The Motorcycle Diaries: Notes on a Latin American Journey

Average customer rating:

Better Translation, Great Book

Intriguing look into Che

Is Che Guevara a hero ?

Lads on the road

this translation leaves a lot unsaid

The Motorcycle Diaries: Notes on a Latin American Journey
Ernesto Che Guevara , and Aleida Guevara
Manufacturer: Ocean Press (AU)
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Ethnic & National | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books
General | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books
Travel | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books
Guevara, Che | ( G ) | People, A-Z | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books
General | Politics | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

Che Guevara: A Revolutionary Life

Guerrilla Warfare

The Motorcycle Diaries (Widescreen Edition)

Self Portrait Che Guevara

Manifesto: Three Classic Essays on How to Change the World

ASIN: 1876175702

Book Description

These travel diaries capture the essence and exuberance of the young legend, Che Guevara. In January 1952, Che set out from Buenos Aires to explore South America on an ancient Norton motorcycle. He encounters an extraordinary range of people-from native Indians to copper miners, lepers and tourists-experiencing hardships and adventures that informed much of his later life.

This expanded, new edition from Ocean Press, published with exclusive access to the Che Guevara Archives held in Havana, includes a preface by Che's daughter, Aleida Guevara. It also features previously unpublished photos (taken by Che on his travels), as well as new, unpublished parts of the diaries, poems and letters.

"A Latin James Dean or Jack Kerouac."-Washington Post

"For every comic escapade of the carefree roustabout there is an equally eye-opening moment in the development of the future revolutionary leader. By the end of the journey, a politicized Che Guevara has emerged to predict his own revolutionary future."-Time

The publication of this new, expanded edition of The Motorcycle Diaries coincides with the release of Robert Redford's new film based on the Diaries. This film and another forthcoming from Steven Soderbergh in Fall 2003 will provoke even greater "Che-mania" and increase sales of all Ocean's titles on Che Guevara.

Customer Reviews:

Better Translation, Great Book.......2007-05-15

I'm so pleased that you had this earlier English translation of The Motorcycle Diaries and that it arrived in time for my Spanish class presentation. I also read the newer edition that came out with the movie in 2004. Your book had a much better translation. Thanks for your help. Sometimes older books are better books.

Intriguing look into Che.......2007-04-11

Seen the movie long before the book, but this book was very interesting to see how Che's thoughts began to form before he became only known as Che. Pictures in the centre were an added bonus. It's a quick read with concise notes (they are journal notes afterall), and it gave me a greater understanding and feeling of compassion for Ernesto Guevara - someone who I didn't know a lot about and in the USA you hear about how bad he is. Good thing I live in Canada, with an open mind.

Is Che Guevara a hero ?.......2007-01-13

Brad Delong, Matthew Yglesias, Armed Liberals and others have been having a discussion about whether Che Guevara can be considered a hero. Here is the hero in his own words:

"During the night I had a bad case of the runs and, being ashamed to leave a souvenir in the pot under my bed, I climbed out on to the window ledge and gave up all of my pain to the night and blackness beyond. The next morning I looked out to see the effect and saw that two metres below lay a big sheet of tin where they were sun-drying their peaches; the added spectacle was impressive."

(From The Motorcycle Diaries)
Sorry, but I see nothing heroic in sticking one's arse out the window and letting drive onto a pile of fruit. I would never do that- but then, I'm not a communist.

I was recently in venezuela ... I wish the people well. But I sadly fear that there are going to be a lot of tears shed when all is said and done.

Lads on the road.......2006-10-01

The text of the original motorcycle diaries gives a strong sense, much more than the movie, of the factors that influenced this artist/activist as young man. Idealistic, cheeky, sexually libidinous, political, strong minded. Che and his older companion set off on a wild journey across South America. The wretched poverty they witness across that continent - especially when he shares a blanket with a destitute beggar high up on the Andean Sierra - strikes home, as well as some of the aesthetic beauties of the wild and mystical land, such as the Inca ruins around Cuzco, Peru. Che's description of the stonework at the Sacsaywaman fortress rivals the greatest travel writings of Robert Byron, Bruce Chatwin or Patrick Leigh Fermor in its stylishness and accuracy of description.

