What A Good Read!, 09 Aug 2008
I've been a motorbike fan for as long as I can remember but it's only been the last few years that I've got into road racing. So I only know James Whitham from hearing and seeing him commentate on ITV and Eurosport, I never saw him race. I love the race commentary paring of James and Jack Burnicle and the way they joke and interact together. When I saw that this book was being published in Auguist it was one I knew I must have. I'm not a person who reads a lot of biographies but I had a feeling this would be good. When I saw the price that Amazon was selling it for I ordered it straight away. It arrived yesterday nmorning and I read the first chapter last night. I could just hear James narrating it in my head as i read it, it's written just the way he speaks, using northern phrases and expressions. If you like your biking it's a must get book and if you like a good read get it too, you won't regret it. When I've finished this I'm going to read the next chapter. What a good read!

What A Good Read!, 09 Aug 2008
I've been a motorbike fan for as long as I can remember but it's only been the last few years that I've got into road racing. So I only know James Whitham from hearing and seeing him commentate on ITV and Eurosport, I never saw him race. I love the race commentary paring of James and Jack Burnicle and the way they joke and interact together. When I saw that this book was being published in Auguist it was one I knew I must have. I'm not a person who reads a lot of biographies but I had a feeling this would be good. When I saw the price that Amazon was selling it for I ordered it straight away. It arrived yesterday nmorning and I read the first chapter last night. I could just hear James narrating it in my head as i read it, it's written just the way he speaks, using northern phrases and expressions. If you like your biking it's a must get book and if you like a good read get it too, you won't regret it. When I've finished this I'm going to read the next chapter. What a good read!

undemanding read, nice touches, , 21 Aug 2008
Language wise this is an undemanding, non-technical book, by which I mean you wont learn to be a brain surgeon or rocket car scientist by reading it.

You will learn how one couple coped with and travelled through a terrible thing happening to one of them.

That the 'physically injured party' is well known make this a little like watching a film where you know the ending (think Apollo 13) but are interested to know how you get there - and when you do get to the end you realise you didn't know more than the basic, I don't think I'm spoiling anything to say 'he lived & went back to work' but it is good to know how he feels about that.

It's also good to read Mindy Hammonds' point of view - I particularly liked touches where they remembered things differently, he remembers a green car outside, she a blue one...I enjoyed that side of things very much.

The only thing is I would have liked two things, a bit more detail about the type of brain injury Richard suffered and also a bit more of the going back to work, getting into life again stuff. The end was a little rushed.

Enjoy.

Fantastic. A riveting read for all ages, 21 Aug 2008
Now I'm 12 years old, but no, I'm not writing a review for the authored..kids..adapted thing. I'm sure you've gathered I prefer the real deal. This book truly is magnificently written. From cover to cover I was 'on the edge' (I wonder if this is where the book got it's name?) of my seat. I know many people say this, but this time it's literal. I couldn't put it down for the life of me.

I was reading this in the garden. I spent 15 or so minutes reading it when a wasp starting buzzing around my head, and yes I'm sure all of you reading this will know how unutterably irritating this is.
So I stood up and started hitting it with a tea-towel, but by the time I could get anywhere near it it had already flown away. And all the time I was doing this, I was still reading the book, so no wonder.
And then I spent 15 minutes standing up reading it, because I had absolutely no idea what I was doing or what was going on around me, so I couldn't sit down........I was inside the book. Weird?! Spooky?! Yeah, I think so too.
When you're reading this book you get a feeling you're there. Especially the parts that Richard's wife, Mindy, wrote.
In the part where she was driving to the hospital where Richard was, I felt like I was there. In the car with her.

This book is a compilation, really, of everything that happened to the Hammonds as a family. As a whole. Everything you could possibly want to know is included in On The Edge.
It's the story of how the family adapted to knowing one of their members had brain damage. What you would tell the kids. As Richard said in his book promo, how he risked his life just to strap himself to the front of a jet-engine for kicks. It's the story of how he crashed a jet powered dragster at 288 miles-per-hour.

If you're looking to read a book in the near future, or have just finished a book (probably one you've just bought from ASDA in a 3 for 2 offer with a "Richard & Judy's Summer Read" sticker on the front cover, let's not deny it), and want a truly riveting read that could keep you entertained, on the edge of your seat for hours on end, then look no further. Richard Hammond: On The Edge is one of the most fantastic accounts I've ever read.

Fan of the Hamster or not, this is unmissable.
5 STAR *****

Remarkable Love Story, 19 Aug 2008
What impressed me about this book was the sheer devotion of Richard and Mindy to each other and their children. Yes this is a book about a man struggling to rehabilitate after a horrific brain injury, and the tale of a man 'off the telly', but it is more than that. It is about courage, hope and resilience in the face of really daunting odds. I was very moved by this story, which is not something I was expecting at all when I first picked it up.

It is simply written and honest about the ups and downs of a horrific time in this family's life. It's not earth shattering literature, but then anyone who was expecting it to be must be slightly deranged themselves.

What really touched me is the effort both Richard and Mindy made to acknowledge the help they have received along the way both professionally and from ordinary people, and the fact that despite the fact that this was a high profile story, they keep coming back to their connection with and understanding of ordinary people who have to go through things like this and worse, with a fraction of the help provided here.

Survival of the Fittest, 17 Jul 2008
Richard Hammond covers the daredevil stunts of his childhood with a humour that he obviously took into his adult life. But the book isn't so much about his life as about the aftermath of his horrendous crash in a jet car whilst filming for the Top Gear television programme. The fact that Top Gear pushes the boundaries of acceptable motoring or that at times it can be irresponsible and purely for entertainment is probably not for discussion here. Hammond is part of that set-up and the fact that he drove a jet car could smack of commerciality gone too far.

As we all know he suffered severe brain damage from the crash. This book deals primarily with the build-up to the crash and the aftermath seen both through Hammond's eyes and those of his wife Mindy. Whilst Hammond was trying to pick up the pieces of his life and dealing with the problems of recuperating from brain damage, Mindy was trying to carry the burden of the family whilst giving him a solid base for his recovery. This is an overwhelming story of survival and return to fitness that at one point didn't seem possible. It is about the triumph of the human spirit. It is well written and an enjoyable read although I found the almost pathological need to avoid the Media slightly surprising given that Hammond himself operates within that field.

An excellent read, 24 Jun 2008
What a fantastic book. I really couldn't put it down. It had me laughing and crying, sometimes on the same page. Whovever said they couldn't decide whether it was good or not obviously missed the point completely. Maybe there were too many big words and not enough pictures. A real story about real people and it still has a happy ending. Excellent

What A Good Read!, 09 Aug 2008
I've been a motorbike fan for as long as I can remember but it's only been the last few years that I've got into road racing. So I only know James Whitham from hearing and seeing him commentate on ITV and Eurosport, I never saw him race. I love the race commentary paring of James and Jack Burnicle and the way they joke and interact together. When I saw that this book was being published in Auguist it was one I knew I must have. I'm not a person who reads a lot of biographies but I had a feeling this would be good. When I saw the price that Amazon was selling it for I ordered it straight away. It arrived yesterday nmorning and I read the first chapter last night. I could just hear James narrating it in my head as i read it, it's written just the way he speaks, using northern phrases and expressions. If you like your biking it's a must get book and if you like a good read get it too, you won't regret it. When I've finished this I'm going to read the next chapter. What a good read!

undemanding read, nice touches, , 21 Aug 2008
Language wise this is an undemanding, non-technical book, by which I mean you wont learn to be a brain surgeon or rocket car scientist by reading it.

You will learn how one couple coped with and travelled through a terrible thing happening to one of them.

That the 'physically injured party' is well known make this a little like watching a film where you know the ending (think Apollo 13) but are interested to know how you get there - and when you do get to the end you realise you didn't know more than the basic, I don't think I'm spoiling anything to say 'he lived & went back to work' but it is good to know how he feels about that.

It's also good to read Mindy Hammonds' point of view - I particularly liked touches where they remembered things differently, he remembers a green car outside, she a blue one...I enjoyed that side of things very much.

The only thing is I would have liked two things, a bit more detail about the type of brain injury Richard suffered and also a bit more of the going back to work, getting into life again stuff. The end was a little rushed.

Enjoy.

Fantastic. A riveting read for all ages, 21 Aug 2008
Now I'm 12 years old, but no, I'm not writing a review for the authored..kids..adapted thing. I'm sure you've gathered I prefer the real deal. This book truly is magnificently written. From cover to cover I was 'on the edge' (I wonder if this is where the book got it's name?) of my seat. I know many people say this, but this time it's literal. I couldn't put it down for the life of me.

I was reading this in the garden. I spent 15 or so minutes reading it when a wasp starting buzzing around my head, and yes I'm sure all of you reading this will know how unutterably irritating this is.
So I stood up and started hitting it with a tea-towel, but by the time I could get anywhere near it it had already flown away. And all the time I was doing this, I was still reading the book, so no wonder.
And then I spent 15 minutes standing up reading it, because I had absolutely no idea what I was doing or what was going on around me, so I couldn't sit down........I was inside the book. Weird?! Spooky?! Yeah, I think so too.
When you're reading this book you get a feeling you're there. Especially the parts that Richard's wife, Mindy, wrote.
In the part where she was driving to the hospital where Richard was, I felt like I was there. In the car with her.

