Customer Reviews

Leanings 2: Great Stories by America's Favorite Motorcycle Writer

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

After having devoured the first Leanings, (as well as the Side Glances collections)- I ordered Leanings 2 the moment it became available. This book focuses far more heavily on the columns of Peter Egan than the lengthier feature articles and color commentary. Some may be disappointed in this, but I found it to be a much more fluid read as a result.
Peter Egan writes with a grass-roots style that is description rich and highly enjoyable. Having his monthly columns organized chronologically maintains a rhythm that seems to get lost on a month to month basis in Cycle World. In other words, back to back the columns fuse into a nearly complete story in which the reader will begin to find attachment in the characters and the whereabouts of the various cycles occupying Peter's work shop.
The columns themselves are quick reads, in fact I polished the book off in a few nights (wishing there was more). Any fan of "slice of life" style writing will appreciate the witty antic-dotes and underlining passion Egan encompasses in his writing. It is immediately clear that Peter's travels and life experiences have integrated with his love for motorcycles and his ability to paint pictures with words. Fans of any facet of the motorcycling spectrum would do themselves justice in picking up this fine collection of tales from Cycle World's most enjoyable columnist.

A word of warning. If you love motorcycles, you will devour this book during a chilly night or two and be left wanting more. And you will be sad that Peter Egan is not your best friend. In short, magazine essay-length chapters, Egan evokes funny and warm and all-too-accurate images of motorcycling life and obsessiveness. Gratefully, he does not have the need to romanticize riding, as do so many writers who have followed Persig. No spirits, no transcendance, no self-actualization here, thank God. Egan comes across as a regular guy, with regular friends, and a very understanding wife, who loves a good motorcycle (or eight), Delta blues, and a cold Guiness. He is one of us, but he writes the story better. Read it slow and it will tide you over till spring.

Not as good as the first "Leanings", but an enjoyable read anyway. Peter writes in a way that I wish I could write to convey my motorcycle experiences. I also subscribe to Cycle World and have seen some of these same writings, but I throw away magazines, while I will keep this book forever and be able to re-read at my leasure. I would recommend this book highly.

Everyone that enjoys riding can close their eyes and imagine that they are on the road with Mr. Egan. Light and easy to read. Buy this book.

For members of the baby boomer generation who have enjoyed motorcycling for decades, this collection of short stories is thoroughly enjoyable. Covering touring, dirt bikes, sport riding and cruising, your interest in two wheels is likely to be included. Peter puts into words what the rest of us felt but couldn't convey. Nostolgia with lots of humor. I enjoyed it.

Subscribers of Cycle World magazine might be familiar with the writings of Peter Egan. I was aware of his popular column Side Glances in Road and Track magazine, and had assumed he was simply a car nut. Then I came across two books, Leanings and Leanings 2, both compilations of his articles in Cycle World over the last 25 years. Peter Egan is, I realized, first and foremost, a complete motorcycle enthusiast, in every sense of the word. His writing is essentially about his lifelong love affair with motorcycles. He has owned over 40 bikes, of all types from vintage Nortons and Vincents to modern Ducatis and Harley Davidson Electra Glides. He has ridden on some of the best motorcycling roads in the world, from touring the Alps and the Isle of Man to off-roading in Baja California to riding the length and breadth of North America. What sets him apart is that he can also write. His essays, based on his experiences, takes the reader along on the journey, with his vivid descriptions, heartfelt emotions and poignant observations. For many of us, his is the life we dream of: days spent riding in exotic locales or tinkering with vintage motorcycles in the garage, evenings spent in the company of like minded friends or, occasionally on the computer hammering out another heartwarming story that millions will read. But Egan beguiles the reader into thinking that, despite his enviable lifestyle, he is one of us. He yearns to spend more time riding, or wishes he had the means to lay his hands on that old Triumph. And in doing so, he echoes the same desires in his writing that his readers have - to do more of what they are passionate about. And for readers who "get it", who share this passion for motorcycles, these two books are literary gems.

Loved this collection almost as much as the first, the only caveat was that as I started reading CycleWorld religiously a few years back, almost every one of these stories was a repeat for me.

Peter combines the finer things in life, love of motorcycles, good music, and fine bourbon. The results are great stories of travel and memories.

Peter Egan writes with great humor and insight into the subjects of motorcycling and just generally the frailties of the mind when considering machines, motorcycles, and adventures. Great reading!!

The best moto journalist alive--I will buy what ever book, etc. he writes. We have owned reworked many of the same bikes--his narratives are easy and enjoyable. It helps that we have covered many of the same roads at least in Wisconsin. John Nee