Distant Suns

Every Day an Adventure, Book 3

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

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.

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.

A Great Trip through Two Continents!

The print version of this book was great. The audio version was mesmerizing and even better! Hearing Sam deliver the performance in his own voice provided a new wonderful experience of his journey. Highly recommended!

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.

wow

loved it... couldn't put it down... great job same..
time to read another book of yours

Great Adventure

A great adventure. Told they way any travel adventure should be told- by the person who lived it. Like being along for the ride without the heat and the dust. May God keep you as you travel.

Great motorcycle adventure book

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

These are my favorite 3 Audible Books

I waited for the third book to come out in Audible format and was not disappointed. They are very well read by the author. The adventures and friends made on the road makes for a very good listen.

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.

One of the best adventures on Audible

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I would, and do, recommend Sam Manicom's books to my friends. His book "Under Asian Skies" is my favorite but all of his books are incredible.

He takes you to the destinations, he doesn't just tell you about them. Many books in the genre are about covering miles or written only with a motorcyclist in mind, his books are for the traveler regardless of mode of transport. Its about having experiences, making connections, and forming memories that will last a lifetime. He weaves a great tale that will keep even armchair travelers enthralled yet also includes valuable info for those that may really attempt a similar journey (via bus/car/bike/motorcycle).

What other book might you compare Distant Suns to and why?

I grew up reading Jack Kerouac and Hemingway and there is a bit of that sense of adventure and experience in Mr Manicom's writing.

What about Sam Manicom’s performance did you like?

The English accent is pleasing to American ears but the recording is also of a very high quality. No pops, hiccups, or irregularities. Since it is his own work, and he is passionate about it, you feel a great energy in the narration.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

It's his first book traveling full time with his partner Birgit. I think having her along added a lot to the dynamic. I am a long time fan of his books and saw him go places and experience things he wouldn't have done had he ridden alone. It reminded me how much my wife ads to my life.

He also challenges our preconceived notions about a country or even a continent. A great number of people judge a country by a few random news articles or stereotypes. While he occasionally experiences troubles, the vast majority of people he meets are warm, welcoming, and helpful (even in "war torn" countries and those with "drug lords").

Any additional comments?

His books, all of them, are perhaps the best in the genre. Sam isn't a guy checking off countries and borders, he is a man living a full and rich life. He reminds us all to slow down and experience the places, people, food, and sights. If you have a Audible credit BUY THIS BOOK.