This book is a compilation, really, of everything that happened to the Hammonds as a family. As a whole. Everything you could possibly want to know is included in On The Edge.
It's the story of how the family adapted to knowing one of their members had brain damage. What you would tell the kids. As Richard said in his book promo, how he risked his life just to strap himself to the front of a jet-engine for kicks. It's the story of how he crashed a jet powered dragster at 288 miles-per-hour.

If you're looking to read a book in the near future, or have just finished a book (probably one you've just bought from ASDA in a 3 for 2 offer with a "Richard & Judy's Summer Read" sticker on the front cover, let's not deny it), and want a truly riveting read that could keep you entertained, on the edge of your seat for hours on end, then look no further. Richard Hammond: On The Edge is one of the most fantastic accounts I've ever read.

Fan of the Hamster or not, this is unmissable.
5 STAR *****

Remarkable Love Story, 19 Aug 2008
What impressed me about this book was the sheer devotion of Richard and Mindy to each other and their children. Yes this is a book about a man struggling to rehabilitate after a horrific brain injury, and the tale of a man 'off the telly', but it is more than that. It is about courage, hope and resilience in the face of really daunting odds. I was very moved by this story, which is not something I was expecting at all when I first picked it up.

It is simply written and honest about the ups and downs of a horrific time in this family's life. It's not earth shattering literature, but then anyone who was expecting it to be must be slightly deranged themselves.

What really touched me is the effort both Richard and Mindy made to acknowledge the help they have received along the way both professionally and from ordinary people, and the fact that despite the fact that this was a high profile story, they keep coming back to their connection with and understanding of ordinary people who have to go through things like this and worse, with a fraction of the help provided here.

Survival of the Fittest, 17 Jul 2008
Richard Hammond covers the daredevil stunts of his childhood with a humour that he obviously took into his adult life. But the book isn't so much about his life as about the aftermath of his horrendous crash in a jet car whilst filming for the Top Gear television programme. The fact that Top Gear pushes the boundaries of acceptable motoring or that at times it can be irresponsible and purely for entertainment is probably not for discussion here. Hammond is part of that set-up and the fact that he drove a jet car could smack of commerciality gone too far.

As we all know he suffered severe brain damage from the crash. This book deals primarily with the build-up to the crash and the aftermath seen both through Hammond's eyes and those of his wife Mindy. Whilst Hammond was trying to pick up the pieces of his life and dealing with the problems of recuperating from brain damage, Mindy was trying to carry the burden of the family whilst giving him a solid base for his recovery. This is an overwhelming story of survival and return to fitness that at one point didn't seem possible. It is about the triumph of the human spirit. It is well written and an enjoyable read although I found the almost pathological need to avoid the Media slightly surprising given that Hammond himself operates within that field.

An excellent read, 24 Jun 2008
What a fantastic book. I really couldn't put it down. It had me laughing and crying, sometimes on the same page. Whovever said they couldn't decide whether it was good or not obviously missed the point completely. Maybe there were too many big words and not enough pictures. A real story about real people and it still has a happy ending. Excellent

Inspirational, 24 Jul 2007
The book has everything you need to know about doing some off-piste motorcycling. It makes some amazing trips sound vaguely feasible. Even for more mundane trips around the UK and Europe it has loads of good stuff about selection of gear and bike. It has loads of good biking stories too.

An excellent read, 05 Jul 2005
Well structured, easy to follow and I like the new chapter on medical advice, very thorough and easy to understand for the layman. Some great tips I'd not thought of!

A manual to true traveling, 23 Jan 2003
I have never made such a travel like the ones in this book, the writer gives plenty of usefull tips that will not be forgotten, very entertaining reading, however, there are plenty of references to other books and you will only get the big picture after reading them all. I think that it falls short on the tech stuff, i would like to get a book only about the motorcycles and tips like adjusting the carb for high altitude and repairs, this book only gives a few pages to the subject of picking a bike and i think it deserves a lot more. It absolutely lives up to the title and made me dream, what else can you ask?

Essential Reading, 01 Feb 2002
I've had this book for over 12 months and I still re-read it. Anyone planning to travel somewhere different on a motorbike will find this book really useful. Full of ideas, tips, lists, advice, it's all there. Even if you've never had a go at motorcycle touring before - this book will help. The information about touring in different continents/countries is excellent.

A practical book that sits on the bookshelf next to "Jupiter's Travels" - Buy it now!

A thousand years of biking experience in a single book, 18 Jun 2001
Chris has been there, seen it and done it. Well most things on a bike that are legal, and I guess a few that are not! This book gives detailed information for both novice and expert alike. From tyres to tools, from bikes to routes. If you really want to live the dream, then this is the first place to start, and if you are only dreaming.......dream on. Chris has not only put his wealth of knowledge, his love of travel and all other things biking into this book, but those of many others. It's full of stories and advice from people that really have been round the world on two wheels. A bible for any biking traveller....keep it close to hand, you never know when you might need its help.

What A Good Read!, 09 Aug 2008
I've been a motorbike fan for as long as I can remember but it's only been the last few years that I've got into road racing. So I only know James Whitham from hearing and seeing him commentate on ITV and Eurosport, I never saw him race. I love the race commentary paring of James and Jack Burnicle and the way they joke and interact together. When I saw that this book was being published in Auguist it was one I knew I must have. I'm not a person who reads a lot of biographies but I had a feeling this would be good. When I saw the price that Amazon was selling it for I ordered it straight away. It arrived yesterday nmorning and I read the first chapter last night. I could just hear James narrating it in my head as i read it, it's written just the way he speaks, using northern phrases and expressions. If you like your biking it's a must get book and if you like a good read get it too, you won't regret it. When I've finished this I'm going to read the next chapter. What a good read!

undemanding read, nice touches, , 21 Aug 2008
Language wise this is an undemanding, non-technical book, by which I mean you wont learn to be a brain surgeon or rocket car scientist by reading it.

You will learn how one couple coped with and travelled through a terrible thing happening to one of them.

That the 'physically injured party' is well known make this a little like watching a film where you know the ending (think Apollo 13) but are interested to know how you get there - and when you do get to the end you realise you didn't know more than the basic, I don't think I'm spoiling anything to say 'he lived & went back to work' but it is good to know how he feels about that.

It's also good to read Mindy Hammonds' point of view - I particularly liked touches where they remembered things differently, he remembers a green car outside, she a blue one...I enjoyed that side of things very much.

The only thing is I would have liked two things, a bit more detail about the type of brain injury Richard suffered and also a bit more of the going back to work, getting into life again stuff. The end was a little rushed.

Enjoy.

Fantastic. A riveting read for all ages, 21 Aug 2008
Now I'm 12 years old, but no, I'm not writing a review for the authored..kids..adapted thing. I'm sure you've gathered I prefer the real deal. This book truly is magnificently written. From cover to cover I was 'on the edge' (I wonder if this is where the book got it's name?) of my seat. I know many people say this, but this time it's literal. I couldn't put it down for the life of me.

I was reading this in the garden. I spent 15 or so minutes reading it when a wasp starting buzzing around my head, and yes I'm sure all of you reading this will know how unutterably irritating this is.
So I stood up and started hitting it with a tea-towel, but by the time I could get anywhere near it it had already flown away. And all the time I was doing this, I was still reading the book, so no wonder.
And then I spent 15 minutes standing up reading it, because I had absolutely no idea what I was doing or what was going on around me, so I couldn't sit down........I was inside the book. Weird?! Spooky?! Yeah, I think so too.
When you're reading this book you get a feeling you're there. Especially the parts that Richard's wife, Mindy, wrote.
In the part where she was driving to the hospital where Richard was, I felt like I was there. In the car with her.

This book is a compilation, really, of everything that happened to the Hammonds as a family. As a whole. Everything you could possibly want to know is included in On The Edge.
It's the story of how the family adapted to knowing one of their members had brain damage. What you would tell the kids. As Richard said in his book promo, how he risked his life just to strap himself to the front of a jet-engine for kicks. It's the story of how he crashed a jet powered dragster at 288 miles-per-hour.

If you're looking to read a book in the near future, or have just finished a book (probably one you've just bought from ASDA in a 3 for 2 offer with a "Richard & Judy's Summer Read" sticker on the front cover, let's not deny it), and want a truly riveting read that could keep you entertained, on the edge of your seat for hours on end, then look no further. Richard Hammond: On The Edge is one of the most fantastic accounts I've ever read.

Fan of the Hamster or not, this is unmissable.
5 STAR *****

Remarkable Love Story, 19 Aug 2008
What impressed me about this book was the sheer devotion of Richard and Mindy to each other and their children. Yes this is a book about a man struggling to rehabilitate after a horrific brain injury, and the tale of a man 'off the telly', but it is more than that. It is about courage, hope and resilience in the face of really daunting odds. I was very moved by this story, which is not something I was expecting at all when I first picked it up.

It is simply written and honest about the ups and downs of a horrific time in this family's life. It's not earth shattering literature, but then anyone who was expecting it to be must be slightly deranged themselves.

