Uneasy Rider - Confessions of a Reluctant Traveller

This is what HARPERTRUE had to say about Uneasy Rider!

"Dear Allie

Sincere apologies for not reviewing your book for HarperTrue before Christmas – but unfortunately flu and seasonal varieties of illness left us rather decimated. But we’re very happy to be back in the saddle now, and raring to go.

And Uneasy Rider is such a great read at this time of year! It’s a wonderful combination of travel writing meets holiday diary meets nostalgia/whimsy. You have a very readable tone with a light touch of humour and wit and a very visual style of writing. You make it seem easy! And your tellings of adventures with the obligatory theft in Rome, continental camp sites, self-catering from a van and more feel very fresh and not the standard ‘a Brit abroad’. Plus I feel they appeal to all ages – both the child and adult in us all.

I’m glad that you make the recommendation to dip in and out of your chapters – a collection like this works so much better when allowed to be itself, rather than enclosed within a formal structure with a beginning, middle and end. I suspect though that a nod towards a more standard approach might be a good move commercially – it felt much easier to connect with you after Chapter 5 – Inauguration of the Innocents – and I think some early ‘van’ story helps explain and outline the characters plus ups the resonance for those coming to your writing from their own van experiences – leaving you more free to enjoy yourself with the action after that point. But this is just a comment.

Otherwise, I found your writing totally enjoyable. In terms of you being published, this isn’t something that HarperTrue would publish as it would generally fall more within the general nonfiction bracket. Another reason to consider adding more ‘van’ history and identity – to really make the usp more ‘van’ than travel writing, a very broad area. And worth pursuing through periodicals perhaps as well as in book form.

I hope that this has helped, and I hope that you keep writing. I look forward to dipping into your memoir "

Marvelous! I have never been a good tourist, and after reading this, anytime I get an occasional urge to
"tour" , I will read a few chapters of your book and regain my perspective! Thank you for a wonderful treat!
I felt as if I was traveling along with you, for better or worse. Shelved! jedward

I read and loved chapter 3. I said in my biog. that Bill Bryson was a favourite author, well this chapter anyway was just as good, full of excitement, information and humour. This book is backed with pleasure.
BADD

13 August 2010
I was drawn to read this work by an obvious Margaret Becket devotee who fulfilled one of my lifelong desires to use a well loved book as the blueprint for travel -- then actually did it. I loved the 'pragmatic', semi- rueful tone of the prose and enjoyed it's freedom in style. Humour is not in short supply and this book is well worth a couple hours of anyone's time. BACKED. Robert Davidson. The Tuzla Run

Allie Sommerville: Uneasy Rider: Confessions of a Reluctant Traveller

Dear Allie,

I read with interest your lovely journey through the roads of Europe and decided that this must be a charming book that details the courageous travel journeys of a lady who is both observant and versatile on the many cities she travels to. You poke a lot of humor into what you receive vis-à-vis what is delivered to you through the travel books and then course the reader through the reality that lies ahead. Needless, you always seem to circumvent the troubling areas of the city with your own creative ploys! What really looks good is your acute knowledge for details and the historical perspectives of the cities you visit which show up quite deeply in your reads. That’s what traveling in foreign land is all about – to learn, love and admire!

A fascinating read Allie!!!

Backed with pleasure!

Romilla
Forgetting Sally

Hi Allie:

I'm new at this site and haven't been able yet to review many books, but I'm so happy I bumped into yours. You're a natural storyteller; I laughed my heart out with every scene you described. I mean it when I say that I back your book with great pleasure!!!

David Placeres
Sunless Shadows

I wasn't uneasy reading this book. I loved it. You have talent and lots of it.

BACKED

Hope you get the chance to peek insidse The Russian Hat. I could do with a lift.

warm wishes

Brendan

I am confused about the HARPERTRUE comment. Do they not publish non-fiction?

Dear Allie
I have now finished my read ( though there is more for you to put up) and this book is fabulous. I have commented in the past and backed it. I wanted to just say again BEST of luck with this, I believed your book was well worth commenting on again
Denise
The Letter

Dear Alise, I backed your other book 106 days ago & just discovered this one. :) I love traveling in the United States (with some periel, but not as bad as yours). :) I love the way you put me right there along with you to experience what you did. :) Your pitch is excellent, so set the hook for me to read your book. :) When you use short paragraphs & dialogue, it makes me want to keep reading to find out what's going to happen next. I'm backing your book. :) Could you please take a moment to back my 2 memoir books? Thanks. :) Love, Susie :)

