taken from born survivor, 02 Jan 2009
I have read several survival-outdoors guides but this is one is the best.
I particularly enjoyed the introduction and the first few chapters that explained the basics, ie fire and shelter .I almost makes want to try out in the local park.

There are very good illustrations and pictures and book is a nice size to make reading easy.

Most of the things described in the book can be tried with few materials and the explanations are simple to follow.

Overall a great guide ,well illustrated and easy to practice.

Enjoyable, useful, interesting light reading, 11 Dec 2008
This is a family-friendly coffee-table book (and a good one too). Don't buy it if you want a 100% serious, highly specialist book.

It's basically a catalogue of fun, wholesome things to do. It ranges from lots of really simple things to do with children, up to a few enjoyably down-to-earth descriptions of extreme activities you maybe never knew existed. A lot of them you'll read and smile and think "People do that?!", and some you'll read and think "Actually, I want to do that... I wonder if there's anywhere nearby for next weekend".

There's also a lot of nice personal touches, amusing anecdotes, a few inspiringly down-to-earth pieces of wisdom, a large dollop of keen level-headed sportsmanship, and a moderately large dose of "look at me and my happy family" stuff that will either raise a smile or a grimace depending on your outlook on life (most probably a bit of both!).

It's a glossy mass-market book for anyone who has any interest or curiosity for this sort of thing, and it's a good, uplifting, wholesome and thoroughly satisfying one at that. It's probably not a book for serious extreme sports fans, mountaineers, adventurers, wannabe survivalists etc - it's a light, casual book to dip into.

A lot of waffle, 14 Nov 2008
This guide claims to be extreme, but is really rather pedestrian. Making kites, constructing tree houses, building a swing, PLAYING TAG - these are things I did as a kid and my mum didn't so much as bat an eyelid.

I'm quite a fan of Bear but this books smacks of a money-making exercise. Most of the photos are from his TV series "Born Survivor" as well as a few family photo album snaps. In fact, it reads like a partial autobiography.

In addition, his description of "extreme" pursuits like diving, skiing, parachuting, and rafting are superficial and lacking in detail. For instance, in his chapter on scrambling he covers the definition, grading of routes, the gear, and very little else of substance. For someone so accomplished at climbing, a list of top ten scrambles would have been so easy to add.

All in all Grylls, a bit of a lame attempt.

taken from born survivor, 02 Jan 2009
I have read several survival-outdoors guides but this is one is the best.
I particularly enjoyed the introduction and the first few chapters that explained the basics, ie fire and shelter .I almost makes want to try out in the local park.

There are very good illustrations and pictures and book is a nice size to make reading easy.

Most of the things described in the book can be tried with few materials and the explanations are simple to follow.

Overall a great guide ,well illustrated and easy to practice.

Enjoyable, useful, interesting light reading, 11 Dec 2008
This is a family-friendly coffee-table book (and a good one too). Don't buy it if you want a 100% serious, highly specialist book.

It's basically a catalogue of fun, wholesome things to do. It ranges from lots of really simple things to do with children, up to a few enjoyably down-to-earth descriptions of extreme activities you maybe never knew existed. A lot of them you'll read and smile and think "People do that?!", and some you'll read and think "Actually, I want to do that... I wonder if there's anywhere nearby for next weekend".

There's also a lot of nice personal touches, amusing anecdotes, a few inspiringly down-to-earth pieces of wisdom, a large dollop of keen level-headed sportsmanship, and a moderately large dose of "look at me and my happy family" stuff that will either raise a smile or a grimace depending on your outlook on life (most probably a bit of both!).

It's a glossy mass-market book for anyone who has any interest or curiosity for this sort of thing, and it's a good, uplifting, wholesome and thoroughly satisfying one at that. It's probably not a book for serious extreme sports fans, mountaineers, adventurers, wannabe survivalists etc - it's a light, casual book to dip into.

A lot of waffle, 14 Nov 2008
This guide claims to be extreme, but is really rather pedestrian. Making kites, constructing tree houses, building a swing, PLAYING TAG - these are things I did as a kid and my mum didn't so much as bat an eyelid.

I'm quite a fan of Bear but this books smacks of a money-making exercise. Most of the photos are from his TV series "Born Survivor" as well as a few family photo album snaps. In fact, it reads like a partial autobiography.

In addition, his description of "extreme" pursuits like diving, skiing, parachuting, and rafting are superficial and lacking in detail. For instance, in his chapter on scrambling he covers the definition, grading of routes, the gear, and very little else of substance. For someone so accomplished at climbing, a list of top ten scrambles would have been so easy to add.

All in all Grylls, a bit of a lame attempt.

Forging a National Consciousness through Mutual Respect, 29 Sep 2008

Playing the Enemy is a very timely book. In these days when nations are often more divided than before, Nelson Mandela's instinct to show respect, friendliness, and common purpose with those who saw him as an enemy is a beacon that lights up the potential for all people to come together to accomplish more. John Carlin has used the Rugby World Cup imaginatively to illustrate the essence of President Mandela's approach. Mr. Carlin is a wonderful story teller, and you'll feel chills as you read the many great moments he brilliantly captures in Playing the Enemy.

Leaders have always used foreign enemies to bring their purpose together. Who realized that this could be done at the level of sport rather than through war as a way to unify a country where people were deeply suspicious (even paranoid) about one another?

I was glad to see that Mr. Carlin provided lots of background about how someone imprisoned for decades became the leader of a reconstituted nation in South Africa and went on to accomplish things that not even the most optimistic would have expected. President Mandela's story is one for the ages, and this way of telling the story makes it easier to understand for those who never saw South Africa during the Apartheid regime.

Although I had long studied and worked to help change the government in South Africa from the inside and outside, the political impact of the international boycott of the South African rugby team had been lost to me. I hope those who would like to encourage governments to behave more appropriately towards their people will remember this example.

Bravo, Mr. Carlin!

taken from born survivor, 02 Jan 2009
I have read several survival-outdoors guides but this is one is the best.
I particularly enjoyed the introduction and the first few chapters that explained the basics, ie fire and shelter .I almost makes want to try out in the local park.

There are very good illustrations and pictures and book is a nice size to make reading easy.

Most of the things described in the book can be tried with few materials and the explanations are simple to follow.

Overall a great guide ,well illustrated and easy to practice.

Enjoyable, useful, interesting light reading, 11 Dec 2008
This is a family-friendly coffee-table book (and a good one too). Don't buy it if you want a 100% serious, highly specialist book.

It's basically a catalogue of fun, wholesome things to do. It ranges from lots of really simple things to do with children, up to a few enjoyably down-to-earth descriptions of extreme activities you maybe never knew existed. A lot of them you'll read and smile and think "People do that?!", and some you'll read and think "Actually, I want to do that... I wonder if there's anywhere nearby for next weekend".

There's also a lot of nice personal touches, amusing anecdotes, a few inspiringly down-to-earth pieces of wisdom, a large dollop of keen level-headed sportsmanship, and a moderately large dose of "look at me and my happy family" stuff that will either raise a smile or a grimace depending on your outlook on life (most probably a bit of both!).

It's a glossy mass-market book for anyone who has any interest or curiosity for this sort of thing, and it's a good, uplifting, wholesome and thoroughly satisfying one at that. It's probably not a book for serious extreme sports fans, mountaineers, adventurers, wannabe survivalists etc - it's a light, casual book to dip into.

A lot of waffle, 14 Nov 2008
This guide claims to be extreme, but is really rather pedestrian. Making kites, constructing tree houses, building a swing, PLAYING TAG - these are things I did as a kid and my mum didn't so much as bat an eyelid.

I'm quite a fan of Bear but this books smacks of a money-making exercise. Most of the photos are from his TV series "Born Survivor" as well as a few family photo album snaps. In fact, it reads like a partial autobiography.

In addition, his description of "extreme" pursuits like diving, skiing, parachuting, and rafting are superficial and lacking in detail. For instance, in his chapter on scrambling he covers the definition, grading of routes, the gear, and very little else of substance. For someone so accomplished at climbing, a list of top ten scrambles would have been so easy to add.

All in all Grylls, a bit of a lame attempt.

Forging a National Consciousness through Mutual Respect, 29 Sep 2008

Playing the Enemy is a very timely book. In these days when nations are often more divided than before, Nelson Mandela's instinct to show respect, friendliness, and common purpose with those who saw him as an enemy is a beacon that lights up the potential for all people to come together to accomplish more. John Carlin has used the Rugby World Cup imaginatively to illustrate the essence of President Mandela's approach. Mr. Carlin is a wonderful story teller, and you'll feel chills as you read the many great moments he brilliantly captures in Playing the Enemy.

