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Truck It!: The Drive Around the World That Saved My Life
Join Bobby Bolton and his trusted dog, Red, as they drive from Wigan across the world – and fall in love with life again . . .
When Bobby’s eleven-year relationship broke down, he thought he’d hit rock bottom. Then a bad economic turn and a run of unlucky business deals drove his hard-earned construction company into the ground, and Bobby discovered what it was to lose all purpose in life.
Drowning his sorrows in a pub one day, Bobby boldly declared that he would turn his life around by driving from his hometown of Wigan all the way to Australia. The next day, he sold what was left of his business and spent every penny converting a truck that he would drive and live in with his dog, Red.
A couple of weeks in, fate struck when Bobby met a beautiful woman named Marie while hiking in the South of France and fell head over heels in love. After just two dates she joined him in his truck to see what might happen next. And this was only the start of the adventure . . .
Paying corrupt Russian policemen bribes; digging out mountain passes in Albania with an old spade; getting punched at the Kazakhstan border; surviving a mountain track collapse in Italy; being interrogated by the Taliban at a dangerous checkpoint; and sliding down a snow-covered ridge, ice axe in hand, to rescue his new girlfriend as she fell two-hundred metres, narrowly avoiding a cliff face . . . it’s one way to reconnect with the world around you.
When Bobby’s eleven-year relationship broke down, he thought he’d hit rock bottom. Then a bad economic turn and a run of unlucky business deals drove his hard-earned construction company into the ground, and Bobby discovered what it was to lose all purpose in life.
Drowning his sorrows in a pub one day, Bobby boldly declared that he would turn his life around by driving from his hometown of Wigan all the way to Australia. The next day, he sold what was left of his business and spent every penny converting a truck that he would drive and live in with his dog, Red.
A couple of weeks in, fate struck when Bobby met a beautiful woman named Marie while hiking in the South of France and fell head over heels in love. After just two dates she joined him in his truck to see what might happen next. And this was only the start of the adventure . . .
Paying corrupt Russian policemen bribes; digging out mountain passes in Albania with an old spade; getting punched at the Kazakhstan border; surviving a mountain track collapse in Italy; being interrogated by the Taliban at a dangerous checkpoint; and sliding down a snow-covered ridge, ice axe in hand, to rescue his new girlfriend as she fell two-hundred metres, narrowly avoiding a cliff face . . . it’s one way to reconnect with the world around you.
Audiobook
Published January 1, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
October 24, 2025
I’ve followed Bobbys adventure on social media for sometime. Reading his book didn’t disappoint and gave a great insight into his journey, along with the hardships they both faced. It’s an inspiring story and I’ve personally taken the mindset of “worrying about it when we get there” on board since reading this book.
August 10, 2025
Life is adventure, nevermind the reason you start one its always gonna be an experience you never forget. Listening to this book and actually following #truckit adventures made me realise how much missed good adventure book. Enjoyed every page and story and then cried.
October 23, 2025
Loved this book! As a family of travelers ourselves, we definitely identified with some of the struggles and triumphs mentioned on the road. A great memoir of adventures full of humor and genuine emotion. I definitely recommend it.
December 14, 2025
Sometimes the worst needs to happen to force you to chase your dreams.
Read
February 28, 2026This memoir is about finding oneself on an adventurous road trip with a dog and newfound love. You follow beautiful landscapes and a few challenges along the way. It’s a compelling and inspirational read.
July 27, 2026
Very easy read, can easily keep picking back up and down.
However too one dimensional & descriptive of their journey - lacked insight and needed to dig deeper on certain themes
However too one dimensional & descriptive of their journey - lacked insight and needed to dig deeper on certain themes
October 27, 2025
i enjoyed the travelling parts but did not like authors attitude of knocking over ancient arches and letting his dog chase goats of the lead with no apology etc
November 21, 2025
Inspirational, Cautionary, and Beautiful
My boyfriend is the owner of this book, but I hijacked it as the "reader" out of the pair of us when I found myself at his house without a book. I don't tend to read nonfiction, but with it being a travel story, I was intrigued - and who wouldn't be intrigued by the idea of travelling from Wigan to Australia in a big blue truck with a dog? Throw in the love story (and another dog) and some danger, and I found myself carrying this book around like a blanket in the current cold weather!