This is information from authonomy (so beware of any other untrue information you may receive that is spam & not quotes of authonomy):
"When you back a book, it only improves the ranking of that book, not yours. However, the author whose book you are backing may decide to back your book also, in which case yes, your ranking would be improved"
"Every time you place a book on your bookshelf, your recommendation pushes the book up the rankings. And while that book sits on your bookshelf, your reputation as a talent spotter increases depending on how well that book performs."

hi there, am enjoying reading your book presently. I have backed it. If you like travel why not try the compulsive Traveller. thanks, Mike Thonger

TThere have been times when I have toyed with the idea of buying a campervan. I had a Mauritian client who used to buy one every spring and sell it every autumn. I imagine it was one of those VW's. I admit I had a Swift Challenger when the children were small, and toyed( I spend a lot of time toying) with the idea of going to Europe.
Now I've read this account I'm glad I can have the experience second hand by reading this book. I would happily have this by my bedside. I would read a story once or twice a week, and chuckle as I regarded the misfortunes of others in comfort. You have an amusing writing style and this book should be published. Is it? Backed anyhow.

UNEASY RIDER
This book is a fun read. I'm leaving for a trip to Europe in July so this title popped out at me. It's hilarious. And altho we'll be relying on trains instead of a camper, I feel as if I've gained an "insider track" the other three people going with me won't have. Thank you for posting this. It's a good read as well as a good guide. I’m adding this to my shelf. Burgio (Grain of Salt).

After reading some of this, I'm not sure which is more deplorable: Brits in camper vans or Brits on package tours...either way, your book is an inspiration to those who would prefer to avoid both...well written and easy to digest...should do well...good luck
Stewart

This is a most delightful read - it is charming and very whitty. Your highly descriptive writing stlye makes your finely crafted story a pleasure to read. Your work is well paced, well written and your character development is excellent. Backed with pleasure.

Cheers,
Andrew Burans
The Reluctant Warrior: The Beginning

I'm not sure what I like best about this, the characterisation - realistic, human and a joy to read, the settings - perfectly described without being romanticised, yet never losing their appeal, or the humour, which had me laughing out loud.

This is a delight to read, and I can think of almost a dozen people off hte top of my head who would lap this up.

Backed with pleasure.
Abi xxx
Relic

A lot of readers could relate to your experiences in this book, and it's engagingly written. Happy to back this for you.
Please consider taking a look at my book, The Job.
Craig

You have a great review from Harper True and I doubt I can add much to what's been said below. What I would say is that I would love to own this book. I've travelled all over Europe by car and train and would have loved a book like this to accompany on my own adventures. I'm also getting itchy feet again, and having a daughter now, would love to take her around Europe, so please get it published so I can take it on my future trip.
Backed with joy
Carl
The Time Hunters

What I enjoy about Uneasy Rider is the fact that I can dip in and out of the book, the chapters are each sweet little vignettes in their own right, but of course, it will also be good to read your amazing story from cover to cover - this is engrossing stuff, with lovely touches of humour - really well done - Backed and best wishes!
Diane
Good Blood

That nightmare drive up to the Parador has destroyed my desire to leave the house, let alone travel, so I guess I'll have to settle for reading travelogues...and this one is excellent!

A sense of humour gets this couple through, but it does leave me wondering why anybody would WANT to tour Europe in a camper van. I'd rather have a 'root canal'.

Wendy Bertsch
(Once More...From The Beginning)

Hi Ally,

I have enjoyed this immensely. I am a sucker for a good travel story...and also journey stories. No problems with this at all.

Easy to back..

Peter Tapsell - Partially Built

I found your book to be delightful! Thanks for the read. May you find success in publishing. I've backed you and placed you on my shelf. I want to read more. May you find success in publishing. Sincerely. Marie - 'Mud Pies and Spirits'.

I picked your "Vesuvius" chapter at random and di find this amusing. Some of the sentences could benefit from an edit to rid them of unnecessary commas, but otherwise this is engaging and with good pace. Backed with pleasure. Colin

To be read anytime you get cabin fever and are thinking 'road trip'...
Like a prophylactic for wanderlust. This brings you back to reality so you can enjoy the trip with preparation and a sense of humor.

Shelved,
Dan-
Eunice Stubbins, among others...

UNEASY RIDER:

Allie,

I read and backed your book two or three weeks ago, but didn't have time to comment on it. I've just stumbled into it again, and I'm so glad I did, for I must say it really is a wonderful read. Congrats on the excellent crit Harper True have given it.

What struck me was the originality of it, the wit, the humour and the wonderful detail. You are a master of bringing your reader right into the action, and making him feel he is part of your adventures.