Leaders have always used foreign enemies to bring their purpose together. Who realized that this could be done at the level of sport rather than through war as a way to unify a country where people were deeply suspicious (even paranoid) about one another?

I was glad to see that Mr. Carlin provided lots of background about how someone imprisoned for decades became the leader of a reconstituted nation in South Africa and went on to accomplish things that not even the most optimistic would have expected. President Mandela's story is one for the ages, and this way of telling the story makes it easier to understand for those who never saw South Africa during the Apartheid regime.

Although I had long studied and worked to help change the government in South Africa from the inside and outside, the political impact of the international boycott of the South African rugby team had been lost to me. I hope those who would like to encourage governments to behave more appropriately towards their people will remember this example.

Bravo, Mr. Carlin!

Excellent , 05 Dec 2008
This is the third book in James Patterson's brilliant "Maximum Ride" series. :-)

Max and the rest of the flock continue their journey to save the world. This time they aren't fighting the Erasers, they have a new and stronger adversary called flyboys who are robots.

The scientists and the Director want Max and the flock killed as they aren't perfect and are causing too many problems. Fang has started an internet blog to get all the kids of the world to help save the world from the people in white coats who are hell-bent on destroying life as everyone knows it. Their journey leads them into a trap, but with the flock split will they survive the hell that's about to happen?

This novel captures you from the start; it's a fast moving adventure that keeps you turning the page. An enjoyable and compelling read, It's a book I will definitely read again and it's worth every penny. :-)

I'm looking forward to the fourth book in this series being published. :-)


brilliant, 24 Aug 2008
this was an incredibly good book. I found it very easy to get into (although haven't read the others) as there is a brief explanation at the begining of the book that tells me everything that i need to know without spoiling the other books.
it was very gripping and i had read it within a day, it has some amazing fight scenes in it, the villains are, to say the least, hateable and scary at the same time. it is very funny without trying too hard, the characters are believable and the concept of having wings is very cool.

the plot is good although a little straight forward at the beginning as the only major difference doesn't change much, however at the end it makes up for it.

I can't give a comparison as i haven't read the others but this has left me with a craving to try and get the rest of them as soon as possible!

highly recomendable!!!

Amazing, 14 Jul 2008
This book is the third in the Maximum Ride series and it is fabulous. With piles of adventure and action, this book is as wonderful as the first 2. I am expecting great things from the next book.

Rich with excitement, accomplished, gripping and authoritative, A Voyage for Madmen is the story of the yachting tournament from hell written by a man who is himself a gifted sailor as well as writer.

Peter Nichols' previous book, Sea Change, was the telling account of his own crossing of the Atlantic in a ridiculously small wooden boat. Now he's taken the skills he employed in that much-praised slice of autobiography to relay another quixotic tale. The subject this time is the infamous Golden Globe yacht race of 1968, when nine men, some French, some English, all bonkers (hence the title), undertook the most challenging adventure of their lives. The goal was to sail around the world solo, a feat no one had yet achieved; to make matters just that extra bit tricky some of the sailors were total novices.

The book analyses the fate of each sailor in turn. Using polished, craftsman-like, clear and sometimes moving prose, Nichols describes how the nine fought through storms and collisions, through the roaring 40s and the furious 50s, and how each man experienced those moments of solitary despair, lonely disappointment and occasional mystical elation that are unique to long-haul solo sailing. One of the most commendable features of the book is the way Nichols discusses the technical side of yachtsmanship with verve and passion without ever turning into an anorak. This is a fine and absorbing true-life tragicomedy, suitable for landlubbers and sea dogs alike. --Sean Thomas

taken from born survivor, 02 Jan 2009
I have read several survival-outdoors guides but this is one is the best.
I particularly enjoyed the introduction and the first few chapters that explained the basics, ie fire and shelter .I almost makes want to try out in the local park.

There are very good illustrations and pictures and book is a nice size to make reading easy.

Most of the things described in the book can be tried with few materials and the explanations are simple to follow.

Overall a great guide ,well illustrated and easy to practice.

Enjoyable, useful, interesting light reading, 11 Dec 2008
This is a family-friendly coffee-table book (and a good one too). Don't buy it if you want a 100% serious, highly specialist book.

It's basically a catalogue of fun, wholesome things to do. It ranges from lots of really simple things to do with children, up to a few enjoyably down-to-earth descriptions of extreme activities you maybe never knew existed. A lot of them you'll read and smile and think "People do that?!", and some you'll read and think "Actually, I want to do that... I wonder if there's anywhere nearby for next weekend".

There's also a lot of nice personal touches, amusing anecdotes, a few inspiringly down-to-earth pieces of wisdom, a large dollop of keen level-headed sportsmanship, and a moderately large dose of "look at me and my happy family" stuff that will either raise a smile or a grimace depending on your outlook on life (most probably a bit of both!).

It's a glossy mass-market book for anyone who has any interest or curiosity for this sort of thing, and it's a good, uplifting, wholesome and thoroughly satisfying one at that. It's probably not a book for serious extreme sports fans, mountaineers, adventurers, wannabe survivalists etc - it's a light, casual book to dip into.

A lot of waffle, 14 Nov 2008
This guide claims to be extreme, but is really rather pedestrian. Making kites, constructing tree houses, building a swing, PLAYING TAG - these are things I did as a kid and my mum didn't so much as bat an eyelid.

I'm quite a fan of Bear but this books smacks of a money-making exercise. Most of the photos are from his TV series "Born Survivor" as well as a few family photo album snaps. In fact, it reads like a partial autobiography.

In addition, his description of "extreme" pursuits like diving, skiing, parachuting, and rafting are superficial and lacking in detail. For instance, in his chapter on scrambling he covers the definition, grading of routes, the gear, and very little else of substance. For someone so accomplished at climbing, a list of top ten scrambles would have been so easy to add.

All in all Grylls, a bit of a lame attempt.

Forging a National Consciousness through Mutual Respect, 29 Sep 2008

Playing the Enemy is a very timely book. In these days when nations are often more divided than before, Nelson Mandela's instinct to show respect, friendliness, and common purpose with those who saw him as an enemy is a beacon that lights up the potential for all people to come together to accomplish more. John Carlin has used the Rugby World Cup imaginatively to illustrate the essence of President Mandela's approach. Mr. Carlin is a wonderful story teller, and you'll feel chills as you read the many great moments he brilliantly captures in Playing the Enemy.

Leaders have always used foreign enemies to bring their purpose together. Who realized that this could be done at the level of sport rather than through war as a way to unify a country where people were deeply suspicious (even paranoid) about one another?

I was glad to see that Mr. Carlin provided lots of background about how someone imprisoned for decades became the leader of a reconstituted nation in South Africa and went on to accomplish things that not even the most optimistic would have expected. President Mandela's story is one for the ages, and this way of telling the story makes it easier to understand for those who never saw South Africa during the Apartheid regime.

Although I had long studied and worked to help change the government in South Africa from the inside and outside, the political impact of the international boycott of the South African rugby team had been lost to me. I hope those who would like to encourage governments to behave more appropriately towards their people will remember this example.

Bravo, Mr. Carlin!

Excellent , 05 Dec 2008
This is the third book in James Patterson's brilliant "Maximum Ride" series. :-)

Max and the rest of the flock continue their journey to save the world. This time they aren't fighting the Erasers, they have a new and stronger adversary called flyboys who are robots.

The scientists and the Director want Max and the flock killed as they aren't perfect and are causing too many problems. Fang has started an internet blog to get all the kids of the world to help save the world from the people in white coats who are hell-bent on destroying life as everyone knows it. Their journey leads them into a trap, but with the flock split will they survive the hell that's about to happen?

This novel captures you from the start; it's a fast moving adventure that keeps you turning the page. An enjoyable and compelling read, It's a book I will definitely read again and it's worth every penny. :-)

I'm looking forward to the fourth book in this series being published. :-)


brilliant, 24 Aug 2008
this was an incredibly good book. I found it very easy to get into (although haven't read the others) as there is a brief explanation at the begining of the book that tells me everything that i need to know without spoiling the other books.
it was very gripping and i had read it within a day, it has some amazing fight scenes in it, the villains are, to say the least, hateable and scary at the same time. it is very funny without trying too hard, the characters are believable and the concept of having wings is very cool.

the plot is good although a little straight forward at the beginning as the only major difference doesn't change much, however at the end it makes up for it.