As it was all new to me (I hadn't followed Bobby & Marie's journey online) I went in free from spoilers and oh boy was I engrossed.
This isn't just a journey of epic proportions, this is an adventure of the soul. The highs and lows, the terrifying moments and the heartwarming, and the humour (particularly the "guessed" translations) all make this book a stand out read for me this year.
This book dispels some ideas you may have about certain places and cultures, but reinforces others. It is no mean feat to travel so far by truck, and the journey, people, and situations will be on my mind for a long time.
I really don't want to write spoilers because you need to experience this for yourselves, but I will tell you that I finished reading this book with a tear in my eye. Somehow, from one man and a dog, we end up with a family living the nomad dream together. And when I say "together," I mean it. Because it's not just Bobby's adventure, it's all of theirs.
Now to return the book to its rightful owner, so it can be read again at a far slower pace, as I eagerly wait to discuss!
My boyfriend is the owner of this book, but I hijacked it as the "reader" out of the pair of us when I found myself at his house without a book. I don't tend to read nonfiction, but with it being a travel story, I was intrigued - and who wouldn't be intrigued by the idea of travelling from Wigan to Australia in a big blue truck with a dog? Throw in the love story (and another dog) and some danger, and I found myself carrying this book around like a blanket in the current cold weather!
As it was all new to me (I hadn't followed Bobby & Marie's journey online) I went in free from spoilers and oh boy was I engrossed.
This isn't just a journey of epic proportions, this is an adventure of the soul. The highs and lows, the terrifying moments and the heartwarming, and the humour (particularly the "guessed" translations) all make this book a stand out read for me this year.
This book dispels some ideas you may have about certain places and cultures, but reinforces others. It is no mean feat to travel so far by truck, and the journey, people, and situations will be on my mind for a long time.
I really don't want to write spoilers because you need to experience this for yourselves, but I will tell you that I finished reading this book with a tear in my eye. Somehow, from one man and a dog, we end up with a family living the nomad dream together. And when I say "together," I mean it. Because it's not just Bobby's adventure, it's all of theirs.
Now to return the book to its rightful owner, so it can be read again at a far slower pace, as I eagerly wait to discuss!
December 26, 2025
Truck It!: The Drive Around the World That Saved My Life by Bobby Bolton
I have been following him and Marie For awhile and was really looking forward to reading his story and to see how the two of them met. They are perfect for each other.
He left his hometown to get over a heartbreak, and wanting to travel the world. He sold everything and fixed up a huge truck to make this a reality. The adventure is crazy at times and a big lesson in patience when things didn't go his way. He traveled with his dog Red, and luckily he met Marie and her dog Rubia early on in the story while hiking, and what a team they make.
They are now working on converting and even bigger truck for their next journey
I cannot wait for another book of their journeys. Marie is also writing a book.
I have been following him and Marie For awhile and was really looking forward to reading his story and to see how the two of them met. They are perfect for each other.
He left his hometown to get over a heartbreak, and wanting to travel the world. He sold everything and fixed up a huge truck to make this a reality. The adventure is crazy at times and a big lesson in patience when things didn't go his way. He traveled with his dog Red, and luckily he met Marie and her dog Rubia early on in the story while hiking, and what a team they make.
They are now working on converting and even bigger truck for their next journey
I cannot wait for another book of their journeys. Marie is also writing a book.
August 26, 2025
True Modern Day Explorers
This book started playing through my headphones by accident after I’d finished another, and I couldn’t reach to pause it. I’m so grateful I didn’t, one of those rare happy accidents. Bobby’s narration truly brings his, Marie’s, Red’s, and Rubia’s stories to life. It felt like I was right there with them, swept along on every adventure. A captivating piece I couldn’t put down, and I can’t wait to see where their journeys take them next.
This book started playing through my headphones by accident after I’d finished another, and I couldn’t reach to pause it. I’m so grateful I didn’t, one of those rare happy accidents. Bobby’s narration truly brings his, Marie’s, Red’s, and Rubia’s stories to life. It felt like I was right there with them, swept along on every adventure. A captivating piece I couldn’t put down, and I can’t wait to see where their journeys take them next.