I wish you all the best in finding the right publisher for this very appealing book.

Backed, with pleasure, some time ago, but back on my shelf.
Sheila (Pinpoint)

You are a talented writer and I was impressed with your descriptive writing and well-placed humorous phrases.
The sometimes-short sentences and snappy dialogue gave it an authentic feel
I enjoyed the read and I wish you all the best
Scott
The Esrevinu Chronicles/Secrets of the Elephant Rocks

You have the best sense of humour! Your wit spills out into your writing and has an impact of imagery that tickled me! I wish you all the best of luck with your book. kind regards pinkcoffee 'In The Moment'

This is highly original, highly readable and highly enjoyable, kind of book I would have strategically place to be able to dip in and out off. I really enjoyed this!

Hello Allie, this is great stuff, how often do we have adventures, (remind me to tell you about Trieste!) thinking we really should write this down cos nobody will believe it! Well you did and to great effect, Laurie Lee, (my hero too) would be proud of you, good luck with it, Maggie P.

It's wonderful to sympathize with the feelings of Harry. The insurance industry most likely would ring the telephone off the hook if they could find one near the van. I like backing winners. Backed Chuck

Allie, I've had a dip into this and this is a delightful, amusing and upbeat read. Your anecdotes bring back memories of my own trips abroad (though not in a camper van!) I see Harper True have classified this as nonfiction, and this is their reason for their rejection of it, well that's useful to know - for me too.
Best wishes
Backed
Kati Jane (Little Guide to Unhip)

Allie, The Parable of a Parador is insanely funny. Great writing. Nothing to fault there.

Backed.

Joffrey (The Silver Spoon Effect)

Fabulously fun, eminently enjoyable … how many more alliterations shall I come up with?

The pitch gives a nice preview of what’s inside. (The long pitch is a little disjointed, so a little tightening and maybe rearranging might make it even better.)

I looked at the list of chapters to decide where I wanted to jump in – not an easy decision. I went with 10, 11, and 24. (Stuff of nightmares, indeed! I think I’ve had that brake-failure nightmare a few times, though thankfully haven’t lived it.) You seem to have brakes on the brain (understandably) in ch11, because later in the chapter I think you mean “Breaking down on the M20”.

The tips in ch24 are great – number six is good advice for life in general, I think.

Well done – happy to back this.

R.C. Lewis (Fingerprints)

Just had a first look at Uneasy Rider and I love it. Can't wait to read more. Don't let this stop you lambasting The Why Series if you like. I will still find pleasure in reading more of your adventures. What a pleasant change from all the crime, murder, mystery, conspiracy stuff that I've tried to plough through in the last few days. Fun and so well presented. Your picture has a winning smile too! The very best of luck with this book. I can't tink of any reason why anyone would not enjoy it. A lovely read - a perfect gift. Eric XX

Backed.

Natasha (Water Under the Bridge…rises)

Backed January 13.

Jesse - Savant

http://www.authonomy.com/ViewBook.aspx?bookid=14062

I enjoyed this despite a deep-rooted aversion to campervans. Several of my friends have them and now I see the point. Backed. Kop - The Lucky Bean Tree.

Nice one

Hey Allie,

You're definitely a good writer, there's no doubt about that. Non-fiction is definitely not my thing, but you do it well--good enough even I could imagine it was a regular story (that's a compliment, by the way). One thing, I didn't know what a 'Parador' was, but that's probably just me. Great work, consider it backed!

Warmest Regards,
Alexis A. Hunter
(The Five Staffs of Meledari)

Allie -

My husband is a confirmed van owner who keeps threatening to buy a camper van for us to retire in (NOT), I think I'll have him read your book as a reminder WHY that is such a bad idea. I have a suspicion that our trip down from the Parador would have resulted in a lot more than a few scrapes and a dent (we once tore the entire roof vent off at 55mph on a tight overhead clearance). I'm so glad you survived the ordeal so I could laugh along with your adventures. Shelved.