What really touched me is the effort both Richard and Mindy made to acknowledge the help they have received along the way both professionally and from ordinary people, and the fact that despite the fact that this was a high profile story, they keep coming back to their connection with and understanding of ordinary people who have to go through things like this and worse, with a fraction of the help provided here.

Survival of the Fittest, 17 Jul 2008
Richard Hammond covers the daredevil stunts of his childhood with a humour that he obviously took into his adult life. But the book isn't so much about his life as about the aftermath of his horrendous crash in a jet car whilst filming for the Top Gear television programme. The fact that Top Gear pushes the boundaries of acceptable motoring or that at times it can be irresponsible and purely for entertainment is probably not for discussion here. Hammond is part of that set-up and the fact that he drove a jet car could smack of commerciality gone too far.

As we all know he suffered severe brain damage from the crash. This book deals primarily with the build-up to the crash and the aftermath seen both through Hammond's eyes and those of his wife Mindy. Whilst Hammond was trying to pick up the pieces of his life and dealing with the problems of recuperating from brain damage, Mindy was trying to carry the burden of the family whilst giving him a solid base for his recovery. This is an overwhelming story of survival and return to fitness that at one point didn't seem possible. It is about the triumph of the human spirit. It is well written and an enjoyable read although I found the almost pathological need to avoid the Media slightly surprising given that Hammond himself operates within that field.

An excellent read, 24 Jun 2008
What a fantastic book. I really couldn't put it down. It had me laughing and crying, sometimes on the same page. Whovever said they couldn't decide whether it was good or not obviously missed the point completely. Maybe there were too many big words and not enough pictures. A real story about real people and it still has a happy ending. Excellent

Inspirational, 24 Jul 2007
The book has everything you need to know about doing some off-piste motorcycling. It makes some amazing trips sound vaguely feasible. Even for more mundane trips around the UK and Europe it has loads of good stuff about selection of gear and bike. It has loads of good biking stories too.

An excellent read, 05 Jul 2005
Well structured, easy to follow and I like the new chapter on medical advice, very thorough and easy to understand for the layman. Some great tips I'd not thought of!

A manual to true traveling, 23 Jan 2003
I have never made such a travel like the ones in this book, the writer gives plenty of usefull tips that will not be forgotten, very entertaining reading, however, there are plenty of references to other books and you will only get the big picture after reading them all. I think that it falls short on the tech stuff, i would like to get a book only about the motorcycles and tips like adjusting the carb for high altitude and repairs, this book only gives a few pages to the subject of picking a bike and i think it deserves a lot more. It absolutely lives up to the title and made me dream, what else can you ask?

Essential Reading, 01 Feb 2002
I've had this book for over 12 months and I still re-read it. Anyone planning to travel somewhere different on a motorbike will find this book really useful. Full of ideas, tips, lists, advice, it's all there. Even if you've never had a go at motorcycle touring before - this book will help. The information about touring in different continents/countries is excellent.

A practical book that sits on the bookshelf next to "Jupiter's Travels" - Buy it now!

A thousand years of biking experience in a single book, 18 Jun 2001
Chris has been there, seen it and done it. Well most things on a bike that are legal, and I guess a few that are not! This book gives detailed information for both novice and expert alike. From tyres to tools, from bikes to routes. If you really want to live the dream, then this is the first place to start, and if you are only dreaming.......dream on. Chris has not only put his wealth of knowledge, his love of travel and all other things biking into this book, but those of many others. It's full of stories and advice from people that really have been round the world on two wheels. A bible for any biking traveller....keep it close to hand, you never know when you might need its help.

An Adventure Everyone can Enjoy, 03 May 2008
I don't know anything about motercycles, and could not put this book down! Even though I havn't seen the show I really felt like I was there for the whole journey. Charley does an excellent job of recording his reactions, even when they are all over the place. I really apreciate the honesty he put into the book. The inclusion of so many other Dakar stories really rounds it out, creating a true picture of the race, not just a celebrity's attempt, and would be an exciting, inspiring read no matter who wrote it.

Dull, 09 Feb 2008
I love books on travel and I ride a motorcycle, but I really had to force myself to finish this book. I got the impression it was rushed and really done as the end of the motorcycle business Boorman et al have become.
Dull in the extreme.

A great look at what the bikes are all about, 18 Jan 2008
I have read almost all other books relating to the Rally, yet I found this one great insight into what modifications are made to the vehicles and what kit is used in the great race across the desert. The first few chapters are jam packed and mechanics dream of info relating to the vehicles. the rest of the book is also great, as it's simple to read and gives a nice step by step account of the teams progress along with a few humorous stories they heard along the way. I couldnt put the book down and wished it had been a bigger book!

Really good but somewhat disappointing, 05 Dec 2007
If you like bike movies, i.e. "Any Given Sunday," this one fits the bill. It's a great motorcycle movie, and a great story, much recommended. Charley Boorman and his team are great. My only problem with the movie was that, unfortunately, Charley could have been a bit better of a rider and whined less. The movie shows a view that a rider who has no delicate touch on the handlebars may not succeed in the Dakar race. Further, it would have been great to really know who won the race that year, beyond the small mention we see; like a bit more footage of the guys who actually won would have been welcome. Also, they could have shown a bit more of how hard Matt tried to get out of where he was stuck--I would have probably torn up some grass or put my jacket under the wheels of the bike to get it out of the sand, but what do I know?

Awesome!, 21 May 2007
It's mindbending, bicep busting, heart pounding, brain breakingly good!
The way Charlie has written the book takes you through every emotion he and the crew experience as if you were there yourself, the high's, the low's, the determination, the exhaustion, everythings there.
It's an amazing book written by incredible people about an awe inspiring event.
Read this book because, it is that good!

What A Good Read!, 09 Aug 2008
I've been a motorbike fan for as long as I can remember but it's only been the last few years that I've got into road racing. So I only know James Whitham from hearing and seeing him commentate on ITV and Eurosport, I never saw him race. I love the race commentary paring of James and Jack Burnicle and the way they joke and interact together. When I saw that this book was being published in Auguist it was one I knew I must have. I'm not a person who reads a lot of biographies but I had a feeling this would be good. When I saw the price that Amazon was selling it for I ordered it straight away. It arrived yesterday nmorning and I read the first chapter last night. I could just hear James narrating it in my head as i read it, it's written just the way he speaks, using northern phrases and expressions. If you like your biking it's a must get book and if you like a good read get it too, you won't regret it. When I've finished this I'm going to read the next chapter. What a good read!

undemanding read, nice touches, , 21 Aug 2008
Language wise this is an undemanding, non-technical book, by which I mean you wont learn to be a brain surgeon or rocket car scientist by reading it.

You will learn how one couple coped with and travelled through a terrible thing happening to one of them.

That the 'physically injured party' is well known make this a little like watching a film where you know the ending (think Apollo 13) but are interested to know how you get there - and when you do get to the end you realise you didn't know more than the basic, I don't think I'm spoiling anything to say 'he lived & went back to work' but it is good to know how he feels about that.

It's also good to read Mindy Hammonds' point of view - I particularly liked touches where they remembered things differently, he remembers a green car outside, she a blue one...I enjoyed that side of things very much.

The only thing is I would have liked two things, a bit more detail about the type of brain injury Richard suffered and also a bit more of the going back to work, getting into life again stuff. The end was a little rushed.

Enjoy.

Fantastic. A riveting read for all ages, 21 Aug 2008
Now I'm 12 years old, but no, I'm not writing a review for the authored..kids..adapted thing. I'm sure you've gathered I prefer the real deal. This book truly is magnificently written. From cover to cover I was 'on the edge' (I wonder if this is where the book got it's name?) of my seat. I know many people say this, but this time it's literal. I couldn't put it down for the life of me.

I was reading this in the garden. I spent 15 or so minutes reading it when a wasp starting buzzing around my head, and yes I'm sure all of you reading this will know how unutterably irritating this is.
So I stood up and started hitting it with a tea-towel, but by the time I could get anywhere near it it had already flown away. And all the time I was doing this, I was still reading the book, so no wonder.
And then I spent 15 minutes standing up reading it, because I had absolutely no idea what I was doing or what was going on around me, so I couldn't sit down........I was inside the book. Weird?! Spooky?! Yeah, I think so too.
When you're reading this book you get a feeling you're there. Especially the parts that Richard's wife, Mindy, wrote.
In the part where she was driving to the hospital where Richard was, I felt like I was there. In the car with her.

This book is a compilation, really, of everything that happened to the Hammonds as a family. As a whole. Everything you could possibly want to know is included in On The Edge.
It's the story of how the family adapted to knowing one of their members had brain damage. What you would tell the kids. As Richard said in his book promo, how he risked his life just to strap himself to the front of a jet-engine for kicks. It's the story of how he crashed a jet powered dragster at 288 miles-per-hour.

If you're looking to read a book in the near future, or have just finished a book (probably one you've just bought from ASDA in a 3 for 2 offer with a "Richard & Judy's Summer Read" sticker on the front cover, let's not deny it), and want a truly riveting read that could keep you entertained, on the edge of your seat for hours on end, then look no further. Richard Hammond: On The Edge is one of the most fantastic accounts I've ever read.

