Review: The Further Adventures of An Idiot Abroad by Karl Pilkington

SUMMARY FROM GOODREADS:

Everyone's favorite idiot is back, in this hysterical follow-up to An Idiot Abroad Safely home from his latest travels, Karl Pilkington has decided it is time to share his hard-earned wisdom of the world. Taking the Bucket List of "100 Things to Do Before You Die" as his starting point, Karl combines brilliant stories from his recent adventuresto Alaska, Siberia, and beyond with entertaining, highly-opinionated views on what other people aspire to do with their lives. He tackles such questions as Why on earth would anybody want to run with the bulls in Pamplona, or go "storm chasing" through Tornado Alley? and Why would anyone ever want to have lunch with the Queen, or touch hands with the Pope? A fitting finale to two years of eventful globe-trotting, this companion guide is frank, funny, and strangely inspiring.

MY TAKE:
I've been a fan of Karl Pilkington since I first saw An Idiot Abroad years ago on TLC.

In The Further Adventures of An Idiot Abroad, Karl recalls his adventures for the show, focusing on things that people usually put on their bucket lists.

It was a pleasant surprise for me to realize that I have seen most of the episodes that he recounts in this book. It reminded me of the first time I saw those episodes and couldn't stop laughing at his antics and his observations. I don't remember seeing the Route 66 episode, though, which was too bad as it sounded quite interesting.

Karl is a pessimist, and some people may find that grating. To be honest, though, it didn't really bother me as I was too busy laughing at his reactions to the things that Ricky and Stephen make him do. What I love about his observations and reflections is the fact that while a few of them are simplistic or uninformed, he does make a lot of good points as well. It's almost like a child's logic. They make funny comments sometimes, that actually makes sense in a way, if you think about it.

He also doesn't pull any punches when it comes to sharing what he thinks of his experiences and the places he visits. A lot of times, he says it to the native he interacts with, but there are times he only says it to the camera or in a voiceover, if I remember it correctly. That's one of the things I like about him. If I was visiting a place, I'd want to know about the negatives too, just so I can be prepared.

THE GOOD:

1. Karl is very funny.
2. He makes good points.
3. It's a good companion to the show.

THE BAD:

1. Some may find Karl too pessimistic. 

READ IT IF:

1. You love an Idiot Abroad.
2. You like people who say what they mean.
3. You are a fan of Karl Pilkington.  

RATING:


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