Simon Michael Prior insists on inflicting all aspects of life on himself so that his readers can enjoy learning about his latest trip/experience/disaster/emotional breakdown (insert phrase of your choice). During his extended adolescence, now over forty years long, he has lived on two boats and sunk one of them; sold houses, street signs, Indian food and paper bags for a living; visited almost fifty countries and lived in three; qualified as a scuba diving instructor; nearly killed himself learning to wakeboard; trained as a search and rescue skipper with the Coast Guard, and built his own house without the benefit of an instruction manual. Simon is as amazed as anyone that the house is still standing, and he now lives in it by the sea with his wife and twin daughters, where he spends his time regurgitating his experiences on paper before he has so many more that he forgets them.
This is a travel book with a bit of everything: thriller, romance, adventure and fantasy. There are desert islands and tropical feasts, James Bond style adventures and undersea rescues, and a quest - to see the Queen of Tonga. - Lisa Rose Wright, author of Plum, Courgette and Green Bean Tart I can't wait to read the next book to find out what happens next. I highly recommend this book. - Susan Jackson Simon's easy writing style maintained my interest, and his lovely way with words had me luxuriating with him and Fiona, under the Tongan sun. I hope to go along on their travels again, and can highly recommend this book. - Pauline Armstrong By the end of reading this book, I thought I'd read a whole adventure series, so much is crammed in, yet, it was one book, devoured quickly an easily and left me wanting more. No mean feat by Simon. It's the Tardis of Travel Memoir Books. Simon's writing is fun, easy to read and sprinkled with generous amounts of wit and humour. I recommend you read this book, and wait patiently or impatiently like me for the next one in the series. - Kevin J D Kelly, author of Midlife Misadventures in Margate I made the mistake of starting this last night as a bit of bedtime reading. I couldn't put it down and ended up reading way into the early hours. I'm having to ration myself today otherwise I'll get nothing done. - Jean Roberts A delightful book of adventure, travel, and island life. The author writes with a gentle fluidity that draws you in and leaves you longing for more. This is a bright, fresh, engaging read - highly recommended. Alyson Sheldrake, author of Living the Dream: in the Algarve, Portugal