Fan of the Hamster or not, this is unmissable.
5 STAR *****

Remarkable Love Story, 19 Aug 2008
What impressed me about this book was the sheer devotion of Richard and Mindy to each other and their children. Yes this is a book about a man struggling to rehabilitate after a horrific brain injury, and the tale of a man 'off the telly', but it is more than that. It is about courage, hope and resilience in the face of really daunting odds. I was very moved by this story, which is not something I was expecting at all when I first picked it up.

It is simply written and honest about the ups and downs of a horrific time in this family's life. It's not earth shattering literature, but then anyone who was expecting it to be must be slightly deranged themselves.

What really touched me is the effort both Richard and Mindy made to acknowledge the help they have received along the way both professionally and from ordinary people, and the fact that despite the fact that this was a high profile story, they keep coming back to their connection with and understanding of ordinary people who have to go through things like this and worse, with a fraction of the help provided here.

Survival of the Fittest, 17 Jul 2008
Richard Hammond covers the daredevil stunts of his childhood with a humour that he obviously took into his adult life. But the book isn't so much about his life as about the aftermath of his horrendous crash in a jet car whilst filming for the Top Gear television programme. The fact that Top Gear pushes the boundaries of acceptable motoring or that at times it can be irresponsible and purely for entertainment is probably not for discussion here. Hammond is part of that set-up and the fact that he drove a jet car could smack of commerciality gone too far.

As we all know he suffered severe brain damage from the crash. This book deals primarily with the build-up to the crash and the aftermath seen both through Hammond's eyes and those of his wife Mindy. Whilst Hammond was trying to pick up the pieces of his life and dealing with the problems of recuperating from brain damage, Mindy was trying to carry the burden of the family whilst giving him a solid base for his recovery. This is an overwhelming story of survival and return to fitness that at one point didn't seem possible. It is about the triumph of the human spirit. It is well written and an enjoyable read although I found the almost pathological need to avoid the Media slightly surprising given that Hammond himself operates within that field.

An excellent read, 24 Jun 2008
What a fantastic book. I really couldn't put it down. It had me laughing and crying, sometimes on the same page. Whovever said they couldn't decide whether it was good or not obviously missed the point completely. Maybe there were too many big words and not enough pictures. A real story about real people and it still has a happy ending. Excellent

Inspirational, 24 Jul 2007
The book has everything you need to know about doing some off-piste motorcycling. It makes some amazing trips sound vaguely feasible. Even for more mundane trips around the UK and Europe it has loads of good stuff about selection of gear and bike. It has loads of good biking stories too.

An excellent read, 05 Jul 2005
Well structured, easy to follow and I like the new chapter on medical advice, very thorough and easy to understand for the layman. Some great tips I'd not thought of!

A manual to true traveling, 23 Jan 2003
I have never made such a travel like the ones in this book, the writer gives plenty of usefull tips that will not be forgotten, very entertaining reading, however, there are plenty of references to other books and you will only get the big picture after reading them all. I think that it falls short on the tech stuff, i would like to get a book only about the motorcycles and tips like adjusting the carb for high altitude and repairs, this book only gives a few pages to the subject of picking a bike and i think it deserves a lot more. It absolutely lives up to the title and made me dream, what else can you ask?

Essential Reading, 01 Feb 2002
I've had this book for over 12 months and I still re-read it. Anyone planning to travel somewhere different on a motorbike will find this book really useful. Full of ideas, tips, lists, advice, it's all there. Even if you've never had a go at motorcycle touring before - this book will help. The information about touring in different continents/countries is excellent.

A practical book that sits on the bookshelf next to "Jupiter's Travels" - Buy it now!

A thousand years of biking experience in a single book, 18 Jun 2001
Chris has been there, seen it and done it. Well most things on a bike that are legal, and I guess a few that are not! This book gives detailed information for both novice and expert alike. From tyres to tools, from bikes to routes. If you really want to live the dream, then this is the first place to start, and if you are only dreaming.......dream on. Chris has not only put his wealth of knowledge, his love of travel and all other things biking into this book, but those of many others. It's full of stories and advice from people that really have been round the world on two wheels. A bible for any biking traveller....keep it close to hand, you never know when you might need its help.

An Adventure Everyone can Enjoy, 03 May 2008
I don't know anything about motercycles, and could not put this book down! Even though I havn't seen the show I really felt like I was there for the whole journey. Charley does an excellent job of recording his reactions, even when they are all over the place. I really apreciate the honesty he put into the book. The inclusion of so many other Dakar stories really rounds it out, creating a true picture of the race, not just a celebrity's attempt, and would be an exciting, inspiring read no matter who wrote it.

Dull, 09 Feb 2008
I love books on travel and I ride a motorcycle, but I really had to force myself to finish this book. I got the impression it was rushed and really done as the end of the motorcycle business Boorman et al have become.
Dull in the extreme.

A great look at what the bikes are all about, 18 Jan 2008
I have read almost all other books relating to the Rally, yet I found this one great insight into what modifications are made to the vehicles and what kit is used in the great race across the desert. The first few chapters are jam packed and mechanics dream of info relating to the vehicles. the rest of the book is also great, as it's simple to read and gives a nice step by step account of the teams progress along with a few humorous stories they heard along the way. I couldnt put the book down and wished it had been a bigger book!

Really good but somewhat disappointing, 05 Dec 2007
If you like bike movies, i.e. "Any Given Sunday," this one fits the bill. It's a great motorcycle movie, and a great story, much recommended. Charley Boorman and his team are great. My only problem with the movie was that, unfortunately, Charley could have been a bit better of a rider and whined less. The movie shows a view that a rider who has no delicate touch on the handlebars may not succeed in the Dakar race. Further, it would have been great to really know who won the race that year, beyond the small mention we see; like a bit more footage of the guys who actually won would have been welcome. Also, they could have shown a bit more of how hard Matt tried to get out of where he was stuck--I would have probably torn up some grass or put my jacket under the wheels of the bike to get it out of the sand, but what do I know?

Awesome!, 21 May 2007
It's mindbending, bicep busting, heart pounding, brain breakingly good!
The way Charlie has written the book takes you through every emotion he and the crew experience as if you were there yourself, the high's, the low's, the determination, the exhaustion, everythings there.
It's an amazing book written by incredible people about an awe inspiring event.
Read this book because, it is that good!

undemanding read, nice touches, , 21 Aug 2008
Language wise this is an undemanding, non-technical book, by which I mean you wont learn to be a brain surgeon or rocket car scientist by reading it.

You will learn how one couple coped with and travelled through a terrible thing happening to one of them.

That the 'physically injured party' is well known make this a little like watching a film where you know the ending (think Apollo 13) but are interested to know how you get there - and when you do get to the end you realise you didn't know more than the basic, I don't think I'm spoiling anything to say 'he lived & went back to work' but it is good to know how he feels about that.

It's also good to read Mindy Hammonds' point of view - I particularly liked touches where they remembered things differently, he remembers a green car outside, she a blue one...I enjoyed that side of things very much.

The only thing is I would have liked two things, a bit more detail about the type of brain injury Richard suffered and also a bit more of the going back to work, getting into life again stuff. The end was a little rushed.

Enjoy.

Fantastic. A riveting read for all ages, 21 Aug 2008
Now I'm 12 years old, but no, I'm not writing a review for the authored..kids..adapted thing. I'm sure you've gathered I prefer the real deal. This book truly is magnificently written. From cover to cover I was 'on the edge' (I wonder if this is where the book got it's name?) of my seat. I know many people say this, but this time it's literal. I couldn't put it down for the life of me.

I was reading this in the garden. I spent 15 or so minutes reading it when a wasp starting buzzing around my head, and yes I'm sure all of you reading this will know how unutterably irritating this is.
So I stood up and started hitting it with a tea-towel, but by the time I could get anywhere near it it had already flown away. And all the time I was doing this, I was still reading the book, so no wonder.
And then I spent 15 minutes standing up reading it, because I had absolutely no idea what I was doing or what was going on around me, so I couldn't sit down........I was inside the book. Weird?! Spooky?! Yeah, I think so too.
When you're reading this book you get a feeling you're there. Especially the parts that Richard's wife, Mindy, wrote.
In the part where she was driving to the hospital where Richard was, I felt like I was there. In the car with her.

This book is a compilation, really, of everything that happened to the Hammonds as a family. As a whole. Everything you could possibly want to know is included in On The Edge.
It's the story of how the family adapted to knowing one of their members had brain damage. What you would tell the kids. As Richard said in his book promo, how he risked his life just to strap himself to the front of a jet-engine for kicks. It's the story of how he crashed a jet powered dragster at 288 miles-per-hour.

If you're looking to read a book in the near future, or have just finished a book (probably one you've just bought from ASDA in a 3 for 2 offer with a "Richard & Judy's Summer Read" sticker on the front cover, let's not deny it), and want a truly riveting read that could keep you entertained, on the edge of your seat for hours on end, then look no further. Richard Hammond: On The Edge is one of the most fantastic accounts I've ever read.

