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My Outdoor Life
'If Ray Mears isn't a Great Living Englishman, then goodness me, who is? Ray is a persuader, pragmatist and populariser in the Durrell-Attenborough-Bellamy tradition.' - Robert Crampton, The Times
Ray Mears is a household name through his television series Tracks , World of Survival , Bushcraft Survival , The Real Heroes of Telemark and many more. He is a private individual who shuns publicity whenever possible and would prefer to let his many skills tell their own tale - until now.
In My Outdoor Life , Ray tells of his childhood and the formative years when he first developed a passion for both bushcraft and the martial arts skills that are central to his life. Having travelled the world several times over, he is no stranger to risk and has had more than his fair share of dangerous and life-threatening encounters to share with his readers. But his life is so much more than a tale of derring-do. Shortly after he returned to England having narrowly survived a serious helicopter crash, his father died. Just a year later, he had to face the death of his first wife Rachel. The book conveys the many sides of Ray Mears, taking us up to the present day - including the previously untold story of his involvement in the man-hunt for murderer Raoul Moat.
My Outdoor Life gives us all a chance to share a life-story as rich and as inspirational as a walk in woods with the man himself, Ray Mears.
Ray Mears is a household name through his television series Tracks , World of Survival , Bushcraft Survival , The Real Heroes of Telemark and many more. He is a private individual who shuns publicity whenever possible and would prefer to let his many skills tell their own tale - until now.
In My Outdoor Life , Ray tells of his childhood and the formative years when he first developed a passion for both bushcraft and the martial arts skills that are central to his life. Having travelled the world several times over, he is no stranger to risk and has had more than his fair share of dangerous and life-threatening encounters to share with his readers. But his life is so much more than a tale of derring-do. Shortly after he returned to England having narrowly survived a serious helicopter crash, his father died. Just a year later, he had to face the death of his first wife Rachel. The book conveys the many sides of Ray Mears, taking us up to the present day - including the previously untold story of his involvement in the man-hunt for murderer Raoul Moat.
My Outdoor Life gives us all a chance to share a life-story as rich and as inspirational as a walk in woods with the man himself, Ray Mears.
370 pages, Paperback
First published September 12, 2013
40 people are currently reading
173 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
August 4, 2018
I can see where the naysayers of this 'autobiography' are coming from: Ray seems infinitely more at home writing about his woodsman experiences than his home and family life. Then again the title of his book is "My Outdoor Life". That's what it is. The tale of how he came to take such an interest in the natural world and how he has cultivated this interest and his skills in bushcraft and survival. It doesn't really claim to be about the man himself. Ray seems a little too self-effacing to realise that readers might also be interested in that too.
And yet that's sort of the point. Without telling us every tiny detail about his life, what he eats for breakfast, how his lounge is decorated, what his favourite film is etc he still manages to convey a great deal of warmth and modesty in his personality. Reading this he struck me as a really down-to-earth guy with genuine and enduring passion for his life's work. The book isn't laugh-a-minute with anecdotes, though there were some touches of humour and hints that Ray too has a cheeky side, as we all do.
There are chapters about his experiences filming with ancient tribes at various climate extremes, tales of his solo travels and thirst for knowledge and understanding of nature, his building up of the Woodlore group that opens up this knowledge to others, and, of course, a recent event he is most famous for: assisting the police in their search for madman-killer Raoul Moat. That chapter had me particularly rapt, though I also enjoyed the more sedate introspective chapters. And to give him his due, Ray does devote an emotional chapter to the death from cancer of his first wife, so the book was not completely barren of feeling as some seem to be suggesting.
The book only served to strengthen my love and appreciation for Mr Mears. This was the book I wanted it to be and I absorbed many interesting facts from reading it. The kind of book that makes you wish you'd done something a bit more worthwhile with your own life, really.
