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Adventure Without End #3
Kamikaze Kangaroos!: 20,000 Miles Around Australia. One Van, Two Girls... And an Idiot.
Sharks, snakes and spiders… He’s going to die here for sure.
Tony James Slater knew nothing about Australia.
Except for the fact that he’d just arrived there.
The stage is set for an outrageous adventure: three people, one van, on an epic, 20,000 mile road trip around Australia.
What could possibly go wrong?
Of course, the van – nicknamed ‘Rusty’ – is a crumbling wreck, held together by the world’s most garish paint job.
They’re criss-crossing the continent through some of the most inhospitable land on the planet – the infamous Aussie Outback.
And isn’t there something about Australian animals being… well, you know, kind of dangerous?
Unprepared, under-qualified and hopelessly inept, Tony battles gigantic pumpkins, mechanical mishaps and suicidal kangaroos, armed only with a thong and a sense of humour.
From coast to coast and on to New Zealand, his companions struggle to keep him safe whilst climbing in dresses, snowboarding off cliffs, and hiking hundreds of miles through the bush.
One thing’s for sure; this ‘adventure of a lifetime’ – if they survive it – is something they’re never going to forget.
So, scull those stubbies!
Grab your galahs!
And put down that platypus.
LOOK OUT, AUSTRALIA!
There’s an idiot coming…
Tony James Slater knew nothing about Australia.
Except for the fact that he’d just arrived there.
The stage is set for an outrageous adventure: three people, one van, on an epic, 20,000 mile road trip around Australia.
What could possibly go wrong?
Of course, the van – nicknamed ‘Rusty’ – is a crumbling wreck, held together by the world’s most garish paint job.
They’re criss-crossing the continent through some of the most inhospitable land on the planet – the infamous Aussie Outback.
And isn’t there something about Australian animals being… well, you know, kind of dangerous?
Unprepared, under-qualified and hopelessly inept, Tony battles gigantic pumpkins, mechanical mishaps and suicidal kangaroos, armed only with a thong and a sense of humour.
From coast to coast and on to New Zealand, his companions struggle to keep him safe whilst climbing in dresses, snowboarding off cliffs, and hiking hundreds of miles through the bush.
One thing’s for sure; this ‘adventure of a lifetime’ – if they survive it – is something they’re never going to forget.
So, scull those stubbies!
Grab your galahs!
And put down that platypus.
LOOK OUT, AUSTRALIA!
There’s an idiot coming…
383 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 12, 2014
396 people are currently reading
456 people want to read
About the author
Tony James Slater
22 books239 followersTony James Slater is a very, very strange man. He believes himself to be indestructible, despite considerable evidence to the contrary. He sometimes makes strange faces whilst pretending to be attacked by inanimate objects. But perhaps his single biggest problem is this; he has a mouth so big he is in danger of swallowing his own head. As a result he often ends up far from mainstream civilization, tackling ridiculous challenges and subjecting himself to constant danger. He gets hurt quite a lot.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews
February 28, 2014
I had been looking forward to reading Tony’s adventures in Australia since he left us hanging at the Arrivals hall at Perth airport at the end of his last book.
Kamikaze Kangaroos did not disappoint in the slightest. It’s bloody brilliant! In fact, I think it could be the best one yet. It still maintains all of the calamitous Tony James Slater situations that we have come to expect from him, and, of course, laughs by the bucket-load. But this book also has a level of emotion and sensitivity that sets it apart from his other books. Who knew Tony could write so sensitively and thoughtfully about love and loss? He even made me cry! It’s almost as though he has - dare I say it - GROWN UP since his last book. Nah, who am I kidding? He’s still a child at heart.
Kamikaze Kangaroos did not disappoint in the slightest. It’s bloody brilliant! In fact, I think it could be the best one yet. It still maintains all of the calamitous Tony James Slater situations that we have come to expect from him, and, of course, laughs by the bucket-load. But this book also has a level of emotion and sensitivity that sets it apart from his other books. Who knew Tony could write so sensitively and thoughtfully about love and loss? He even made me cry! It’s almost as though he has - dare I say it - GROWN UP since his last book. Nah, who am I kidding? He’s still a child at heart.
July 1, 2014
I just finished reading Tony's 3rd book. I had so many laughs. Reading his books is like being across the table from him at your local pub. And he's telling you about all his adventures. You are laughing so hard the beer is bubbling out your nose, you are holding your side and telling him.... "STOP" "STOP" You're killing me.!!
Needless to say I have so enjoyed his books. I read one reviewer say they were only interesting if you were a juvenile or some such nonsense like that. What a dork. I feel sorry for people with NO sense of humor. I have a sister like that I am always trying to make laugh. What a Pain. I'm here to tell you I am a 67 yr old lady and I just LOVE Tony and his method of writing.
