This review is long overdue, since I actually read this particular book when we were in Hawaii back in the middle of February. I think I've mentioned before that when we go on holiday I trawl through my unread book case (non cosy) and specifically pull out books that have been in there for a long time so that I'm forced to read them rather than letting them sit on the shelves for another month, year, decade. I also try to choose books that I might not mind leaving behind (I like to keep books for the most part, don't ask me why, it's just one of my [many] foibles) to make room in the suitcase for a souvenir or two. Hence, this book was chosen.
I've no idea how long this book has been on my shelves. I'm sure it came with us when we moved from Reading three years ago, so it was time for it to have its moment of glory (and to then be left on the plane from Maui to San Francisco, in the hope that it would go on to reach a global readership.)
Tony Hawks makes a drunken (isn't that always the way?) bet with a friend that he can hitch-hike his way round Ireland with a fridge (the clue was in the title, wasn't it?) And this book follows his journey. What more can I say? To be fair, the book was mildly entertaining and it wasn't boring in the 'then I did this, then I went there, then I met this really funny chap who said...' way that these books often can be (I'm looking at you 'Join Me' by Danny Wallace as reviewed previously.) Tony Hawks's writing style is fun, informative and engaging, although you probably have to be in the mood for this sort of book to not find it a bit juvenile. Luckily, being on holiday, I was in a more accepting mood than I might otherwise have been and I did enjoy it for what it is. I'm not going to recommend it, if you like this sort of book you'll probably get on with this one as it's well-written, if you don't, you won't.
Quite the reviewer, aren't I?
I'm not sure about this, I've heard of it but not sure it's a book for me. Although I know what you mean about being in the right frame of mind, after several heavy books at our reading group I need some light entertainment.
ReplyDeleteHope the Tea Room is going well.
Thanks, the tea room is ticking along - some slow days, some busy, but the main thing is that I'm enjoying it (so far, at least!)
DeleteI think this book is probably more enjoyable if you've actually been to some of the places mentioned, and you definitely have to be in the mood to read it.
My husband and I both read this one and like you we found it mildly amusing. Hope all is going well at the Tea Shop.
ReplyDeleteThank you, the tea room is ticking along!
Delete'Mildly amusing' is definitely the level. No laugh-out-loud moments, but at least I didn't want to throw it across the room.