Fan of the Hamster or not, this is unmissable.
5 STAR *****

Remarkable Love Story, 19 Aug 2008
What impressed me about this book was the sheer devotion of Richard and Mindy to each other and their children. Yes this is a book about a man struggling to rehabilitate after a horrific brain injury, and the tale of a man 'off the telly', but it is more than that. It is about courage, hope and resilience in the face of really daunting odds. I was very moved by this story, which is not something I was expecting at all when I first picked it up.

It is simply written and honest about the ups and downs of a horrific time in this family's life. It's not earth shattering literature, but then anyone who was expecting it to be must be slightly deranged themselves.

What really touched me is the effort both Richard and Mindy made to acknowledge the help they have received along the way both professionally and from ordinary people, and the fact that despite the fact that this was a high profile story, they keep coming back to their connection with and understanding of ordinary people who have to go through things like this and worse, with a fraction of the help provided here.

Survival of the Fittest, 17 Jul 2008
Richard Hammond covers the daredevil stunts of his childhood with a humour that he obviously took into his adult life. But the book isn't so much about his life as about the aftermath of his horrendous crash in a jet car whilst filming for the Top Gear television programme. The fact that Top Gear pushes the boundaries of acceptable motoring or that at times it can be irresponsible and purely for entertainment is probably not for discussion here. Hammond is part of that set-up and the fact that he drove a jet car could smack of commerciality gone too far.

As we all know he suffered severe brain damage from the crash. This book deals primarily with the build-up to the crash and the aftermath seen both through Hammond's eyes and those of his wife Mindy. Whilst Hammond was trying to pick up the pieces of his life and dealing with the problems of recuperating from brain damage, Mindy was trying to carry the burden of the family whilst giving him a solid base for his recovery. This is an overwhelming story of survival and return to fitness that at one point didn't seem possible. It is about the triumph of the human spirit. It is well written and an enjoyable read although I found the almost pathological need to avoid the Media slightly surprising given that Hammond himself operates within that field.

An excellent read, 24 Jun 2008
What a fantastic book. I really couldn't put it down. It had me laughing and crying, sometimes on the same page. Whovever said they couldn't decide whether it was good or not obviously missed the point completely. Maybe there were too many big words and not enough pictures. A real story about real people and it still has a happy ending. Excellent

What A Good Read!, 09 Aug 2008
I've been a motorbike fan for as long as I can remember but it's only been the last few years that I've got into road racing. So I only know James Whitham from hearing and seeing him commentate on ITV and Eurosport, I never saw him race. I love the race commentary paring of James and Jack Burnicle and the way they joke and interact together. When I saw that this book was being published in Auguist it was one I knew I must have. I'm not a person who reads a lot of biographies but I had a feeling this would be good. When I saw the price that Amazon was selling it for I ordered it straight away. It arrived yesterday nmorning and I read the first chapter last night. I could just hear James narrating it in my head as i read it, it's written just the way he speaks, using northern phrases and expressions. If you like your biking it's a must get book and if you like a good read get it too, you won't regret it. When I've finished this I'm going to read the next chapter. What a good read!

undemanding read, nice touches, , 21 Aug 2008
Language wise this is an undemanding, non-technical book, by which I mean you wont learn to be a brain surgeon or rocket car scientist by reading it.

You will learn how one couple coped with and travelled through a terrible thing happening to one of them.

That the 'physically injured party' is well known make this a little like watching a film where you know the ending (think Apollo 13) but are interested to know how you get there - and when you do get to the end you realise you didn't know more than the basic, I don't think I'm spoiling anything to say 'he lived & went back to work' but it is good to know how he feels about that.

It's also good to read Mindy Hammonds' point of view - I particularly liked touches where they remembered things differently, he remembers a green car outside, she a blue one...I enjoyed that side of things very much.

The only thing is I would have liked two things, a bit more detail about the type of brain injury Richard suffered and also a bit more of the going back to work, getting into life again stuff. The end was a little rushed.

Enjoy.

Fantastic. A riveting read for all ages, 21 Aug 2008
Now I'm 12 years old, but no, I'm not writing a review for the authored..kids..adapted thing. I'm sure you've gathered I prefer the real deal. This book truly is magnificently written. From cover to cover I was 'on the edge' (I wonder if this is where the book got it's name?) of my seat. I know many people say this, but this time it's literal. I couldn't put it down for the life of me.

I was reading this in the garden. I spent 15 or so minutes reading it when a wasp starting buzzing around my head, and yes I'm sure all of you reading this will know how unutterably irritating this is.
So I stood up and started hitting it with a tea-towel, but by the time I could get anywhere near it it had already flown away. And all the time I was doing this, I was still reading the book, so no wonder.
And then I spent 15 minutes standing up reading it, because I had absolutely no idea what I was doing or what was going on around me, so I couldn't sit down........I was inside the book. Weird?! Spooky?! Yeah, I think so too.
When you're reading this book you get a feeling you're there. Especially the parts that Richard's wife, Mindy, wrote.
In the part where she was driving to the hospital where Richard was, I felt like I was there. In the car with her.

This book is a compilation, really, of everything that happened to the Hammonds as a family. As a whole. Everything you could possibly want to know is included in On The Edge.
It's the story of how the family adapted to knowing one of their members had brain damage. What you would tell the kids. As Richard said in his book promo, how he risked his life just to strap himself to the front of a jet-engine for kicks. It's the story of how he crashed a jet powered dragster at 288 miles-per-hour.

If you're looking to read a book in the near future, or have just finished a book (probably one you've just bought from ASDA in a 3 for 2 offer with a "Richard & Judy's Summer Read" sticker on the front cover, let's not deny it), and want a truly riveting read that could keep you entertained, on the edge of your seat for hours on end, then look no further. Richard Hammond: On The Edge is one of the most fantastic accounts I've ever read.

Fan of the Hamster or not, this is unmissable.
5 STAR *****

Remarkable Love Story, 19 Aug 2008
What impressed me about this book was the sheer devotion of Richard and Mindy to each other and their children. Yes this is a book about a man struggling to rehabilitate after a horrific brain injury, and the tale of a man 'off the telly', but it is more than that. It is about courage, hope and resilience in the face of really daunting odds. I was very moved by this story, which is not something I was expecting at all when I first picked it up.

It is simply written and honest about the ups and downs of a horrific time in this family's life. It's not earth shattering literature, but then anyone who was expecting it to be must be slightly deranged themselves.

What really touched me is the effort both Richard and Mindy made to acknowledge the help they have received along the way both professionally and from ordinary people, and the fact that despite the fact that this was a high profile story, they keep coming back to their connection with and understanding of ordinary people who have to go through things like this and worse, with a fraction of the help provided here.

Survival of the Fittest, 17 Jul 2008
Richard Hammond covers the daredevil stunts of his childhood with a humour that he obviously took into his adult life. But the book isn't so much about his life as about the aftermath of his horrendous crash in a jet car whilst filming for the Top Gear television programme. The fact that Top Gear pushes the boundaries of acceptable motoring or that at times it can be irresponsible and purely for entertainment is probably not for discussion here. Hammond is part of that set-up and the fact that he drove a jet car could smack of commerciality gone too far.

As we all know he suffered severe brain damage from the crash. This book deals primarily with the build-up to the crash and the aftermath seen both through Hammond's eyes and those of his wife Mindy. Whilst Hammond was trying to pick up the pieces of his life and dealing with the problems of recuperating from brain damage, Mindy was trying to carry the burden of the family whilst giving him a solid base for his recovery. This is an overwhelming story of survival and return to fitness that at one point didn't seem possible. It is about the triumph of the human spirit. It is well written and an enjoyable read although I found the almost pathological need to avoid the Media slightly surprising given that Hammond himself operates within that field.

An excellent read, 24 Jun 2008
What a fantastic book. I really couldn't put it down. It had me laughing and crying, sometimes on the same page. Whovever said they couldn't decide whether it was good or not obviously missed the point completely. Maybe there were too many big words and not enough pictures. A real story about real people and it still has a happy ending. Excellent

Inspirational, 24 Jul 2007
The book has everything you need to know about doing some off-piste motorcycling. It makes some amazing trips sound vaguely feasible. Even for more mundane trips around the UK and Europe it has loads of good stuff about selection of gear and bike. It has loads of good biking stories too.

An excellent read, 05 Jul 2005
Well structured, easy to follow and I like the new chapter on medical advice, very thorough and easy to understand for the layman. Some great tips I'd not thought of!

A manual to true traveling, 23 Jan 2003
I have never made such a travel like the ones in this book, the writer gives plenty of usefull tips that will not be forgotten, very entertaining reading, however, there are plenty of references to other books and you will only get the big picture after reading them all. I think that it falls short on the tech stuff, i would like to get a book only about the motorcycles and tips like adjusting the carb for high altitude and repairs, this book only gives a few pages to the subject of picking a bike and i think it deserves a lot more. It absolutely lives up to the title and made me dream, what else can you ask?

Essential Reading, 01 Feb 2002
I've had this book for over 12 months and I still re-read it. Anyone planning to travel somewhere different on a motorbike will find this book really useful. Full of ideas, tips, lists, advice, it's all there. Even if you've never had a go at motorcycle touring before - this book will help. The information about touring in different continents/countries is excellent.