Down to the brass tacks... I wish he would let me edit before he publishes the next one as there are some repeated and/or misspeeled (sig) words. However, the books are getting a whole lot better in that regard. That definitely doesn't keep me from reading and being able to live vicariously through Tony.
Pick up any one of his books if you want to be transported to a wonderful get-away through Tony's eyes. I'd recommend to read "That bear ate my pants" first cause it is just so darn hilarious and will get you "into" Tony's writing style.
Personal to Tony: I know you read your reviews and I want to say I totally enjoy the photos you put up online. It sure adds more to the stories. Also, now that you and Roo are going to be "grown-ups" I hope that doesn't squash your fun-loving adventurous spirits and you will keep the books coming.
Needless to say I have so enjoyed his books. I read one reviewer say they were only interesting if you were a juvenile or some such nonsense like that. What a dork. I feel sorry for people with NO sense of humor. I have a sister like that I am always trying to make laugh. What a Pain. I'm here to tell you I am a 67 yr old lady and I just LOVE Tony and his method of writing.
Down to the brass tacks... I wish he would let me edit before he publishes the next one as there are some repeated and/or misspeeled (sig) words. However, the books are getting a whole lot better in that regard. That definitely doesn't keep me from reading and being able to live vicariously through Tony.
Pick up any one of his books if you want to be transported to a wonderful get-away through Tony's eyes. I'd recommend to read "That bear ate my pants" first cause it is just so darn hilarious and will get you "into" Tony's writing style.
Personal to Tony: I know you read your reviews and I want to say I totally enjoy the photos you put up online. It sure adds more to the stories. Also, now that you and Roo are going to be "grown-ups" I hope that doesn't squash your fun-loving adventurous spirits and you will keep the books coming.
November 10, 2018
As much as I don't like finishing a book I have started, I just couldn't do it with this one. The fact I started it in March 2017 is probably a good indication how I feel about it. I read about a quarter of it, and a lot of that was skimming. The synopsis sounded great, and it should have been funny, it could have been funny.... but it just wasn't. Tony seemed lazy and at times ignorant rather than adventurous, and although it was meant to come off funny, his sense of humour mostly involved disrespecting other cultures, people and places. Just not my cup of tea as it turned out.
October 23, 2015
Armchair travel has never been so fun
Being an Aussie I found some of this hysterical. It's interesting to see my culture observed from a different point of view.
As always it's inspiring and makes me want to get back out there to find my next adventure.
I can't help but wonder if Rusty has added yet another chapter to his life... As a Wicked Van.
Being an Aussie I found some of this hysterical. It's interesting to see my culture observed from a different point of view.
As always it's inspiring and makes me want to get back out there to find my next adventure.
I can't help but wonder if Rusty has added yet another chapter to his life... As a Wicked Van.
March 29, 2023
Another chortle through the book.
I saved this book for a trip and it was worth it. I started the audio so my husband could hear the book as we went. Spending a part of his life traveling (on a submarine) he enjoys these books. Tony gets into some interesting trouble and makes you wonder how he is still standing. Other times I can just see his mischief (snowman). Looking forward to the next book.
I saved this book for a trip and it was worth it. I started the audio so my husband could hear the book as we went. Spending a part of his life traveling (on a submarine) he enjoys these books. Tony gets into some interesting trouble and makes you wonder how he is still standing. Other times I can just see his mischief (snowman). Looking forward to the next book.
March 17, 2024
This is my favorite of the series so far. Tony has definitely hit his stride as a humor writer and this one is hysterical. There are so many situations that he, his sister and Roo get into that you just can't make up. Funny doesn't begin to cover it. Perhaps bizarre or truly unbelievable or perhaps bonkers gets near to it. His descriptive capacity and dialogue are primo. Looking forward to reading the next one. What a life and unique slant on how to experience and enjoy it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 4, 2014
This came as a recommendation whilst I was actually looking for another book, but being on an Australian reading spree, I was sidetracked. With mostly good results. Firstly, let me say that I am grateful the actual title of Kamikaze Kangaroos!, as shown on the cover, does not include the word 'epic'. Along with 'ultimate', 'epic' is immediate grounds for dismissal from the to-read list. And although I was amused for most of the read and even laughed out loud quite a few times, I don't think that warrants the excessive five-star rating "Kangaroos" has received. Possibly because I am not a man (read the book and you will know what I mean).
Tony Slater describes his adventures during roughly three years in Australia and New Zealand, mostly taking advantage of work/travel visas and backpacking across the continents. Viewed in that light, "Kangaroos" might actually be of use to people considering a similar tour themselves. There are lots of anecdotes about assorted landlords and -ladies, odd jobs, strange places and wondrous sights (described so well that they are, in fact, my favorite bits. Makes you want to pack your bags and go!). There's also the obligatory American bashing, a side swipe at the Welsh, and a weird bit of praise for Melbourne for the fact it's more American-looking than Perth. Ignore these bits, as well as frequent and nearly identical worrying about the state of the backpackers' van, and enjoy the book for all the parts in between. For people who enjoy gushing over a book's ending, there's ample opportunity for that too.