And yet that's sort of the point. Without telling us every tiny detail about his life, what he eats for breakfast, how his lounge is decorated, what his favourite film is etc he still manages to convey a great deal of warmth and modesty in his personality. Reading this he struck me as a really down-to-earth guy with genuine and enduring passion for his life's work. The book isn't laugh-a-minute with anecdotes, though there were some touches of humour and hints that Ray too has a cheeky side, as we all do.
There are chapters about his experiences filming with ancient tribes at various climate extremes, tales of his solo travels and thirst for knowledge and understanding of nature, his building up of the Woodlore group that opens up this knowledge to others, and, of course, a recent event he is most famous for: assisting the police in their search for madman-killer Raoul Moat. That chapter had me particularly rapt, though I also enjoyed the more sedate introspective chapters. And to give him his due, Ray does devote an emotional chapter to the death from cancer of his first wife, so the book was not completely barren of feeling as some seem to be suggesting.
The book only served to strengthen my love and appreciation for Mr Mears. This was the book I wanted it to be and I absorbed many interesting facts from reading it. The kind of book that makes you wish you'd done something a bit more worthwhile with your own life, really.
July 8, 2019
I'll let Ray Mears off for this, because I love his TV shows, especially the Bushcraft series. By all means, read it for a more rounded perspective of the survival series', the making of Mears as an expert in his field, and for his unique insights into bushcraft. Just don't read it for the writing. 'My Outdoor Life' is for admirers who'd like to know just a little more about the man himself. Spoiler alert: he doesn't reveal much more than what you may expect from Ray the TV guy. He's said many times before how he likes to keep his life private, and that reticence comes across, often frustratingly so.
God, I have to say it. Mears really is a bloody awful writer. I wish he wasn't, but there we are. The chapters written on the African expedition with his ex-girlfriend would curl the toenails of any post-colonial student indebted to Edward Said's 'Orientalism'. Pages and pages of words could have been saved from all the praise he repetitively heaps upon mentors old and new. The very real, very interesting-sounding people of his early life are so bland and poorly drawn that they start to resemble 2D cutouts he's whittled from tree bark. Really, the most you get is Excellent guy, Top man, Thoroughly decent chap: he starts to sound like a proto-Bertie Wooster the way he describes the men who'd go on to shape such a great career as he's enjoyed -- quite naively, it seems -- as a SWM. As a seasoned reader, it's such a shame to get a book this bad, especially when it comes from someone you really like. Still, there are some decent anecdotes in the mix and muddle. And hardly any spelling mistakes.
God, I have to say it. Mears really is a bloody awful writer. I wish he wasn't, but there we are. The chapters written on the African expedition with his ex-girlfriend would curl the toenails of any post-colonial student indebted to Edward Said's 'Orientalism'. Pages and pages of words could have been saved from all the praise he repetitively heaps upon mentors old and new. The very real, very interesting-sounding people of his early life are so bland and poorly drawn that they start to resemble 2D cutouts he's whittled from tree bark. Really, the most you get is Excellent guy, Top man, Thoroughly decent chap: he starts to sound like a proto-Bertie Wooster the way he describes the men who'd go on to shape such a great career as he's enjoyed -- quite naively, it seems -- as a SWM. As a seasoned reader, it's such a shame to get a book this bad, especially when it comes from someone you really like. Still, there are some decent anecdotes in the mix and muddle. And hardly any spelling mistakes.
March 25, 2019
A rewarding look into Ray’s career and his approach to the wilderness. An active childhood led into an interest in bushcraft and after various gigs was lucky to forge a career out of his passion. I enjoyed reading about the stories that didn't make the final cut whilst filming various programmes. Having 3 weeks to film a TV episode is inconceivable now but in that time he was keen to observe practical knowledge from aboriginal peoples and help maintain the links of bushcraft knowledge that have often been broken.
He is keen to emphasise that preparation and knowledge goes a long way despite encountering some extraordinary challenges in the bush. It has kept generations alive for tens of thousands of years where others have died in a matter of days - the outback being a famous example. In an age where the volume seems to be turned up all the time and unlike some “survival experts” a humble and calm approach to your surroundings and a willingness to learn is Ray’s way. The theme of learning runs through the book and despite 30 years of experience, he maintains that he is still a student acquiring skills as we all are through life.