A practical book that sits on the bookshelf next to "Jupiter's Travels" - Buy it now!

A thousand years of biking experience in a single book, 18 Jun 2001
Chris has been there, seen it and done it. Well most things on a bike that are legal, and I guess a few that are not! This book gives detailed information for both novice and expert alike. From tyres to tools, from bikes to routes. If you really want to live the dream, then this is the first place to start, and if you are only dreaming.......dream on. Chris has not only put his wealth of knowledge, his love of travel and all other things biking into this book, but those of many others. It's full of stories and advice from people that really have been round the world on two wheels. A bible for any biking traveller....keep it close to hand, you never know when you might need its help.

An Adventure Everyone can Enjoy, 03 May 2008
I don't know anything about motercycles, and could not put this book down! Even though I havn't seen the show I really felt like I was there for the whole journey. Charley does an excellent job of recording his reactions, even when they are all over the place. I really apreciate the honesty he put into the book. The inclusion of so many other Dakar stories really rounds it out, creating a true picture of the race, not just a celebrity's attempt, and would be an exciting, inspiring read no matter who wrote it.

Dull, 09 Feb 2008
I love books on travel and I ride a motorcycle, but I really had to force myself to finish this book. I got the impression it was rushed and really done as the end of the motorcycle business Boorman et al have become.
Dull in the extreme.

A great look at what the bikes are all about, 18 Jan 2008
I have read almost all other books relating to the Rally, yet I found this one great insight into what modifications are made to the vehicles and what kit is used in the great race across the desert. The first few chapters are jam packed and mechanics dream of info relating to the vehicles. the rest of the book is also great, as it's simple to read and gives a nice step by step account of the teams progress along with a few humorous stories they heard along the way. I couldnt put the book down and wished it had been a bigger book!

Really good but somewhat disappointing, 05 Dec 2007
If you like bike movies, i.e. "Any Given Sunday," this one fits the bill. It's a great motorcycle movie, and a great story, much recommended. Charley Boorman and his team are great. My only problem with the movie was that, unfortunately, Charley could have been a bit better of a rider and whined less. The movie shows a view that a rider who has no delicate touch on the handlebars may not succeed in the Dakar race. Further, it would have been great to really know who won the race that year, beyond the small mention we see; like a bit more footage of the guys who actually won would have been welcome. Also, they could have shown a bit more of how hard Matt tried to get out of where he was stuck--I would have probably torn up some grass or put my jacket under the wheels of the bike to get it out of the sand, but what do I know?

Awesome!, 21 May 2007
It's mindbending, bicep busting, heart pounding, brain breakingly good!
The way Charlie has written the book takes you through every emotion he and the crew experience as if you were there yourself, the high's, the low's, the determination, the exhaustion, everythings there.
It's an amazing book written by incredible people about an awe inspiring event.
Read this book because, it is that good!

undemanding read, nice touches, , 21 Aug 2008
Language wise this is an undemanding, non-technical book, by which I mean you wont learn to be a brain surgeon or rocket car scientist by reading it.

You will learn how one couple coped with and travelled through a terrible thing happening to one of them.

That the 'physically injured party' is well known make this a little like watching a film where you know the ending (think Apollo 13) but are interested to know how you get there - and when you do get to the end you realise you didn't know more than the basic, I don't think I'm spoiling anything to say 'he lived & went back to work' but it is good to know how he feels about that.

It's also good to read Mindy Hammonds' point of view - I particularly liked touches where they remembered things differently, he remembers a green car outside, she a blue one...I enjoyed that side of things very much.

The only thing is I would have liked two things, a bit more detail about the type of brain injury Richard suffered and also a bit more of the going back to work, getting into life again stuff. The end was a little rushed.

Enjoy.

Fantastic. A riveting read for all ages, 21 Aug 2008
Now I'm 12 years old, but no, I'm not writing a review for the authored..kids..adapted thing. I'm sure you've gathered I prefer the real deal. This book truly is magnificently written. From cover to cover I was 'on the edge' (I wonder if this is where the book got it's name?) of my seat. I know many people say this, but this time it's literal. I couldn't put it down for the life of me.

I was reading this in the garden. I spent 15 or so minutes reading it when a wasp starting buzzing around my head, and yes I'm sure all of you reading this will know how unutterably irritating this is.
So I stood up and started hitting it with a tea-towel, but by the time I could get anywhere near it it had already flown away. And all the time I was doing this, I was still reading the book, so no wonder.
And then I spent 15 minutes standing up reading it, because I had absolutely no idea what I was doing or what was going on around me, so I couldn't sit down........I was inside the book. Weird?! Spooky?! Yeah, I think so too.
When you're reading this book you get a feeling you're there. Especially the parts that Richard's wife, Mindy, wrote.
In the part where she was driving to the hospital where Richard was, I felt like I was there. In the car with her.

This book is a compilation, really, of everything that happened to the Hammonds as a family. As a whole. Everything you could possibly want to know is included in On The Edge.
It's the story of how the family adapted to knowing one of their members had brain damage. What you would tell the kids. As Richard said in his book promo, how he risked his life just to strap himself to the front of a jet-engine for kicks. It's the story of how he crashed a jet powered dragster at 288 miles-per-hour.

If you're looking to read a book in the near future, or have just finished a book (probably one you've just bought from ASDA in a 3 for 2 offer with a "Richard & Judy's Summer Read" sticker on the front cover, let's not deny it), and want a truly riveting read that could keep you entertained, on the edge of your seat for hours on end, then look no further. Richard Hammond: On The Edge is one of the most fantastic accounts I've ever read.

Fan of the Hamster or not, this is unmissable.
5 STAR *****

Remarkable Love Story, 19 Aug 2008
What impressed me about this book was the sheer devotion of Richard and Mindy to each other and their children. Yes this is a book about a man struggling to rehabilitate after a horrific brain injury, and the tale of a man 'off the telly', but it is more than that. It is about courage, hope and resilience in the face of really daunting odds. I was very moved by this story, which is not something I was expecting at all when I first picked it up.

It is simply written and honest about the ups and downs of a horrific time in this family's life. It's not earth shattering literature, but then anyone who was expecting it to be must be slightly deranged themselves.

What really touched me is the effort both Richard and Mindy made to acknowledge the help they have received along the way both professionally and from ordinary people, and the fact that despite the fact that this was a high profile story, they keep coming back to their connection with and understanding of ordinary people who have to go through things like this and worse, with a fraction of the help provided here.

Survival of the Fittest, 17 Jul 2008
Richard Hammond covers the daredevil stunts of his childhood with a humour that he obviously took into his adult life. But the book isn't so much about his life as about the aftermath of his horrendous crash in a jet car whilst filming for the Top Gear television programme. The fact that Top Gear pushes the boundaries of acceptable motoring or that at times it can be irresponsible and purely for entertainment is probably not for discussion here. Hammond is part of that set-up and the fact that he drove a jet car could smack of commerciality gone too far.

As we all know he suffered severe brain damage from the crash. This book deals primarily with the build-up to the crash and the aftermath seen both through Hammond's eyes and those of his wife Mindy. Whilst Hammond was trying to pick up the pieces of his life and dealing with the problems of recuperating from brain damage, Mindy was trying to carry the burden of the family whilst giving him a solid base for his recovery. This is an overwhelming story of survival and return to fitness that at one point didn't seem possible. It is about the triumph of the human spirit. It is well written and an enjoyable read although I found the almost pathological need to avoid the Media slightly surprising given that Hammond himself operates within that field.

An excellent read, 24 Jun 2008
What a fantastic book. I really couldn't put it down. It had me laughing and crying, sometimes on the same page. Whovever said they couldn't decide whether it was good or not obviously missed the point completely. Maybe there were too many big words and not enough pictures. A real story about real people and it still has a happy ending. Excellent

10/10, 29 Apr 2008
When I saw Chris racing in BSB I looked forward to seeing every rece on TV. I didn't get out to many race meetings; his style of riding is incredible & often I was on the edge of the sofa shouting at the telly.

For Christmas 2007 the in-laws bought me this book.
It is bloody brilliant! Very moving, & very entertaining. It was very hard to put the book down.

I recommend this to any Stalker fan.

The only downside is I haven't had the chance to meet the man to get my book signed.

The peoples champion, 08 Apr 2008
What can I say about this book that has not already been said. bguyfghugyg. Yup thats about it.
I am a massive motorcycle racing fan, and a stalker fan too so unsuprisingly the book was awesome.
This book is very easy to read due to the level of humour and down to earth feel about the man himself.
Not self absorbed and arrogant like Foggy, oh no. Chris recalls all the good and bad times as they happened, not with excuses and bullsh**.
Who can forget the heartbreak of 2000, or the elation of 2006 assen.
Not to mention the stories of the skinny little boy growing up crashing everything he rode!!!!
Any fan of motorsport, I urge you to buy and read this book. You will not be dissapointed. The stalker is not only the housewives favourite and peoples champ, he is a down to earth honest racer through and through. His story is a lesson to us all....... crashing hurts...