I noticed a few typos:
at 23%, there's a "more so that" which probably ought to read "more so than", as it is apparently a comparison
at 31%, at the beginning of the chapter "Dressed to Kill", "instant noodles were starting to loose their appeal". Not a fan of loose noodles myself, I do believe that an extra vowel might have crept in there.
The beginning of the chapter "Tricky Situations" states that "I didn't get chance to mention my imminent departure". This could be a Brit thing, in which case forgive me, but I wonder if it's missing an "a" or "the".
Finally, at 91%, there is a misplaced apostrophe: "So it was the idiot's turn to save the day". Well and good, except there appear to have been several idiots.
Tony Slater describes his adventures during roughly three years in Australia and New Zealand, mostly taking advantage of work/travel visas and backpacking across the continents. Viewed in that light, "Kangaroos" might actually be of use to people considering a similar tour themselves. There are lots of anecdotes about assorted landlords and -ladies, odd jobs, strange places and wondrous sights (described so well that they are, in fact, my favorite bits. Makes you want to pack your bags and go!). There's also the obligatory American bashing, a side swipe at the Welsh, and a weird bit of praise for Melbourne for the fact it's more American-looking than Perth. Ignore these bits, as well as frequent and nearly identical worrying about the state of the backpackers' van, and enjoy the book for all the parts in between. For people who enjoy gushing over a book's ending, there's ample opportunity for that too.
I noticed a few typos:
at 23%, there's a "more so that" which probably ought to read "more so than", as it is apparently a comparison
at 31%, at the beginning of the chapter "Dressed to Kill", "instant noodles were starting to loose their appeal". Not a fan of loose noodles myself, I do believe that an extra vowel might have crept in there.
The beginning of the chapter "Tricky Situations" states that "I didn't get chance to mention my imminent departure". This could be a Brit thing, in which case forgive me, but I wonder if it's missing an "a" or "the".
Finally, at 91%, there is a misplaced apostrophe: "So it was the idiot's turn to save the day". Well and good, except there appear to have been several idiots.
September 10, 2016
Tony's back and this time he has kangaroos to contend with. And falling in luuuurrve. I'm not sure what's more scary for him.
This book does exactly what it says on the cover. It's the tale of Tony, his sister Gill and Gill's best friend, Roo. Roo is Australian, so Gill goes to stay with her and Tony tags along. Problem is, Tony is 3 months late, so there's a bit of a rush for them to get some agricultural work done so they can extend their visas.
Rusty the van is the 4th character in this book and I'm sure he'll be a popular one. I manged to track down some photos of him on facebook and he was even brighter than I imagined.
I think Tony's books should be read in the right order as I feel this one was more "for the fans". There's less madcap animal antics, and a whole lot more of Tony "the man". I did think at times the book was a bit long, although there was nothing I'd not want to read, nor did I want it to end. The good thing about Tony is that he always has a story and so you know it won't end.
This book is Tony's time in Australia, from picking fruit, to laying paving slabs via setting up exhibition halls. From living in and by the side of Rusty, to dorms to bedsits. From walking the Bibbulmun trail (100km!!!) to just travelling because they wanted to. Armed with just a few clothes, unsuitable boots and trail mix, this is the life you think you might want to live if you just up sticks and go. At times I felt jealous of them, most of the time I was happy with my warm soft bed and large choice of food.
I feel I know Tony and Gill and Roo more than I should. As I said, this is much more personal story of the trio. Tony has a magic way of writing that is very readable and he is not afraid of telling the truth. This was another very very enjoyable read.
This book does exactly what it says on the cover. It's the tale of Tony, his sister Gill and Gill's best friend, Roo. Roo is Australian, so Gill goes to stay with her and Tony tags along. Problem is, Tony is 3 months late, so there's a bit of a rush for them to get some agricultural work done so they can extend their visas.
Rusty the van is the 4th character in this book and I'm sure he'll be a popular one. I manged to track down some photos of him on facebook and he was even brighter than I imagined.
I think Tony's books should be read in the right order as I feel this one was more "for the fans". There's less madcap animal antics, and a whole lot more of Tony "the man". I did think at times the book was a bit long, although there was nothing I'd not want to read, nor did I want it to end. The good thing about Tony is that he always has a story and so you know it won't end.
This book is Tony's time in Australia, from picking fruit, to laying paving slabs via setting up exhibition halls. From living in and by the side of Rusty, to dorms to bedsits. From walking the Bibbulmun trail (100km!!!) to just travelling because they wanted to. Armed with just a few clothes, unsuitable boots and trail mix, this is the life you think you might want to live if you just up sticks and go. At times I felt jealous of them, most of the time I was happy with my warm soft bed and large choice of food.