I can't give a comparison as i haven't read the others but this has left me with a craving to try and get the rest of them as soon as possible!

highly recomendable!!!

Amazing, 14 Jul 2008
This book is the third in the Maximum Ride series and it is fabulous. With piles of adventure and action, this book is as wonderful as the first 2. I am expecting great things from the next book.

Brilliant., 03 Nov 2008
Gripping and dramatic. I read the book in two sittings a few hours apart. I am sure I would have finished it in one but I was dragged away to cook dinner.

The author captures the different natures of the competitors well, builds the sense of excitement both at the start and the finish, as well as capturing the sense of the period, when competitive sailing was much less commercialized than it is now.

Well crafted, 28 Jan 2008
I am a small boat sailor and I loved it. This was a documentary that read like a novel and I was totally absorbed by it. It left me feeling both satisfied but sad and I was sorry it had to finish.

A first class read ..., 01 Nov 2007
I hate writing reviews, but a book this good deserves to be commended, and for the pleasure it's given me, I feel I owe it to the author, in some small way, to show my appreciation. For Peter Nichols is not only a seasoned sailor himself and so knows his subject well, but is also a very talented writer. His wonderful account of the 1968 Golden Globe circumnavigation race is beautifully told, a real adventure-packed page-turner that seamlessly weaves in the very diverse experiences of the extraordinary men who launched themselves into a venture that had never been done before, none of them knowing if it could indeed be done at all. From first to last Nichols skilfully laces the facts into an immensely readable narrative that keeps the reader glued to the page right to the last. It's a tale of courage and derring-do and self-suffiency and - in some cases - of extreme fool-hardiness and hopelessly optimistic naivety. Nichols' insight and sensitive appreciation of the personalities involved and the personal difficulties and mental hurdles each had to contend with in their respective journeys and battle with the elements, make for thoroughly engrossing reading. In fact, so enamoured with Mr Nichols' fluent and intelligently entertaining delivery am I, that I've since ordered everything else he has written. Now half-way through Sea Change, his autobiographical account of crossing the Atlantic in a little wooden schooner called Toad, I'm really glad I have. The man knows how to craft a tale and make it addictive stuff.

They'd never allow it today..., 17 Jun 2007
A fellow crew member brought this on board for a recent sail. It lives up to the cover hype - 'unputdownable', 'gripping'. Nichols keeps the pace up and even if you know the outcome you want to know what happens next... He interweaves the stories of the extraordinary competitors' solo battles very elegantly. Could you imagine today's owners of The Sunday Times sponsoring a race whose almost ridiculously courageous participants were so poorly prepared? Chay Blyth set off not knowing how to sail. The author's handling of Donald Crowhurst's mental unravelling - the subject of the well-made film documentary 'Deep Water' - is properly sensitive. My companions (several of whom had already read the book) kept demanding to be read extracts. Buy it, but make sure you put aside some time and don't have to put it down.

Great writer, 18 Jul 2006
The difference with Nichols and the authors of books on a similar topic, e.g., Perfect Storm, is that he can write. He avoids resorting to sentimentality in order to engage our interest. I'll be looking for other titles by this author. Evolutions Captain I would say is even better.

taken from born survivor, 02 Jan 2009
I have read several survival-outdoors guides but this is one is the best.
I particularly enjoyed the introduction and the first few chapters that explained the basics, ie fire and shelter .I almost makes want to try out in the local park.

There are very good illustrations and pictures and book is a nice size to make reading easy.

Most of the things described in the book can be tried with few materials and the explanations are simple to follow.

Overall a great guide ,well illustrated and easy to practice.

Enjoyable, useful, interesting light reading, 11 Dec 2008
This is a family-friendly coffee-table book (and a good one too). Don't buy it if you want a 100% serious, highly specialist book.

It's basically a catalogue of fun, wholesome things to do. It ranges from lots of really simple things to do with children, up to a few enjoyably down-to-earth descriptions of extreme activities you maybe never knew existed. A lot of them you'll read and smile and think "People do that?!", and some you'll read and think "Actually, I want to do that... I wonder if there's anywhere nearby for next weekend".

There's also a lot of nice personal touches, amusing anecdotes, a few inspiringly down-to-earth pieces of wisdom, a large dollop of keen level-headed sportsmanship, and a moderately large dose of "look at me and my happy family" stuff that will either raise a smile or a grimace depending on your outlook on life (most probably a bit of both!).

It's a glossy mass-market book for anyone who has any interest or curiosity for this sort of thing, and it's a good, uplifting, wholesome and thoroughly satisfying one at that. It's probably not a book for serious extreme sports fans, mountaineers, adventurers, wannabe survivalists etc - it's a light, casual book to dip into.

A lot of waffle, 14 Nov 2008
This guide claims to be extreme, but is really rather pedestrian. Making kites, constructing tree houses, building a swing, PLAYING TAG - these are things I did as a kid and my mum didn't so much as bat an eyelid.

I'm quite a fan of Bear but this books smacks of a money-making exercise. Most of the photos are from his TV series "Born Survivor" as well as a few family photo album snaps. In fact, it reads like a partial autobiography.

In addition, his description of "extreme" pursuits like diving, skiing, parachuting, and rafting are superficial and lacking in detail. For instance, in his chapter on scrambling he covers the definition, grading of routes, the gear, and very little else of substance. For someone so accomplished at climbing, a list of top ten scrambles would have been so easy to add.

All in all Grylls, a bit of a lame attempt.

Forging a National Consciousness through Mutual Respect, 29 Sep 2008

Playing the Enemy is a very timely book. In these days when nations are often more divided than before, Nelson Mandela's instinct to show respect, friendliness, and common purpose with those who saw him as an enemy is a beacon that lights up the potential for all people to come together to accomplish more. John Carlin has used the Rugby World Cup imaginatively to illustrate the essence of President Mandela's approach. Mr. Carlin is a wonderful story teller, and you'll feel chills as you read the many great moments he brilliantly captures in Playing the Enemy.

Leaders have always used foreign enemies to bring their purpose together. Who realized that this could be done at the level of sport rather than through war as a way to unify a country where people were deeply suspicious (even paranoid) about one another?

I was glad to see that Mr. Carlin provided lots of background about how someone imprisoned for decades became the leader of a reconstituted nation in South Africa and went on to accomplish things that not even the most optimistic would have expected. President Mandela's story is one for the ages, and this way of telling the story makes it easier to understand for those who never saw South Africa during the Apartheid regime.

Although I had long studied and worked to help change the government in South Africa from the inside and outside, the political impact of the international boycott of the South African rugby team had been lost to me. I hope those who would like to encourage governments to behave more appropriately towards their people will remember this example.

Bravo, Mr. Carlin!

Excellent , 05 Dec 2008
This is the third book in James Patterson's brilliant "Maximum Ride" series. :-)

Max and the rest of the flock continue their journey to save the world. This time they aren't fighting the Erasers, they have a new and stronger adversary called flyboys who are robots.

The scientists and the Director want Max and the flock killed as they aren't perfect and are causing too many problems. Fang has started an internet blog to get all the kids of the world to help save the world from the people in white coats who are hell-bent on destroying life as everyone knows it. Their journey leads them into a trap, but with the flock split will they survive the hell that's about to happen?

This novel captures you from the start; it's a fast moving adventure that keeps you turning the page. An enjoyable and compelling read, It's a book I will definitely read again and it's worth every penny. :-)

I'm looking forward to the fourth book in this series being published. :-)


brilliant, 24 Aug 2008
this was an incredibly good book. I found it very easy to get into (although haven't read the others) as there is a brief explanation at the begining of the book that tells me everything that i need to know without spoiling the other books.
it was very gripping and i had read it within a day, it has some amazing fight scenes in it, the villains are, to say the least, hateable and scary at the same time. it is very funny without trying too hard, the characters are believable and the concept of having wings is very cool.

the plot is good although a little straight forward at the beginning as the only major difference doesn't change much, however at the end it makes up for it.

I can't give a comparison as i haven't read the others but this has left me with a craving to try and get the rest of them as soon as possible!

highly recomendable!!!

Amazing, 14 Jul 2008
This book is the third in the Maximum Ride series and it is fabulous. With piles of adventure and action, this book is as wonderful as the first 2. I am expecting great things from the next book.