October 16, 2025
Listened to it as an audiobook while waiting all the time for some grain of something meaningful to arrive without ever coming to it. First hour is mildly entertaining after that, it gets cyclic and repetitive, and the rest is just about the parasitic life of Instagram-style influencers and self-entitled spoiled kids. If Instagram superficiality and emptiness were condensed in a book, this is it.
November 14, 2025
we watched Bobby's Liberation episode and became hooked. following his journey, seeing him come back to life and fall in love with himself and the world again was amazing. his journey is so inspirational!
July 28, 2025
A well written account of a fascinating journey! Really enjoyed this. The audio book is read by the author and his passion really carries over!
August 1, 2025
Rekommenderar ljudboken. Författarens dialekt är en upplevelse i sig.
September 9, 2025
Unimaginable adventure! Loved every minute of it! Captivating story telling and a privilege to be part of the journey
October 14, 2025
Don’t follow their insta / read this with no context, very ‘meh’
October 26, 2025
Appsolutely brilliant book. Couldn't rate it any better. Just need a follow up book now.
January 19, 2026
Really cool book about travelling Asia in this tumultuous time. A gripping summary of all the highs and all the lows that one might encounter whilst overlanding with two humans and 2 dogs across Asia. Although it's sad they didn't make it to Australia, I'm sure at one point they'll make it there (somewhere along the way). I hope there's another book to follow on the next adventures as this was a fun listen/read.
I thought some of the anecdotes were quite insightful and interesting. Especially how the views of a country such as Afghanistan change through the lens of a woman/man.
I thought some of the anecdotes were quite insightful and interesting. Especially how the views of a country such as Afghanistan change through the lens of a woman/man.
May 6, 2026
The highlight of this book was the dog 'Red'.
The book is an acceptable narration of a round the world tour by van.
The author's own narration came across as a little ingratiating and annoying. In the audiobook version, he tries to laugh as he is narrating at times and it comes across as very unnatural. His book would have come across better being read by a voice actor.
He also tries to project himself as a 'Jack the lad but ultimately nice guy next door' persona and it doesn't quite work. Additionally, i found some of his reflections condescending.
In all fairness, I am a fan of Ted Simon's 'Jupiter Travels' travel books and comparing Bobby Bolton's reflections of world travel to Ted Simon is akin to comparing chalk and cheese. Ultimately the content was acceptable but I would not recommend.
The book is an acceptable narration of a round the world tour by van.
The author's own narration came across as a little ingratiating and annoying. In the audiobook version, he tries to laugh as he is narrating at times and it comes across as very unnatural. His book would have come across better being read by a voice actor.
He also tries to project himself as a 'Jack the lad but ultimately nice guy next door' persona and it doesn't quite work. Additionally, i found some of his reflections condescending.
In all fairness, I am a fan of Ted Simon's 'Jupiter Travels' travel books and comparing Bobby Bolton's reflections of world travel to Ted Simon is akin to comparing chalk and cheese. Ultimately the content was acceptable but I would not recommend.
May 22, 2026
I really enjoyed this book.
It tells of the adventure of Bobby Bolton who sets of in his truck to travel from Wigan, England to Australia.
The hospitality that is shown along the way is wonderful as are the fearful moments in some countries.
I would recommend this book
It tells of the adventure of Bobby Bolton who sets of in his truck to travel from Wigan, England to Australia.
The hospitality that is shown along the way is wonderful as are the fearful moments in some countries.
I would recommend this book
July 11, 2026
Firstly, the author did not drive around the world. Secondly, how did it save his life? This is a metamorpically speaking title to try hook armchair travellers/ instagram followers. The Book lacks any real depth.
October 28, 2025
Loved it! Inspiring!
March 5, 2026
Absolutely loved this book from beginning to end I didn’t want it to stop, very well written, the ups and downs and everything inbetween has you hooked
May 3, 2026
When in doubt, take the trip! “billions of people all thinking the way they did things was normal. And how there was no such thing as normal.”
May 30, 2026
I really loved this adventure.
December 26, 2025
Truck It! by Bobby Bolten is a high-energy road trip through America’s food truck scene. Blending personal travel stories with practical insights, the book captures the grit, creativity, and community behind life on four wheels. From late nights and long drives to unforgettable meals served curbside, Truck It! reads like a culinary travel diary—perfect for readers who love food culture, independent spirit, and the idea that some of the best journeys begin in a parking lot.