I feel I know Tony and Gill and Roo more than I should. As I said, this is much more personal story of the trio. Tony has a magic way of writing that is very readable and he is not afraid of telling the truth. This was another very very enjoyable read.
April 3, 2016
I received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
4 stars
You know when you find the right book at the right time, how great that is? Well, that's what this was to me. I was travelling in China with my daughter for 10 days. I needed something to read that was going to keep my attention but not be heavy on storyline, as I predicted that I'd be tired after long days of travel and touring. It seemed fitting to give another travel story a try and I'm glad I did.
Right from the start, Slater's humour hits you in the face. I was laughing out loud several times in the earliest chapters. Right away, I knew I had what I needed, plus some comedy to boot!
This is not your typical travelogue. This is not the book to read if you are looking for recommendations on where to stay and what to do, though one *could* read some chapters as a cautionary tale and plan accordingly. ;) What I was able to glean from this is the spirit of freedom that comes with travel--the unexpectedness, the wonder of new places, the people you meet. Given that I was in a land very foreign to my own and reading about Slater's adventures in a far off place, there were some parallels I couldn't overlook. Like I said, the right book at the right time.
But you don't need to be interested in travel to find enjoyment in this book. This is a crazy, funny and sometimes head-scratching story about one man's travels through Australia in a rusty van. Sometimes it doesn't have to be anything more than that to be exactly what you need.
4 stars
You know when you find the right book at the right time, how great that is? Well, that's what this was to me. I was travelling in China with my daughter for 10 days. I needed something to read that was going to keep my attention but not be heavy on storyline, as I predicted that I'd be tired after long days of travel and touring. It seemed fitting to give another travel story a try and I'm glad I did.
Right from the start, Slater's humour hits you in the face. I was laughing out loud several times in the earliest chapters. Right away, I knew I had what I needed, plus some comedy to boot!
This is not your typical travelogue. This is not the book to read if you are looking for recommendations on where to stay and what to do, though one *could* read some chapters as a cautionary tale and plan accordingly. ;) What I was able to glean from this is the spirit of freedom that comes with travel--the unexpectedness, the wonder of new places, the people you meet. Given that I was in a land very foreign to my own and reading about Slater's adventures in a far off place, there were some parallels I couldn't overlook. Like I said, the right book at the right time.
But you don't need to be interested in travel to find enjoyment in this book. This is a crazy, funny and sometimes head-scratching story about one man's travels through Australia in a rusty van. Sometimes it doesn't have to be anything more than that to be exactly what you need.
October 16, 2014
I very much enjoyed Tony's earlier book That Bear Ate My Pants and wondered if Kamikaze Kangaroos would be just as good. I needn't have worried - it's even better! It's written in a very easy to read conversational style which totally engages the reader. He is a born raconteur and master of earthy language! He embarks on a year long round trip of Australia with his sister Gill and her friend Roo.They travelled in Rusty a battered technicolour, handprint painted old van. I liked the fact there was a link to Tony's website where there was pictures of Rusty, Roo, Gill and Tony and of the places they visited. There's also a link to his blog. I enjoyed reading about his growing relationship with Roo. The reader can see a more sensitive side to Tony. I think the three of them are a bit crazy and throw themselves headlong into some madcap adventures. There's also a trip to New Zealand for good measure. I particularly liked the section describing their trek of the Bibbulmun Track - sheer madness! It's laugh out loud funny in parts together with some beautiful description. Now I need to read the second book then read them again in order.
February 25, 2014
You know what sucks worse than being starving and cold in the middle of the Australian outback? When it's also your birthday and a rodent eats your one and only birthday marshmallow. Now that blows!
Everyone, please purchase this book so the starving author can afford to upgrade to a birthday doughnut.
I've read all three of Tony James Slater's travel books, and I have to say this one is by far the best. It's still got all the required funny bits, but it's got a bit more heart than the others, so while I did a lot of laughing, I also sighed a bit, too. I can't begin to recount all of the funny parts, so don't make me do it.
Read the book for yourself.
Everyone, please purchase this book so the starving author can afford to upgrade to a birthday doughnut.
I've read all three of Tony James Slater's travel books, and I have to say this one is by far the best. It's still got all the required funny bits, but it's got a bit more heart than the others, so while I did a lot of laughing, I also sighed a bit, too. I can't begin to recount all of the funny parts, so don't make me do it.
Read the book for yourself.
March 15, 2014
As entertaining and funny and heartwarming (more so!) as his previous books. I will continue to buy Tony's books as soon as they come out. Can't wait for the next one :)
July 10, 2015
Tony does not disappoint!
September 15, 2022
Oz - a small nickname for a BIG country.
This is a six-book series of the author's travel and life experiences. Each book works as a stand-alone, but it's better to read them in order. The reader is watching a young man mature and discover more about himself. It's more meaningful if you know what's come before.
