FREE RIDE
By Noraly Schoenmaker
Publisher: Atria
The creator of the YouTube channel Itchy Boots recounts the transcontinental motorcycle ride she took after personal and professional changes.
Review by By The Books Reviewer
In "Free Ride: Heartbreak, Courage, and the 20,000-Mile Motorcycle Journey That Changed My Life," Noraly Schoenmaker, renowned for her YouTube channel "Itchy Boots," embarks on a transformative odyssey that is as much about self-discovery as it is about traversing continents. The narrative begins with a personal upheaval: Schoenmaker, a geologist from the Netherlands, confronts the betrayal of a long-term partner's infidelity. This catalyst propels her to abandon her conventional life and seek solace in the uncharted terrains of the world, astride a motorcycle.
Schoenmaker's journey is nothing short of audacious. From the dense jungles of Myanmar and Thailand to the arid expanses of Oman, and through the politically intricate landscapes of Iran and Turkmenistan, she challenges both geographical and cultural boundaries. Her route, meticulously detailed, offers readers a vicarious thrill of adventure. However, the narrative occasionally succumbs to an overabundance of logistical minutiae, which, while informative, can detract from the emotional resonance of her experiences.
The author's prose is competent, yet it lacks the lyrical quality that could elevate the memoir from a mere travelogue to a profound exploration of the human spirit. The recounting of interactions with diverse cultures and individuals is engaging, but there is a tendency to gloss over deeper introspections. Readers seeking a raw, unfiltered examination of personal growth may find the narrative somewhat superficial.
Comparisons to seminal works like "The Motorcycle Diaries" and "Wild" are inevitable, given the thematic parallels. However, "Free Ride" does not quite achieve the same depth of philosophical inquiry or emotional intensity. Schoenmaker's account is inspiring in its audacity but falls short in delivering a truly transformative narrative.
In conclusion, "Free Ride" is a commendable addition to the genre of travel memoirs, offering insights into the challenges and triumphs of solo motorcycling across continents. While it may not satisfy readers seeking profound introspection, it serves as an engaging chronicle of adventure and resilience.
Recommendation: Recommended with reservations.
written on: 6/12/2025