In Praise Of...
Critics & Readers Agree: 'North to Norway' is a Must-Read
March 3rd saw the paperback release of North to Norway, and the response has been incredible! I've been juggling a flurry of activity, from interviews with BBC radio, local and international press, and motorcycling magazines, to a dynamic social media campaign. A particular thrill was spending 1.5 hours with Adventure Rider Radio, the world's most popular motorcycle podcast since 2014. You can still dive into our conversation online or click on the link below.
I’ve had some great reviews from fellow authors, podcasters and bloggers:
This well-written travel journal chronicles a motorcycle journey from Spain to Norway. In the author's own words: "My motorcycle had taken me the length of Europe. No further south nor north could I travel." He delivers a vivid description of his travels, capturing the sights and sounds along the way, while adding enough humor to keep the story light and entertaining.
If you’re considering this trek, you can use the book as a travel planner thanks to the detail and care Oliver takes in describing his route. If not, his vivid storytelling will still leave you with a great sense of what it would have been like to travel alongside him.
North to Norway is a well-written and engaging travel journal that delivers a detailed route description of Europe from bottom to top. If you're an adventure motorcycle enthusiast—or simply enjoy travel writing—this book is well worth the read.
Tiger Coward (Leading Canadian motorcycle travel blogger and reviewer)
A couple of years ago, Stephen Oliver embarked on a journey from Tarifa, Spain's southernmost point, to Nordkapp, Norway, traversing mountain passes, navigating high-speed autobahns, and immersing himself in the cultures of ten countries. The ride was not without its challenges-including a crash that injured him and damaged his bike, testing his resolve. Yet with every setback, he adapted, pushing forward with determination, demonstrating that true adventure is as much about resilience as it is about the miles traveled.
Jim Martin (Adventure Rider Radio US podcast)
Stephen Oliver puts the reader right there with him on this journey.
His writing style is smooth flowing, despite the many fascinating threads he weaves in.
Each day on the road comes alive with sometimes pithy, frequently colourful observations.
His neat descriptions, honesty and easy sense of humour, add to the mix.
I particularly liked the way he introduces the people met along the way, and the relationship which builds between him and his travel companion for the second part of the journey.
This a story which shares and entertains. Addictive reading.
Sam Manicom (author: Moment Collectors Asia)
Good travel books make you feel like you are there with the writer; the best travel books light a fire under you to go in search of an adventure of your own. North to Norway is both good and the best. The travails and mishaps and glorious surprises of Stephen Oliver’s thrilling journey across Europe from south to north are related with immediacy and generosity. He shows why motorcycles were really invented: to take us out into the world and end up finding our inner humanity.
Melissa Holbrook Pierson (author: The Perfect Vehicle)
Proof that if you want to do something badly enough, you'll find a way to do it, even if you have to deal with broken ribs, falling off and all the other minor disasters that bike adventurers have to cope with. As we've all found, the answer is to just go, and everything will work out for the best. An inspiring read.Erudite, entertaining and funny. Warning: may cause severe wanderlust.
Geoff Hill (author: Oz.Around Australia on a Triumph)
I enjoyed many parts of the story that I have travelled. Some good descriptions of the places and experience that you can have when travelling.
Duncan Gough (Guidebooks to Spain and Portugal)
Stephen is one of those rare people who can remember all the little interesting things when travelling and can describe them in detail. he is a wordsmith with wonderful use of the English language unlike my more basic Aussie lingo.
Warren (Motorcycle Paradise blog)
North to Norway is available in paperback (£9.99) and e-book from Amazon.
For a signed copy please send me a message, stating how you’d like the book dedicated and the mailing address. Payment via Paypal, UK deliveries only.