We last saw Our Hero (at the end of "Don't Need the Whole Dog") reluctantly leaving an island off the coast of Thailand. He loved life there, but it's an ex-pat haven, so ways of earning a living are limited. He finally accepted an invitation from his younger sister to join her in Australia. She was staying with the family of a girl she met while working at an American summer camp. Brother was welcome to come, too, so he was off to Perth.
Perth is one of the most beautiful places in the world. An affluent city on the continent's southwest coast, it has gorgeous buildings, lovely scenery, and (of course) those fabulous, uncrowded beaches. The problem is that most of the places in Australia people want to visit (Sidney, Melbourne, the Gold Coast, the Great Barrier Reef) are on the east coast. And Oz is a HUGE country. Between the coasts is a ginormous, baking-hot, deserted desert. The sheer logistics of touring Australia is mind-boggling, especially to an Englishman who's used to moving through a dozen countries in a few hours.
It doesn't help matters that their only form of transportation is "Rusty" - a colorful, but ancient van. To call Rusty unreliable is an understatement. Traveling through largely unsettled territory, in brutal climate conditions in this heap is something only three very young, very optimistic people would do. But the author and his sister and their friend "Roo" ARE young and optimistic, so they head out.
Reading about their adventures and misadventures is entertaining and frequently hilarious and (if you are past a certain age) sometimes blood chilling. They encounter helpful people and dishonest ones and smallish grey kangaroos and HUGE red kangaroos. As Roo explains, the kangaroo evolved with no natural enemies, so they lack the "fight or flight" instinct. Instead, they jump - frequently into the vehicle that frightened them to begin with.
They graze on the vegetation that grows on roadsides. It makes driving dicey during the day and terrifying at night. The American equivalent is the moose. The unofficial motto of Maine: "Moose - They Make Lousy Hood Ornaments." And so do those Kamikaze Kangaroos.
The trio also make a long (two months) hike through a gorgeous, soggy forest. Their level of preparedness is exactly what you would expect (i.e. almost non-existent.) That they survived is little short of a miracle.
However, this is more than just a funny travelogue. Roo's family suffers a tragic death. The author worries about his younger sister and her emotional dependence on him. He's protective, but is he holding her back from becoming confident and independent?
Not surprising in a story about three young people. a romance springs up. Young love is fine, but complicating, especially for an immature young man who avoids responsibility like the plague. All three of the young folks go through the changes that are common in the twenties.
Australia is one of the few countries that encourages young people to come and stay, especially those willing to do agricultural labor. During a stay in Melbourne, they get experience in urban gigs. Then they complete their trip with a working stint at a ski resort in New Zealand. Kiwi weather is notoriously unpredictable and dramatic. The story of the Great Blizzard is one of the best parts of the book.
This young man trained as an actor. Perhaps his acting education taught him how to tell stories. Or maybe he was born with it. I think his books are wonderfully entertaining and sometimes educational. The fact that he and his family are appealing (odd, but likable) is a major plus. I'm enjoying this series.
This is a six-book series of the author's travel and life experiences. Each book works as a stand-alone, but it's better to read them in order. The reader is watching a young man mature and discover more about himself. It's more meaningful if you know what's come before.
We last saw Our Hero (at the end of "Don't Need the Whole Dog") reluctantly leaving an island off the coast of Thailand. He loved life there, but it's an ex-pat haven, so ways of earning a living are limited. He finally accepted an invitation from his younger sister to join her in Australia. She was staying with the family of a girl she met while working at an American summer camp. Brother was welcome to come, too, so he was off to Perth.
Perth is one of the most beautiful places in the world. An affluent city on the continent's southwest coast, it has gorgeous buildings, lovely scenery, and (of course) those fabulous, uncrowded beaches. The problem is that most of the places in Australia people want to visit (Sidney, Melbourne, the Gold Coast, the Great Barrier Reef) are on the east coast. And Oz is a HUGE country. Between the coasts is a ginormous, baking-hot, deserted desert. The sheer logistics of touring Australia is mind-boggling, especially to an Englishman who's used to moving through a dozen countries in a few hours.
It doesn't help matters that their only form of transportation is "Rusty" - a colorful, but ancient van. To call Rusty unreliable is an understatement. Traveling through largely unsettled territory, in brutal climate conditions in this heap is something only three very young, very optimistic people would do. But the author and his sister and their friend "Roo" ARE young and optimistic, so they head out.
Reading about their adventures and misadventures is entertaining and frequently hilarious and (if you are past a certain age) sometimes blood chilling. They encounter helpful people and dishonest ones and smallish grey kangaroos and HUGE red kangaroos. As Roo explains, the kangaroo evolved with no natural enemies, so they lack the "fight or flight" instinct. Instead, they jump - frequently into the vehicle that frightened them to begin with.
