Big Dreams, Tiny Speedos: Yet more tales of adventure, travel and life

by George Mahood

In this new collection of true stories, George Mahood returns with more tales of family life, travel mishaps, endurance challenges, and the small moments that somehow end up meaning the most.

From childhood swimming lessons, teenage diaries, and a calamitous adventure around Europe, to cycling in the French Alps, overly ambitious running plans, and a drunken weekend in Lithuania, the stories are warm, funny and self-deprecating.

Along the way, George reflects on growing older, watching his children find their own paths, and slowly accepting that you don’t have to be good at something to enjoy it.

Books in the Reconnecting… series can be enjoyed in any order.

292 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 16, 2025

About the author

George Mahood is an award-winning writer. Specifically, he was placed third in the Little Brington Village Fete's limerick competition (Under 10s category) in 1988. It was the same year that Mrs Marriott's legendary fruit loaf was beaten in the WI cake contest for the first time in six years.

George studied Communication Studies and English Literature at Leeds University. After spending a year travelling in the USA (with clothes and money), he worked for several years in a variety of jobs including charity fund-raising and garlic bread making. He currently works as a photographer, specialising in weddings. George has been the lead singer and guitarist of a rubbish band and the chairman and midfielder of an awful Sunday-league football team.

George has plenty more madcap ideas that will form the basis of future books. Follow him on Twitter and Facebook to keep in touch, see more photos from FREE COUNTRY, and to hear about future projects.

www.facebook.com/georgemahood
www.twitter.com/georgemahood

Reviews

[Lori G · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another good read

I love reading George’s books. Relatable, and funny, there’s something for everyone. I don’t understand why he’s not wildly popular and filthy rich by now. He should be.

[Dana Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

George always entertains

I love the descriptions of the Mahood family adventures and feel like I’m watching the kids grow up. They’re all so athletic, they put young me to shame but I still enjoy their competitions and humour.

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will read everything George writes forever.

[Jamie VanMersbergen · Rating 4 out of 5]

George is reliably funny, as ever.