In places the narrative drags though, obviously written at points of sheer exhaustion, or boredom, or lack of inspiration.

this translation leaves a lot unsaid.......2006-07-13

i really enjoyed the motorcycle diaries. when the movie was in theatres i decided to read the book first so that i could understand the film better, but i chose to read it in the original spanish version. it was thought provoking prose. i was impressed that such insight came from the child of a wealthy argentinean family. when i read the translation in english i was a little disappointed. i did think that it was very good, but a little bit of the nuance is lost. if at all possible i suggest that you read it in the original spanish text, it is a little bit more inspiring.

Two Wheels Through Terror: Diary of a South American Motorcycle Odyssey

Average customer rating:

A rider's book for riders
Okay, not Garcia-Marquez, but a fun book to read
Good insights and interesting content
Unexpected Twist
good book

Two Wheels Through Terror: Diary of a South American Motorcycle Odyssey
Glen Heggstad
Manufacturer: Whitehorse Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

General | Biographies | Sports | Subjects | Books

General | Sports | Subjects | Books

Travel | Writing | Reference | Subjects | Books

General | Travel | Subjects | Books

Look Inside Reference Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

Look Inside Sports Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

Look Inside Travel Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 1884313493

Book Description

Glen Heggstad is an adventure motorcyclist who seeks out and rides the most rugged places on the planet. He has been a Hell's Angel and a martial arts competitor, but no amount of training or experience was able to prepare him for what he became while riding to the southern tip of South America: a prisoner. This book is the shocking travelogue of Heggstad's journey through Central and South America, including his capture by Colombia's rebel ELN army, and the eventual realization of a dream. Follow along on his exciting, round-trip to the tip of the world, made all the more amazing by its intermission at the hands of terrorists. Heggstad was ripped from his motorcycle, robbed of everything, and forced to march through strange jungles with assault rifles in his back. He was fed only small amounts of rice and water and forced to carry heavy equipment, heavy packs, and heavy doubts about his future. Even with all the hand-to-hand and sophisticated combat training Heggstad possessed, it was his shrewd thinking, precise planning, and a "do-or-die" last act of desperation that eventually secured his freedom.

Customer Reviews:

A rider's book for riders.......2007-09-18

Glen captures a common feeling for riders - that life is good while you're moving on a motorcycle.

This urge pulls him to the road often, even when he would like to spend more time 'smelling the roses'. Many riders feel the same way. If you're one of those riders, this book will speak to you about pushing your limits and those of your motorcycle to reach adventure and feel experience the world through ones' senses.

While the capture is an important part of the book, border crossings, the observations of different cultures and how they relate to riding alone on a motorcycle are the most meaningful elements of Two Wheels Through Terror.

Okay, not Garcia-Marquez, but a fun book to read.......2007-07-13

I accidently logged onto the "STRIKINGVIKING" website one day and followed his ride. One day when he reached Colombia, it just stopped. Years later, I found the book and what happened to him. The book is rather simplistic but a real page turner, and I re-lived the times I have been in the same places he visited.

The chapter where he was kidnapped was riveting. I am not a judo expert; I can barely flip an egg, but have wondered how I would cope with a kidnapping down there.
He made me hate those SOB rebels even more.

I think he just finished a ride around Asia. Is there another book coming?

Good insights and interesting content.......2007-05-29

Enjoyed this book. Well organised, easily read and always interesting. Common sense commentaries from a balanced writer. Practical and honest with a good mix of riding, geography, personal thoughts and socio-political views. I finished it in 2 sessions. One of the better motorcycle touring books I've read. I recommend it.

Unexpected Twist.......2007-04-27

As you can imagine, things didn't exactly turn out as he'd expected. Heggstad's first day into Columbia, he's kidnapped by rebels and held captive for several weeks before being released. If that sounds like an interesting read, it really is!