They graze on the vegetation that grows on roadsides. It makes driving dicey during the day and terrifying at night. The American equivalent is the moose. The unofficial motto of Maine: "Moose - They Make Lousy Hood Ornaments." And so do those Kamikaze Kangaroos.
The trio also make a long (two months) hike through a gorgeous, soggy forest. Their level of preparedness is exactly what you would expect (i.e. almost non-existent.) That they survived is little short of a miracle.
However, this is more than just a funny travelogue. Roo's family suffers a tragic death. The author worries about his younger sister and her emotional dependence on him. He's protective, but is he holding her back from becoming confident and independent?
Not surprising in a story about three young people. a romance springs up. Young love is fine, but complicating, especially for an immature young man who avoids responsibility like the plague. All three of the young folks go through the changes that are common in the twenties.
Australia is one of the few countries that encourages young people to come and stay, especially those willing to do agricultural labor. During a stay in Melbourne, they get experience in urban gigs. Then they complete their trip with a working stint at a ski resort in New Zealand. Kiwi weather is notoriously unpredictable and dramatic. The story of the Great Blizzard is one of the best parts of the book.
This young man trained as an actor. Perhaps his acting education taught him how to tell stories. Or maybe he was born with it. I think his books are wonderfully entertaining and sometimes educational. The fact that he and his family are appealing (odd, but likable) is a major plus. I'm enjoying this series.
September 14, 2021
2.5 stars
I've had this on my Kindle for so many years, and decided to finally read it. I knew mostly what to expect from reading a previous book from this author, but I think in the years since I purchased this book, I have matured, and so have my views on what is or is not funny.
I guess it's to be expected, but I found much of the author's commentary to be sexist, racist, disrespectful, or just completely tone-deaf. I was horrified when he ignored all the rules/signs and decided to climb Uluru (which he cluelessly still called Ayers Rock), without any care for the fact that not only is it dangerous, but it's a sacred site for the native culture. Most of his actions seemed motivated by the thrill-factor, which may be fine when you're 15, but not as an adult.
Also, I suppose others will think his lifestyle is adventurous and carefree, but he seemed lazy and irresponsible to me. Granted, I'll give him (and the girls) credit for taking up practically any odd-job just to get a paycheck, and I admire the desire to explore a country -- but again he seemed like a reckless 15 year old rather than an adult. The level to which they were utterly unprepared for driving across the most dangerous parts of Australia, or hiking a long-distance trail without the proper safety or survival gear/food, just made me cringe. It was truly not funny. It was also not funny how many times they left an employer high and dry and seemingly ran off in the night just to get on to their next adventure. Yeah, totally mature.
On the plus side, there were some funny stories, and I enjoyed the camaraderie between the three of them. I also did enjoy their more genuine moments of discovery as a traveler would make about the places and people they encountered. Australia is a vast, beautiful, interesting country with warm, gregarious people - and they at least captured some of that.
I think I've grown past this author's humor, so I won't be reading any more of his books.
I've had this on my Kindle for so many years, and decided to finally read it. I knew mostly what to expect from reading a previous book from this author, but I think in the years since I purchased this book, I have matured, and so have my views on what is or is not funny.
I guess it's to be expected, but I found much of the author's commentary to be sexist, racist, disrespectful, or just completely tone-deaf. I was horrified when he ignored all the rules/signs and decided to climb Uluru (which he cluelessly still called Ayers Rock), without any care for the fact that not only is it dangerous, but it's a sacred site for the native culture. Most of his actions seemed motivated by the thrill-factor, which may be fine when you're 15, but not as an adult.
Also, I suppose others will think his lifestyle is adventurous and carefree, but he seemed lazy and irresponsible to me. Granted, I'll give him (and the girls) credit for taking up practically any odd-job just to get a paycheck, and I admire the desire to explore a country -- but again he seemed like a reckless 15 year old rather than an adult. The level to which they were utterly unprepared for driving across the most dangerous parts of Australia, or hiking a long-distance trail without the proper safety or survival gear/food, just made me cringe. It was truly not funny. It was also not funny how many times they left an employer high and dry and seemingly ran off in the night just to get on to their next adventure. Yeah, totally mature.
On the plus side, there were some funny stories, and I enjoyed the camaraderie between the three of them. I also did enjoy their more genuine moments of discovery as a traveler would make about the places and people they encountered. Australia is a vast, beautiful, interesting country with warm, gregarious people - and they at least captured some of that.
I think I've grown past this author's humor, so I won't be reading any more of his books.
September 22, 2019
Having visited many of the same places that are described in Kamikaze Kangaroos, this book was a bit of a blast from the past. I had a whirlwind set of road trips in Australia which are quite different from camping and staying in areas working for long periods of time. However, I met many people like Roo and Tony and Gill and it was always fun to find out where they were from and what they were doing.
