The Lunatic Express by

The Lunatic Express chronicles Carl Hoffman's six-month adventure circumnavigating the globe using the most perilous and unconventional means of transportation. From crowded night buses in Peru to overloaded ferries in Indonesia, Hoffman immerses himself in the chaos and beauty of travel as it used to be, far from the comforts of modern tourism. His journey takes him to some of the world's most remote and teeming places, where he encounters the generosity of strangers and the harsh realities of life on the move./n/nMore than just an adventure story, The Lunatic Express offers a harrowing and insightful look at the world as it is today. Hoffman's experiences on the world's worst conveyances provide a unique perspective on the lives of hundreds of millions of people seeking their fortunes, painting a vivid picture of a planet in constant motion.

Reviews

TriTetales · 2011-07-13

mixed 3.00

The book is well-written and engaging for the first half, but the grueling travel descriptions become tedious. The reviewer enjoys the initial adventure but finds the latter part draining.

The reviewer starts by praising the book for its engaging and well-written narrative, especially in the first half. The descriptions of the author's journeys are vivid and captivating. However, as the book progresses, the detailed accounts of grueling bus, train, and boat trips become overwhelming. The reviewer feels that the latter part of the book loses its charm and becomes more of a chore to read. Despite this, the initial adventure and the author's unique perspective on travel are highlights.

Quick quotes

The book was well-written and fun to read – for the first half anyway.

After that, the grueling bus/train/boat trips became, well, grueling.

The descriptions of the author's journeys are vivid and captivating.

Norbert Haupt's Blog · 2010-04-19

profound 4.50

The book is a profound exploration of travel and self-discovery, leaving a lasting impact on the reviewer. It challenges the reader's perspective on life and travel.

This review emphasizes the deep impact the book had on the reviewer, describing it as a profound exploration of travel and self-discovery. The reviewer feels that the book challenges their perspective on life and their place in the world. The narrative is described as thought-provoking and introspective, making it a memorable read. The reviewer appreciates the author's ability to convey the raw and often harrowing experiences of travel, which evoke strong emotions and reflections.

Quick quotes

The Lunatic Express is a book about travel that jarred me to the core and made me think hard about myself and my place in the world.

Hoffman takes these journeys, ordinary for his fellow passengers, and holds them up for readers to consider in the frame of life and death.

It is not the typical travel story but one filled with harrowing events but also with insight into people, places, and what makes the world go round.

The New York Times · 2010-03-23

adventurous 3.50

The author's journey is described as daring and thought-provoking, but the reviewer finds the narrative somewhat repetitive. They appreciate the adventurous spirit but feel it loses momentum.

This review highlights the author's bold decision to travel on the most dangerous routes, which makes for a gripping read. The reviewer admires the adventurous spirit and the genuine reflections on the journey. However, they note that the book becomes repetitive at times, which slightly diminishes the overall experience. The sense of danger and the author's personal growth are the standout aspects of the book. The reviewer also appreciates the introspective moments where the author reflects on his experiences and the people he meets.

Quick quotes

A yearning to be a traveler leads the author to seek out airlines with the worst safety records and roads with the highest accident rates.

I loved the adventurous spirit of the book and appreciated Hoffman's genuine reflections on his journey.

However, I felt it got a bit repetitive and lost some of its initial charm.

Appears in Lists

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