‘Journeys to Impossible Places’, by Simon Reeves
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Simon Reeve's "Journeys to Impossible Places" takes us readers on a visceral and captivating tour through some of the most remote and challenging locations on Earth – and it reading it certainly feels like you’re there with him!
Known for his engaging storytelling and adventurous spirit, Reeve delves deeper into his life experiences, building on the foundation he set in his previous bestseller, "Step by Step." This latest memoir is a blend of thrilling travel tales and profound personal reflections, making it a compelling read for both adventure enthusiasts and those seeking inspiration.
Reeve’s narrative is rich with vivid descriptions of his travels through tropical jungles, remote islands, and even on clandestine missions. His ability to transport readers to these far-flung destinations is one of the book’s strongest points. The encounters with diverse cultures and landscapes are not just mere travelogues but are woven with lessons learned from his interactions with inspiring individuals along the way.
One of the standout aspects of the book is Reeve’s openness about his personal struggles. He candidly discusses his battles with fertility, mental health, and the complexities of fatherhood. These revelations add a layer of depth to the book, making it more than just an adventure memoir but also a story of resilience and personal growth.
However, the book’s pacing can sometimes feel uneven. The transitions between high-stakes adventures and introspective moments are not always seamless, which might disrupt the flow for some readers. Additionally, while Reeve’s experiences are undoubtedly extraordinary, some may find his reflections on life’s broader lessons occasionally veering into familiar motivational territory.
Overall, "Journeys to Impossible Places" is a fascinating read that offers both excitement and introspection. Simon Reeve’s ability to find meaning in his adventures and share those insights with authenticity makes this book a worthy addition to any bookshelf, even if its motivational undertones sometimes feel a bit well-trodden.
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Are you planning to climb Mont Blanc, row across an ocean, or want to make yourself a better outdoorsperson / survivalist in general? Definitely check this useful little book out then.
It’s a super handy guide on how to tie over 30 knots with step-by-step images of each part of the process so you can master the important ones used in all adventures, such as the stopper knot, bowline, figure of eight, and the clove hitch.
So the bottom line up front, is we really love this book - for its range, diversity of storytelling, and accessibility. You can pick it up in any chapter, read for a few minutes, and feel positive about embracing challenges.
It provides an interesting take on adventure and endeavour, and linguistically widens the term to show how previously unheard-of scientists, explorers, geographers, activists, and others, took risks to explore new areas, both socially, professionally, and personally, to change the world for the better.
About the Author: Chris is the founder of Hiatus.Design, a website design and branding studio that works with brands all over the world, a former Royal Marines officer and former risk advisor to the BBC.
Chris has travelled in over 60 countries, is a fellow of the Royal Geographical Society (FRGS), a Guinness World Record holder for rowing over 3500 miles across the Atlantic Ocean, a Marathon des Sables finisher, and has worked with Hollywood actors, world–renowned musical artists and TV personalities!
The real-life adventure follows Eric Newby CBE MC, a second world war prisoner, former special forces soldier, and fashion photographer (an interesting career path in itself!), and his diplomat friend, Hugh Carless CMG, as they drive a station wagon from London to Kabul, Afghanistan, via Iran – a journey of some 5000 miles (around 8000 kilometres) through Europe, Turkey, Iran, over the course of a month and all without any support vehicles. We think this itself is an impressive feat of planning and navigation in the era before GPS, mobile phones, or breakdown assistance!