The Lunatic Express: Discovering the World . . . via Its Most Dangerous Buses, Boats, Trains, and Planes

I absolutely was blown away by this book. I actually will be buying more copies to give as gifts. I do not understand the negative reviews of this book. Here is a man, the writer, who is deeply aware of his faults, and guilt ridden, goes on an incredible and often dangerous existential soul seeking journey. This is no travel story of the usual sense, but a deeply personal journal of a man's midlife crisis, and daily struggles of his place in the world.We all question our existence and place on earth...unless we are so poor, so hard working, that there is no time or energy left to think. The choices of where the author went, methods of travel, and his observances of not only other cultures, but of himself make for a book I could not put down. His writing was deeply spiritual and moving to me, though I got mad several times at his outrageously dangerous methods of travel, and his seemingly death wish when he has a family back home who love him. I would find myself yelling at him...at times...until I understood how brave it is to write one's inner quest for happiness- or at least peace. If the writer were a woman, no doubt the critics would call her "independant and adventurous," with no mention of "whiny and selfish," (opinions used in poor reviews below).What an incredible book. Yeah, makes one think about their cushy North American lives....we have nothing to complain about considering how much of the rest of the world lives. I am looking forward to Carl Hoffman's next journey.

I found this interesting because my husband and I had traveled on some of the same buses, trains, and ferries in 1982 and 1983 while traveling around the world. We also found that the people who were poorest were the most generous and friendliest. Most Americans have no idea the world that lies beyond their borders and take for granted the simplest pleasures as running water, functioning bathrooms, abundance of food and technology. Brought back so many wonderful memories. Traveling is a life altering adventure.

I loved the premise of this book, even though as a happily married father of three children 11 and under, I'm not nearly as crazy as Carl Hoffman and certainly would never take such risks. However, as someone who loves to travel (albeit in comfort), "Lunatic Express" was quite entertaining -- a crazy trip on the most dangerous transportation modes across 5 continents during the course of 6 months.As Hoffman notes, living in the developed world, we take for granted the general safety of our travel, especialy on trains, planes, boats and buses. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for those in "Third World" or "Developing" nations. Safety on these means of transport in these countries is nerve wracking and nail biting to say the least. Much of the equipment is poorly maintained and been put out of service by First World countries and there is little to no regulation.The truly refreshing aspect of Hoffman's book are the encounters he has with everyday people who not only help him experience the cultures and countries he visits, but literally help him survive some utterly suicidal trips (i.e., Afghanistan). Hoffman does his best to assimilate himself into the culture and forego any luxury or comfort. When "Lunatic Express" focuses on his travel experiences with all the local flavor, the book is wonderful. Unfortunately, like some other readers mention, I found the parts that focused on his self-analysis of his "reasons for this type of adventure" or the family troubles he was confronting a bit self-serving and uninteresting. This was especially true of the love-at-first-sight encounter in India that did nothing more than provide a view into Hoffman's shallow side.All quibbles aside, the bulk of this book is a first-rate adventure tale through some of the most unsafe trips you could ever dream up. I'm glad Hoffman survived his journey so we have this entertaining read to enjoy.

I picked a good time to read this book. I read half at home in Charleston and the other half in Belize on two different islands. This book did more to help me understand why I love to travel then any other thing or person ever has. Karl really understands travel. If you love to travel, you need to read this book.

This ia a great read but somewhat sad. I'm not convinced, at the end, that Mr. Hoffman really found what he was looking for.I suspect, that he really is one of those people that never finds his "home". I'd love to read something by him that convinces me otherwise.I respect his fearlessness--or is it carelessness---in traveling these dangerous and unknown routes....but, there is something lacking in his attempts to explain how much he misses his family....it just does not sound genuine. His having his daughter meet him for five days in South America seems more to satisfy him than to really provide her with something. Hope I am wrong.Unfortunately, his recounting of the bus ride from LA to the east coast convinced me that I am probably right....he had been gone 159 days...and he went to his apartment...not his home. That was sad.I wish him well, but I think he needs to stay on the road. That is where he belongs.However...a fascinating book. For those of us that do not have the "balls" that the french woman has/had....this gives us a taste.I wish you well "brother Carl".

Loved reading this book. The author travels around the world taking the most dangerous routes and vehicles! He travels by boat, train, Russian planes, etc. No death wish he just travels by these for the experience of jetting in poorly maintained jets, buses that, with one bump, would send them over the cliff, ferry routes where the ferry before has sunk. Fearless, but understanding the odds are in his favor, he weaves a first person account of these trips.

This was the first time I'd had anyone describe the excitement I feel from the traveling process, not so much the place you arrive at, but the getting there.

Bought this book with high expectations. I love reading about other people's travels but for me this one fell flat. It wasn't particularly riveting or funny or interesting & I didn't enjoy reading it. I appreciate the effort he went to to write this book & everything he undertook but it just wasn't for me!

Diese Buch ist super.Sehr spannend, unterhaltsam und man bekommt wirklich Lust seine Erlebnisse selbst zu erleben.Auch mit zu empfehlen ist das Buch Shantaram. Der Journalist Carl Hoffman hat den Autor von Shantaram getroffen, welches auch in Lunatic Express erwähnt wird.

I enjoyed reading the book for the most part. I found myself wondering about some of the places Carl visited and would have liked to know more about them. It seemed he quickly boarded another means of conveyance and was off to the next destination. The author often claimed that wanted to go "deeper" into the culture and learn more about the people and their ways, yet I'm not sure he achieved that on his journey, or the inner satisfaction he so desired.

Picked up this book for a plane flight and couldn’t put it down. Great read for anyone that’s has that Wonderlust in them.

This book is for the ones that wish they had the courage to go there, to those remote areas. Someone did that for you and described it so vividly that you think it was you there.