Ryan Pyle

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 show more 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. show less

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 show more 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. show less

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 show more 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. show less

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. show more 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. show less