MY vicarious adventure.
936891
Couldn't put it down.  Could be, though, that it is relevant. One of my sons is planning to walk it next year.
1432934
Thank you for the experience of being there and sharing it in such a lively and detailed adventure. I will go some day!
2653930
I am not a hiker by any means but the voyage taken by AWOL captured me.  It was an experience I could live through vicariously with him.  So many other people he encountered on the trail were so interesting.  And he drew their character and idiosyncrasies so well.
42730
The author invites the reader to journey along with him as he travels the unseen, the unknown paths and byways from the sophisticated cities of Europe, through the desolate streets of Afghanistan, Pakistan and India to the coastal plains of Southeast Asia.
While choosing to be a lone traveler, using "magic messages" to communicate with the locals, he manages to secure food, work and occasional lodgings and to simultaneously "absorb" the truest of experiences of being a backpacker in strange yet wondrous lands.
This is much more than a simple memoir of his bold undertakings; it is a journal of an enthusiast living LIFE to its fullest and at the same time giving insight to the reader to what the world's people have to offer " the willing traveler."
540415
An all together happy story ......One I'm hoping to have myself
2834611
I found myself trying to see my self going on those trips alone at their ages.  The book, along with the pictures, was a fascinating read!
250440
I'm seldom impressed by other people's travel experiences, secretly considering my own to be far superior. This is not the case with The First Ride. This is great reporting on a remarkable journey. In addition to the details and mechanics of the trip, he also relates his emotions and interactions (both good and bad) with his companions. I also found myself pondering some of the larger questions he raises in the course of his adventures, leaving the reader to make their own judgements.

Traveling with others, while it can make a trip even more special, can also become awful. Mr. Rosenberg addresses this brilliantly in the book. Here's an introductory quote: "The road changes people, not all, and not at once, but it still affects them much like water affects stones with its gentle, ceaseless pressure."

I also loved the descriptions that gave me such clear visuals: "His potbelly was arrested by a trouser belt locked by a golden buckle, both belt and belly engaged in a war of freedom and restraint, with freedom looking to win sooner rather than later."

Then there's how he relates some of the sheer joy one finds in travel. That joy at new experiences that fires me to keep doing it. Here's an example: "Sometimes, all of the first impressions from visiting a new country can be reduced to one very small thing- a lime sliced in half. I kept staring at it, enjoying the bright orange color of its flesh..."

Mr. Rosenberg allows the reader such access to his thoughts and impressions, it's like having a friend telling you about their epic  adventure after they've returned home- except way better!
1747965
I really enjoyed being taken into the world where i'll never actually engage, yet am quite curious about. Names of dealers and events made it come alive. I ready it in two days flat (and i'm not retired!).
2799522
I've always wanted to go to New Zealand and this was a cute adventure. I also learned a little bit about rugby.
2901618
An interesting beginning led to a journey I didn't expect. Though parts were not exactly believable, I enjoyed the ride.
4136920
A feel for real life.  I'm almost jealous.
1428388
Nadine writes as if she is writing a letter to a dear girlfriend back in the states chronicling she and her husband Rob's adventures but also the fun misadventures. I love her honesty and candidness. I really feel like I got to know and like this couple.

This is an easy, breezy, enjoyable, laugh out loud funny account of an adventure most of us only dream about embarking upon.

I've also read the sequel and enjoyed that as much if not more. My favorite line from the sequel: '...once I stopped looking for more, I got everything I needed." Words that I will use as a mantra in my own journey towards a more fulfilling, less complicated, less cluttered and more natural existence.
3422299
I'm still experimenting but getting quite fond of this.
1550392
What a wonderful tale, I feel like I walked beside her while she went from one adventure to another. She gives a really good description of the current Scotland. Sign me up, I'm ready to go.
146301
Fun adventure liked it as well as 1 maybe a little bit more.
642148
I was reading the book as a favor to a friend.  I found it to be a favor to myself.  I love the writers ability to take me on the journey.  I found my imagination taking over and felt the heat and the cold and smelled the  oders. Terror, fear, heartache. It Felt real. Its very entertaining. Keep  them comming.
3368598
I had fun reading the book, and found my self making extra time to set a side for reading it.