3.5/5This is an exciting, real-life account of an American tourist's search for the world's most white-knuckle transportation adventures. He rides the world's most dangerous trains, flies on airlines blacklisted by the EU, and rides ferries in countries that have experienced horrendous sinking tragedies on a seemingly regular basis. The writing is crisp and fast-moving. Even though the author spends too much time talking about himself and his own family/marital problems, I appreciated his insights that in the most poverty-stricken, statistically dangerous places to live, there nonetheless exist extremely kind, selfless people, and that family and relational bonds are the foundation of these societies. I also appreciated--in a bittersweet way--the contrast the author experiences when he arrives back in America to see the atomization and lack of regard for our fellow man. I would like to think I would never feel I have to go to such travel extremes to get a buzz and while The Lunatic Express delivers a warning about the 'dangers' of becoming emotionally reliant on a transient lifestyle and pursuit of otherness, it inspires you to put the book down at the end and start planning adventures of your own. The connections Carl makes with the people he meets on the road are heart-warming - both restorative in addressing jaded views of fellow mankind and also tragic in how the poor are left to live, often, in such chaos, but also their strength to prevail and value life in a way which is becoming sidelined in Western society. Definitely worth a read if you're planning a trip.
What do You think about Lunatic Express (2010)?
will never complain about not having a seat on the MARC or NYC subway again ...
—Juan14
I love travel, even with long plane,train and bus rides. But this guy is crazy.
—Frances
It was interesting. Just not THAT interesting.
—tonimichelle
Dude seems to have a deathwish.....
—OrneryButterfly
