Riding the Edge: A Love Song to Deborah

by Michael S. Tobin

Non Fiction Book Award Winner: Silver

Two soulmates embark on an around-the-world journey, leaving the security of their well-ordered lives in search of larger truths.

Forty-seven years ago, Michael discovered his soulmate Deborah on a dance floor in Keene, New Hampshire. It took her soul a few years and an around-the-world bike trek to fully reciprocate. Riding the Edge is the astonishing tale of the six-month odyssey that profoundly shaped the next 564 months of their lives together.

Taking place in 1980, Michael and Deborah—an American Jew and American Arab, respectively—leave the security of their well-ordered lives as psychologists sleepwalking toward marriage and family to explore and take risks in search of life’s larger truths. What they find is a story of magnificent vistas and memorable moments that enliven their senses to the beauty of the world even as it also reveals the vilest of human cruelty. Simple meals become transcendent experiences and chance encounters are serendipitous markers along a road directing them toward personal and spiritual transformation. Each place leaves its mark—Paris and the French countryside, Italy, Greece, war-torn Beirut, Israel—and each person an imprint even as Deborah and Michael struggle to find the truth of their love. Will they find a life partner or merely a stepping-stone to another, deeper connection?

It’s a journey that has a mind and heart of its own. In the end, each story, kindness, and cruelty uncover the humanness that connects all living things and shows that love is a powerful, healing life force.

Genres: Nonfiction, Memoir, Romance, Travel, Biography Memoir

318 pages, Paperback

Published July 20, 2021

Reviews

[Cheri · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

They met on a dance floor in the mid 1970s, the woman who he would spend the following years of his life with. He gave her his heart to her, and she would give her heart to him - eventually. She needed to find a way to fully let go of a relationship she had left behind in reality, but her heart was still reluctant to let go completely. She is an American Arab from Bluefield, West Virginia, and he is an American Jew by birth, if not by practice.

This is a memoir that shares both a story of love, and a journey in the physical, emotional, and the spiritual sense, as well as a pilgrimage, for her, to travel to the land of her grandmother. After several years together, they decide to leave their home in Middlebury, Vermont in 1980, and travel to the East. Deborah wants to visit the village of her grandmother, Lebanon, and Michael wants to visit Israel, but their journey will take them from Brussels to Athens, Paris, Cyprus, Lebanon, back to Cyprus and then to Haifa, Israel.

They arrived in Brussels, Belgium on May 31st. It was an inauspicious beginning.

’I want to live my life like Nietzsche: ’Amor fati- love your fate! Whatever life throws at you, embrace it. Own it. It’s what you need to be you.
But not this.
Definitely not this.
Not my worst nightmare.
Not rats in the walls.

It is a journey that will include many memorable moments, moments sharing the good and the beauty found in the world, as well as the ugliness revealed, the war-torn areas they visit. The welcoming love they hope to receive when they travel to Lebanon in the hopes of connecting with Deborah’s Lebanese relatives. Her hopes to visit this land that her grandmother described through treasured memories, and the realities of that visit. The stories that are shared, as well as the welcoming love they encounter offer a light against the occasional difficult scenarios they also experience. The gift of both the pain and the love shared, along with the beautiful views along the way. The people who shared the nightmares they endured, and those who shared their happier stories with them, if only for a moment, changed them both.

At moments this is heartbreaking, and in others the beauty that he shares, the descriptions of simple things - riding down the ’cobblestone roads through picturesque villages with red-tiled roofs, and spires reaching to the sky...past sweet-smelling pine trees and meadows dotted with the blues, purples, and yellows of summer wildflowers...’ makes you wish you were on this journey alongside them, if only for a moment.

A journey of love, our common experiences, emotions, and the connections made through sharing our stories, ultimately this is a love song to Deborah.


Published: 20 Jul 2021

Many thanks for the ARC provided by Greenleaf Book Group

#RidingtheEdge #NetGalley

[Murtaza · Rating 4 out of 5]

The title of Michael Tobin's novel, Ride the Edge, read by Luke Welland, describes it as a "Love Story to Deborah.". In this memoir, a thirty-something Jewish-American and his twenty-year-old girlfriend, a Christian Lebanese-American, describe a six-month bicycle trip through Europe and the Middle East in 1908. They are both practicing psychologists and made the journey in 1908. On their trip, they encounter many people, and it is fascinating to Meet those who have experienced war. Even today, in Europe, the war is hardly history but is fairly current, but back in 1980, it was much more present.

While a committed relationship, it had not yet been formalized. She had an ex-boyfriend in Sweden that she went to see for a week, hoping to find closure (or not) before returning to Paris and Michael. They then traveled to war-torn Lebanon, where Deborah had a family. Living in fear and hatred every day was a profound experience for both of them. While on the trip, Michael began to perceive that, if forced to choose between his Jewishness and Deborah, the choice would have to be his. It broke his heart as it became apparent that if she didn't convert, the love affair was over.

This story is narrated by Luke Welland. As a narrator, he is ideal for evoking emotion in a narrative while remaining neutral and objective. In his audiobook, he made a significant impact. I appreciate Michael Tobin as well as Luke Welland, but I particularly want to commend Deborah for her terrific performance.

#RidingtheEdge #NetGalley
https://www.netgalley.com/book/232479...

