There is more to Simon Reeves than I imagined

I have seen Simon Reeve on the TV doing his adventure travel shows. I, too, like to journey to exciting and exotic places in the world and have been to some of the places that Simon has depicted in his TV series including Central Africa; I can relate to Simon's experiences in the DRC having visited in the early 1990s and again in the early 2000s, and Central Asia (his show inspired me to visit Uzbekistan, an experience I will never forget). Simon, of course, is able to access many places that are off bounds to normal travellers due to his BBC affiliation and this results in some amazing television that has inspired me to seek out some of the most remote and unvisited places on Earth and this has been highly rewarding.
I was keen to listen to his story, not actually knowing much about his life other than the travel shows. I wasn't expecting his back story to be that special if I'm honest. I imagined a travel journalist who had got into television as a result. His story is incredible. From a directionless teenager who dabbled in petty crime, Simon eventually became a "post boy" at the Sunday Times working his way up to investigative news reporter during the Andrew Neil days. He left in his late 20s to write a book about Bin Laden / Al Qaeda following on from a story he had helped write about the February 1993 World Trade Centre attack. His book was not a success initially but when the 2001 World Trade Centre attacks happened, Simon was the only person in the world who had written a book about Al Qaeda and even met some of the key figures who he had spoken to when researching his book. He tells this story modestly and incredulously as events unfolded and he became the most sort after journalist in the World. This all makes fascinating reading. As does the rest of the book on his adventure travels. I was a fan of Simon Reeve before this book, I am even more of a fan now. Excellent.

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3 people found this helpful

Loved it!

Please write more Simon! So good.
Such a personal adventure worth sharing - what incredible journeys!

Thanks you!

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A true story of becoming a modern day explorer

An honest and deeply moving portrayal of his early year, difficulties with Mental health and how he grow to overcome it inner battles. Simon tells an incredible inspiring story of how we got into journalism and how he ended up in a job he is his true self! Great book of life trials and inspiring adventures, Simon life if full of surprises, he is an interesting guy! A fantastic book, please read, you will love it!

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Amazing

I loved this book, it’s heart felt and captivating. It had laughter and tears but an absolute must for people fighting adversity and wanting inspiration to make a difference.

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Enjoyed this book

Having been born in Africa I can relate what he says. But even if I had not felt taking to places and people I met in my mind. Beautiful written

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A fascinating read, with poignant messages!

I first came across Simon Reeve, exactly as he says in this book; coming back from the pub late at night and turning on 'Meet the Stan's' on BBC Two. At the time I was studying Adventure Tourism and was particularly interested in sustainable travel and saw all adventure as 'experience' over 'tourism' - something which Simon discusses in this book. I was hooked and have watched all of his documentaries ever since, along with those of other BBC greats such as Ben Anderson and Bruce Parry.

However, what shocked me the most, was that although I greatly admire Simon's approach and style, it wasn't until I read this book that I understood the other part of Simon's journey. I had wrongly assumed he was another boy from the Home Counties, who was probably privately educated and maybe his family had some connection to the BBC. As a young adventurer, I had dreamed of taking Simon's place, leading the camera to the far corners of the world I was visiting. As a cynical state-educated student from rural East Angla, I was skeptical that someone like myself could ever have that chance. The profundity of this book was not the tales of impoverished and war-torn lands - of which there are many important and moving stories - but Simon's personal journey, of a not-to-dissimilar childhood to mine, all the way to the enviable and influential position he holds today.

I cherished the listening experience and the fact that the book is read by Simon himself, meant on multiple occasions a tear dropped from my eye, as came the smiles and the moments of wonder. I can't recommend this book enough.

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A great story superbly narrated

When authors narrate their own books it is often a risky enterprise - on one hand it provides authenticity but it also can go terribly wrong if the author lacks the skills to keep the listener excited. But Simon Reeve mastered this challenge superbly. His long experience in presenting his TV programmes clearly contributes to this. Reeve makes every line of his book as exciting as his TV shows - you just don't want to stop listening. A fascinating life story told in a way that makes you stay glued to the speakers _what else can you ask for?

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A must listen to

A great story from a great storyteller...what more can I say! Had the pleasure of meeting Simon Reeve in person and he doesn’t disappoint on any level. Gracious, humble and remarkable, a life lived and a life told. Legend!

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His story is uplifting

Loved listening whilst walking, just wanted to walk and walk, the story is powerful but grounded, excellent listen.

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So honest and very funny

Love the honesty and lack of self censorship in this book, I really felt that I was living the narrative, it gave me such a vivid mental picture and made my
daily commute a total pleasure. Thoughtful, and insightful ( occasionally laugh out loud) I didn’t want it to end.

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