Book Review: Lois on the Loose

“One Woman, One Motorcycle, 20,000 Miles Across the Americas.” That’s the tagline for this well-written, witty two-wheeled adventure. Bored with her life in a real life re-enactment of “The Office,” Lois Pryce sets off a transcontinental odyssey riding from Anchorage, Alaska to Ushuaia, Argentina; the southernmost town in South America.

Riding a second-hand Yamaha XT225 Serow, Lois encounters all manner of character and obstacle on her journey. From the slightly-crazed Alaskan antique dealer to an amorous octogenarian Spanish teacher. Corrupt border guards, fixers, dodgy food, and generous, helpful strangers all make their appearance and are described with a witty, conversational style.

While a great read, the book does suffer from a lack of photos. Those that are included are in black and white and the reproduction is poor. Still, the story had me laughing out loud in several places and Lois is to be praised for her perseverance in the face of bad seafood, annoying traveling companions and a terribly underpowered motorcycle, particularly at high altitude.

Lois on the Loose is published by Thomas Dunne Books, a division of St. Martin’s Press