zephyrusne's review against another edition
3.0
"On nights that I can't sleep I go outside and ride around the city."
- being a cyclist myself, and just a tiny bit emotionally attached to my road bike franc, this hit home :) when life gets a bit too much it's never really a question if i am going to go out for a ride or not. nights are the best for clearing the head. no traffic and no noise. [just me and my bike getting used to each other and me fine tuning the old fashioned gears, learning how to jump over hoops or lift both wheels at once.]
i also couldn't help laugh at all the relatable little things, like always carrying extra bolts in my bag (or allen key for that matter).
it's an easy-to-read pick because i think everyone has a bit of nick inside themselves (though i couldn't really relate to his life), and maybe that's why his way of thinking made me sad at times. but the author captured my attention with little bits and bobs, e.g. when he perfectly explained the impossibility of staying in the moment. it's rare that i feel like things aren't just slipping right past me, or like i'm not wasting the little things, even though i'm consciously trying not to.
bonus points: a couple of things made me think of seinfeld, though i doubt these were really references (eating "perfectly good stuff" out of the trash can / "zen champion. zen champion," equaling to "serenity now. serenity now." hehe)
also the covers are beautiful! really glad i have my own copy :)
- being a cyclist myself, and just a tiny bit emotionally attached to my road bike franc, this hit home :) when life gets a bit too much it's never really a question if i am going to go out for a ride or not. nights are the best for clearing the head. no traffic and no noise. [just me and my bike getting used to each other and me fine tuning the old fashioned gears, learning how to jump over hoops or lift both wheels at once.]
i also couldn't help laugh at all the relatable little things, like always carrying extra bolts in my bag (or allen key for that matter).
it's an easy-to-read pick because i think everyone has a bit of nick inside themselves (though i couldn't really relate to his life), and maybe that's why his way of thinking made me sad at times. but the author captured my attention with little bits and bobs, e.g. when he perfectly explained the impossibility of staying in the moment. it's rare that i feel like things aren't just slipping right past me, or like i'm not wasting the little things, even though i'm consciously trying not to.
bonus points: a couple of things made me think of seinfeld, though i doubt these were really references (eating "perfectly good stuff" out of the trash can / "zen champion. zen champion," equaling to "serenity now. serenity now." hehe)
also the covers are beautiful! really glad i have my own copy :)
ebabybibliogato's review
5.0
This is easily one of the best books I have ever read. After reading it I immediately wanted more from this author, but alas, he has written no other novels. I would say this book is 'bicycle fiction'. Nick is so simple yet so smart. I know a lot of people that are frugal like him, although not usually for the reasons that he is. I never liked his girlfriend much, he was way too good for her. Anyways, best book award goes to this one.
gracer's review
4.0
Great book! Love letter to the bicycle. Also a realistic portrayal of the sad, penniless, Great Recession Portland hipster.
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