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Tortillas to Totems

By: Sam Manicom, Birgit Schunemann
Narrated by: Sam Manicom
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Summary

Sam Manicom's dynamic fourth book is an enticing yet frequently challenging motorcycle journey across the dramatic landscapes of Mexico, the United States and Canada. Sam's partner Birgit is no longer a novice motorcyclist - riding through southern Africa and South America turned her into a rider capable of facing any challenge. But Sam was worried.

As they arrived into North America they had been travelling around the world by motorcycle for six years and he was beginning to think that North America was going to be easy; too easy in fact. Were all the challenges of travel in the developing world countries going to be missing? Sam couldn't have been more wrong.

Samuel Johnson wrote, "The use of travelling is to regulate imagination by reality and instead of thinking how things may be, to see them how they are." After all, aren't these some of the main reasons for going travelling? To experience as many different things and ways of life as possible? To discover new and wonderful things, but also to have preconceived ideas challenged.

This true-life story has more twists and turns than a Rocky Mountain Pass, and more surprises than anyone could expect. As it did them, at times it could challenge you too. Woven into this surprising story are canyons, cowboys, idyllic beaches, bears, mountains, Californian Vineyards, gun-toting policemen with grudges, glaciers, exploding volcanoes, dodgy border crossings, and some of the most stunning open roads that a traveler could ever wish to see.

A gripping rollercoaster of a journey across North America. Sam and Birgit are thrown into a completely new set of challenges. These adventures bring alive the history, geography, human relationships and the pure joy of the open road.

©2011 Sam H.N. Manicom (P)2017 Sam H.N. Manicom
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What listeners say about Tortillas to Totems

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Remarkable

Any additional comments?

Once under it's spell why would you not go and buy a bike and travel the world. Well, yes I'm sure there are lots of reasons, but this book is the next best thing. Sam's delivery is spot on. His observations of who he meets and where he goes are so well described extending well beyond the obvious. I think I have read all Sam's books now and have considerable disappointment there are no more to come. Many thanks Sam!

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A Great Honest Listen

loved it as a motorcyclist and enjoy touring on bikes, I loved it, throughly immersing you in the journey, food and feeling of each event.
the kindness of people around the world and perceived prejudices, which are quickly dispelled.

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Another brilliant book by Sam

I've read two of Sam's books and listened to two of them. They are all brilliant. When narrating his audiobooks he's like that diverting story teller around the camp fire. If you like travel books (motorcycle or not), Sam's books are a must. Tortillas to Totems is no exception!

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amazing !

Loved it. went through all 4 books with a thirst for adventure . Thank you both for letting me be there with you ( while delivering letters) .Well done Sam and Birgit! all the best,Denver

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A ride worth taking.

This is not a motorcycle book.... the motorcycle is simply the vehicle (metaphorical and literal) for the story.

Sam Manicom is a brilliant story teller and therefore it is only appropriate he narated his own stories. These are in my opinion show how wonderful the world is and how the vast majority of people are both friendly and generous when given a chance.

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Save the best till last

Last book in the series that has taken Sam around the world and did not disappoint, A journey through the Americas with all the sights sounds and emotions is enough to make you want to pack your bags and do the journey yourself, exactly what a travel book should be.

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A good listen.

I have listened to all Sams books and enjoyed them all. This book was a struggle at first and I nearly stopped listening. My decission to continue was correct I finished it having enjoyed it. The ending was a shock though.

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another great book

it was a really enjoyable listen, great narration and interesting insight into the world.

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A reluctant listener (to start with)

Buy this book, I have listened to Sam’s adventures and have traveled a lot too especially in Asia , mainly south east Asia. So why would I bother with a book about North America? What interest would I have? Well, I’ll tell you. This book is the perfect wind down from his more exotic adventures. It’s pure class. You will enjoy it very much. Does it make me want to head off down the road in the USA ? No, but I did enjoy it from start to finish. At the end we have a twist , I’ll not say what. But after listening to all Sam’s books, I feel he’s my friend. So I’m glad I listened. Enjoy.

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I love this book!

what an amazing adventure, beautifully lived, fascinatingly written and a complete joy to listen to.

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