He is keen to emphasise that preparation and knowledge goes a long way despite encountering some extraordinary challenges in the bush. It has kept generations alive for tens of thousands of years where others have died in a matter of days - the outback being a famous example. In an age where the volume seems to be turned up all the time and unlike some “survival experts” a humble and calm approach to your surroundings and a willingness to learn is Ray’s way. The theme of learning runs through the book and despite 30 years of experience, he maintains that he is still a student acquiring skills as we all are through life.
December 12, 2013
I think you form a very good idea of what a person is like when you read a biography. I well remember, years ago, reading about about childrens' writer Enid Blyton, and ending up thinking what an awful person she was!
With an autobiography your connection with the writer is even stronger, and my main impression about Ray Mears is what a smashing chap he is! He really loves both people and nature, and has huge respect for both. His moral compass is absolutely sound, and I enjoyed this large book hugely, which quite surprised me as camping in the great outdoors is not exactly my thing!
With an autobiography your connection with the writer is even stronger, and my main impression about Ray Mears is what a smashing chap he is! He really loves both people and nature, and has huge respect for both. His moral compass is absolutely sound, and I enjoyed this large book hugely, which quite surprised me as camping in the great outdoors is not exactly my thing!
October 3, 2013
I'm not normally a fan of (auto)biographies, but My Outdoor Life is a pleasant read. You can feel throughout the book, Ray Mears isn't really comfortable talking about himself, which make the story he brings a humble, honest one.
It is a very personal, small tale, which is best read when you are already familiar with the figure of Ray Mears and his work.
It is a very personal, small tale, which is best read when you are already familiar with the figure of Ray Mears and his work.
August 6, 2014
I enjoyed reading this, though didn't feel able to give it more than 3 stars. I've got some criticisms, but feel uncomfortable to put them in print - after I've thought about this book a bit longer I may want to retract them! Suffice to say I enjoyed the book and was pleased to have been able to find out more about the man.
August 13, 2021
My Outdoor Life is the autobiography of the British bushcraft and survival expert Ray Mears. Ray tells his story of how he became interested in the outdoors and bushcraft from an early age and mainly focuses on his TV career through the 90s and early 00s.
Although Ray Mears isn't the best writer, he tells his story in a way that kept me hooked, especially with his involvement in the Raoul Moat manhunt. He's had an amazing career and has done so much more than I thought he had. I didn't expect to cry whilst reading this, but the way he writes of his father and first wife had me close to tears.
My Outdoor Life is also easy to follow. It doesn't jump around to different points of Ray's life but tells his story in chronological order. Ray also focuses a lot on the idea that he is always learning and, although considered an expert in his field, he has an awareness of his capabilities.
There were a few comments made that didn't quite sit well with me. Just older man saying back in my day things. Such as "Youngsters don't read anymore." I mean really! Bit of a generalisation and I'm sure there is plenty of his own generation that don't go near books.
Overall, I enjoyed, learning more about Ray Mears' life and it has made me want to watch a few more of his earlier documentaries. I bought this book at an event he did in a local city and he's an amazing storyteller verbally too. I'd definitely recommend this book to fans of Ray Mears shows.
This review and many more can be found at My Expanding Bookshelf.
Although Ray Mears isn't the best writer, he tells his story in a way that kept me hooked, especially with his involvement in the Raoul Moat manhunt. He's had an amazing career and has done so much more than I thought he had. I didn't expect to cry whilst reading this, but the way he writes of his father and first wife had me close to tears.
My Outdoor Life is also easy to follow. It doesn't jump around to different points of Ray's life but tells his story in chronological order. Ray also focuses a lot on the idea that he is always learning and, although considered an expert in his field, he has an awareness of his capabilities.
There were a few comments made that didn't quite sit well with me. Just older man saying back in my day things. Such as "Youngsters don't read anymore." I mean really! Bit of a generalisation and I'm sure there is plenty of his own generation that don't go near books.
Overall, I enjoyed, learning more about Ray Mears' life and it has made me want to watch a few more of his earlier documentaries. I bought this book at an event he did in a local city and he's an amazing storyteller verbally too. I'd definitely recommend this book to fans of Ray Mears shows.
This review and many more can be found at My Expanding Bookshelf.
November 20, 2020
Overall I really enjoyed this book and I found it an interesting insight into the background and beginnings of Ray Mears life and career in bushcraft.
He comes across as an incredibly self contained person so although he has suffered horrible loss in his personal life, his relating of those experiences help to see his vulnerability.
I would love to take even just a basic course at Wood Lore, I've always been interested in working and living with nature and I quite like the philosophy he seems to work by.
I did think that it was a bit weird that he read the introduction for the book and then someone else read the rest of the book. Perhaps he felt that the more personal tragic bits would be too hard I don't know, but it may have been better to not have his voice at all so as to not have the comparison.
Otherwise a very good and interesting book and highly recommended.
He comes across as an incredibly self contained person so although he has suffered horrible loss in his personal life, his relating of those experiences help to see his vulnerability.
I would love to take even just a basic course at Wood Lore, I've always been interested in working and living with nature and I quite like the philosophy he seems to work by.
I did think that it was a bit weird that he read the introduction for the book and then someone else read the rest of the book. Perhaps he felt that the more personal tragic bits would be too hard I don't know, but it may have been better to not have his voice at all so as to not have the comparison.
Otherwise a very good and interesting book and highly recommended.
February 3, 2021
This was a Xmas gift I wasn’t expecting to enjoy but after the first few uninteresting chapters about Ray’s childhood I actually found this a decent read. Highlights include his accounts filming with indigenous tribes, his 7 month journey through Africa and tracking Raoul Moat.
There’s quite a lot of humble bragging in this book though and Ray constantly pines for the old days of tough men, bloody knees, analogue this and physical that. One super weird moment is how he worked in the City for a year in his early twenties but claims he has 0 memory of what did. Sorry what?
But yeh, was an alright read. There’s a key lesson in this book that’s similar to Gordon Ramsay’s - if you’re passionate about something just keep learning all the time and focus on improving.
There’s quite a lot of humble bragging in this book though and Ray constantly pines for the old days of tough men, bloody knees, analogue this and physical that. One super weird moment is how he worked in the City for a year in his early twenties but claims he has 0 memory of what did. Sorry what?
But yeh, was an alright read. There’s a key lesson in this book that’s similar to Gordon Ramsay’s - if you’re passionate about something just keep learning all the time and focus on improving.
March 5, 2021
Couldn’t finish
I got half way though before I remembered I don’t have to finish a book I really not enjoying
The word “My” in the title sums up the problem this book has. It was like listening to a person who makes the conversation all about themselves. There’s no room for a reader in this book.
I picked up the book because I like to camp so I thought it would have some interesting information. Nope. No tips on living outdoors. This had little to do with the wild.
The author is too busy bragging, name dropping, and insulting anyone who doesn’t do life in the same way he does. He repeatedly says I’m not being pompous.... before then being exactly that
Read it if you are a fan of his. And want to sit across the table listening to how amazing he is and always has been
I got half way though before I remembered I don’t have to finish a book I really not enjoying
The word “My” in the title sums up the problem this book has. It was like listening to a person who makes the conversation all about themselves. There’s no room for a reader in this book.
I picked up the book because I like to camp so I thought it would have some interesting information. Nope. No tips on living outdoors. This had little to do with the wild.
The author is too busy bragging, name dropping, and insulting anyone who doesn’t do life in the same way he does. He repeatedly says I’m not being pompous.... before then being exactly that
Read it if you are a fan of his. And want to sit across the table listening to how amazing he is and always has been
September 20, 2021
I enjoyed this book. I have always liked Ray from his TV persona. He seems to have a genuine passion for his specialist subject. Not using nature as a prop for some shallow, shock-value driven nonsense as seems to be where this type of programming has ended up.
