By Any Means: His Brand New Adventure From Wicklow to Wollongong Paperback – Illustrated, 28 May 2009

I was introduced to this man Charley Boorman, through the amazing TV series, 'A Long way round', I started watching that because of my love for Ewan Mcgregor, a few years before, but for thisbook (& tv series/dvd) you need to clear you head of all thoughts of the amazing two series 'Long way round' and Long way down', his previous adventures with Ewan Mcgregor and read this with a new set of eyes you can not compare them.'By any means' is a fantastic read featuring an inspiring journey, one where Chraley Boorman sets off alone, well, not complete alone, he is joined with Russ and Mungo the cameraman (and a small support team behind the scenes) who both feature a lot throughout the book, the team approach to this adventurous journey give off a real 'friendship vibe' to the whole trip. It goes to show its not all about motorbikes like previous shows/books! Like all of his travel stories, this series really gave me itchy feet, his enthusiasm for travel, adventure, meeting new people and life, is infectious.It is a 'Pringle' of a book, 'once you pop you can't stop', when you start to read it, make sure you have time to read it all the way through, you will not want to put it down, prefect holiday read.Even if you have not seen the tv series or watched the DVD you can imagine the amazing scenery of all the countries through which they travel through the book, it creates great imagery through great descriptions', with a selection of brilliant photos.I would recommend this book to anyone who loves an adventure and wants an 'armchair adventure'. I would also recommend the dvd it's a great watch and really brings the book to life.I own this in both paper back and hard back, when to read and one to look good on the shelf and the dvd!I will be buying, reading and watching any of his future adventures.

Whilst it feels odd that Charley is doing this incredible trip without Ewan McGregor...the reality is that in many ways this kind of Travel Documentary made famously by Michael Palin with his now legendry 'Around the World in 80 Days'...brings about a sort of jealous streak in many individuals like myself who would dearly love to be able to leave home and make out to a far destination just like that!But in reality it doesn't happen - Just like that!Months and months of planning routes...obtaining travel visas...necessary documentation of the items being carried...medical check-ups...insurance...various amounts of different currency...Oh! the hightmare of planning is enough to put the majority of people off...Thankfully, this set of people with Charley on this long-haul trip using a vast load of different modes of travel from : Motorbikes, Cars, Buses, Horses, Ships, Boats, etc. may not be for the fainthearted, but this was proved to be not a problem, there was the waiting game at Customs Posts when it came to documentation and photocopies were not acceptable...so the originals had to be sent out so progress could be made towards the finishing line in Australia.This book and indeed the DVD of the programmes seen on TV I most certainly recommend, but unless you are thinking of following in Charley's footsteps...use it for the enjoyment it can bring and not necessarily as a bible to do the same...mind you in some parts of Britain you could try the same...Bus to Train Station - Train to Blackpool...Taxi to Hotel...Walk onto Prom...Catch Tram to Pleasure Beach...Oh! the endless various rides at Pleasure Beach...Log Plum/PepsiMax/Umberellas the variants go on and on...no passport or visa required...take sick bag just in case...

I love the show and I now can read behind the seen of this show

To quote a phrase that seems appropriate By any Means means by any means. In this book you find how Charlie and his crew travelled from his Dads house in Ireland to Sydney Opera house . Travelling through time zones heat cold with a smile most of the time. Occasionally there are spats with colleagues. But the overall impression is that wherever they went people were helpful friendly and wanting to wish them well. Some danger and frequent breakdowns but persistence pays off. What happens as you read you are drawn into the journey. Willing them to succeed.Thrilling in its simplicity . Helpful to assess your own journey too. What is most important. Thankyou for writing this . Have read most of the other books. The UNICEF story is great and I hope it encourages others to get involved.

I thought this was a great interesting read, with true life ups and downs in a team dynamic.

Brilliant. I'd recommend this to anyone who dreams of adventure travel and if that's not achievable then at least reading about it! Charley comes across as one of life's good guy's.

This a man that has a huge interest in living and loving life. His travels in By Any Means are fun to read and I love his enthusiasm for everything. Looking forward to new adventures with Charley!

Good,but narration is bit fast

Ok, I'll admit it, I'm a huge Charley Boorman fan, I've seen and read most of his material, but I enjoyed this book immensely, it was easy reading in true Boorman style, you feel like you know him well, one of his old mates even, I liked it and would recommend you try it too!

What a wonderful life! To be able to travel the world the way he does is quite a gift. The writing is simple, like a diary, but gives enough information for the reader to get a feel for the adventure.

excellent, on the lookout for more Charley Boorman stories.