Far Sweeter than Honey

Searching for Meaning on a Bicycle

By: William Spencer

Narrated by: William Spencer

Length: 11 hrs and 59 mins

Publisher's summary

Imagine cycling from England to India—an 8,500-mile epic journey, before GPS, social media, or cell phones. You’re traveling alone through the mystical East as borders slam shut; you confront wild animals, sexual predators and a deep cultural divide.

Amazon Number One Best Seller

This is the riveting true story of a young man’s solo bicycle odyssey: freezing in the Anatolian mountains of Turkey, confounded by butterflies in the empty Iranian desert, passing through the rubble of a coup in Kandahar, Afghanistan, and surviving dire illness in Pakistan's Indus valley. His journey ends in the heart of the subcontinent, having glimpsed true freedom. This is an account of humankind’s essential goodness, of trusting unseen hands that can steer us from disaster, and of learning that the way out is through.

©2020 William Spencer (P)2021 William Spencer

Critic reviews

“A compelling travelogue.” (Union Square Review)

A Journey

Far Sweeter Than Honey: Searching for Meaning on a Bicycle takes readers on an adventurous journey, recounting a solo bicycle odyssey from England to India—an 8,500-mile trek in a time before the convenience of GPS or cell phones. William Spencer’s tale is one of resilience, cultural exploration, and the discovery of essential human goodness.

The narrative unfolds in a captivating manner, offering readers a glimpse into the challenges and triumphs of a young man navigating the mystical East. From the freezing Anatolian mountains of Turkey to the empty Iranian desert and the aftermath of a coup in Kandahar, Afghanistan, Spencer shares the vivid and sometimes perilous experiences encountered during his expedition.

The book’s strength lies in its ability to blend profound observations with moments of introspective rambling. Spencer’s narrative style reflects the authentic nature of human thought, making the journey feel relatable and genuine. The unpredictability of the narrative keeps readers engaged, as the author skillfully oscillates between moments of deep reflection and the sheer unpredictability of life on the road. I think this “unpredictability” made for such an interesting read. I honestly never knew if it was a lesson, a story, or a “woah what just happened” moment.

As a reader, I appreciated the author’s openness and honesty. The book goes beyond the typical travelogue, offering unexpected lessons and insights into the human condition. Spencer’s encounters with diverse cultures and the challenges he faces create a compelling narrative that transcends the physical journey, delving into the realms of personal growth and self-discovery. It reminded me that we are all human, but we are vastly different at the same time.

The fact that the author narrates his own story adds an extra layer of authenticity to the audiobook. While there are moments when the self-narration is evident, Spencer’s performance effectively conveys the personal tone and understanding necessary for recounting such a profound and individualistic adventure. Seriously, who else could have narrated with the same feeling that Spencer did?

Far Sweeter Than Honey is a thought-provoking and engaging memoir that transcends the traditional travel narrative. William Spencer’s journey becomes a metaphor for life’s uncertainties, emphasizing the importance of trusting unseen hands and finding the way out through resilience and self-discovery. Even for readers outside the typical genres of travel or memoir, this book offers a refreshing and insightful experience.

Superb narration and inspirational story!

I felt like William was right next to me recounting tales from his journey over a cup of chai. Plenty of wisdom and vivid descriptions of adventures only someone with a consistent meditation practice like the author could recount. Thanks for publishing this gem of a book!

Around the world on a bicycle

Far Sweeter Than Honey: Searching For Meaning On A Bicycle is already an Amazon #1 nonfiction bestseller from Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society, adventurer and excellent writer William Spencer. I encourage you to check out the audiobook version because it’s thrilling, fascinating, riveting, immersive, and entertaining.

In this book, Spencer shares his incredible journey of cycling 8,500 miles across 13 countries, with no GPS in the 70s, facing all kinds of historical events, challenges, dangers, and surprises along the way. Luckily, he also encounters many kind and generous people who help him in his quest for meaning. Spencer‘s vivid and eloquent descriptions transport us to the places he visits, from the stunning landscapes to the diverse cultures and customs. He also reflects on personal growth with insights and lessons learned from this life-changing experience.

Far Sweeter Than Honey: Searching For Meaning On A Bicycle is a book that will appeal to anyone who loves travel documentaries, true adventures, or personal stories of transformation. It is a book that will inspire you to follow your dreams, explore the world, and find your purpose.

The audiobook version of Far Sweeter Than Honey is narrated by the author himself, which adds another layer of authenticity and immersion to his story. Spencer has a pleasant and engaging voice that captures our attention and makes us feel like we are riding with him on the bicycle. The chapters are conveniently separated by sound effects that mark the beginning of each of them which usually means our hero has crossed another border. Although the Audio production is almost 12 hours long, it never feels boring or tedious. On the contrary, it portrays a thrilling and fascinating adventure that we don’t want to end.

If you are looking for a captivating and inspiring true story of adventure, courage, and discovery, you should not miss Far Sweeter Than Honey: Searching For Meaning On A Bicycle by William Spencer. This is the stuff from which explorers and adventurers throughout history were made of!
I am a blind audiobook reviewer, so if you found this review interesting I hope you will consider leaving a helpful vote below. Most audiobooks I receive for free for review purposes. Thank you! Take care, stay safe, and don't forget, always listen with your heart.

I wish the story would just keep going

Found this to be a very relaxing read. listen to the author recall their time bike touring put me in a calm state. if you're looking for a relaxing read this is a great book.

Great story, loved the narration

Beautifully written book full of adventure. Author himself narrates and I fully enjoyed his soothing voice.