Sessha

Hi,
The narration is good, love to read it completely.
All the best.
Backed with wishes.
S. vinay kumar

Hi Allie. As I promised, so here I am. This is a wonderfully rendered account of vacation highs and lows. I noticed that, along with several small tips for travellers, that a few myths were busted along the way. Case in point: The Barbary Apes. I didn't realize they were so viscious either. The thing I liked most, though, was that you didn't try and force this, a story of your own trials and tribulations of travelling, owning a van you just couldn't get rid of, and taking advice from strangers, into a lengthy "don't do what I did" story. You reported the good with the bad, and wrote this how you saw it. Nice job.
Gerry

Allie, this is a delightful read. I enjoyed every word of chapters 1, 2 and 5. I am sure you must have learned in your travels to be a tad more flexible as to your expectations of routine and more capable of finding comfort and focusing on the local thrills even without your own socks and underclothes properly in place. I learned a lot from these three chapters and I know you could add a lot more helpful info for travelers intending to make similar sojourn. If ever I go to Spain, I'll drive a small van with fantastic air conditioning and a short wheel base. I'll also pack ear plugs. I suggest you add more location specific helpful information and I am sure you could sell this work as a travel guide for those undertaking a tour of the Mediterranian by bus or recreational vehicle. This is a great read and your candor and humor offer welcome relief for the reader just as they did for yourselves. Your work serves up cryptic lessons from life: Keep laughing! Love someone who seems completely unworthy of it and the same will come your own way when you're the one in the pinch. Callaghan

Allie, the first chapter is a delight. I really enjoy your humor and candor. Your unfailing optimism is inspiring. I really think that you could sell this as a travel guide of sorts. Obviously I have larned that, if ever I visit Parador, I shall drive a very small car and pack ear plugs. I'm on to chapter 2 and then skipping to 5 since HC thought it an essential. I am loving taking this journey along with you and I wonder if you might consider a career as a travel guide?!

Love, CG

Hullo Allie. what a fascinating trip around Europe. Have never been there but hope to go someday soon. Thank you for your interesting insights. Oh, my 'Other Half' is a Harry too. Made the story even more interesting. Please consider my book.
Linda Lou Long
Southern dis-Comfort
http://www.authonomy.com/ViewBook.aspx?bookid=11421

A highly enjoyable read! I've put it up on my shelf!

John Pearson
Learn Me Good

This is what HARPERTRUE had to say about Uneasy Rider!

"Dear Allie

Sincere apologies for not reviewing your book for HarperTrue before Christmas – but unfortunately flu and seasonal varieties of illness left us rather decimated. But we’re very happy to be back in the saddle now, and raring to go.

And Uneasy Rider is such a great read at this time of year! It’s a wonderful combination of travel writing meets holiday diary meets nostalgia/whimsy. You have a very readable tone with a light touch of humour and wit and a very visual style of writing. You make it seem easy! And your tellings of adventures with the obligatory theft in Rome, continental camp sites, self-catering from a van and more feel very fresh and not the standard ‘a Brit abroad’. Plus I feel they appeal to all ages – both the child and adult in us all.

I’m glad that you make the recommendation to dip in and out of your chapters – a collection like this works so much better when allowed to be itself, rather than enclosed within a formal structure with a beginning, middle and end. I suspect though that a nod towards a more standard approach might be a good move commercially – it felt much easier to connect with you after Chapter 5 – Inauguration of the Innocents – and I think some early ‘van’ story helps explain and outline the characters plus ups the resonance for those coming to your writing from their own van experiences – leaving you more free to enjoy yourself with the action after that point. But this is just a comment.

Otherwise, I found your writing totally enjoyable. In terms of you being published, this isn’t something that HarperTrue would publish as it would generally fall more within the general nonfiction bracket. Another reason to consider adding more ‘van’ history and identity – to really make the usp more ‘van’ than travel writing, a very broad area. And worth pursuing through periodicals perhaps as well as in book form.

I hope that this has helped, and I hope that you keep writing. I look forward to dipping into your memoir "

Duck tape - surely duct tape.

Did you really sing YMCA in Spain?

I've dipped in and out and enjoyed what I read, so going for a whirl on my shelf!

There I was, in the early sixties, travelling through Europe in a second hand Volkswagon camper. Of course I was only seven years old, but now ai know what it would have been like if I'd been a little older.

Actually, I am very jealous! If I could find someway to do it, I would travel the entire world. Your stories were very entertaining and I often found myself chuckling along. I have never been anywhere in Europe but you brought it to life! Thank you and good luck, this is a wonderful book

Missy

Wow! This was great fun to read!

My only negative comment is that you didn't post the whole thing so that I could read more!

Shelved with pleasure... and a chuckle.

Best wishes,
Douglas Braverman
A TASTE OF VOODOO

Lots of fun, very entertaining!
Backed.

Having spent many holidays driving round Europe in a Ford Fiesta, tent in the boot, keeping a holiday diary religiously, this is definitely my cup of tea/glass of red. I love the way you organise it - not chronologically, but thematically. It is delightful, and familiar. I have read chapters 9, 4 and 13 so far, and have nodded in recognition at all. What you really need to try, though, is camping in Germany. Now that can be really irritating. Definitely on my shelf.