Brilliant., 03 Nov 2008
Gripping and dramatic. I read the book in two sittings a few hours apart. I am sure I would have finished it in one but I was dragged away to cook dinner.

The author captures the different natures of the competitors well, builds the sense of excitement both at the start and the finish, as well as capturing the sense of the period, when competitive sailing was much less commercialized than it is now.

Well crafted, 28 Jan 2008
I am a small boat sailor and I loved it. This was a documentary that read like a novel and I was totally absorbed by it. It left me feeling both satisfied but sad and I was sorry it had to finish.

A first class read ..., 01 Nov 2007
I hate writing reviews, but a book this good deserves to be commended, and for the pleasure it's given me, I feel I owe it to the author, in some small way, to show my appreciation. For Peter Nichols is not only a seasoned sailor himself and so knows his subject well, but is also a very talented writer. His wonderful account of the 1968 Golden Globe circumnavigation race is beautifully told, a real adventure-packed page-turner that seamlessly weaves in the very diverse experiences of the extraordinary men who launched themselves into a venture that had never been done before, none of them knowing if it could indeed be done at all. From first to last Nichols skilfully laces the facts into an immensely readable narrative that keeps the reader glued to the page right to the last. It's a tale of courage and derring-do and self-suffiency and - in some cases - of extreme fool-hardiness and hopelessly optimistic naivety. Nichols' insight and sensitive appreciation of the personalities involved and the personal difficulties and mental hurdles each had to contend with in their respective journeys and battle with the elements, make for thoroughly engrossing reading. In fact, so enamoured with Mr Nichols' fluent and intelligently entertaining delivery am I, that I've since ordered everything else he has written. Now half-way through Sea Change, his autobiographical account of crossing the Atlantic in a little wooden schooner called Toad, I'm really glad I have. The man knows how to craft a tale and make it addictive stuff.

They'd never allow it today..., 17 Jun 2007
A fellow crew member brought this on board for a recent sail. It lives up to the cover hype - 'unputdownable', 'gripping'. Nichols keeps the pace up and even if you know the outcome you want to know what happens next... He interweaves the stories of the extraordinary competitors' solo battles very elegantly. Could you imagine today's owners of The Sunday Times sponsoring a race whose almost ridiculously courageous participants were so poorly prepared? Chay Blyth set off not knowing how to sail. The author's handling of Donald Crowhurst's mental unravelling - the subject of the well-made film documentary 'Deep Water' - is properly sensitive. My companions (several of whom had already read the book) kept demanding to be read extracts. Buy it, but make sure you put aside some time and don't have to put it down.

Great writer, 18 Jul 2006
The difference with Nichols and the authors of books on a similar topic, e.g., Perfect Storm, is that he can write. He avoids resorting to sentimentality in order to engage our interest. I'll be looking for other titles by this author. Evolutions Captain I would say is even better.

Top 100 Golf Courses - Top Book, 09 Sep 2005
A beautifully packaged account of the 100 best golf courses in the UK and Ireland. This is a well photographed and well researched book which is a perfect addition to any golfers collection of literature about the game. It is concise yet detailed, with an interesting mix of the authors considered views merged with the opinions of the many who visit the website. An ideal buy for anybody visiting the UK wishing to play the best courses and some of the hidden gems, but also a great read for those who want to enjoy a society day or as a supporting guide for a holiday. I could imagine it making a great stocking filler at xmas for any golfer. Great value.

One for golf course lovers, 24 Aug 2005
Picked this title up at Aberdovey GC and I haven't been able to put it down since. The honest reviews from real golfers are great to read and I have to say in the most part these reviews are accurate. Some of the pictures are brilliant and others are OK but that's because most of the photos are not the work of professional golf course photographers. It could do with a map for travelling golfers showing where the courses are in relation to each other but apart from that it's a nice book and one which will appeal to golfers who like playing different courses.

Great Read ....., 19 Aug 2005
Really good book this one - different to the usual guides. This one actually looks as though it has been written by golfers for golfers rather than an imaginary panel somewhere ..... Worht buying ...

taken from born survivor, 02 Jan 2009
I have read several survival-outdoors guides but this is one is the best.
I particularly enjoyed the introduction and the first few chapters that explained the basics, ie fire and shelter .I almost makes want to try out in the local park.

There are very good illustrations and pictures and book is a nice size to make reading easy.

Most of the things described in the book can be tried with few materials and the explanations are simple to follow.

Overall a great guide ,well illustrated and easy to practice.

Enjoyable, useful, interesting light reading, 11 Dec 2008
This is a family-friendly coffee-table book (and a good one too). Don't buy it if you want a 100% serious, highly specialist book.

It's basically a catalogue of fun, wholesome things to do. It ranges from lots of really simple things to do with children, up to a few enjoyably down-to-earth descriptions of extreme activities you maybe never knew existed. A lot of them you'll read and smile and think "People do that?!", and some you'll read and think "Actually, I want to do that... I wonder if there's anywhere nearby for next weekend".

There's also a lot of nice personal touches, amusing anecdotes, a few inspiringly down-to-earth pieces of wisdom, a large dollop of keen level-headed sportsmanship, and a moderately large dose of "look at me and my happy family" stuff that will either raise a smile or a grimace depending on your outlook on life (most probably a bit of both!).

It's a glossy mass-market book for anyone who has any interest or curiosity for this sort of thing, and it's a good, uplifting, wholesome and thoroughly satisfying one at that. It's probably not a book for serious extreme sports fans, mountaineers, adventurers, wannabe survivalists etc - it's a light, casual book to dip into.

A lot of waffle, 14 Nov 2008
This guide claims to be extreme, but is really rather pedestrian. Making kites, constructing tree houses, building a swing, PLAYING TAG - these are things I did as a kid and my mum didn't so much as bat an eyelid.

I'm quite a fan of Bear but this books smacks of a money-making exercise. Most of the photos are from his TV series "Born Survivor" as well as a few family photo album snaps. In fact, it reads like a partial autobiography.

In addition, his description of "extreme" pursuits like diving, skiing, parachuting, and rafting are superficial and lacking in detail. For instance, in his chapter on scrambling he covers the definition, grading of routes, the gear, and very little else of substance. For someone so accomplished at climbing, a list of top ten scrambles would have been so easy to add.

All in all Grylls, a bit of a lame attempt.

Forging a National Consciousness through Mutual Respect, 29 Sep 2008

Playing the Enemy is a very timely book. In these days when nations are often more divided than before, Nelson Mandela's instinct to show respect, friendliness, and common purpose with those who saw him as an enemy is a beacon that lights up the potential for all people to come together to accomplish more. John Carlin has used the Rugby World Cup imaginatively to illustrate the essence of President Mandela's approach. Mr. Carlin is a wonderful story teller, and you'll feel chills as you read the many great moments he brilliantly captures in Playing the Enemy.

Leaders have always used foreign enemies to bring their purpose together. Who realized that this could be done at the level of sport rather than through war as a way to unify a country where people were deeply suspicious (even paranoid) about one another?

I was glad to see that Mr. Carlin provided lots of background about how someone imprisoned for decades became the leader of a reconstituted nation in South Africa and went on to accomplish things that not even the most optimistic would have expected. President Mandela's story is one for the ages, and this way of telling the story makes it easier to understand for those who never saw South Africa during the Apartheid regime.

Although I had long studied and worked to help change the government in South Africa from the inside and outside, the political impact of the international boycott of the South African rugby team had been lost to me. I hope those who would like to encourage governments to behave more appropriately towards their people will remember this example.

Bravo, Mr. Carlin!

Excellent , 05 Dec 2008
This is the third book in James Patterson's brilliant "Maximum Ride" series. :-)

Max and the rest of the flock continue their journey to save the world. This time they aren't fighting the Erasers, they have a new and stronger adversary called flyboys who are robots.

The scientists and the Director want Max and the flock killed as they aren't perfect and are causing too many problems. Fang has started an internet blog to get all the kids of the world to help save the world from the people in white coats who are hell-bent on destroying life as everyone knows it. Their journey leads them into a trap, but with the flock split will they survive the hell that's about to happen?

