Tired of his disconnected life and uninspiring job, Leon Logothetis leaves it all behind-job, money, home even his cell phone-and hits the road with nothing but the clothes on his back and five dollars in his pocket, relying on the kindness of strangers and the serendipity of the open road for his daily keep.
Along the way, Leon offers up the intriguing and charming tales gathered along his one-of-a-kind riding in trains, buses, big rigs and classic cars; sleeping on streets and couches and firehouses; meeting pimps and preachers, astronauts and single moms, celebrities and homeless families, veterans and communists.
Each day of his journey, we catch sight of the invisible spiritual underpinning of society in these stories of companionship-and sheer adventure-that prove that the kind, good soul of mankind has not been lost.
Leon Logothetis is a global adventurer, motivational speaker & philanthropist. It wasn't always that way. He used to be a broker in the city of London where he felt uninspired and chronically depressed. He gave it all up for a life on the road. This radical life change was inspired by the inspirational movie The Motorcycle Diaries.
The days of living and working behind his 'slab of wood' (or desk to the layman) are well and truly over. His new passion: Finding ways for your inner rebel (that voice that tells you, you are worth so much more than you think) to come out and play.
The inner rebel tells you that your life is yours. And anything you dream of is possible. Anything. And that the fuel for all this delicious potential is simple: Kindness and harnessing the power of human connection.
Leon has visited more than 90 countries and traveled to every continent. He is the host of the TV series Amazing Adventures Of A Nobody, which is broadcast across the world by National Geographic International and, over the course of three seasons, sees Leon cross America, the United Kingdom and Europe on just 5 dollars, 5 pounds, and 5 euros a day, respectively.
He recently returned from filming his new TV show The Kind Way Around, in which he circumnavigated the globe on his vintage yellow motorbike Kindness One, giving life changing gifts along the way to unsuspecting good Samaritans. All of this whilst relying on the kindness of strangers.
Leon is no stranger to adventure. He teamed up with First Book® & drove a car from London to Mongolia raising money to buy 10,000 books for underprivileged children in America. He also drove a vintage London taxi across America, giving free cab rides to the needy and working with Classwish to bring hope back to the schools of America.
Leon has documented his travels for numerous media outlets including Good Morning America, Los Angeles Times, San Francisco Chronicle, Outside, Good, Psychology Today, and The New York Times.
His book, Amazing Adventures of a Nobody, is in stores now. His new book The Kindness Diaries, published by Readers Digest, will hit bookshelves in December 2014 and chronicles Leon's circumnavigation of the globe on kindness.
Eh. It's a little annoying to read about this guy having a life epiphany every chapter. It becomes repetitive. And it's one thing to tout this book as one man's journey to discover the "the kindness of strangers in America," but it's another to do it with a camera crew in tow. That's like cheating.
I liked Logothetis's message, and I appreciate an inspirational tale of finding oneself. But I think I was a bit skeptical of this whole journey; Logothetis does not entirely explain how he came to have his own television show, or why it was necessary for him to have a tv crew follow him around on this soul-searching expedition. I wondered how many of these interactions and acts of kindness would have happened had a tv crew not been present, or had Logothetis not had an English accent (I know, the pessimist in me chose a bad time to come out). It just felt bit weird.
Also, this felt more of a personal chronicle that was too difficult for me to take as something I could adapt to my own life. Goodness help me, Eat, Pray, Love might have made making life-changing experiences a bit more accessible.
I admire Logothetis and am without a doubt that his heart is in the right place, but this book didn't inspire me the way I thought it would.
What a great, positive story. Cross the country on only five dollars a day and the help of strangers. And he's not an idiot. He acknowledges that there are some bad people to be careful of. Two minor caveats... Each chapter begins with a map of the US. It would have been nice to put a dot or something so we could mark his progress, instead of just the same blank map. And, I don't understand the author being enamored with Che Guevara. It is inserted randomly and makes no sense.
'I was at the mercy of the one thing no human can go without for long: relationships.'