June 7, 2026
„Wenn du dich fragst, ob du diese oder jene Reise antreten sollst oder nicht: Fahr los!“
Bobby Bolton verliert alles, was er sich aufgebaut hat: Seine Beziehung, seine Firma, sein Geld. Doch am Boden angekommen, steckt er nicht etwa den Kopf in den Sand, er beginnt von einer Reise zu träumen. Der Reise seines Lebens. Mit einem umgebauten Truck von England nach Australien. Und was mit einem Traum beginnt, wird nach und nach Wirklichkeit …
Ich liebe Geschichten von echten Menschen, echten Erfahrungen, echten Abenteuern. Von Menschen, die eben nicht nur träumen und denken „eines Tages“. Von Menschen, die losgehen, egal, ob Geld da ist oder der Zeitpunkt stimmt. Bobby Bolton gehört definitiv zu ihnen! Er stürzt sich in das Abenteuer seines Lebens, samt Hund und schließlich sogar mit einer ganz neuen Liebe. Kopfüber und mutig. Und was das für Abenteuer sind! Berge, Meer, Expeditionen, ganz neue Wege. Das Fahrzeug macht schlapp, Soldaten mit Maschinengewehren fuchteln vor seiner Nase mit ihren Waffen herum, das Geld wird knapp, Lebensmittelvergiftung. Ich konnte gar nicht aufhören zu lesen!
Das Leben schreibt die besten Geschichten, ein Satz, der hier perfekt passt. Und dabei behält Bobby stets seinen Humor, schreibt in lockerem, unterhaltsamem Stil und lässt die unglaublich mutige und lustige Frau an seiner Seite lebendig werden für den Leser. Ich bin zutiefst beeindruckt und ja, was soll ich sagen, das Fernweh ist auf jeden Fall geweckt!
Bobby Bolton verliert alles, was er sich aufgebaut hat: Seine Beziehung, seine Firma, sein Geld. Doch am Boden angekommen, steckt er nicht etwa den Kopf in den Sand, er beginnt von einer Reise zu träumen. Der Reise seines Lebens. Mit einem umgebauten Truck von England nach Australien. Und was mit einem Traum beginnt, wird nach und nach Wirklichkeit …
Ich liebe Geschichten von echten Menschen, echten Erfahrungen, echten Abenteuern. Von Menschen, die eben nicht nur träumen und denken „eines Tages“. Von Menschen, die losgehen, egal, ob Geld da ist oder der Zeitpunkt stimmt. Bobby Bolton gehört definitiv zu ihnen! Er stürzt sich in das Abenteuer seines Lebens, samt Hund und schließlich sogar mit einer ganz neuen Liebe. Kopfüber und mutig. Und was das für Abenteuer sind! Berge, Meer, Expeditionen, ganz neue Wege. Das Fahrzeug macht schlapp, Soldaten mit Maschinengewehren fuchteln vor seiner Nase mit ihren Waffen herum, das Geld wird knapp, Lebensmittelvergiftung. Ich konnte gar nicht aufhören zu lesen!
Das Leben schreibt die besten Geschichten, ein Satz, der hier perfekt passt. Und dabei behält Bobby stets seinen Humor, schreibt in lockerem, unterhaltsamem Stil und lässt die unglaublich mutige und lustige Frau an seiner Seite lebendig werden für den Leser. Ich bin zutiefst beeindruckt und ja, was soll ich sagen, das Fernweh ist auf jeden Fall geweckt!
May 31, 2026
Wow, having followed the story on Instagram this added flesh to the bones and then some! Having already read Marie's book it was a real treat getting Bobby's perspective. Well wrotted and paced, can't wait for the next one!
November 11, 2025
I think I learnt more about geography and politics in 7 and a half hours than in 13 years of schooling
March 13, 2026
absolutely fabulous!!!
What an amazing adventure! Talk bought living in the moment and embracing each day! Thanks for the inspiration!! Well worth the read and adventure!!!
What an amazing adventure! Talk bought living in the moment and embracing each day! Thanks for the inspiration!! Well worth the read and adventure!!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews