Ryan Pyle

This is a realtively short book textually, it's mostly a large collection of black and white photographs that Ryan Pyle has taken in Chinese Turkestan. Having read the book of his bike ride round China with his brother this book makes sense. It was clear from the Middle Kingdom Ride that Ryan was mesmerised by the clash of culture, tradition and modernity that Chinese Turkestan represents.

The pictures are all amazing, and what you get from them is the sheer variety of life in this region. You also get a harsh but beautiful landscape and a way of life that doesn't look like it has changed in centuries, with little glimpses of modernity, a moped, or an electric motor.

The only downside I had with it were that the double page spread pictures often have their effect spoiled by the fold. They are all great photographs, and it might have been better for fold-out pages for these photos, as the size does work. The facing page could then contain the descriptive text alongside the photo. This would make it easier to find the description.

One last point, make sure you read the introductory text, it puts the photos in some context and communicates the passion Ryan Pyle has for the area. Well worth a read.

PS I received a free reading copy to review.
… (altro)

I enjoyed the book, and am looking forward to watching the accompanying DVD as well. It is an interesting book, both because of the travelogue and the epic nature of the journey and because it has two authors. Both brothers have written their own point of view, based on their contemporary video diaries recorded at the end of each of the 60 days that they spent on the road (and in some cases off it) on the way round China.

The book is very much a narrative of the journey and the effect it has on the brothers. There are lots of unusual aspects pointed out, like the fact that no-one seems to have a proper motorbike in China. This means that many officials they come across don't comprehend their machines. For example motorbikes are banned on the motorways, because the local ones are 100cc and it would be dangerous, but a BMW 850cc can outstrip everything else (which they do when the local police try and stop them at one point).

You get a good impression of how Chinese officials deal with things, and the variability of approach. The Chinese police seem to have arbitrary power, yet you can simply ignore the blue flashing lights if you can leave their jurisdiction behind. There doesnt seem to be any cross-border co-operation between them, which saved the brothers from having to change track a couple of times.

Another thing you get is the psychological effect of the journey on the brothers. The entries are based on the daily vlogs that they did before bed. So they build up a picture of how they felt at the time, rather than than being completely reflective afterwards. Most days are seen as extremes at the time, only to be surpassed later on by another even more extreme event, whether good or bad.

The best bits for me were when they had a couple of days in the same place and had the time to see local stuff and describe it, which is why I'm looking forward to watching the DVD, because it will show me more of China than you can get just from the words.

If you like travel books, are curious about different cultures or wonder about the psychology of adventurers then you'll find something here worth reading.
… (altro)

One of my favourite books, and one I will read a few more times.

First it struck me that it's well written, considering neither Ryan not Colin are "writers" as their profession. The book was more of less an afterthought, something that came out of a desire to document their dream adventure.

I liked that each chapter gave both of their points of view, and it was so interesting how differently they described some of the events. And it certainly was an eventful trip. Good grief, what did they NOT encounter? There were mud slides, relentless rain, scorching heat, breakdowns, confrontations with military and police and every kind of landscape/terrain. The way it's written, I felt like I was right there along with them (minus the physical pain and discomfort). They go through a range of emotions, and their excitement is infectious. The ups and downs are just crazy. They encounter such a diversity of culture and it's so interesting to follow them on this once-in-a-lifetime trip.

Colin said that amazing, beautiful and incredible sound so cliche when used all the time, but that he run out of words to describe what he saw. Well, this book, their journey, was all of those. Simply unbelievabley amazing.

This book is riveting. Can't wait to watch the DVD.… (altro)

One of my favourite books, and one I will read a few more times.

First it struck me that it's well written, considering neither Ryan not Colin are "writers" as their profession. The book was more of less an afterthought, something that came out of a desire to document their dream adventure.

I liked that each chapter gave both of their points of view, and it was so interesting how differently they described some of the events. And it certainly was an eventful trip. Good grief, what did they NOT encounter? There were mud slides, relentless rain, scorching heat, breakdowns, confrontations with military and police and every kind of landscape/terrain. The way it's written, I felt like I was right there along with them (minus the physical pain and discomfort). They go through a range of emotions, and their excitement is infectious. The ups and downs are just crazy. They encounter such a diversity of culture and it's so interesting to follow them on this once-in-a-lifetime trip.

Colin said that amazing, beautiful and incredible sound so cliche when used all the time, but that he run out of words to describe what he saw. Well, this book, their journey, was all of those. Simply unbelievabley amazing.

This book is riveting. Can't wait to watch the DVD.… (altro)