AMAZING ADVENTURES OF A NOBODY is that kind of book that is infectious: once the reader reads the first page the drive to follow this extraordinary tale has begun and attempting to put the book aside for spot reading is impossible. Leon Logothetis has not only found clues to the path of rediscovering humanity thought withered, he proved himself a powerful writer. Very briefly the book relates the adventures of a young British lad who confronts his meaningless, mundane, uninspiring life and decides to do something to change it. Watching the movie 'The Motorcycle Diaries' in which Che Guevarra travels across South America observing the innate goodness in mankind stimulates Leon Logothetis to discard his ordered march toward boring security, leave his worldly goods behind, and start out on a trek to America where he sets his rules to travel form Times Square to Hollywood with only $5 a day, completely depending on the kindness of strangers for food, transportation and lodging. 'Everything. It was all I had. The only thing I had done with my life so far that even resembled a raison d'etre. This wasn't a trip. This was my life.' 'My inability to follow my true dreams [primal fear] being a major way that fear infiltrated my life. I feared change. I feared rejection. I feared failure.'
The surprises come as Leon attempts the 'impossible', meets all manner of people, and is constantly surprised how sharing his story of his mission gains him friends and respect and sustenance. 'Each person I met along the way was contributing something of themselves to my odyssey. The roles they played composed my own narrative, and without their moving in my life, that narrative collapsed, and I would be left alone, just as before, with no story worth telling.' And throughout this book are little crystals of phrases that want to memorize. ' 'All along the way, we have connected less and less. Now, we don't talk at all. We don't see the point. Now, the journeys are just about speed - getting someplace as fast as possible. Efficiency is the enemy of connection.' The number of people who responded to Leon's story and odyssey provide tremendous character creations of the story and they are all true, as odd and disparate as they seem. 'There is a great potential in each and every one of us to love and be gracious. I never realized this until I embarked on this odyssey. I was always looking at life from the dark side, yet there is a light that so many of us fail to see.'
He gains appreciation for military personnel, for the elderly, for the unsuspected generosity form people who offered their homes and key, from truckers, cabbies, motorcyclists, poor people, neighborhood gatherings of folks bonded by Christian love - and in encountering these many types and unsuspected friends Leon makes it to Los Angeles. He gets a call from home demanding he return because lab tests there prove he is a borderline diabetic who could succumb to his disease without medical intervention, and when his father insists he 'straighten up and return. Leon muses 'I had reached the turning point. A point where it became crystal clear to me that there was no turning back. My future did not lie in the family business, or the stultified world of corporate finance. My future was in the arts. My future was in the rarefied world of writing. My future was in Los Angeles. My future was in reclaiming the lost soul that had floundered for so many years. My future was in giving back to people. My future was in giving whatever gifts I had acquired through this trip. MY future. Not someone else's perception of my future....I felt free.'
Here is a book that restores our faith in the pioneer mind. The book is full of hilarious diversions as well as deeply and profoundly touching connections. It restores that faith in humanity that has been so bruised by the invention of impersonal 'communication', by endless wars across the globe, the growing disparity between the wealthy and the middle class sliding down the hill toward the lower class status. Here is another opportunity to visit joy - to admit that a book is still capable of causing a lump in the throat. Yes, there is a backstage aspect of Leon Logothetis' journey, but it never gets in the way. Leon Logothetis has lighted the lamp for us. The rest is our own commitment to living.
After watching Motorcycle Diaries, Leon Logothetis decided to change his life drastically by leaving his family in England and traveling through the United States. The catch? He wanted to get from point A (New York) to point B (California) on a budget of five dollars per day, while relying on the kindness of strangers for food, lodging, and transportation. No phone, no car, no extra cash - just a backpack and his belief in the goodness of humanity... This is his story.
Review:
I did not know what to expect when I first picked up Amazing Adventures of a Nobody, my first thought being, "Is this dude medicated?" I am all for believing in the goodness of mankind, but relying on (and trusting) complete strangers? No way. Sounds like Leon Logothetis is just asking for trouble; but upon reading the first couple of chapters, his "adventures" begin to intrigue and surprise. Leon's stories are inspiring and well-written, hitching readers along for the ride. I enjoyed reading about his interactions - from the mundane to the insane - particularly his experiences with the gang members and the fraternity, (no spoilers!). I never expected this book to restore some of my faith in humanity, but it most certainly has. Will I be crossing the country with $5 in my pocket, relying on the kindness of strangers anytime soon? No, but I am glad that Leon Logothetis has proven it a possibility. Overall, the Amazing Adventures of a Nobody is a thoroughly enjoyable journey that will fascinate readers. I wonder if Leon plans on continuing these adventures, especially since I recently found out there was a TV show based on them... Recommended for readers of all genres!
Rating: On the Run (4/5)
*** I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
This was a very light, not very deep, read - just as I expected it would be. Parts of it were enjoyable and reaffirmed the fact that people are mostly kind and good. Other parts of it seemed very contrived and convenient, and set of my "yeah, right" reaction. It just seemed a little too convenient that the author was able to find a place to sleep so easily in every city he ended up in. It just doesn't seem to me that people would be that willing to give food, shelter, and transportation to a complete stranger just because he has a British accent and had a good story to tell. But, if that's really how it went, then that's fantastic. It also seemed really strange that he supposedly had a camera crew tailing him, yet nobody ever noticed it and/or it was never mentioned in the story? Could that perhaps be why people were so willing to help him? It was also a little tiring to read all of his epiphanies every day/at every turn -- yes, we know this was a soul-searching mission, but it also seems me that profound life-lessons aren't learned so quickly and conveniently. Finally, I actually had to say "oh, puhlezzze" when he all of a sudden decides he's going to stay in Los Angeles and make his new life there. Yeah, it doesn't work that way, in terms of a foreigner deciding they want to just set up camp and live/work in America - but I suppose money paved his way, and his various connections with the TV/film industry. Still, not very realistic for someone who isn't already "connected". All in all, this book was fine for what it was, I just didn't take it too seriously.
I look at some of the other books I've given 3 stars to, and I wish I could give this 2-1/2. I am on board with the idea that strangers can change our lives in remarkable ways. That's what drew me to this book when I was offered a free copy. But I didn't feel inspired by following someone else learning things that many of us already understand. I also felt a bit awkward reading about this guy depending upon charity when there are so many people who genuinely need it. It was a lighthearted experiment for the author, but he had documentarians in tow and that's certainly a factor in his experience. The risks he has taken are not the same as those who are faced with the reality of living on very little money and trying to get through life as best as they can. For me, this gave a disingenuous feeling from the book.
After watching Motorcycle Diaries, Leon decides to leave the UK and travel to the states. There he goes from NYC to Hollywood to touch the sign depending completely on the generosity of strangers and $5 a day. The rules are simple, only $5 cash a day, given to him by his team, and he can only accept goods, no cash. For example, someone can buy him a ticket, a sandwich, a hotel room, but no money can be accepted.
His diary ensues. It is funny, touching, a bit unnerving at times as not too far into his trip, Leon receives word from home that he has been diagnosed with borderline diabetes and chooses to keep going forward.
Leon's adventures did hit national TV in the US for three seasons. A fun, fast romp across the states.
I loved this book from the first page to the last. I was with Leon every step of the way; laughing, sometimes getting choked up, feeling anxious, exuberant, contemplative, and victorious with each experience he shared. I highly recommend this book! Kudos to Leon for writing his story honestly and writing it with tenderness and great humor!
Leon Logothetis was tired of his meaningless life and decides to set off across America on only $5 a day. He wants to rely completely on the kindness of strangers. It was astounding what kind of people he met and the experiences he had. There were many generous folks but also a few shady characters too. This was an amazing and life changing experience.
This book is amazing; I highly recommend it to anyone who feels like they're in a rut, or they don't believe that people can be kind anymore. I can tell that it's going to be the kind of book that I go back to when I'm having a bad day.
"If only we'd each see every human connection as an amazing adventure worth the risk."
"We tethered to each other with invisible bonds no man or circumstance can break. Our ability to function in the world depends on our ability to connect with each other."
The Amazing Adventures of a Nobody by Leon Logothetis ★★★★★ Leon decided after watching Motorcycle Diaries to change his life drastically. He decided to go to New York and travel to California and touch the Hollywood sign. He planned to travel with only five dollars a day and without a car or phone or anything else other than his backpack. To do this he had to depend on the kindness of strangers in a world where we are taught at a young age not to talk to strangers. In a world where every time we turn on the news there is a new person or child missing, someone found dead or abused. We learn to fear what and who we don’t know. Trust a stranger? Yah right! That said, somehow Leon did it. It wasn’t easy but somehow he found a way to convince people to trust and help him. A person who kept to himself was forced to talk to all kinds of people and forge new relationships that changed his life as he knew it.
