The Last Road Trip

by Gareth Crocker

Following the poignant death of a man they barely knew, four friends decide to make the most of what’s left of their lives. Abandoning the humdrum routine of life at their retirement estate, they embark on a thousand-mile road trip that will take them from the furthest corner of the Kruger Park to the blazing stars of Sutherland for the biggest adventure of their lives and one last hurrah together. Along the way, they rediscover things about themselves that they thought had long since been lost. Above all, they discover that it’s never too late to start living. Gareth Crocker’s latest novel is all heart and page-turning glory.

Genres: Fiction

228 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2015

About the author

Gareth Crocker was born in Johannesburg, South Africa in 1974. He has a degree in English, Psychology and Communications and has worked as a journalist, copywriter, news editor, public relations manager, publishing editor and, most recently, head of communications and spokesperson for a multinational corporation. Writing is done at night, in a dark room, next to a small window, under a bright moon. Leaving Jack is his first novel, which he wrote in the company of his three dogs, Jill, Rusty and Jack. A new US hardcover version of Leaving Jack, entitled Finding Jack is due for release on February 15, 2011.

Reviews

[Monique Snyman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gareth Crocker has a succinct, yet eloquent way of telling remarkable stories that will linger with readers forever. I'm not even kidding in that regard. If you have a sliver of a beating heart - black as night or not - somehow his words will crawl in and make you feel things that isn't often felt without visual confirmation. In my case, it's typically something along the lines of sympathy - other times it's empathy. It may sound ludicrous, but not very many authors are able to convey these feelings with nothing other than words, which is why I tend to praise Mr. Crocker so often. The Last Road Trip is yet another beautiful example of what he's capable of as a writer: life-altering, eye-opening, poignant-like-no-other.

The Last Road Trip follows the story of four retired friends whose lives are changed when a man they barely know dies, leaving behind a message that comes down to: have no regrets. This strikes a cord in all of them, and they begin a road trip across South Africa to right their wrongs. On their journey, they have adventures they never imagined having in their old age. They do things they never had the opportunity to do in their youth. They grow. They become more.

The Last Road Trip is beautiful and wonderful and its message is clear: have no regrets.

People who enjoy contemporary reads will devour this book in one sitting (I finished the novel within five hours). They will, most likely, re-read the book again and again. The writing is clean, the imagery is mind-blowing, and the characters are lovable. Definitely try to get your hands on it if you're in the mood for a good book you don't want to invest too much time in reading, but still want to mull over days/weeks/months afterwards.

Review originally posted on:

[T-Roy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. It's not only a good read, but it's also valuable. Something totally positive comes from reading this book. This is my third Gareth Crocker book and they've all been memorable - in a good way.

[Anne-Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cannot believe that I have never read any of Crocker's books. I found this one in the library and I will definitely read more of his books. The Last Road Trip is about four friends that are retired and they decide to go on a trip down memory lane, a road trip with stops along the way, to relive something important from their respective pasts.

The book is very funny at times, but also quite sad, without getting soppy. I was absolutely hysterical, laughing at Rose, when they decided to smuggle the dog into the Kruger Park.

The book teaches you, and I quote "I know that life isn't a storybook. I also know that some of our mistakes are too far gone to be hauled back in. That maybe you've lost things that will remain beyond your grasp. But, while you still have time, it is the trying that matters."

Maybe that is all that matters - keep on trying, keep on living. Even when you are old, and think your time is past - do not stop living. Life is not only for the young.

[Autumn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a sweet story, about a group of friends from a nursing home/retirement like community that take a road trip so they can scratch off their main "to-do" on their bucket lists. It's written in an easily digestible fashion, so if you only like a lot of complexities in your books, this might not be for you.
However, I love the characters- they are all distinct from each other. One is a complete hoot!
Also, the story seems told with a lot of love. I found myself bawling off and on throughout the book, but also chuckling in parts too.
By the way, there is a dog!:)
3.5 stars. Thumbs up.

[Friends of the Brooklyn Library · Rating 4 out of 5]

Patti: Five friends go on a road trip to address unresolved issues in their lives, and in doing so, find joy, peace and a life worth living.
My favourite part - the 4 friends lying under the stars in the middle of the Karoo experiencing scintillation - "a deep black sky pulsating with colour, oscillating and twinkling like a jeweller's mat daubed with gemstones"... star works!

