Back of fag box book review - America Unchained by Dave Gorman
Writing by aj@lecraic on Sunday, 9 of November , 2008 at 10:25 pm
Is it possible to travel coast to coast in the USA whilst avoiding chain hotels, petrol stations and restaurants? Dave Gorman has a dream that Independent America still exists and thrives amidst all the ubiquity of the franchise - “The Man”, as he calls it.
And so he sets off to pursue his dream in an almost 40 year old Ford Torino with 120,000 miles on the clock. That might give some clue as to how mad he is. The unfolding journey is a real page turner delivered with wonderfully rich descriptions of the people he meets and places he visits. He doesn’t hold back on anything. We get a real warts and all insight into his personality. It reveals a driven man who I wish would have just relaxed a little more on this amazing trip.
All in all though, I can’t recommend this very funny book highly enough.
5 stars out of 5.
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Rated /5 on Nov 9 2008
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Is it possible to travel coast to coast in the USA whilst avoiding chain hotels, petrol stations and restaurants? Dave Gorman has a dream that Independent America still exists and thrives amidst all the ubiquity of the franchise - “The Man”, as he calls it.
And so he sets off to pursue his dream in an almost 40 year old Ford Torino with 120,000 miles on the clock. That might give some clue as to how mad he is. The unfolding journey is a real page turner delivered with wonderfully rich descriptions of the people he meets and places he visits. He doesn’t hold back on anything. We get a real warts and all insight into his personality. It reveals a driven man who I wish would have just relaxed a little more on this amazing trip.
All in all though, I can’t recommend this very funny book highly enough.
5 stars out of 5.
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Category: bookie wookie, fag box reviews
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Comment by Anthony
Made Monday, 10 of November , 2008 at 12:48 am
Have to agree with you AJ. I first saw the documentary on E4 and then sought out the book. It gave a lot more in terms of little side stories and didn’t repeat a lot of what they shot.
Comment by John Braine
Made Monday, 10 of November , 2008 at 1:52 am
Have been reading his blog for a while now: http://gormano.blogspot.com/
The new show ‘Genius’ sounds like fun.
Comment by Ursula
Made Monday, 10 of November , 2008 at 9:12 am
Good for you, AJ, I’d take you on a trip any day. Few, other than an Irishman, notice that one needs to “relax” - whatever mission one is on.
Unhinged, most certainly unchained,
The Woman
Comment by Deborah
Made Monday, 10 of November , 2008 at 11:45 am
You’ve never put me wrong yet AJ and this one sounds like it would be a perfect Christmas gift for himself! Thanks! 
Comment by Paul Groves
Made Tuesday, 11 of November , 2008 at 8:13 am
I was really disappointed with the TV show because I didn’t think he came across very well - which is unusual as I’m a big fan and have loved all his other stuff, particularly his stage show.
It is a fanastic idea and yet it didn’t work as a TV show. I felt it was all about a too squeezed, so maybe I should now seek out the book and get the full story/adventure?
Great little review BTW
Comment by aj@lecraic
Made Tuesday, 11 of November , 2008 at 11:37 pm
@Anthony -
Have to agree with you AJ. I first saw the documentary on E4 and then sought out the book. It gave a lot more in terms of little side stories and didn’t repeat a lot of what they shot.
I’m the opposite as I’ve not seen the TV series, but think I might seek out the DVD tomorrow as a b’day present to myself
@John
Have been reading his blog for a while now: http://gormano.blogspot.com/
The new show ‘Genius’ sounds like fun.
I’ve only recently started reading his blog as well - yes, it’s good stuff. Genuis is just that too!
@Ursula -
Good for you, AJ, I’d take you on a trip any day. Few, other than an Irishman, notice that one needs to “relax” - whatever mission one is on.Unhinged, most certainly unchained,
The Woman
Ah sure, we’re all so laid back over here we’re practically horizontal.. Ireland is the Jamaica of Europe dontchaknow.
@Deborah -
You’ve never put me wrong yet AJ and this one sounds like it would be a perfect Christmas gift for himself! Thanks!
I’d say it will be even more enjoyable for an American to read. I hope he likes it!
@Paul -
I was really disappointed with the TV show because I didn’t think he came across very well - which is unusual as I’m a big fan and have loved all his other stuff, particularly his stage show.
It is a fanastic idea and yet it didn’t work as a TV show. I felt it was all about a too squeezed, so maybe I should now seek out the book and get the full story/adventure?
Great little review BTW
Definitely do get the book, although I think you’ll find the same vis a vis how well (or not) that he comes across in it. It certainly was a different view of America, and genuinely it was a book I just couldn’t put down.
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