Review of Around the World on Two Wheels: Annie Londonderry's Extraordinary Ride

Around the World on Two Wheels: Annie Londonderry's Extraordinary Ride
Average Rating: 4.5 Total Reviews: 8
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Around the World on Two Wheels

On: 2008-11-20

I agree with the other reviewers that Annie Londonderrys story is one of a charming, brash, lying, self-promoting, scoundrel whose adventure meshed with, if not influenced, feminism, freedom of dress, and use of the bicycle by women. However, there is constant repetition of Annie as a charming, brash, lying, self-promoting --etc. etc. etc. (Get the picture?) Many times I said, "Enough already. I know that. Get on with the story." Relating an incident speaks for itself. There is no need to add after each that she was a charming, brash, etc. etc. Some of the information included in the epilogue, the afterword, and the appendix (is there a need for all three?)could have been included within the text, substituting for the redundancy, and explaining in greater depth Annies personality and interaction with her family. The changing social customs of the period and the history of bicycling tied with Annies antics would be a better read without the padding. I appreciated the bibliography and notes.

The greatest con of the world...

On: 2008-01-17

Annie Kopchovshy decided to ride around the world on a bike. So she changed her name to Annie Londonderry, conned half the planet in helping her ride around the world, mostly on trains and steamboats, and made money while doing it. An interesting story? Why, yes. An amazing woman? Yes. Smart? Yes. Amoral? Sure. A con artist? Yes. Did she lie and cheat and act self centered? Yes. Did she leave behind her husband and kids during her travels? Yes.
Interesting, daring, and a great piece of history.

A MUST READ! Required Reading For All Ages.

On: 2007-12-27

Instead of running to buy this book, bicycle there! I could not stop reading the story, and finished it over the weekend based upon my fathers enthusiastic recommendation. What an amazing true story Peter Z. has discovered, digging from his family tree. This would make a blockbuster movie. It would secure at least an oscar nomination for the lucky actress who gets the role of Annie Londonberry, perhaps someone such as Natalie Portman?
Mr. Zheutlin is an erudite story teller and I cant wait to read his next book.
R. Bornstein, Ft Lauderdale, FL

a great tale well told

On: 2007-12-10

"Around the World on Two Wheels" is the fascinating and highly amusing tale of how Annie Kopchovsky, a Jewish immigrant and mother of three living in Boston in the 1890s, singlehandedly reinvented herself as "Annie Londonderry," the subject of a high stakes wager over whether it was possible for a woman to cycle around the world. While the wager and much of Annies recollection of her journey is apocryphal, she did succeed in circling the globe, all the time spinning fantastic travel tales to willing and gullible newspapermen.

Zheutlin has done a marvelous job in researching the tale of Annie, a distant relative, and also in separating the facts from the many fictions she put forward. He also puts Annies groundbreaking journey in the proper historical/societal context.

A great read that will appeal to a large cross section of readers.

One of the best biographies I've ever read!

On: 2007-11-21

An extraordinary story! Peter Zheutlin, a descendant of Annie Londonderrys brother, has researched and written her incredible adventure. With all her claims, her outrageous self-promotion, her character flaws, Annie Londonderry has emerged again as one of modern womens most outstanding pioneers and role models. Her story--and this book--is inspiring, fun, and memorable. It is a stiring tale of one womans incredible adventure, a provocative and thoughtful example of womens suffrage, and a tale of the Old West rarely investigated today. It is not only a must read, but a must have.

My Next Book Club Selection!

On: 2007-11-15

This true story of Annie (Kopchovsky)Londonderry is an exhilarating and fascinating romp through history with a companion the reader cant help but admire for her gumption, cleverness, and determination.

Annie was the first woman to ride her bicycle around the world, possibly as part of a contest. Its just as likely, however, that she fabricated an excuse to travel because she felt claustrophobic, trapped within the societal constraints placed on women during the Victorian era. The author, Peter Zheutlin, writes Annies story with tenderness (hes a descendent of Annies, but I suspect he would do so regardless), yet also with appropriate skepticism and rich historical detail. (Read the endnotes!)

While following in the wake of her fierce independence and almost reckless energy, the reader also explores the impact Annies journey had on the advancement of womens rights, as well as uncomfortable questions it posed about traditional roles - including her own role as wife and mother.

Im recommending "Around the World on Two Wheels" for my book club selection next month. Well have plenty of issues to discuss, and well get to do so in the company of one incredibly memorable character -- Annie Londonderry.

A Ride You Don't Want to Miss

On: 2007-11-09

What was a tiny Jewish mother from Boston with two young children doing hopping on a bicycle, making a $5000 wager, and embarking on a remarkable journey around the world? In 1894!!! In this captivating story, you meet Annie Londonderry, arguably the worlds first sports marketing expert, who created a persona and a story line that was beyond belief. The tale of her amazing journey--some real, some fantasy--is the stuff from which legends emerge. Zheutlin weaves a magical story here and he obviously has done his homework...lots of it. The richness of detail enhances the storytelling and makes Annies world come alive. It is a must-read for those who want to be transported to another era and meet an unforgettable character. I cant wait for the movie!

WHAT A FUN, INTERESTING AND EDUCATIONAL BOOK. It has Insight, Fashion, Women's Liberation, 19th Century Social History, Sports,

On: 2007-11-03

WHAT A FUN, INTERESTING AND EDUCATIONAL BOOK. It has Insight, Fashion, Womens Liberation, 19th Century Social History, Sports, Achievement, and so much more. The research Mr. Zheutlin did amazes me. On a personal note I research early cycling history and have done so for almost 40 years. His facts are accurate and he has found so much new material that it is hard to explain my amazement. If you are looking for a good read, interesting photographs, a different subject, amazing insight and a tour of the last part of the 19th Century, this is your book. Youll enjoy it!