The first part of the book appears to have been written from a collection of daily postings on his website and reveals nothing of what is to come. As a result, the writing through the first part of the book is rather clunky and a little hard to read with mixed tenses all over the place. By the time he gets kidnapped, the writing changes dramatically, as I assume he's retelling the events at a much later date. And as the book progresses the writing continues to get better and more eloquent.

Heggstad is brutally honest, even to the point where he opens himself up to criticism when telling of his trepidation and unease just before he gets captured. He also tends to be a bit of a hot head and reacts in ways that may have made his situation worse.

Overall, the book is worth every effort to read. I managed to read mine, cover to cover, in less than a week, but by the end I was as ready to be back home as I imagine the author was. Few motorcycle books exist, and even fewer of them are worth much attention.

good book.......2007-03-19

I liked it. Glen is a pretty good storyteller, and the dude is crazy. It's definitely about more than just him getting kidnapped by Colombians too. It made me want to go to South America...

Average customer rating:

Motocross 2007
Joe Bonnello
Manufacturer: Motorbooks
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Calendar

Motor Sports | Miscellaneous | Sports | Subjects | Books

General | Sports | Subjects | Books

General | Reference | Subjects | Books

Look Inside Reference Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

Look Inside Sports Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

ASIN: 0760324743

Book Description

One of the most popular calendars is now in its 9th year! Motocross stars such as champions Ricky Carmichael and James Stewart, top rider Chad Reed, and showman Travis Pastrana—along with their colorful, high-flying bikes—are featured every month. The razor-sharp photography is beyond compare as ace shooter Joe Bonello shows why his creative use of lighting and vantage points distinguishes him as the sport’s premier photographer.

Average customer rating:

Diary of Two Motorcycle Hobos
Lois Wilson
Manufacturer: Gratitude Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000R99P46

Average customer rating:

Don't waste your time
A twisting journey

Fleeing the Children's Crusade
Travis Godbold
Manufacturer: Lulu.com
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | World | History | Subjects | Books

Book Description

In the German ranks during World War II, there were not only young adults but also teenagers who were seventeen years old, fighting for a sinister cause. This is the story of a Waffen SS recruit in the midst of the dying days of the Reich. The main character, Otto, is a sensitive soldier, afraid of living up to the manly Nazi ideal. In battle, he is one motorcyclist amongst a company of elite policemen ordered to squash Tito's uprising in Slovenia. Imagine the suffering and misunderstanding of a seventeen-year-old boy, fighting a war glorified before and then made confusing as he enters an atmosphere clamored with horrifying experiences. This novel is filled with suspense and heartbreaking moments. It is war in its true color and is different from any war novel for its unique slant on a confused nonpatriotic soldier who is thrown into a hopeless fight against a Communist insurgency.

Customer Reviews:

Don't waste your time.......2007-08-29

The book is not well written and has little plot and poor character development. It is not a worthwhile read. At best it is a poor attempt to show the futility of war.

A twisting journey.......2005-11-21

Keenly researched, pinpointingly precise, this amazing story takes us back to World War II yet evokes sinister shadows of our own life and times. A book that can be enjoyed on many levels, we see the hero in a confilct both with the nature of war and his own lost childhood - a conflict that brings into focus many horrors and harsh demans on the young man's mind.

Yet it is not only the inner, intellectual struggle that makes this book so absorbing. There is almost too much action in places - graphic and sometimes disturbing. Amongst the maelstrom of killing and idealised hate there runs the theme of one man (really just a child) pitted against madness. How he deals with this (or often fails to) is the real sweat and guts of this drama.

It is challenging and controversial, bizarre and black in descrption and emotions. The thread of decent humanity runs through the story but doesn't always see the light of day, because this is about reality seen through tortured eyes.

A worthwhile read and one that may just turn your head around.

Dave

Average customer rating:

Great Address Book

The Genuine Harley-Davidson Black Book
Chronicle Books LLC Staff
Manufacturer: Chronicle Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Leather Bound

General | Automotive | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

Address Books | Accessories | Formats | Books

Fine Leathers | Journals | Accessories | Formats | Books

Blank Books | Journals | Accessories | Formats | Books

Fine Leathers | Journals | Book Accessories | Our Favorites | Gift Ideas

Address Books | Book Accessories | Our Favorites | Gift Ideas

Fine Leathers | Journals | Our Favorites | Gift Ideas
ASIN: 0811825779

Book Description

Chronicle continues its partnership with an icon of the great American dream, Harley-Davidson, with this high-quality, leather-bound address book. Filled with rare vintage photos from the Harley Archives, this portable address book is the perfect companion for life on the road.

Customer Reviews:

Great Address Book.......2001-10-12

I purchased this book as a gift for my boyfriend who wanted to get organized. This is the perfect address book for a guy - it's leather and it has cool pictures of vintage Harleys. It holds many addresses and it's a good size (not too big, not too small).

Average customer rating:

The Harley-Davidson Diary

Manufacturer: Rebo Productions
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Product Description

"The Harley-Davidson is more than just a motorbike. This Harley-Davidson diary has been made especially for people with this feeling. On each day of the week the Harley-Davidson enthusiast can make notes and, while doing so, he can enjoy the magnificent photos and the many intersting facts."

Average customer rating:

Harley-Davidson Racing 2007
MBI Publishing Company
Manufacturer: Motorbooks
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Calendar

Motor Sports | Miscellaneous | Sports | Subjects | Books

General | Sports | Subjects | Books

Book Description

No other motorcycle maker has a longer and more storied racing history than America's own Harley-Davidson. This calendar recounts this amazing racing record with fantastic photography from Harley-Davidson's own archive spanning from the early 1900s through today. From dusty flat-tracks to curving road courses to explosive drag strips, Screaming Eagles 2007 covers all ground at a blistering pace!

Average customer rating:

Hog Log
Chronicle Books LLC Staff
Manufacturer: Chronicle Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Leather Bound

General | Automotive | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

Fine Leathers | Journals | Accessories | Formats | Books

Blank Books | Journals | Accessories | Formats | Books

General | Journals | Book Accessories | Our Favorites | Gift Ideas

Fine Leathers | Journals | Book Accessories | Our Favorites | Gift Ideas

General | Journals | Our Favorites | Gift Ideas

Fine Leathers | Journals | Our Favorites | Gift Ideas
ASIN: 0811825043

Book Description

If you ride, chances are you know a little something about adventure and observation on the road. Now you have a place to put it all down on paper. Boasting a genuine leather cover, this log also includes vintage racing shots and classic bike photos, quotes, a maintenance log, and maps for ten unforgettable road trips. Whether you ride across the Rockies or to the office, this portable journal is the perfect place to tell it like it is. Includes Over 20 vintage photo-graphs from the Harley-Davidson Archives 10 great rides with full-color maps Stories from enthusiasts Evolution of the Harley engine Maintenance tips and log Distance and weather charts Equipment checklist

Average customer rating:

Motorcycle (Address Book)
Wallace and Gromit
Manufacturer: Rutledge Hill Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Spiral-bound
ASIN: 1558535179

Customer Reviews:

Fiddle Traditions and Folklore.......2004-02-01

Along with providing a good understanding of old-time fiddling in West Virginia, this book also provides a wider discussion of other forms of folk music within the state. Milnes's discussion of the various folk traditions associated with fiddling is really interesting to read. He has fine descriptions of house parties, square dance callers' patter, and a good variety of the folk beliefs associated with fiddle tunes. The chapter on the ballad of Naomi Wise is especially good, and I also appreciated the chance to learn more about the dulcimer tradition in the state. Prior to reading this book, I thought that the dulcimer was primarily a recently introduced instrument that became popular only with the 1950s and 60s folk music revival. Milnes broadens that view and demonstrates that there has been an interesting and rich tradition of dulcimer playing in the Appalachians.

Long overdue.......2002-12-29

A fine book, evoking a lot more than just thoughts of fiddles. It brings back a lot of memories. There's endless stories winding on late into the night and square dances at the fire station with bright lights and cake walks. It's playing rhythm guitar while sitting on the porch hypnotized by the "play of the fiddle", playing those simple little tunes over and over and over, breathing life into them till they break loose and come alive. Reading Jerry's book was like stumbling into an attic full of memories.

There's something hypnotic about the sound of a fiddle, and Jerry weaves his own spell. All those countless, nameless, fiddle players were drawn to it and just couldn't ever get away. Way back "up the holler". It seems like the devil got hold of them & wouldn't let go. It's like sitting around a campfire, deep in the woods, listening to the baying of the hounds and just wondering what's really out there. Lot's of mystery up in the mountains and those old fiddle players felt it and made it sing out. Jerry really loves his fiddle music, but I think he really loves the spell of the mountains even more. Seems to come out best in the sound of a fiddle, played on the front porch, all alone, nothing but that fiddle sound, a full moon, and the deep silence of the endless woods. That fiddle music just floats in the silence. The hills don't care, they just sit there, and the fiddler plays on, just hearing that sound, going on and on and on...

Yep, it's a pretty good tale.

A must have for any fan of West Virginia fiddling.......2002-01-28

Gerry Milnes knows more about the tradtional music of West Virginia than probably any other writer on the subject.

This book presents a delightful look at the history of West Virginia fiddling, profiles of the players, and the culture in which this music thrived. It is well researched and presented in a very engaging style. Of particular interest to me were his profiles of some of the musical families of the state. In addition to his look at fiddlers, other folk music traditions are covered as well, including a look at the fretted dulcimer players and builders of the region. There are many helpful and interesting photographs as well.

Also recommended: "Fiddles, Snakes, & Dog Days," Milnes documentary film on the same subject which features the playing of many traditonal West Virginia musicians.

Fiddles and Fiddlelore.......2001-12-17

I really enjoyed reading this book. Milnes provides good descriptions of the history and the cultural contexts for fiddling in West Virginia. He provides especially good descriptions of dances. My favorite part of the book dealt with some of the traditional beliefs and practices associated with fiddling. There are fascinating traditions that fiddlers continue to use, and there is a wealth of folklore associated with the instrument. Milnes also provides a fine history of dulcimer music in Appalachia, and his work provides a corrective perspective about this instrument as he challenges the degree of purism and perhaps "snootiness" that is associated with fiddling.

Play it again!.......2000-06-12

As a storyteller and passive folklorist I found this book to be extremely useful and well written. The work the author has done to trace the origins of lore is an incredible journey into the past and speaks clearly to the persistent little voices in my head that are always calling out- "Now how on earth did someone think that up." The book does much more than instruct the reader: It creates a whole new world around folk traditions that is as colorful and as engaging as any novel and as useful for understanding Appalachia as any history book.

PLAY OF A FIDDLE: TRADITIONAL MUSIC, DANCE & FOLKLORE IN WEST VIRGINIA.(Review) (book review): An article from: The Oral History Review

Average customer rating:

PLAY OF A FIDDLE: TRADITIONAL MUSIC, DANCE & FOLKLORE IN WEST VIRGINIA.(Review) (book review): An article from: The Oral History Review
William Mansfield
Manufacturer: Oral History Association
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital

Book Description

This digital document is an article from The Oral History Review, published by Oral History Association on January 1, 2001. The length of the article is 707 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: PLAY OF A FIDDLE: TRADITIONAL MUSIC, DANCE & FOLKLORE IN WEST VIRGINIA.(Review) (book review)
Author: William Mansfield
Publication: The Oral History Review (Refereed)
Date: January 1, 2001
Publisher: Oral History Association
Volume: 28 Issue: 1 Page: 162

Article Type: Book Review

Distributed by Thomson Gale

Books:

Books Index

Books Home

Recommended Books