I’m a blogger so I was excited to get contacted to hold a contest for this book. I couldn’t say no to this new opportunity even though this book was different from what I normally read. I said to myself, “well, it won’t kill me to branch out.” I’ll tell you about the contest in a bit. This book amazed me. I was very impressed and it surpassed my expectations. I was in awe of the people Leon came across and that were so willing to help him. The author wrote his stories in such a way that I couldn’t help but laugh. I loved that aspect a lot. He is a very good story teller and deserves high praise for capturing my attention. The story was inspirational. Leon was very brave to go on this adventure. It was fun going on this journey though his writing, while I stayed safely in my room because I couldn’t do what he did.
Win a Copy of this book! Beginning today you can enter to win a copy of this book below (on my blog http://christiesbookreviews.blogspot....). The contest will go until December 24, 2011. A great way to begin your Christmas by winning a book! This contest is only open to the United States. I will notify the winner by email and announce it on my blog. Please respond within 48 hours after I contact you or I will have to choose another winner. I’m excited that I get to use Rafflecopter for this contest making it a lot easier for both me and the contestants. Click on each section which tells you to do something, like Follow Christie’s Book Reviews. Each one will give you a certain amount of points for your entry. The more you do the better chance you have to win.
When Leon hits his mid-life crisis, he decides the best way to handle things is to meet the world head on. He leaves behind his family, job and life in England to come to the United States. This book chronicles his adventure across the US from New York to the famed Hollywood sign. Giving himself the budget of five dollars a day, he has to get across the country by depending on the generosity of complete strangers. What ensues is not only a life-changing experience, but one that opens his eyes to the world.
Of course, the struggles that Leon faces and the lessons he learns are important, but for me the story lay in the strangers he met along the way. People want to be generous and thoughtful and just need the opportunity. It was amazing for me to watch Leon's reaction to people when he gave them the chance to be everything they want to be. Not everyone he meets along the way is a model of humanity, but that's how life works and it keeps things interesting. The characters you'll meet in the book are the same people we see every day, except that we get a chance to see their inner being.
Amazing Adventures of a Nobody was also a TV series for three seasons on National Geographic. Leon is an experienced television host as well as producer. The back of the book contains a great discussion guide. Whether you're a book group or just want to delve into what you've read, this is a great tool. I strongly suggest you come take an adventure with Leon and get to know America as well as yourself.
GREAT book about Leon Logothetis (from England) who lands in NYC and with great intention, makes his way to LA on $5/day. Leon must rely on the kindness of strangers and with grand adventures, he makes his way across the US. I know 5 stars is a bit much but maybe I'm easily swayed as I got the chance to meet Leon yesterday in St. Louis and catch a ride in his Kindness Cab www.thekindnesscab.com. Absolutely amazing fella with an amazing spirit and an amazing goal of bringing more kindness into our everyday lives.
I didn't realize that this was a TV series. Anyway, I thought that the idea was interesting and I enjoyed following his experiences. I thought that he was a little self-centered to go off and expect people to help him along without giving anything back, but I loved that others helped him. There is a little language in this book...
Leon recently invited me to write a guest blog for his site and I could pick anything that inspired me as the topic. I picked travelogues and you can read it here so if you liked Leon's book you might like this: http://leonlogothetis.com/blog/2012/0...
This was a book that I had trouble putting down! Leon Logothetis does a great job of telling his story of his journey across America, relying on kindness! Leon has inspired me in many ways! I strongly encourage everyone to read this book and his newest book, "The Kindness Diaries!" Both books have inspired me, and I know they will inspire you!!
Having watched his TV series on National Geographic Channel, Leon's adventure restores faith in humanity for those who seem to have lost it. Kindness is something we desperately needed more of in such a divisive state of our society and the world.
I had a realization that I'm overly cynical, also I'm trying to find happiness and positivity in life. This book provides some guidance, though at times it felt a bit hokey and slow. But it's an easy read. Just have fun with it.