[Siyamthanda Skota · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gareth Cocker’s latest novel will speak to the readers in many different ways than one. Crocker is well known for his adventure novels and this 5th one is no different from the previous books. Maybe it is. It is much much better. And, as much as it is an adventurous thriller, it is also a love story.

Read the rest of the review here http://www.justcurious.co.za/2015/04/...

[Phillipa Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a goddam epic story! There were not enough tissues available to mop up all the tears. Loved the story from the very first page and cried like a baby when the story reached Robben Island, not to mention the heartwarming epilogue. I am now going to get my hands on every other book Gareth Crocker has written. He is truly an artist and his connection to he human soul is incredibly powerful. Thank you for writing this masterpiece Mr Crocker.

[Tinka · Rating 5 out of 5]

P228 - Author's Note I: "Even the Galaxy is still open for business. In case you're wondering, 'The Shawshank Redemption's' playing. ...[This book] is not entirely a story about a group of elderly friends ... It's a story about life .... and .. always having something to try for. Age has precious little to do with it. "

It is rare that I read epilogs, but this (somewhat restructured) quote is the cherry on the top of a beautiful journey of friends.

[Laura B · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read the Readers Digest version because it happened to fall into my life. I wish I had read the full book. It was a wonderful story about wonderful ‘older’ characters and what they learned in life and what they were still learning. I would recommend this and would love to read it again. It was remarkably well written.

[Marion Roux · Rating 3 out of 5]

5 Elderly people set out on a road trip from Johannesburg to Cape Town. This novel has a number of stories within the main story. It is about living life every day and dispersing with regrets and sadness.
Gentle loping-along book

[Jacqui Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, if you are looking for an inspirational book, look no further. My philosophy in life is to live it to the fullest and that's what this book is all about. The author mentions that he sometimes finds that his characters live on after he is done writing, well these will live on for me too.

[Chloe Rudasill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very sad that this only has 100+ ratings. Incredibly sweet and inspiring, short and easy to read in one sitting, well paced, great development of characters (especially with how little time we get with them since the book is short). Really enjoyed it.

[Terri Staten · Rating 4 out of 5]

Several good lesson to be learned from this book. The characters are relatable and the story is enjoyable. It takes place in South Africa so some words and references were unfamiliar to me. It was a fast read.

[Marlene Bessette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quite an inspiring story! It did touch me very deeply.

[Colleen Mulrooney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gareth Crocker is a fantastic story teller. Rosie got all the best lines in The Last Road Trip, we’d totally be best friends. She’ll make you laugh. Plus there’s a dog! A lovely read.

[Catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book about hope lost, and then found. Brought me to tears.

[Debbie Tanguay · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 older people living in a retirement community decide to take a road trip to dig up there past. Really cute story.

[Lindsey Wray · Rating 4 out of 5]

So tender and heartwarming. About a group of friends on a last adventure. I enjoyed the setting of South Africa

[John Monaghan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A "feel good" story about aging, friendship and families. Great summer reading.

[Ann Gallo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really happy read, do get it done; great to have second chances, will look for other titles by this author.

[Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. I felt quite emotional reading it but it’s really stunning and very easy to read. I highly recommend it.

[Pat Raab · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most beautiful stories I've ever read - and a not-so-gentle reminder that whatever time is left to us, is for LIVING.

[Kimkinder218 · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVED this book so much - just excellent!!

[Bev · Rating 4 out of 5]

Touching and funny, The Last Road Trip is a story of five friends, inspired by the death of someone they barely knew, to take a trip together to the Kruger and then through the Karoo in an old Chrysler Voyager.

The main characters Jack, Sam, Rosie and Elizabeth discover so much more than the sights that they set out to see. Their journey through this beautiful country draws us in to their unique and heart-warming life stories. Through support of each other’s quest to revisit the past and face the future, they learn more about life, and how to live it well. Gareth Crocker cleverly weaves their life stories together through witty dialogue and interactions with the colourful characters that they meet.

This is an uplifting read, and the stories told and imagery evoked will capture the imagination of most readers.

http://bevbouwer.blogspot.com/2015/04...

[Trisa Hugo · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the best first chapters I've ever read, that opening scene where the letter is read, really touched me on a deep level.

[Sam · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice writing, but a little to sad of a story for me.