Bonjour! Is this Italy? - A Hapless Biker's Guide to Europe [Illustrated] [Paperback]

As the author Kevin Turner admits at the beginning of this soft-bound book, he should never have tried to make his living as a Financial Journalist. I can't comment on his skills in analysing the markets etc., but I can on his skill as a writer of a witty, humorous travel log and that is brilliant! From the beginning Turner had me smiling as he detailed his demise from the aforementioned job, which almost forced him to get on his motorbike and ride through Europe in search of the 'beautiful Nina'. No it is not a story about romance, or for that matter a carefully planned detailed trip round Europe in search of himself, or the meaning of life, more a spur of the moment trip that results in a many incidents and tales, which the aforementioned planning would have easily eliminated. Nor is it a trip involving a purpose built or adapted adventure bike, but a mundane Suzuki SV 650 with luggage and tent strapped across it. As a result it is easy to empathise with the author on many levels. It is basically a book about the challenges faced by a lone motorcyclist on his journey through Europe. He charts his route south across France, crossing the Alps into Italy, and onto Rome, before returning via Germany and the treacherous Nürburgring circuit. It is not overly motorbike orientated, but you can still find some valuable advice if you are considering a similar journey with advice on scenic routes, where to stay, and what to see etc. Also some of the comic anecdotes illustrate what not to do when lost on a motorbike in Europe hence the title. Published by Veloce it is well laid out and contains numerous photographs illustrating the story and route throughout its 144 pages, along with a lot of laughs. Well worth adding to the reading list, especially if you are unhappy with your job and fancy a break, or just a good laugh making it well worth the £12.99 cover. --inter-bike.co.uk

'From the first page to the last, this book gripped me… A highly recommended book that will keep you gripped this summer on the beach or a long haul flight.' --Burton Mail

Here at Visordown HQ we're bombarded with (well, we get one or two a year -Ed) stories from budding writers who've just returned from their once-in·a-lifetime adventure. Usually to far flung destinations like The Alps, or, if they're really intrepid; Norway. Now although these adventures are clearly enough to inspire the adventurer to put pen to paper, usually the result is a bland what-I-did-on-my- holidays monologue that makes you realise that cramming yourself onto a tube train everyday and sitting in an office full of boring [people] is probably a better reality than the adventure you've always promised. Not this book. Bonjour! Is This Italy Is based around one of life's biggest cliches: man in dull job seeks to escape the reailty of life and find enlightenment and adventure abroad. Author Kevin Turner, a former financial journalist, pens this witty and self-deprecating tale of mishap, confusion and a girl. There's always a girl. Save yourself the inevitable loneliness, mind-numbing boredom and piles that are often part and parcel of a cross-continent 'adventure' and adopt Kevin's adventure instead. --Visor Down

Finally available in the U.S. (released today, June 29, 2012) is one of the funniest books I've read in a long time. Bonjour! Is This Italy? by Kevin Turner was first released in the UK in May of 2012 to wide acclaim. It's basically the (very funn) story of a British slacker who lost his job and decided on pretty much a whim to tour Europe. But this isn't your typical dry, "do this, do that" touring guide by someone obsessed with covering all the details. Kevin Turner is like the rest of us (some of us, anyway) -- that is, unprepared, a bit foolish, highly optimistic and with a great sense of humor. --webbikeworld.com

Review An ordinary bloke decides to quit his job and tour Europe on his motorcycle - a familiar story between bikers but this bloke is one of the few that actually went through with the idea and did it. A light-hearted read and amusing story that should be an inspiration to others. Recommended. --motorbikesearchengine.co.uk

Since passing his motorbike test nearly ten years ago, Kevin Turner has ridden far and wide across the UK and Europe, writing about his experiences for various websites and publications, including the industry-leading Motorcycle News. Past trips have taken Kevin from the Alps to the Pyrenees, from Rome to the beaches of Normandy... although most conclude with a few laps of the Nurburgring, to which he is hopelessly addicted. A professional journalist, Kevin also writes regular review features, covering motorcycles, equipment, events, and kit. A spirit of adventure (and occasional recklessness), coupled with much self-deprecating humour, pervades his writing.