My favorite part about the book was the authors descriptions. I never wanted to climb Uluru and I was jazzed when it was closed due to weather the day I was there! It gave me the perfect excuse NOT to climb it! Priscilla Queen of the Desert is one of my favorite movies and I was jealous of the Kings Canyon hike complete with suitable climbing gear. I laughed out loud. I still haven’t been there, yet.
I’m happy to say I had a much better experience in Halls Creek. But I could see how someone might see it as Hell’s Crack if you were stuck there.
My ulterior motive in Australia was looking at the wildlife. So a lot of the places that Tony saw as monotonous were places where I enjoyed looking for the local birds.
I truly wish I had the descriptive skill that Tony has in Kamikaze Kangaroos. It requires time and talent to distill one’s experiences in a way that others can truly enjoy and I thank Tony for that. What a fun read!
My favorite part about the book was the authors descriptions. I never wanted to climb Uluru and I was jazzed when it was closed due to weather the day I was there! It gave me the perfect excuse NOT to climb it! Priscilla Queen of the Desert is one of my favorite movies and I was jealous of the Kings Canyon hike complete with suitable climbing gear. I laughed out loud. I still haven’t been there, yet.
I’m happy to say I had a much better experience in Halls Creek. But I could see how someone might see it as Hell’s Crack if you were stuck there.
My ulterior motive in Australia was looking at the wildlife. So a lot of the places that Tony saw as monotonous were places where I enjoyed looking for the local birds.
I truly wish I had the descriptive skill that Tony has in Kamikaze Kangaroos. It requires time and talent to distill one’s experiences in a way that others can truly enjoy and I thank Tony for that. What a fun read!
October 31, 2020
Kamikaze Kangaroos!
Author: Tony James Slater.
What a delight to have a long humorous travel memoir that made me chuckle out loud many times!
I followed the adventures of Tony, Roo and Gill travelling in their psychedelic van called Rusty, across Australia, then onwards to New Zealand for even more hair-raising expeditions!
This funny memoir was easy to read with lots of the authors' very British humour!
I was particularly pleased to be able to take a look at the photos of the trios travels at Tony's website - it really brought the story to life - and what a spectacular pictorial adventure it was! Great job!
This is the first book I have read by Tony Slater, it won't be the last.
A well deserved 5 stars for allowing me to enjoy the ride...
Author: Tony James Slater.
What a delight to have a long humorous travel memoir that made me chuckle out loud many times!
I followed the adventures of Tony, Roo and Gill travelling in their psychedelic van called Rusty, across Australia, then onwards to New Zealand for even more hair-raising expeditions!
This funny memoir was easy to read with lots of the authors' very British humour!
I was particularly pleased to be able to take a look at the photos of the trios travels at Tony's website - it really brought the story to life - and what a spectacular pictorial adventure it was! Great job!
This is the first book I have read by Tony Slater, it won't be the last.
A well deserved 5 stars for allowing me to enjoy the ride...
July 15, 2021
Ah, Australia -- the country where Mother Nature is constantly looking for ways to kill you. This is the 5th book I've read by Slater. His adventures are always entertaining, although the first part of this book dragged a bit because there was too much scenery description (if you've been reading National Geographic all your life, it isn't necessary). It got funnier as it went along. It was on this trip with his sister and her BFF that he fell in love with the BFF. Rather graphic descriptions of their sexual encounters, which are going to make their future children and grandchildren want to vomit, but Slater strikes me as the kind of person who find a thrill in knowing that he made his grandkids puke.
October 27, 2021
Part Three of the wildly entertaining and hilarious adventures of Tony Slater
I have now read three books from Tony Slater about his continuing adventures, and each one has been thoroughly enjoyable. He's absolutely hilarious in many parts, especially when he asks a certain question towards the end (don't want to spoil anything) but he pulls no punches and entertains throughout. I admire his constant self deprecation, utter shamelessness, and his full acknowledgement of his own shortcomings and also that he admits he's gotten this far on good fortune. There's more of a supporting cast in this one, and both Gill and Roo are great. I look forward to reading the rest of his books.
I have now read three books from Tony Slater about his continuing adventures, and each one has been thoroughly enjoyable. He's absolutely hilarious in many parts, especially when he asks a certain question towards the end (don't want to spoil anything) but he pulls no punches and entertains throughout. I admire his constant self deprecation, utter shamelessness, and his full acknowledgement of his own shortcomings and also that he admits he's gotten this far on good fortune. There's more of a supporting cast in this one, and both Gill and Roo are great. I look forward to reading the rest of his books.
January 9, 2022
An interesting compilation of travel stories that follows the adventures of Tony, Gill, and Roo as they travel all over Australia and New Zealand. Author Tony James Slater’s sense of humor as he recalls these adventures is what makes this compilation interesting; otherwise, the reader would just be following a group of transients (his word) around from place to place and job to job. The stories tickled my wanderlust and made me wish I was more spontaneous, but the language and some of the crudeness will keep me from recommending this book to other readers. While in the end, the purpose of my life is too important to me to go traipsing around the world on whims, I enjoy reading about others’ adventures, and this book has even given me some ideas for future adventures of my own.