The book is exactly what it purports to be. The story of his life to date. Very pleasant reading with some pearls of wisdom in there. Nothing earth-shattering, just the fruits of an interesting life.
I would recommend this book. Since finishing I have looked back on some of his programs with fondness and a greater appreciation.
I would love to do one of his woodlore courses but not because the book is a sales pitch but because his passion for nature and the outdoors is infectious.
The book is exactly what it purports to be. The story of his life to date. Very pleasant reading with some pearls of wisdom in there. Nothing earth-shattering, just the fruits of an interesting life.
I would recommend this book. Since finishing I have looked back on some of his programs with fondness and a greater appreciation.
I would love to do one of his woodlore courses but not because the book is a sales pitch but because his passion for nature and the outdoors is infectious.
April 6, 2025
I was given this book to read by a mate. Now I had never heard of the man, but my wife had. You see she watches TV and I don't. The wife insisted I read the book and learn about the man.
Well, I found it a bit self indulgent, but, having said that, there was a lot in it that interested and entertained me.
When I was studying English Literature for my GCEs in the mid 60s one of the books we had to study was Robert Louis Stevenson's "Travels with a Donkey". I felt the same about this book: fine for a two hour session once a week but not a book that I couldn't put down: "My Outdoor Life" was picked up and put down many times. I will say that it wasn't put down because I disliked it, just that I didn't feel the need to spend all my spare time reading it.
Well, I found it a bit self indulgent, but, having said that, there was a lot in it that interested and entertained me.
When I was studying English Literature for my GCEs in the mid 60s one of the books we had to study was Robert Louis Stevenson's "Travels with a Donkey". I felt the same about this book: fine for a two hour session once a week but not a book that I couldn't put down: "My Outdoor Life" was picked up and put down many times. I will say that it wasn't put down because I disliked it, just that I didn't feel the need to spend all my spare time reading it.
January 22, 2025
As someone who was close to the Raoul Moat enquiry, this chapter was fascinating for me. This probably dragged the book up a star in my rating. His life is interesting but he very much skirts over some important aspects of it such as his first wife's death, and labours on about his judo instructor. Ray is not a natural author and is clearly uncomfortable talking about certain aspects of his life and is really only at home in the book talking about his times living with indigenous tribes etc. Never mind glad i read it.
June 20, 2018
Review of "my outdoor life" by Ray Mears.
I have chosen this five star rating because it is a excellent book with many qualities that any writer should copy. It also shows that the writer Ray Mears is a very modest person and has a great respect for many many people. And a huge respect for the subject of birthday and those who choose to practice it.
I have chosen this five star rating because it is a excellent book with many qualities that any writer should copy. It also shows that the writer Ray Mears is a very modest person and has a great respect for many many people. And a huge respect for the subject of birthday and those who choose to practice it.
April 15, 2019
Exceptional biography of an extraordinary man. Even if you aren't into bushcraft, this is still a fascinating read for anyone with an interest in nature, the world around them, and the humanity within it. Favourite chapters? Building taught how to build an igloo in Canada, or guiding Ewan McGregor through the jungle, or tracking Raoul Moat.
December 9, 2022
Ray Mears is an interesting guy who has led a remarkable life. One of the great takeaways from this read for me was the benefit of finding your passion early in life and pursuing it. If you are interested in his work and bushcraft generally then you will enjoy this book. However, he wrote himself, and some more professional input I felt was needed to sharpen up the prose.
August 24, 2019
This was a gift which I enjoyed. I was interested in some of Mears' exploits and found him to be what i would expect...a guy who knows what he wants and does it. I found some of the writing repetitive and just a filler to get to the next chunk of his life/experiences, but not bad overall.
