) and conveys, often at his own expense, a sense of the ups and downs of his relationship with his two riding partners.
This is not a Moto-Travel reference. It is not a guide to where to stay or what to eat. It is a true-life tale of a dream come to life. I hope to follow in Andres, Peters and Robert's footsteps some day.
Rating:
Summary: not informative
Review: I own basically every motorcycle touring book out there. This book is by far the absolute best book. I cannot tell you enough how witty, interesting, and fascinating the author tells the story. Both my husband and I were glued to the book until it was finished and both of us did not want the book to end. It was that good! I felt like I was there with him...
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