Fifty people packed the KSP Writers’ Centre on Sunday 26th June to hear author Stephen W. Starling launch his latest book ‘Three Harleys, Three Aussies, One American Dream: a 5,000 mile Motorcycle Adventure in Search of the Real America’. This exciting traveller’s tale of tearing along the backroads with two mates brings to life the challenges of crossing snowbound mountain passes and burning deserts - and risking too many nights in slick city blues bars and rowdy country honky-tonks. Crisp dialogue relates encounters with backwoods trappers, devout Mormons, multi-millionaires, and the fearsome Harley Brotherhood; while the ebbs and flows of relationships between the three bikers inject both character and humour. But the book is more than a just an entertaining read, it depicts contemporary America; its diversity of peoples, the range of lifestyles, and the current strains on the fabric of society. A 1960’s radio program, ‘Letter from America’ sparked Stephen’s fascination with the USA. Each week journalist Alistair Cooke told stories of a mythical country across the seas that, back then, seemed a land of opportunity where dreams came true. Now, traumatised by 9/11, impoverished by the Global Financial Crisis, and racked by divisions of race, wealth, and politics, Stephen wondered whether those dreams had become fading illusions. This unanswered question launched his 5,000 mile search to find today’s ‘Real America’.
Introducing the talk, KSP Writers Centre Chairwoman Tabetha Rogers Beggs praised Stephen’s perceptive insights into the history and events that have shaped the country. KSP nonfiction group Facilitator Glad McGough said: once started, she could not put the book down and shared a few amusing extracts that had the audience laughing. Other reviewers have also been swept along, gripped by the enthralling narrative:
'I felt as if I was right there on the back of the bike with him. Luscious descriptions and lavish details make this travelogue a delight to the senses. Equal parts biker, historian, philosopher,
and foodie, you will enjoy this Australian's musings on the American Dream as seen from a motorcycle.' Lois Swagerty, Author, Journalist, and Editor.
‘Three Harleys, Three Aussies, One American Dream’ is an excellent, well told narrative of an interesting and exciting road trip ….. I would definitely buy a copy’.
John Harman, author, scriptwriter, and ghostwriter, with over 30 published books
John Harman, author, scriptwriter, and ghostwriter, with over 30 published books