September 12, 2021
Fantastic
May 18, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed around 80% of this book and now have much more respect for Ray! Some of his stories were totally gripping.
January 5, 2024
An great insight into a man that has truely inspired me.
April 16, 2025
Excellent well written
November 9, 2020
I have enjoyed this it gives you greater perspective of where WoodLore comes from.
November 4, 2018
I started to read this mainly because I was reading Ffyona Campbell's 'One Foot Through Africa' at the same time and read that she met the author when she went on one of his courses. It was interesting to read them both as they bisected each other and I got the authors take on Ffyona's adventure. As an outdoors lover, I knew I would enjoy this book. I've haven't done much in the way of bushcraft, except at Scouts and DofE, which was years ago. After reading this, I definitely want to do more of it now as it's an area that I've largely forgotten about. It's given me plenty of idea's and lots to follow up on. The only part that I disagreed with the author was the bit where he said that the he didn't understand why young people didn't get more involved with DIY round the house like he did and that they simply call in a professional to do it for them. My view is that things have gotten so much more complicated now that you have to call in a professional because they have the specialist tools and skills required to deal with ever increasing complexity. For example, take something like central heating, you need a professional just to deal with the boiler alone and don't even get me started on integrated kitchen appliances and cars!
April 6, 2014
Like many fans of Ray Mears I had been waiting for this.
When I finished reading it I had mixed feelings. Whether he found it difficult to write about himself, as others have mentioned, or whether you cannot categorise a life as in the same way as his instructional books, may be the problem.
Certain things are worth comment.
He wrote feelingly about his first wife and the tragic sudden end of her life. In doing so he mentions her two children from a previous marriage. He tells that her death caused a break up in the family but says nothing more. I accept that that is a private matter, in which case why refer to it?
He devotes a full chapter to his help tracking down a killer for the police. Very laudable, but a whole chapter? I know he was not keen at the time to accept kudos for his help and later was annoyed that others hinted that they were responsible. Indeed he says that as he left the police station at the end his protection team shouted ' Goodbye Bear '!
But a whole chapter?
He writes with considerable feeling about his earlier mentors, often mentioning them in several chapters. However the person without whom Wild Food would not have been the same, Gordon, the slightly dotty professor, gets little mention except a final note. Gordon ran courses for Woodcraft in Scotland and one day as they were having a drink, told Ray he would have to give it up as he was suffering from Parkinson's. Considering how well they came across in the TV series as almost co presenters, I felt he deserved more.
Despite my comments I think that Ray is the greatest living exponent in his craft, perhaps for a hundred years.
The greatest of all would, in my opinion, be Robert Kephart. Although Ray has never mentioned him there are so many techniques that Kephart detailed I am sure Ray has his books and has learnt from them.
When I finished reading it I had mixed feelings. Whether he found it difficult to write about himself, as others have mentioned, or whether you cannot categorise a life as in the same way as his instructional books, may be the problem.
Certain things are worth comment.
He wrote feelingly about his first wife and the tragic sudden end of her life. In doing so he mentions her two children from a previous marriage. He tells that her death caused a break up in the family but says nothing more. I accept that that is a private matter, in which case why refer to it?
He devotes a full chapter to his help tracking down a killer for the police. Very laudable, but a whole chapter? I know he was not keen at the time to accept kudos for his help and later was annoyed that others hinted that they were responsible. Indeed he says that as he left the police station at the end his protection team shouted ' Goodbye Bear '!
But a whole chapter?
He writes with considerable feeling about his earlier mentors, often mentioning them in several chapters. However the person without whom Wild Food would not have been the same, Gordon, the slightly dotty professor, gets little mention except a final note. Gordon ran courses for Woodcraft in Scotland and one day as they were having a drink, told Ray he would have to give it up as he was suffering from Parkinson's. Considering how well they came across in the TV series as almost co presenters, I felt he deserved more.
Despite my comments I think that Ray is the greatest living exponent in his craft, perhaps for a hundred years.