This novel captures you from the start; it's a fast moving adventure that keeps you turning the page. An enjoyable and compelling read, It's a book I will definitely read again and it's worth every penny. :-)

I'm looking forward to the fourth book in this series being published. :-)


brilliant, 24 Aug 2008
this was an incredibly good book. I found it very easy to get into (although haven't read the others) as there is a brief explanation at the begining of the book that tells me everything that i need to know without spoiling the other books.
it was very gripping and i had read it within a day, it has some amazing fight scenes in it, the villains are, to say the least, hateable and scary at the same time. it is very funny without trying too hard, the characters are believable and the concept of having wings is very cool.

the plot is good although a little straight forward at the beginning as the only major difference doesn't change much, however at the end it makes up for it.

I can't give a comparison as i haven't read the others but this has left me with a craving to try and get the rest of them as soon as possible!

highly recomendable!!!

Amazing, 14 Jul 2008
This book is the third in the Maximum Ride series and it is fabulous. With piles of adventure and action, this book is as wonderful as the first 2. I am expecting great things from the next book.

Brilliant., 03 Nov 2008
Gripping and dramatic. I read the book in two sittings a few hours apart. I am sure I would have finished it in one but I was dragged away to cook dinner.

The author captures the different natures of the competitors well, builds the sense of excitement both at the start and the finish, as well as capturing the sense of the period, when competitive sailing was much less commercialized than it is now.

Well crafted, 28 Jan 2008
I am a small boat sailor and I loved it. This was a documentary that read like a novel and I was totally absorbed by it. It left me feeling both satisfied but sad and I was sorry it had to finish.

A first class read ..., 01 Nov 2007
I hate writing reviews, but a book this good deserves to be commended, and for the pleasure it's given me, I feel I owe it to the author, in some small way, to show my appreciation. For Peter Nichols is not only a seasoned sailor himself and so knows his subject well, but is also a very talented writer. His wonderful account of the 1968 Golden Globe circumnavigation race is beautifully told, a real adventure-packed page-turner that seamlessly weaves in the very diverse experiences of the extraordinary men who launched themselves into a venture that had never been done before, none of them knowing if it could indeed be done at all. From first to last Nichols skilfully laces the facts into an immensely readable narrative that keeps the reader glued to the page right to the last. It's a tale of courage and derring-do and self-suffiency and - in some cases - of extreme fool-hardiness and hopelessly optimistic naivety. Nichols' insight and sensitive appreciation of the personalities involved and the personal difficulties and mental hurdles each had to contend with in their respective journeys and battle with the elements, make for thoroughly engrossing reading. In fact, so enamoured with Mr Nichols' fluent and intelligently entertaining delivery am I, that I've since ordered everything else he has written. Now half-way through Sea Change, his autobiographical account of crossing the Atlantic in a little wooden schooner called Toad, I'm really glad I have. The man knows how to craft a tale and make it addictive stuff.

They'd never allow it today..., 17 Jun 2007
A fellow crew member brought this on board for a recent sail. It lives up to the cover hype - 'unputdownable', 'gripping'. Nichols keeps the pace up and even if you know the outcome you want to know what happens next... He interweaves the stories of the extraordinary competitors' solo battles very elegantly. Could you imagine today's owners of The Sunday Times sponsoring a race whose almost ridiculously courageous participants were so poorly prepared? Chay Blyth set off not knowing how to sail. The author's handling of Donald Crowhurst's mental unravelling - the subject of the well-made film documentary 'Deep Water' - is properly sensitive. My companions (several of whom had already read the book) kept demanding to be read extracts. Buy it, but make sure you put aside some time and don't have to put it down.

Great writer, 18 Jul 2006
The difference with Nichols and the authors of books on a similar topic, e.g., Perfect Storm, is that he can write. He avoids resorting to sentimentality in order to engage our interest. I'll be looking for other titles by this author. Evolutions Captain I would say is even better.

Top 100 Golf Courses - Top Book, 09 Sep 2005
A beautifully packaged account of the 100 best golf courses in the UK and Ireland. This is a well photographed and well researched book which is a perfect addition to any golfers collection of literature about the game. It is concise yet detailed, with an interesting mix of the authors considered views merged with the opinions of the many who visit the website. An ideal buy for anybody visiting the UK wishing to play the best courses and some of the hidden gems, but also a great read for those who want to enjoy a society day or as a supporting guide for a holiday. I could imagine it making a great stocking filler at xmas for any golfer. Great value.

One for golf course lovers, 24 Aug 2005
Picked this title up at Aberdovey GC and I haven't been able to put it down since. The honest reviews from real golfers are great to read and I have to say in the most part these reviews are accurate. Some of the pictures are brilliant and others are OK but that's because most of the photos are not the work of professional golf course photographers. It could do with a map for travelling golfers showing where the courses are in relation to each other but apart from that it's a nice book and one which will appeal to golfers who like playing different courses.

Great Read ....., 19 Aug 2005
Really good book this one - different to the usual guides. This one actually looks as though it has been written by golfers for golfers rather than an imaginary panel somewhere ..... Worht buying ...

Gives you a new appreciation for the tactics required to win a Tour de France, 27 Jul 2008
This is a fascinating behind the scenes look at what it takes to coach a winning Tour de France team. You can't argue with the author's credentials: Johan Bruyneel was a professional cyclist who competed in the Tour de France himself before becoming the team director behind Lance Armstrong's seven wins and subsequently for Alberto Contadour in 2007.

In this book Bruyneel describes the strategies behind a winning team (and he makes it clear that it's very much a team effort to win the Tour de France). He talks about how a team can control the race, when they should let breakaways go and when they need to chase them down, how they can play the mind game with other teams, the different skillsets that individual riders within a winning team need to have and countless more insights into the world of cycling. I was reading this book during the 2008 Tour and it made me appreciate far more the way that team CSC were approaching the race and why they did some of the things that they did. Very, very interesting.

I didn't like the way that the book jumps about in time as required to provide support to the points that Bruyneel is making. For example, Chapter 6 talks about the 2001 tour, Chapter 7 talks about the 1999 tour and Chapter 11 talks about the tour in 2000. While Bruyneel makes it clear at the outset that he hasn't set out to write an autobiography, the book would have been enhanced (and easier to follow) if he'd kept things in chronological order.

Bruyneel talks several times about the use of performance enhancing drugs and how they have affected the sport. He is adamant that Armstrong never took them, although I found it interesting that he talks at one point about how he deliberately had Armstrong lose a stage that he could have won, in part because "if we won again, so quickly, I could foresee...accusations of doping".

He also describes the immense amount of time and money that goes into finetuning the bikes and equipment: money is no object if it converts into a few precious seconds saved on the race.

This is an easy and very worthwhile read for anyone who's interested in the Tour de France.

this is a great read; obssession with road cycling not required, 23 Jun 2008
I read this book incredibly quickly. It is well written and interesting and takes a whole new tack on the lance armstrong years. I enjoyed the team car/ manager's eye view of the discovery team and Bruyneel's recollection of the minute strategies and adaptability that let discovery dominate the tour de france. The book is well balanced, insightful and offers glimpses into areas of professional cycling not really covered elsewhere. Basic functional explanations make this book accessible to non cycling obsessives without slowing down more avid supporters.

taken from born survivor, 02 Jan 2009
I have read several survival-outdoors guides but this is one is the best.
I particularly enjoyed the introduction and the first few chapters that explained the basics, ie fire and shelter .I almost makes want to try out in the local park.

There are very good illustrations and pictures and book is a nice size to make reading easy.

Most of the things described in the book can be tried with few materials and the explanations are simple to follow.

Overall a great guide ,well illustrated and easy to practice.

Enjoyable, useful, interesting light reading, 11 Dec 2008
This is a family-friendly coffee-table book (and a good one too). Don't buy it if you want a 100% serious, highly specialist book.

It's basically a catalogue of fun, wholesome things to do. It ranges from lots of really simple things to do with children, up to a few enjoyably down-to-earth descriptions of extreme activities you maybe never knew existed. A lot of them you'll read and smile and think "People do that?!", and some you'll read and think "Actually, I want to do that... I wonder if there's anywhere nearby for next weekend".

There's also a lot of nice personal touches, amusing anecdotes, a few inspiringly down-to-earth pieces of wisdom, a large dollop of keen level-headed sportsmanship, and a moderately large dose of "look at me and my happy family" stuff that will either raise a smile or a grimace depending on your outlook on life (most probably a bit of both!).

It's a glossy mass-market book for anyone who has any interest or curiosity for this sort of thing, and it's a good, uplifting, wholesome and thoroughly satisfying one at that. It's probably not a book for serious extreme sports fans, mountaineers, adventurers, wannabe survivalists etc - it's a light, casual book to dip into.

A lot of waffle, 14 Nov 2008
This guide claims to be extreme, but is really rather pedestrian. Making kites, constructing tree houses, building a swing, PLAYING TAG - these are things I did as a kid and my mum didn't so much as bat an eyelid.

I'm quite a fan of Bear but this books smacks of a money-making exercise. Most of the photos are from his TV series "Born Survivor" as well as a few family photo album snaps. In fact, it reads like a partial autobiography.

In addition, his description of "extreme" pursuits like diving, skiing, parachuting, and rafting are superficial and lacking in detail. For instance, in his chapter on scrambling he covers the definition, grading of routes, the gear, and very little else of substance. For someone so accomplished at climbing, a list of top ten scrambles would have been so easy to add.

All in all Grylls, a bit of a lame attempt.

Forging a National Consciousness through Mutual Respect, 29 Sep 2008

Playing the Enemy is a very timely book. In these days when nations are often more divided than before, Nelson Mandela's instinct to show respect, friendliness, and common purpose with those who saw him as an enemy is a beacon that lights up the potential for all people to come together to accomplish more. John Carlin has used the Rugby World Cup imaginatively to illustrate the essence of President Mandela's approach. Mr. Carlin is a wonderful story teller, and you'll feel chills as you read the many great moments he brilliantly captures in Playing the Enemy.

Leaders have always used foreign enemies to bring their purpose together. Who realized that this could be done at the level of sport rather than through war as a way to unify a country where people were deeply suspicious (even paranoid) about one another?

I was glad to see that Mr. Carlin provided lots of background about how someone imprisoned for decades became the leader of a reconstituted nation in South Africa and went on to accomplish things that not even the most optimistic would have expected. President Mandela's story is one for the ages, and this way of telling the story makes it easier to understand for those who never saw South Africa during the Apartheid regime.

Although I had long studied and worked to help change the government in South Africa from the inside and outside, the political impact of the international boycott of the South African rugby team had been lost to me. I hope those who would like to encourage governments to behave more appropriately towards their people will remember this example.

Bravo, Mr. Carlin!

Excellent , 05 Dec 2008
This is the third book in James Patterson's brilliant "Maximum Ride" series. :-)

Max and the rest of the flock continue their journey to save the world. This time they aren't fighting the Erasers, they have a new and stronger adversary called flyboys who are robots.

The scientists and the Director want Max and the flock killed as they aren't perfect and are causing too many problems. Fang has started an internet blog to get all the kids of the world to help save the world from the people in white coats who are hell-bent on destroying life as everyone knows it. Their journey leads them into a trap, but with the flock split will they survive the hell that's about to happen?

This novel captures you from the start; it's a fast moving adventure that keeps you turning the page. An enjoyable and compelling read, It's a book I will definitely read again and it's worth every penny. :-)

I'm looking forward to the fourth book in this series being published. :-)


brilliant, 24 Aug 2008
this was an incredibly good book. I found it very easy to get into (although haven't read the others) as there is a brief explanation at the begining of the book that tells me everything that i need to know without spoiling the other books.
it was very gripping and i had read it within a day, it has some amazing fight scenes in it, the villains are, to say the least, hateable and scary at the same time. it is very funny without trying too hard, the characters are believable and the concept of having wings is very cool.

the plot is good although a little straight forward at the beginning as the only major difference doesn't change much, however at the end it makes up for it.

I can't give a comparison as i haven't read the others but this has left me with a craving to try and get the rest of them as soon as possible!

highly recomendable!!!

Amazing, 14 Jul 2008
This book is the third in the Maximum Ride series and it is fabulous. With piles of adventure and action, this book is as wonderful as the first 2. I am expecting great things from the next book.

Brilliant., 03 Nov 2008
Gripping and dramatic. I read the book in two sittings a few hours apart. I am sure I would have finished it in one but I was dragged away to cook dinner.

The author captures the different natures of the competitors well, builds the sense of excitement both at the start and the finish, as well as capturing the sense of the period, when competitive sailing was much less commercialized than it is now.

Well crafted, 28 Jan 2008
I am a small boat sailor and I loved it. This was a documentary that read like a novel and I was totally absorbed by it. It left me feeling both satisfied but sad and I was sorry it had to finish.

A first class read ..., 01 Nov 2007
I hate writing reviews, but a book this good deserves to be commended, and for the pleasure it's given me, I feel I owe it to the author, in some small way, to show my appreciation. For Peter Nichols is not only a seasoned sailor himself and so knows his subject well, but is also a very talented writer. His wonderful account of the 1968 Golden Globe circumnavigation race is beautifully told, a real adventure-packed page-turner that seamlessly weaves in the very diverse experiences of the extraordinary men who launched themselves into a venture that had never been done before, none of them knowing if it could indeed be done at all. From first to last Nichols skilfully laces the facts into an immensely readable narrative that keeps the reader glued to the page right to the last. It's a tale of courage and derring-do and self-suffiency and - in some cases - of extreme fool-hardiness and hopelessly optimistic naivety. Nichols' insight and sensitive appreciation of the personalities involved and the personal difficulties and mental hurdles each had to contend with in their respective journeys and battle with the elements, make for thoroughly engrossing reading. In fact, so enamoured with Mr Nichols' fluent and intelligently entertaining delivery am I, that I've since ordered everything else he has written. Now half-way through Sea Change, his autobiographical account of crossing the Atlantic in a little wooden schooner called Toad, I'm really glad I have. The man knows how to craft a tale and make it addictive stuff.

They'd never allow it today..., 17 Jun 2007
A fellow crew member brought this on board for a recent sail. It lives up to the cover hype - 'unputdownable', 'gripping'. Nichols keeps the pace up and even if you know the outcome you want to know what happens next... He interweaves the stories of the extraordinary competitors' solo battles very elegantly. Could you imagine today's owners of The Sunday Times sponsoring a race whose almost ridiculously courageous participants were so poorly prepared? Chay Blyth set off not knowing how to sail. The author's handling of Donald Crowhurst's mental unravelling - the subject of the well-made film documentary 'Deep Water' - is properly sensitive. My companions (several of whom had already read the book) kept demanding to be read extracts. Buy it, but make sure you put aside some time and don't have to put it down.

Great writer, 18 Jul 2006
The difference with Nichols and the authors of books on a similar topic, e.g., Perfect Storm, is that he can write. He avoids resorting to sentimentality in order to engage our interest. I'll be looking for other titles by this author. Evolutions Captain I would say is even better.

Top 100 Golf Courses - Top Book, 09 Sep 2005
A beautifully packaged account of the 100 best golf courses in the UK and Ireland. This is a well photographed and well researched book which is a perfect addition to any golfers collection of literature about the game. It is concise yet detailed, with an interesting mix of the authors considered views merged with the opinions of the many who visit the website. An ideal buy for anybody visiting the UK wishing to play the best courses and some of the hidden gems, but also a great read for those who want to enjoy a society day or as a supporting guide for a holiday. I could imagine it making a great stocking filler at xmas for any golfer. Great value.

One for golf course lovers, 24 Aug 2005
Picked this title up at Aberdovey GC and I haven't been able to put it down since. The honest reviews from real golfers are great to read and I have to say in the most part these reviews are accurate. Some of the pictures are brilliant and others are OK but that's because most of the photos are not the work of professional golf course photographers. It could do with a map for travelling golfers showing where the courses are in relation to each other but apart from that it's a nice book and one which will appeal to golfers who like playing different courses.

Great Read ....., 19 Aug 2005
Really good book this one - different to the usual guides. This one actually looks as though it has been written by golfers for golfers rather than an imaginary panel somewhere ..... Worht buying ...

Gives you a new appreciation for the tactics required to win a Tour de France, 27 Jul 2008
This is a fascinating behind the scenes look at what it takes to coach a winning Tour de France team. You can't argue with the author's credentials: Johan Bruyneel was a professional cyclist who competed in the Tour de France himself before becoming the team director behind Lance Armstrong's seven wins and subsequently for Alberto Contadour in 2007.

In this book Bruyneel describes the strategies behind a winning team (and he makes it clear that it's very much a team effort to win the Tour de France). He talks about how a team can control the race, when they should let breakaways go and when they need to chase them down, how they can play the mind game with other teams, the different skillsets that individual riders within a winning team need to have and countless more insights into the world of cycling. I was reading this book during the 2008 Tour and it made me appreciate far more the way that team CSC were approaching the race and why they did some of the things that they did. Very, very interesting.

I didn't like the way that the book jumps about in time as required to provide support to the points that Bruyneel is making. For example, Chapter 6 talks about the 2001 tour, Chapter 7 talks about the 1999 tour and Chapter 11 talks about the tour in 2000. While Bruyneel makes it clear at the outset that he hasn't set out to write an autobiography, the book would have been enhanced (and easier to follow) if he'd kept things in chronological order.

Bruyneel talks several times about the use of performance enhancing drugs and how they have affected the sport. He is adamant that Armstrong never took them, although I found it interesting that he talks at one point about how he deliberately had Armstrong lose a stage that he could have won, in part because "if we won again, so quickly, I could foresee...accusations of doping".

He also describes the immense amount of time and money that goes into finetuning the bikes and equipment: money is no object if it converts into a few precious seconds saved on the race.

This is an easy and very worthwhile read for anyone who's interested in the Tour de France.

this is a great read; obssession with road cycling not required, 23 Jun 2008
I read this book incredibly quickly. It is well written and interesting and takes a whole new tack on the lance armstrong years. I enjoyed the team car/ manager's eye view of the discovery team and Bruyneel's recollection of the minute strategies and adaptability that let discovery dominate the tour de france. The book is well balanced, insightful and offers glimpses into areas of professional cycling not really covered elsewhere. Basic functional explanations make this book accessible to non cycling obsessives without slowing down more avid supporters.

Must for any Rangers fan., 09 Oct 2008
Good read, lots of interesting facts and pictures. A must for any Rangers fan.

First 2 reviews have been sensible, just wait until our 'friendly neighbours' across the city start to leave reviews. It will be obvious and I would advise anybody looking to buy this book to ignore the childish comments.



Nice to see Celtic fans reading about a proper stadium.., 08 Oct 2008
...and not a shoddy shack made from meccano, spittle and dung.

Europe's finest stadium gets a long overdue appraisal. It's facade is famous throughout the world, and the tale is worth the telling. Great photos and a real walk down memory lane for bears.

Greatest Stadium in the World, 06 Oct 2008
THis is the greatest stadium in the world, resonating with massive European crowds every year. It is feared and held in awe all round Europe with great teams like Barcelona, AC Milan, Lyon and Manchester United having came and been conquered. It does Glasgow and Scotland proud!

taken from born survivor, 02 Jan 2009
I have read several survival-outdoors guides but this is one is the best.
I particularly enjoyed the introduction and the first few chapters that explained the basics, ie fire and shelter .I almost makes want to try out in the local park.

There are very good illustrations and pictures and book is a nice size to make reading easy.

Most of the things described in the book can be tried with few materials and the explanations are simple to follow.

Overall a great guide ,well illustrated and easy to practice.

Enjoyable, useful, interesting light reading, 11 Dec 2008
This is a family-friendly coffee-table book (and a good one too). Don't buy it if you want a 100% serious, highly specialist book.

It's basically a catalogue of fun, wholesome things to do. It ranges from lots of really simple things to do with children, up to a few enjoyably down-to-earth descriptions of extreme activities you maybe never knew existed. A lot of them you'll read and smile and think "People do that?!", and some you'll read and think "Actually, I want to do that... I wonder if there's anywhere nearby for next weekend".

There's also a lot of nice personal touches, amusing anecdotes, a few inspiringly down-to-earth pieces of wisdom, a large dollop of keen level-headed sportsmanship, and a moderately large dose of "look at me and my happy family" stuff that will either raise a smile or a grimace depending on your outlook on life (most probably a bit of both!).

It's a glossy mass-market book for anyone who has any interest or curiosity for this sort of thing, and it's a good, uplifting, wholesome and thoroughly satisfying one at that. It's probably not a book for serious extreme sports fans, mountaineers, adventurers, wannabe survivalists etc - it's a light, casual book to dip into.

A lot of waffle, 14 Nov 2008
This guide claims to be extreme, but is really rather pedestrian. Making kites, constructing tree houses, building a swing, PLAYING TAG - these are things I did as a kid and my mum didn't so much as bat an eyelid.

I'm quite a fan of Bear but this books smacks of a money-making exercise. Most of the photos are from his TV series "Born Survivor" as well as a few family photo album snaps. In fact, it reads like a partial autobiography.

In addition, his description of "extreme" pursuits like diving, skiing, parachuting, and rafting are superficial and lacking in detail. For instance, in his chapter on scrambling he covers the definition, grading of routes, the gear, and very little else of substance. For someone so accomplished at climbing, a list of top ten scrambles would have been so easy to add.

All in all Grylls, a bit of a lame attempt.

Forging a National Consciousness through Mutual Respect, 29 Sep 2008

Playing the Enemy is a very timely book. In these days when nations are often more divided than before, Nelson Mandela's instinct to show respect, friendliness, and common purpose with those who saw him as an enemy is a beacon that lights up the potential for all people to come together to accomplish more. John Carlin has used the Rugby World Cup imaginatively to illustrate the essence of President Mandela's approach. Mr. Carlin is a wonderful story teller, and you'll feel chills as you read the many great moments he brilliantly captures in Playing the Enemy.

Leaders have always used foreign enemies to bring their purpose together. Who realized that this could be done at the level of sport rather than through war as a way to unify a country where people were deeply suspicious (even paranoid) about one another?

I was glad to see that Mr. Carlin provided lots of background about how someone imprisoned for decades became the leader of a reconstituted nation in South Africa and went on to accomplish things that not even the most optimistic would have expected. President Mandela's story is one for the ages, and this way of telling the story makes it easier to understand for those who never saw South Africa during the Apartheid regime.

Although I had long studied and worked to help change the government in South Africa from the inside and outside, the political impact of the international boycott of the South African rugby team had been lost to me. I hope those who would like to encourage governments to behave more appropriately towards their people will remember this example.

Bravo, Mr. Carlin!

Excellent , 05 Dec 2008
This is the third book in James Patterson's brilliant "Maximum Ride" series. :-)

Max and the rest of the flock continue their journey to save the world. This time they aren't fighting the Erasers, they have a new and stronger adversary called flyboys who are robots.

The scientists and the Director want Max and the flock killed as they aren't perfect and are causing too many problems. Fang has started an internet blog to get all the kids of the world to help save the world from the people in white coats who are hell-bent on destroying life as everyone knows it. Their journey leads them into a trap, but with the flock split will they survive the hell that's about to happen?

This novel captures you from the start; it's a fast moving adventure that keeps you turning the page. An enjoyable and compelling read, It's a book I will definitely read again and it's worth every penny. :-)

I'm looking forward to the fourth book in this series being published. :-)


brilliant, 24 Aug 2008
this was an incredibly good book. I found it very easy to get into (although haven't read the others) as there is a brief explanation at the begining of the book that tells me everything that i need to know without spoiling the other books.
it was very gripping and i had read it within a day, it has some amazing fight scenes in it, the villains are, to say the least, hateable and scary at the same time. it is very funny without trying too hard, the characters are believable and the concept of having wings is very cool.

the plot is good although a little straight forward at the beginning as the only major difference doesn't change much, however at the end it makes up for it.

I can't give a comparison as i haven't read the others but this has left me with a craving to try and get the rest of them as soon as possible!

highly recomendable!!!

Amazing, 14 Jul 2008
This book is the third in the Maximum Ride series and it is fabulous. With piles of adventure and action, this book is as wonderful as the first 2. I am expecting great things from the next book.

Brilliant., 03 Nov 2008
Gripping and dramatic. I read the book in two sittings a few hours apart. I am sure I would have finished it in one but I was dragged away to cook dinner.

The author captures the different natures of the competitors well, builds the sense of excitement both at the start and the finish, as well as capturing the sense of the period, when competitive sailing was much less commercialized than it is now.

Well crafted, 28 Jan 2008
I am a small boat sailor and I loved it. This was a documentary that read like a novel and I was totally absorbed by it. It left me feeling both satisfied but sad and I was sorry it had to finish.

A first class read ..., 01 Nov 2007
I hate writing reviews, but a book this good deserves to be commended, and for the pleasure it's given me, I feel I owe it to the author, in some small way, to show my appreciation. For Peter Nichols is not only a seasoned sailor himself and so knows his subject well, but is also a very talented writer. His wonderful account of the 1968 Golden Globe circumnavigation race is beautifully told, a real adventure-packed page-turner that seamlessly weaves in the very diverse experiences of the extraordinary men who launched themselves into a venture that had never been done before, none of them knowing if it could indeed be done at all. From first to last Nichols skilfully laces the facts into an immensely readable narrative that keeps the reader glued to the page right to the last. It's a tale of courage and derring-do and self-suffiency and - in some cases - of extreme fool-hardiness and hopelessly optimistic naivety. Nichols' insight and sensitive appreciation of the personalities involved and the personal difficulties and mental hurdles each had to contend with in their respective journeys and battle with the elements, make for thoroughly engrossing reading. In fact, so enamoured with Mr Nichols' fluent and intelligently entertaining delivery am I, that I've since ordered everything else he has written. Now half-way through Sea Change, his autobiographical account of crossing the Atlantic in a little wooden schooner called Toad, I'm really glad I have. The man knows how to craft a tale and make it addictive stuff.

They'd never allow it today..., 17 Jun 2007
A fellow crew member brought this on board for a recent sail. It lives up to the cover hype - 'unputdownable', 'gripping'. Nichols keeps the pace up and even if you know the outcome you want to know what happens next... He interweaves the stories of the extraordinary competitors' solo battles very elegantly. Could you imagine today's owners of The Sunday Times sponsoring a race whose almost ridiculously courageous participants were so poorly prepared? Chay Blyth set off not knowing how to sail. The author's handling of Donald Crowhurst's mental unravelling - the subject of the well-made film documentary 'Deep Water' - is properly sensitive. My companions (several of whom had already read the book) kept demanding to be read extracts. Buy it, but make sure you put aside some time and don't have to put it down.

Great writer, 18 Jul 2006
The difference with Nichols and the authors of books on a similar topic, e.g., Perfect Storm, is that he can write. He avoids resorting to sentimentality in order to engage our interest. I'll be looking for other titles by this author. Evolutions Captain I would say is even better.

Top 100 Golf Courses - Top Book, 09 Sep 2005
A beautifully packaged account of the 100 best golf courses in the UK and Ireland. This is a well photographed and well researched book which is a perfect addition to any golfers collection of literature about the game. It is concise yet detailed, with an interesting mix of the authors considered views merged with the opinions of the many who visit the website. An ideal buy for anybody visiting the UK wishing to play the best courses and some of the hidden gems, but also a great read for those who want to enjoy a society day or as a supporting guide for a holiday. I could imagine it making a great stocking filler at xmas for any golfer. Great value.

One for golf course lovers, 24 Aug 2005
Picked this title up at Aberdovey GC and I haven't been able to put it down since. The honest reviews from real golfers are great to read and I have to say in the most part these reviews are accurate. Some of the pictures are brilliant and others are OK but that's because most of the photos are not the work of professional golf course photographers. It could do with a map for travelling golfers showing where the courses are in relation to each other but apart from that it's a nice book and one which will appeal to golfers who like playing different courses.

Great Read ....., 19 Aug 2005
Really good book this one - different to the usual guides. This one actually looks as though it has been written by golfers for golfers rather than an imaginary panel somewhere ..... Worht buying ...

Gives you a new appreciation for the tactics required to win a Tour de France, 27 Jul 2008
This is a fascinating behind the scenes look at what it takes to coach a winning Tour de France team. You can't argue with the author's credentials: Johan Bruyneel was a professional cyclist who competed in the Tour de France himself before becoming the team director behind Lance Armstrong's seven wins and subsequently for Alberto Contadour in 2007.

In this book Bruyneel describes the strategies behind a winning team (and he makes it clear that it's very much a team effort to win the Tour de France). He talks about how a team can control the race, when they should let breakaways go and when they need to chase them down, how they can play the mind game with other teams, the different skillsets that individual riders within a winning team need to have and countless more insights into the world of cycling. I was reading this book during the 2008 Tour and it made me appreciate far more the way that team CSC were approaching the race and why they did some of the things that they did. Very, very interesting.

I didn't like the way that the book jumps about in time as required to provide support to the points that Bruyneel is making. For example, Chapter 6 talks about the 2001 tour, Chapter 7 talks about the 1999 tour and Chapter 11 talks about the tour in 2000. While Bruyneel makes it clear at the outset that he hasn't set out to write an autobiography, the book would have been enhanced (and easier to follow) if he'd kept things in chronological order.

Bruyneel talks several times about the use of performance enhancing drugs and how they have affected the sport. He is adamant that Armstrong never took them, although I found it interesting that he talks at one point about how he deliberately had Armstrong lose a stage that he could have won, in part because "if we won again, so quickly, I could foresee...accusations of doping".

He also describes the immense amount of time and money that goes into finetuning the bikes and equipment: money is no object if it converts into a few precious seconds saved on the race.

This is an easy and very worthwhile read for anyone who's interested in the Tour de France.

this is a great read; obssession with road cycling not required, 23 Jun 2008
I read this book incredibly quickly. It is well written and interesting and takes a whole new tack on the lance armstrong years. I enjoyed the team car/ manager's eye view of the discovery team and Bruyneel's recollection of the minute strategies and adaptability that let discovery dominate the tour de france. The book is well balanced, insightful and offers glimpses into areas of professional cycling not really covered elsewhere. Basic functional explanations make this book accessible to non cycling obsessives without slowing down more avid supporters.

Must for any Rangers fan., 09 Oct 2008
Good read, lots of interesting facts and pictures. A must for any Rangers fan.

First 2 reviews have been sensible, just wait until our 'friendly neighbours' across the city start to leave reviews. It will be obvious and I would advise anybody looking to buy this book to ignore the childish comments.



Nice to see Celtic fans reading about a proper stadium.., 08 Oct 2008
...and not a shoddy shack made from meccano, spittle and dung.

Europe's finest stadium gets a long overdue appraisal. It's facade is famous throughout the world, and the tale is worth the telling. Great photos and a real walk down memory lane for bears.

Greatest Stadium in the World, 06 Oct 2008
THis is the greatest stadium in the world, resonating with massive European crowds every year. It is feared and held in awe all round Europe with great teams like Barcelona, AC Milan, Lyon and Manchester United having came and been conquered. It does Glasgow and Scotland proud!

Motivational stuff, 05 Dec 2008
I must beg to differ with Mr Fitzpatrick. "Extreme Running" never claims or intends to be an emotional in-depth account of some of the worlds most testing footraces. It doesn't aim for that "saga" title. Rather it is a collection of brief descriptions of the toughest 24 races across 5 continents. It's goal I'm sure is to make this crazy and wonderful sport more accessible to the average reader/athlete. Each event entry is accompanied by a useful stat box stating location, distance, date, characteristics, ascent/descent, records, %finishers and contact info for the said event. The book is littered with fantastic photos relaying the isolation and gruelling challenges faced by competitors, coupled with extraordinary landscape scots. Indeed Extreme Running makes a great coffee table book for this reason alone. But It also introduces us to a compilation of similar sporting events - something that hasn't been done before with this sport.
A wonderful reference book and by far the most inspirational thing I've read in a long while - if only as a result of the glossy pics and horiffic (though enticing) stats. Worth buying alone for the list of event websites mentioned and the "Maybe I will..." rush you get reading it.
It certainly made me dig out my old runners and head for a cold December romp in the woods.

Coffee table travelogue, 25 Sep 2008
It's an attractive book to have on the coffee table and you'll get some pleasant moments dipping into it and learning about some of the extreme running events that exist around the world. 24 ultramarathon races on all continents in all possible conditions are showcased with details about the length of the race, the conditions and all with some lovely photographs.
What you don't get is any great insight into what it is like to take part in any one of these events. With only a few pages per event, there is no time for an enthralling story detailing epic struggles - just the occasional snippet from a runner's diary.
Ranulph Fiennes is given some prominence on the cover but only contributes a one-page introduction. With his wealth of experience that's a great shame.
All in all it's a book that looks good but doesn't provide an engaging read.

a real inspiration, 10 Feb 2008
over the last couple of years I have managed to compete in some of the races that this book covers... and all I can say is that this book totally encapsulates the races, their ethoses and also the real challenges that they represent. It has made me want to do more, as well as also being really informative .. it's a great read for those wanting to find out about the best races out there, and also perfect for the armchair extreme runner.
Nice one Kym and Dave for producing a really readable book with great pictures.

taken from born survivor, 02 Jan 2009
I have read several survival-outdoors guides but this is one is the best.
I particularly enjoyed the introduction and the first few chapters that explained the basic