One of the funniest autobiographies out there., 17 Dec 2007
Can't I give this book 10 stars Uncle Amazon? It's ace! You don't have to love Superbikes to love this book in fact it is permissible to detest all things 2 wheeled and still love this book. Stalker is a frank, absolutely hilarious and unpretentious autobiography. From his early days kick starting a motorbike under his duvet in his dreams at the age of 3 to his long over due WSB win at Assen in 2006 Chris comes over as a humble, loveable, endearingly childlike character, although I suspect a hard man of racing who makes the rest look like ickle titchy kittens when it comes to enduring pain probably won't thank me for the latter. How Chris still walks in a straight line is a miracle. His ability to ride in races with broken bones as if they were no more than a paper cut is unbelievable. This man has no pain threshold. What a stoic. What he does have however, which shines all the way through the book, is a true love for what he is doing. His determination, stamina, and total skill often hampered by bad luck and injury. Chris walker is a true star. Spurred on by his dad John, a man of few but sidesplitting words, The Stalker is a genuine self-effacing, very funny man who desires to win not only for himself but also for his hoards of followers. When he retires however may I suggest he takes to the stage along with his dad John. Morecambe and Wise have been off the box for too long bring on Walker & Walker. Buy this book everyone it's superb. S*** hot!

'Stalking good read', 31 Oct 2007
Brilliant read, could'nt put it down. What a sense of humour this bloke has on and off the track. You would not believe the bad luck and injuries this man has endured and still rides with such determination and passion. Only one thing to say - 'Keep On Riding Chris'
Mark's Mum - Mansfield, Notts.

Simply Brilliant Book... What Ya Up To?.., 24 Oct 2007
Mega book, a real insight into the all action riding style of the stalker's life right from the start of his motorcycle addiction,with some mega storys of his antic's, this is simply the funniest and best autobiography on the market The dogs B----x top stuff!!!!!! MD

What A Good Read!, 09 Aug 2008
I've been a motorbike fan for as long as I can remember but it's only been the last few years that I've got into road racing. So I only know James Whitham from hearing and seeing him commentate on ITV and Eurosport, I never saw him race. I love the race commentary paring of James and Jack Burnicle and the way they joke and interact together. When I saw that this book was being published in Auguist it was one I knew I must have. I'm not a person who reads a lot of biographies but I had a feeling this would be good. When I saw the price that Amazon was selling it for I ordered it straight away. It arrived yesterday nmorning and I read the first chapter last night. I could just hear James narrating it in my head as i read it, it's written just the way he speaks, using northern phrases and expressions. If you like your biking it's a must get book and if you like a good read get it too, you won't regret it. When I've finished this I'm going to read the next chapter. What a good read!

undemanding read, nice touches, , 21 Aug 2008
Language wise this is an undemanding, non-technical book, by which I mean you wont learn to be a brain surgeon or rocket car scientist by reading it.

You will learn how one couple coped with and travelled through a terrible thing happening to one of them.

That the 'physically injured party' is well known make this a little like watching a film where you know the ending (think Apollo 13) but are interested to know how you get there - and when you do get to the end you realise you didn't know more than the basic, I don't think I'm spoiling anything to say 'he lived & went back to work' but it is good to know how he feels about that.

It's also good to read Mindy Hammonds' point of view - I particularly liked touches where they remembered things differently, he remembers a green car outside, she a blue one...I enjoyed that side of things very much.

The only thing is I would have liked two things, a bit more detail about the type of brain injury Richard suffered and also a bit more of the going back to work, getting into life again stuff. The end was a little rushed.

Enjoy.

Fantastic. A riveting read for all ages, 21 Aug 2008
Now I'm 12 years old, but no, I'm not writing a review for the authored..kids..adapted thing. I'm sure you've gathered I prefer the real deal. This book truly is magnificently written. From cover to cover I was 'on the edge' (I wonder if this is where the book got it's name?) of my seat. I know many people say this, but this time it's literal. I couldn't put it down for the life of me.

I was reading this in the garden. I spent 15 or so minutes reading it when a wasp starting buzzing around my head, and yes I'm sure all of you reading this will know how unutterably irritating this is.
So I stood up and started hitting it with a tea-towel, but by the time I could get anywhere near it it had already flown away. And all the time I was doing this, I was still reading the book, so no wonder.
And then I spent 15 minutes standing up reading it, because I had absolutely no idea what I was doing or what was going on around me, so I couldn't sit down........I was inside the book. Weird?! Spooky?! Yeah, I think so too.
When you're reading this book you get a feeling you're there. Especially the parts that Richard's wife, Mindy, wrote.
In the part where she was driving to the hospital where Richard was, I felt like I was there. In the car with her.

This book is a compilation, really, of everything that happened to the Hammonds as a family. As a whole. Everything you could possibly want to know is included in On The Edge.
It's the story of how the family adapted to knowing one of their members had brain damage. What you would tell the kids. As Richard said in his book promo, how he risked his life just to strap himself to the front of a jet-engine for kicks. It's the story of how he crashed a jet powered dragster at 288 miles-per-hour.

If you're looking to read a book in the near future, or have just finished a book (probably one you've just bought from ASDA in a 3 for 2 offer with a "Richard & Judy's Summer Read" sticker on the front cover, let's not deny it), and want a truly riveting read that could keep you entertained, on the edge of your seat for hours on end, then look no further. Richard Hammond: On The Edge is one of the most fantastic accounts I've ever read.

Fan of the Hamster or not, this is unmissable.
5 STAR *****

Remarkable Love Story, 19 Aug 2008
What impressed me about this book was the sheer devotion of Richard and Mindy to each other and their children. Yes this is a book about a man struggling to rehabilitate after a horrific brain injury, and the tale of a man 'off the telly', but it is more than that. It is about courage, hope and resilience in the face of really daunting odds. I was very moved by this story, which is not something I was expecting at all when I first picked it up.

It is simply written and honest about the ups and downs of a horrific time in this family's life. It's not earth shattering literature, but then anyone who was expecting it to be must be slightly deranged themselves.

What really touched me is the effort both Richard and Mindy made to acknowledge the help they have received along the way both professionally and from ordinary people, and the fact that despite the fact that this was a high profile story, they keep coming back to their connection with and understanding of ordinary people who have to go through things like this and worse, with a fraction of the help provided here.

Survival of the Fittest, 17 Jul 2008
Richard Hammond covers the daredevil stunts of his childhood with a humour that he obviously took into his adult life. But the book isn't so much about his life as about the aftermath of his horrendous crash in a jet car whilst filming for the Top Gear television programme. The fact that Top Gear pushes the boundaries of acceptable motoring or that at times it can be irresponsible and purely for entertainment is probably not for discussion here. Hammond is part of that set-up and the fact that he drove a jet car could smack of commerciality gone too far.

As we all know he suffered severe brain damage from the crash. This book deals primarily with the build-up to the crash and the aftermath seen both through Hammond's eyes and those of his wife Mindy. Whilst Hammond was trying to pick up the pieces of his life and dealing with the problems of recuperating from brain damage, Mindy was trying to carry the burden of the family whilst giving him a solid base for his recovery. This is an overwhelming story of survival and return to fitness that at one point didn't seem possible. It is about the triumph of the human spirit. It is well written and an enjoyable read although I found the almost pathological need to avoid the Media slightly surprising given that Hammond himself operates within that field.

An excellent read, 24 Jun 2008
What a fantastic book. I really couldn't put it down. It had me laughing and crying, sometimes on the same page. Whovever said they couldn't decide whether it was good or not obviously missed the point completely. Maybe there were too many big words and not enough pictures. A real story about real people and it still has a happy ending. Excellent

Inspirational, 24 Jul 2007
The book has everything you need to know about doing some off-piste motorcycling. It makes some amazing trips sound vaguely feasible. Even for more mundane trips around the UK and Europe it has loads of good stuff about selection of gear and bike. It has loads of good biking stories too.

An excellent read, 05 Jul 2005
Well structured, easy to follow and I like the new chapter on medical advice, very thorough and easy to understand for the layman. Some great tips I'd not thought of!

A manual to true traveling, 23 Jan 2003
I have never made such a travel like the ones in this book, the writer gives plenty of usefull tips that will not be forgotten, very entertaining reading, however, there are plenty of references to other books and you will only get the big picture after reading them all. I think that it falls short on the tech stuff, i would like to get a book only about the motorcycles and tips like adjusting the carb for high altitude and repairs, this book only gives a few pages to the subject of picking a bike and i think it deserves a lot more. It absolutely lives up to the title and made me dream, what else can you ask?

Essential Reading, 01 Feb 2002
I've had this book for over 12 months and I still re-read it. Anyone planning to travel somewhere different on a motorbike will find this book really useful. Full of ideas, tips, lists, advice, it's all there. Even if you've never had a go at motorcycle touring before - this book will help. The information about touring in different continents/countries is excellent.

A practical book that sits on the bookshelf next to "Jupiter's Travels" - Buy it now!