The greatest of all would, in my opinion, be Robert Kephart. Although Ray has never mentioned him there are so many techniques that Kephart detailed I am sure Ray has his books and has learnt from them.
January 31, 2014
I've always enjoyed Ray Mears' television programmes. Partly it's his relaxed but obviously passionate and knowledgeable demeanor but mostly it's his obvious respect for the indigenous people of the wild areas he visits. It makes sense that the best source of information about how to survive and indeed thrive in a challenging environment are the people who live there.
His writing style is similar to his delivery on TV and you can hear his voice in his words, which makes for a comfortable read. His life has not been without its tragedies and triumphs, and he's not afraid to talk about them here.
As with most celebrity biographies, it's the early stuff that's the most interesting and least familiar and Mr Mears' is no different. His passion for judo and growing love of the outdoors make interesting reading.
A straightforward and genuine biography and recommended for any fans of the man himself.
His writing style is similar to his delivery on TV and you can hear his voice in his words, which makes for a comfortable read. His life has not been without its tragedies and triumphs, and he's not afraid to talk about them here.
As with most celebrity biographies, it's the early stuff that's the most interesting and least familiar and Mr Mears' is no different. His passion for judo and growing love of the outdoors make interesting reading.
A straightforward and genuine biography and recommended for any fans of the man himself.
April 12, 2014
Ray Mears has been a joy to watch on TV over the years, but reading his autobiography, I realised I knew next to nothing about this amazing man. His passion, intellect and spirit all shine through his words in equal amounts, and he has so many stories to share, from tracking as a child, his practice of Judo, his scary encounters in Africa (with people, not beasts), and his involvement in tracking down murderer Raoul Moat. A tough cookie with uncompromising self respect, yet so friendly and not at all condescending. I think what I most admire about him, though, is his great reverence for all life on earth, including his respect for indigenous peoples and their ways of doing things (where he's learnt much of his bushcraft). Ray Mears, I salute you.
February 10, 2014
I seldom read auto/biographies but am sometimes compelled to buy one when I find that I'd actually be interested in how someone got to where they are. Good old Ray. I enjoy his TV work and envy his skills and lifestyle. I often wish I could go to Alaska and survive alone in the wilderness for a year or two.
But living in the woods and being self-contained, especially when you're earnest and hard-working as Ray just doesn't make for interesting reading. The poor guy constantly feels the need to defend himself, against what criticism I can't fathom, because he's clearly humble and driven by a passion for his work rather than self-promotion. Perhaps I would have been better with one of his 'survival handbooks' and picked up some knowledge and gone out into the wilderness myself.
But living in the woods and being self-contained, especially when you're earnest and hard-working as Ray just doesn't make for interesting reading. The poor guy constantly feels the need to defend himself, against what criticism I can't fathom, because he's clearly humble and driven by a passion for his work rather than self-promotion. Perhaps I would have been better with one of his 'survival handbooks' and picked up some knowledge and gone out into the wilderness myself.
February 3, 2017
I have been a big fan of Ray for many years, so this book didn't really disappoint.
Although some of the smaller, more "amusing" anecdotes often fall a bit flat, the longer sections about his inspirations, philosophy and personal history really bring the man to life and genuinely leave you with the feeling that you would love to know him.
Although some of the smaller, more "amusing" anecdotes often fall a bit flat, the longer sections about his inspirations, philosophy and personal history really bring the man to life and genuinely leave you with the feeling that you would love to know him.
November 17, 2013
I have to agree with the review already written.... honest and humbly written, fascinating bio, I was particularly moved with regards to the loss of his first wife, how he writes with regards to his second wife's son and the respect he has for people who have influenced his life, Britain is the better for having him. Decency shines through this book. Recommended highly.
April 27, 2014
I found this interesting, but frustratingly terse about some areas of the author's life and overly detailed about others. I was more interested in the man and how his experiences have shaped him, rather than in the technical detail of some of those experiences, but I think I'm probably the exception and not the most obvious target audience for this book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews