Reviews

You & a Bike & a Road by Eleanor Davis

_reading_with_kate_'s review

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4.0

I kinda want to buy the book, just to leave it open to the "God's thrilling indifference" page.

savaging's review

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4.0

I wasn't as moved by the subject matter of this book compared to Davis's incomparable Why Art?, but the drawings remain spectacular. Eleanor Davis always makes me feel more creative, she opens up the possibilities of art.

kdahlo's review

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5.0

This is an immensely special little book that manages to capture so many things important to me right now. It's a very simple story of a bike trip, but I feel like it relates to most things that people do, and all the complexities and consequences of putting in effort and intersecting with the larger world. I found the book really moving and would recommend it to anyone, but I think anyone who loves bicycling or has gone on a bike trip, or a solo-trip, really needs to read this book.

morgob's review

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3.0

I debated on 3 or 4 stars for this one. It was a really nice book that I enjoyed a lot, and it was an incredibly quick read, only taking me about 45 minutes or so to get through. I liked the story and the idea--I suppose I've been on an adventure books kick this summer-- and the drawing style was sweet and comforting. In some parts it looked rushed but then there would be this one drawing of a plant or horizon and it would just look relaxing and peaceful.
As far as the actual story goes, yes, I was a little disappointed by the ending. But I wasn't as upset as I expected myself to be. I liked the book for what it was: a woman's journey across the country on a bike, with nothing but herself and the world around her. I laughed at some parts and related to others. Biking is similar to running in some ways, except of course you can go way faster on a bike using less effort. But I liked the author's commentary and her adventure, and of course all the people she met. It made me happy that she met so many nice people. At the end of the day, I was expecting something maybe a little deeper, maybe a bit more complete, but this was a nice simple read.

lisawhelpley's review

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inspiring reflective medium-paced

3.75

tophat8855's review

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5.0

This was the second “comic as a journal” book I’ve read in a short time, and it makes me want to figure out drawing.

I wasn’t expecting to tear up while reading this book, but I did.

I’ll have to do a solo tour someday.

Read for Women Bike Book Club, Oakland Library, Jan 2018.

mend's review

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emotional funny reflective sad medium-paced

linda_don's review

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5.0

I read this comic after seeing it on NPR's 2017 book concierge, and it was so lovely. Absolutely recommended. One warning: reading it might make you wish that you, too, were heading out to explore unfamiliar territory on a long journey home.

emmalen3's review

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5.0

This sweet memoir made me feel cozy inside. I loved the little moments she had with locals along her way!!

mollyb13's review

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adventurous emotional hopeful inspiring reflective fast-paced

5.0

I was looking for a graphic novel to read for my library's winter challenge and happened to see that one of my StoryGraph friends had just finished this book and rated it 5 stars. And boy, am I glad everything lined up for me to find this book! The author portrays bike touring so perfectly - it had me reliving my own bike touring experience. I too have cried most the day while touring, made unexpected friends in strange places, avoided sketchy situations, felt like I wasn't going to make my goal, and laughed maniacally at nothing in particular. A lot happened in the book, and also not much happened at all - and that is 100% bike touring! 

I also love how the bike tour was mirroring a lot of the author's own mental health at the time and loved the overall uplifting feeling that the book gave me. It really is a great reminder that there are some bad people out there, but that generally people are good and kind and willing to help you out <3

I've already recommended this book to three people and only just finished it half an hour ago. Definitely recommend for everyone!