A thousand years of biking experience in a single book, 18 Jun 2001
Chris has been there, seen it and done it. Well most things on a bike that are legal, and I guess a few that are not! This book gives detailed information for both novice and expert alike. From tyres to tools, from bikes to routes. If you really want to live the dream, then this is the first place to start, and if you are only dreaming.......dream on. Chris has not only put his wealth of knowledge, his love of travel and all other things biking into this book, but those of many others. It's full of stories and advice from people that really have been round the world on two wheels. A bible for any biking traveller....keep it close to hand, you never know when you might need its help.

An Adventure Everyone can Enjoy, 03 May 2008
I don't know anything about motercycles, and could not put this book down! Even though I havn't seen the show I really felt like I was there for the whole journey. Charley does an excellent job of recording his reactions, even when they are all over the place. I really apreciate the honesty he put into the book. The inclusion of so many other Dakar stories really rounds it out, creating a true picture of the race, not just a celebrity's attempt, and would be an exciting, inspiring read no matter who wrote it.

Dull, 09 Feb 2008
I love books on travel and I ride a motorcycle, but I really had to force myself to finish this book. I got the impression it was rushed and really done as the end of the motorcycle business Boorman et al have become.
Dull in the extreme.

A great look at what the bikes are all about, 18 Jan 2008
I have read almost all other books relating to the Rally, yet I found this one great insight into what modifications are made to the vehicles and what kit is used in the great race across the desert. The first few chapters are jam packed and mechanics dream of info relating to the vehicles. the rest of the book is also great, as it's simple to read and gives a nice step by step account of the teams progress along with a few humorous stories they heard along the way. I couldnt put the book down and wished it had been a bigger book!

Really good but somewhat disappointing, 05 Dec 2007
If you like bike movies, i.e. "Any Given Sunday," this one fits the bill. It's a great motorcycle movie, and a great story, much recommended. Charley Boorman and his team are great. My only problem with the movie was that, unfortunately, Charley could have been a bit better of a rider and whined less. The movie shows a view that a rider who has no delicate touch on the handlebars may not succeed in the Dakar race. Further, it would have been great to really know who won the race that year, beyond the small mention we see; like a bit more footage of the guys who actually won would have been welcome. Also, they could have shown a bit more of how hard Matt tried to get out of where he was stuck--I would have probably torn up some grass or put my jacket under the wheels of the bike to get it out of the sand, but what do I know?

Awesome!, 21 May 2007
It's mindbending, bicep busting, heart pounding, brain breakingly good!
The way Charlie has written the book takes you through every emotion he and the crew experience as if you were there yourself, the high's, the low's, the determination, the exhaustion, everythings there.
It's an amazing book written by incredible people about an awe inspiring event.
Read this book because, it is that good!

undemanding read, nice touches, , 21 Aug 2008
Language wise this is an undemanding, non-technical book, by which I mean you wont learn to be a brain surgeon or rocket car scientist by reading it.

You will learn how one couple coped with and travelled through a terrible thing happening to one of them.

That the 'physically injured party' is well known make this a little like watching a film where you know the ending (think Apollo 13) but are interested to know how you get there - and when you do get to the end you realise you didn't know more than the basic, I don't think I'm spoiling anything to say 'he lived & went back to work' but it is good to know how he feels about that.

It's also good to read Mindy Hammonds' point of view - I particularly liked touches where they remembered things differently, he remembers a green car outside, she a blue one...I enjoyed that side of things very much.

The only thing is I would have liked two things, a bit more detail about the type of brain injury Richard suffered and also a bit more of the going back to work, getting into life again stuff. The end was a little rushed.

Enjoy.

Fantastic. A riveting read for all ages, 21 Aug 2008
Now I'm 12 years old, but no, I'm not writing a review for the authored..kids..adapted thing. I'm sure you've gathered I prefer the real deal. This book truly is magnificently written. From cover to cover I was 'on the edge' (I wonder if this is where the book got it's name?) of my seat. I know many people say this, but this time it's literal. I couldn't put it down for the life of me.

I was reading this in the garden. I spent 15 or so minutes reading it when a wasp starting buzzing around my head, and yes I'm sure all of you reading this will know how unutterably irritating this is.
So I stood up and started hitting it with a tea-towel, but by the time I could get anywhere near it it had already flown away. And all the time I was doing this, I was still reading the book, so no wonder.
And then I spent 15 minutes standing up reading it, because I had absolutely no idea what I was doing or what was going on around me, so I couldn't sit down........I was inside the book. Weird?! Spooky?! Yeah, I think so too.
When you're reading this book you get a feeling you're there. Especially the parts that Richard's wife, Mindy, wrote.
In the part where she was driving to the hospital where Richard was, I felt like I was there. In the car with her.

This book is a compilation, really, of everything that happened to the Hammonds as a family. As a whole. Everything you could possibly want to know is included in On The Edge.
It's the story of how the family adapted to knowing one of their members had brain damage. What you would tell the kids. As Richard said in his book promo, how he risked his life just to strap himself to the front of a jet-engine for kicks. It's the story of how he crashed a jet powered dragster at 288 miles-per-hour.

If you're looking to read a book in the near future, or have just finished a book (probably one you've just bought from ASDA in a 3 for 2 offer with a "Richard & Judy's Summer Read" sticker on the front cover, let's not deny it), and want a truly riveting read that could keep you entertained, on the edge of your seat for hours on end, then look no further. Richard Hammond: On The Edge is one of the most fantastic accounts I've ever read.

Fan of the Hamster or not, this is unmissable.
5 STAR *****

Remarkable Love Story, 19 Aug 2008
What impressed me about this book was the sheer devotion of Richard and Mindy to each other and their children. Yes this is a book about a man struggling to rehabilitate after a horrific brain injury, and the tale of a man 'off the telly', but it is more than that. It is about courage, hope and resilience in the face of really daunting odds. I was very moved by this story, which is not something I was expecting at all when I first picked it up.

It is simply written and honest about the ups and downs of a horrific time in this family's life. It's not earth shattering literature, but then anyone who was expecting it to be must be slightly deranged themselves.

What really touched me is the effort both Richard and Mindy made to acknowledge the help they have received along the way both professionally and from ordinary people, and the fact that despite the fact that this was a high profile story, they keep coming back to their connection with and understanding of ordinary people who have to go through things like this and worse, with a fraction of the help provided here.

Survival of the Fittest, 17 Jul 2008
Richard Hammond covers the daredevil stunts of his childhood with a humour that he obviously took into his adult life. But the book isn't so much about his life as about the aftermath of his horrendous crash in a jet car whilst filming for the Top Gear television programme. The fact that Top Gear pushes the boundaries of acceptable motoring or that at times it can be irresponsible and purely for entertainment is probably not for discussion here. Hammond is part of that set-up and the fact that he drove a jet car could smack of commerciality gone too far.

As we all know he suffered severe brain damage from the crash. This book deals primarily with the build-up to the crash and the aftermath seen both through Hammond's eyes and those of his wife Mindy. Whilst Hammond was trying to pick up the pieces of his life and dealing with the problems of recuperating from brain damage, Mindy was trying to carry the burden of the family whilst giving him a solid base for his recovery. This is an overwhelming story of survival and return to fitness that at one point didn't seem possible. It is about the triumph of the human spirit. It is well written and an enjoyable read although I found the almost pathological need to avoid the Media slightly surprising given that Hammond himself operates within that field.

An excellent read, 24 Jun 2008
What a fantastic book. I really couldn't put it down. It had me laughing and crying, sometimes on the same page. Whovever said they couldn't decide whether it was good or not obviously missed the point completely. Maybe there were too many big words and not enough pictures. A real story about real people and it still has a happy ending. Excellent

10/10, 29 Apr 2008
When I saw Chris racing in BSB I looked forward to seeing every rece on TV. I didn't get out to many race meetings; his style of riding is incredible & often I was on the edge of the sofa shouting at the telly.

For Christmas 2007 the in-laws bought me this book.
It is bloody brilliant! Very moving, & very entertaining. It was very hard to put the book down.

I recommend this to any Stalker fan.

The only downside is I haven't had the chance to meet the man to get my book signed.

The peoples champion, 08 Apr 2008
What can I say about this book that has not already been said. bguyfghugyg. Yup thats about it.
I am a massive motorcycle racing fan, and a stalker fan too so unsuprisingly the book was awesome.
This book is very easy to read due to the level of humour and down to earth feel about the man himself.
Not self absorbed and arrogant like Foggy, oh no. Chris recalls all the good and bad times as they happened, not with excuses and bullsh**.
Who can forget the heartbreak of 2000, or the elation of 2006 assen.
Not to mention the stories of the skinny little boy growing up crashing everything he rode!!!!
Any fan of motorsport, I urge you to buy and read this book. You will not be dissapointed. The stalker is not only the housewives favourite and peoples champ, he is a down to earth honest racer through and through. His story is a lesson to us all....... crashing hurts...

One of the funniest autobiographies out there., 17 Dec 2007
Can't I give this book 10 stars Uncle Amazon? It's ace! You don't have to love Superbikes to love this book in fact it is permissible to detest all things 2 wheeled and still love this book. Stalker is a frank, absolutely hilarious and unpretentious autobiography. From his early days kick starting a motorbike under his duvet in his dreams at the age of 3 to his long over due WSB win at Assen in 2006 Chris comes over as a humble,