September 22, 2020
I was very keen to read this book, as like Tony 1. I come from Somerset, 2. I have emigrated to Australia, 3. I can't think of a three.
I started laughing ridiculously at his description of Possums on a Perth roof and found the rest of it similarly amusing. It's great fun to read a road trip of Australia through Tony's eyes. I won't spoil it for anyone who hasn't read it, you can read the reviews on Amazon for that! Suffice it to say that if you want an easy, quick, entertaining read that may occasionally cause you to wet your pants, buy this book.
That's a box of goon you owe me Tony.
I started laughing ridiculously at his description of Possums on a Perth roof and found the rest of it similarly amusing. It's great fun to read a road trip of Australia through Tony's eyes. I won't spoil it for anyone who hasn't read it, you can read the reviews on Amazon for that! Suffice it to say that if you want an easy, quick, entertaining read that may occasionally cause you to wet your pants, buy this book.
That's a box of goon you owe me Tony.
October 8, 2023
Tony arrives in Australia clueless. But at least he’s honest about it, and every step of the way as he bumbles about organising a road trip in a vehicle that just scrapes by. Tony is a great story teller and isn’t short of calling himself an idiot. But it’s laugh out loud at times (as in, “Mum, what’s so funny?” as I chortle on the couch). I enjoyed this read, and was keen to read “just one more chapter” as he travelled through some of the more remote spots in Australia. Travel with a good pinch of humour.
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February 22, 2024Kangaroos on the loose
Great read, could hardly put it down. How can one person cause so much chaos? And live to laugh about it? A sister and brother and their friend travel in a broken down bus, how exciting can that be? Very! I love his.books. Hopefully he will live.to be old but I have my doubts. Never been a traveling person so its great I get to tag along. His description of places and actions read like your there, very enjoyable.
Great read, could hardly put it down. How can one person cause so much chaos? And live to laugh about it? A sister and brother and their friend travel in a broken down bus, how exciting can that be? Very! I love his.books. Hopefully he will live.to be old but I have my doubts. Never been a traveling person so its great I get to tag along. His description of places and actions read like your there, very enjoyable.
February 29, 2024
Livin’ the dream. I’d have loved to join Slater, his sister, and Roo on their 20,000-mile adventure in Australia. Since I’m planning a three-week tour of Oz in a few months, it was fabulous to read what NOT to do to avoid injury. I’m so glad Slater tested all those crazy things I was thinking of doing, and he saved me a lot of embarrassment. I loved this very entertaining page-turner (except for the swear words) so much that I’m starting Can I Kiss Her Yet? to see how the story progresses.
May 24, 2017
Love Tony's style both of writing and general approach to life. Hilarious read, and another annoying book according to my wife, as I keep chuckling and and then quoting from the book. Keep up the good work mate, PS so funny that I've also read all of George Mahoods books. Have filled another space in my head, now onto the next book👍
May 31, 2017
Hilarious
This was my first book I've read by Tony James Slater and it makes want to read more. I laughed out loud at places. It makes me want to sell everything and go off adventuring.
This was my first book I've read by Tony James Slater and it makes want to read more. I laughed out loud at places. It makes me want to sell everything and go off adventuring.
September 20, 2018
A bit of a disappointment compared to Slater's earlier books. By the time he/they got to Melbourne I was ready to stop reading, but I'm that type of person who hates to stop ready a book before it is finished.
February 13, 2019
I am unabashedly a fan of this author. This is the 2nd book I have read of his and I am on my way to reading them all.
I enjoy the humor and frankness of this simply told love story. Highly recommended.
I enjoy the humor and frankness of this simply told love story. Highly recommended.
May 12, 2020
Great read
Moves along at nice pace, enjoyable and chuckleworthy.
Loved the relationship between the author sister and girlfriend A good read for all ages, but would love young adults to read this and be inspired. Travel broadens the mind and this book tried to disprove this with the authors ridiculous antics but inspired none the less.
Moves along at nice pace, enjoyable and chuckleworthy.
Loved the relationship between the author sister and girlfriend A good read for all ages, but would love young adults to read this and be inspired. Travel broadens the mind and this book tried to disprove this with the authors ridiculous antics but inspired none the less.
June 9, 2020
Traveling around Australia Is fun!
If you're with Tony...maybe more crazy than fun, but then who's keeping track? As with all of his books, his madcap adventures make for some very entertaining reading. I'm laughing out loud and my husband gives me strange looks.
Such fun reading plus I've even learned a thing or two along the way.
If you're with Tony...maybe more crazy than fun, but then who's keeping track? As with all of his books, his madcap adventures make for some very entertaining reading. I'm laughing out loud and my husband gives me strange looks.
Such fun reading plus I've even learned a thing or two along the way.
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