Distant Suns

By: Sam Manicom

Narrated by: Sam Manicom

Length: 13 hrs and 11 mins

Publisher's Summary

Sam Manicom's dynamic third book transports you to Southern Africa, South and Central America. Sam has a gift for describing the vibrancy of people and places, and you are led effortlessly through three very different parts of the world by his enthusiasm and his acute observations. Human behavior, drama, passion, disaster, humor, and the pure adrenaline buzz of overlanding such far-flung, wild and exotic places are all here.

This thought-provoking mix is brought alive by both his descriptive, which can make the mouth water or the hairs on the back of the neck crawl, and the historical tidbits and cultural notes about the people and places he visits. Distant Suns highlights the joys of traveling with others and how, when you are with others, you often do and see things you otherwise may not have done; but also touches on the added stress that comes with traveling in groups - even small groups.

Unlike his two previous books, Sam travels with a companion, Birgit, who you'll have met during the course of his previous book Under Asian Skies. Distant Suns is the story of how boy meets girl, both endowed with a mile-wide streak of wanderlust, and both fiercely independent, but learning to live together on the road, and saving each other's lives on occasion. Birgit catches your attention right away with her incredible initiative and capability with her bike. Yet, she'd only been riding a bike for 600 miles when they arrived in Kenya at the beginning of this journey.

Sam and Birgit's adventures are never without peril, but the attitude they have is what makes them terrific world travelers. Over the course of three years, a lot of things can and do go wrong, but Sam and Birgit don't let any of them stop them from completing their journey. When Paul Theroux wrote, "Take the leap. Go as far as you can. Try staying out of touch. Become a stranger in a strange land," he could have been describing Distant Suns.

©2008 Sam H.N. Manicom (P)2016 Sam N.H. Manicom

Another fascinating journey!

Where does Distant Suns rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Distant Suns ranks in the top 10% of audiobooks I own. The book, on it's own, was quite interesting. The Audiobook is read by the author which brings it to life.

What did you like best about this story?

I loved the descriptions that catapulted my imagination to the locations visited. Manicom has a remarkable gift of filling one's senses with the sights, sounds and smells of the region. Beyond the vivid settings, the story told of joys, struggles, hardship, fascination and reflection. This time, Sam is joined by his partner Birgit, whom he met in Australia. This romance which began in "Under Asian Skies" has evolved to include Birgit on her own bike.

Which scene was your favorite?

Overlooking Machu Picchu, there is a moment of reflection for Sam which resonated deeply with me.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Several scenes described in this tale caused laughter. Most importanly, perhaps, "Distant Suns" left me in wonder and with a greater thirst to visit many of the locations described in this book.

Any additional comments?

Like "Into Africa" and "Under Asian Skies," "Distant Suns" will fill your imagination with wonders from some amazing regions of our world. The dynamic of Sam and Birgit making the journey adds a unique and welcome perspective. This symmetry also fills one's hope of traveling with a partner on expeditions, near and far.

Love this book. Eagerly awaiting the next

Love Sam's travel books. I've listened to his others multiple times each. This is not just for folks that like motorcycle travel. Anyone who enjoys travel stories should enjoy this book as well. I really enjoy Sam's reading of the book. He has a very soothing voice that helps to make my long commutes in the car a lot more relaxing.

Great motorcycle adventure book

I really like Sam Manicom's easy relaxed narration and writing style. It makes for a very enjoyable listen.

Absolutely brilliant!

Perfect for anyone who loves travel, or would love to travel. Amazingly descriptive, it feels like you are right there with Sam and Birgit as they face and overcome many challenges on their adventure. Whether you like motorbikes or not, you'll love this book!

Happy Commuter

I spend approx 3 hrs each day commuting for work. Never have I ever looked forward to driving to work until I discovered Sam's books! Each one is just as captivating as the last! Thank you Sam!

South America on motorcycle read by the author

Sam's continuing journey on motorcycle is brilliant and engaging! Having the author reading is fantastic!

All around great adventure book.

This is an all around great adventure book for those that may be considering overland travel in Africa and/or South America, or for those who have the desire to embark on such an adventure but can only live such an adventure vicariously through the pages of the book.

One of the best motorcycle travel books

I love Sam. He's a great writer, a wonderful person and an excellent narrator. Listening to this you will wonder why anyone would travel to these places and experience the mass frustration he experienced. But at the same time you understand. He tells a wonderful tale and really draws you in as he explains things so perfectly. Be sure and listen/read his books in order lest you find yourself confused of what is going on. Good job Sam!!

Lets you travel along without a motorbike.

Fantastic. Beautifully written story of triumphs and tribulations. Sam's turn of phrase has the ability to really 'take you there'. Don't be put off by the motorcycle angle, this book is much more about the people and places than the bikes. A joy to listen to.

Lovely Moto adventures

Very good audible book for anyone who’s a motorcyclist enthusiast! I only wish the author gave more details of distances travelled and specific routes taken to let the listeners follow them via online maps. Great way to pass the weeks for us Northern Riders suffering from our annual PMS (Parked Motorcycle Syndrome)! I highly recommend this to anyone who loves adventures, Travels and Motorcycles.

sam's 3rd book

Sam has a partner with him in this installment. Birgit who we first met in his previous book. They make a great couple for adventure travel, I just wish my wife would have the same spirit as Birgit does.

Your own adventure with a little help from Sam

Let me tell you a story No, in fact, not me but a chap who goes by the name of Sam Manicom, whose dulcet tones will melt into your ears However before he does (tell you a story) let me tell you a little known secret. The book I am currently 'listening to' called Distant Suns took a whole year to write, then another year to produce in book form, plus then more time to produce into an audio book Let me ask you a question ~ would you like to go on a motorbike adventure from the comfort of your own home, or while you are walking your dog with your headphones on, or lying in your bed, or in your bath, or whilst driving your car, or even by your smart speaker sitting with your eyes closed whilst Sam takes you to places you never knew existed in your imagination Reading any of Sams adventures or listening to his Audio books will take you on a journey that you cannot possibly believe............until you start Go on - let YOUR adventure begin......with a little help from Sam

Amazing

Amazing and very much inspiring stories for all kinds of dreamers. Well done and thanks for sharing your stories.

Superb.

Yet again a great account of the ups and downs of life out on the open road on 2 wheels.

Sam is one the best

I love that Sam narrates his books personally, it really adds to story. I’ve downloaded all his books and they are just fantastic.

What a ride

Everyday an Adventure has to be my favourite series in my library, if you have a passion for motorcycles or adventure then this is something I can wholeheartedly recommend.

Love it!

I'm a fellow biker, traveller, (not enough as I would like) & Farmer.

I'm not a man with many words but a do enjoy audiobooks and reading (when I get time). I got hooked on "Sam's" books I love the way he looks at things. I've listened to all he's audiobooks, 3times. And just downloaded he's forth one. Highly recommended!!

Inspiring read

As with the other two in series gives you a sense of joining the author on this remarkable journey thanks for sharing

Good

Another good one from Sam. Looking forward to the next one. These books inspire me to get on my bike and have an adventure.

Great adventure travel book

The fact this book is narated by the author gives it a very genuine feel.

Sam Manicom is a great storyteller and highlights how for the most part people all around the world are basically Decent.... although of course you do come across some rotten apples along the way.