[Steve's Book Stuff · Rating 5 out of 5]

In 1980 Michael Tobin and his girlfriend of six years, Deborah, leave their psychology practices on the US East Coast and set out on a six-month bike ride. They are happy with their comfortable lives, committed to each other but not yet married. Yet both of them feel a longing for more, a need to connect with deeper truths and parts of themselves that get lost in the day to day rhythms of life. Deborah wants to visit her familial home in Lebanon, and Michael wants to visit Israel. And so their journey begins, through Europe and into the Middle East.

Forty one years later Michael has recalled that journey and shared it with us all through this book. And he's done an absolutely amazing job. This book is very well written. Michael kept a journal of their trip, and has referred back to it to reconstruct not only the physical, but also the spiritual and psychological journey he and Deborah went through.

What starts as a simple story of their ride's progress, slowly builds layers of meaning as the journey unfolds for Michael and Deborah. Each of them, it seems, has tasks to fulfill along the way. By the end of the journey, and the end of this book, you appreciate what a remarkable "Love Song to Deborah" this truly is.

I did not expect to like this book as much as I did. I am not a religious person, so struggled a bit with the religious awakening aspect. But even that resonated and touched me, as it's plain it comes out of Michael's own truth. I highly recommend this book. Five Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐.

NOTES: I listened to the audiobook version of this book as narrated by Luke Welland. The audiobook was released last Wednesday, August 25th, 2021. I received this book through Netgalley and Greenleaf Book Group in exchange for a fair and honest review.

[Jane · Rating 1 out of 5]

I really wanted to like this book about Michael and Deborah's love for each other and their bicycle trip to the many places it took them. I got stuck in Paris and couldn't get out of those chapters. I skimmed through the rest of the book afterwards to get an idea of what happened in different countries especially when they traveled to the Middle East where their end destination was.

The epilogue was eye opening 40+ years later and I'm glad I read the questions and answers afterward.

[Asma]

Riding the Edge: A Love Song to Deborah
And it is that, the amount and the kind of love Michael put in this book to Deborah is so beautiful.

Michael is an American Jew, and Deborah is an American Lebanese Christian. Both psychologists met in the mid 70s. Michael fell head over heels for her but she was still healing from a broken heart, that kept chasing her. Six years into their relationship they decided to take a trip through Europe to the middle east riding their bikes.
The adventures they had along with the deep conversations -which mostly felt pretentious- and the poetic descriptions including the food, were really good to have an ear to. (even though the narrator's impression of the different people were sometimes annoying).
The stories of the people they encounter revolved around the holocaust's survivors, witnesses or their second generation.

Deborah wanted to visit her origins in Lebanon in a time where the country were living its worst times in 1980. A sad heartbreaking period.
And because of that Michael felt the need to visit Israel. He mentioned that he had the same feeling Deborah had to connect with her roots (your roots are from German for god's sake or is it from a land that was occupied by force!!)
Michael who hated his Jewish identity, who didn't believe in Judaism, is feeling connected to the occupied Palestinian land!! Yep that conclude it all.

"The imperfect side of what I hope the good guys.
Whatever the true story is, we're here and they're not. You can't change history, you live in your time and build for your future. The Arabs live in the past and dream of a future that will never be." This is what an Israeli Iraqi Jew said to Michael Tobin, and it is what he and they believe. You stole the land of people, chase them out and you have all the right.

In this book..
>> Palestinians who defend their land are terrorists.
>> There is something called "Israel's war of independence" ... WTF!!! Independence from what?!!
>> Michael Tobin is a hypocrite..
"I'm numb, frozen in rage, demanding vengeance. I imagine in my mind how I would torture the obese trooper in the photo to the right of the ashes. He holds a Luger in his right hand and stands over a dead Jew lying at his feet. His face radiates satisfaction and pride as if he feels worthy for a medal for heroism. I wanna saw off his penis with a serrated knife and stuff it in his mouth and while he still has life in him I'd cut into his abandon flesh and gut him organ by organ.
I wanna hear him beg for mercy and scream in agony. Let him know this is the price for sadistic pleasure."
>> The fact that when one of Deborah's relative in Lebanon told them that she hated the Palestinians but hated Israel more because they were the reason the Palestinians were refugees and came to Lebanon in the first place. Michael didn't like that. He who was an American Jew that his grandfather immigrated from Germany felt that the occupied Palestinian lands are his to claim!!

P. S. I received this audio book via Netgalley in exchange of an honest review.

[Deb · Rating 3 out of 5]

Psychologists Michael and Deborah have been together for 6 years and decide to seek “truth and love” while riding their bikes around the world. “I share this story with you in the hope that the lessons we learned will inspire each of you to love with more passion, to take more risks for the truth, and to give of yourself to others as others gave to us.” Sounds a little sappy, but let’s give it a try.

The writing feels choppy. Metaphors seem cliché or forced. “Deborah, as usual, looks lovely in her light blue cotton dress that perfectly matches the dinner plates.” The dialog doesn’t flow. Being a psychologist, Tobin overanalyzes and strays into philosophical jibber-jabber. ”The further we travel from the truth the more fractured the whole appears to be, until the only ‘truth’ that remains is the lie that life is nothing more that irreconcilable opposites and random connections.“ I’m glad the editors wisely cut it from the original 575 pages.

Their journey begins in 1980 and Tobin used his extensive notes and photos to chronicle the story 40 years later. I found it fascinating strangers would invite Deborah and Michael into their homes for food and lodging. It was a different time. They visit Brussels, Paris, Italy, Greece, Cyprus, Lebanon, Israel and more. They are met with kindness and generosity. Others aid them in their search for God, meaning, and should they stay together and get married. I enjoyed the epilogue of what happened after the journey and a Q & A with the author. A reader’s guide is included for book groups.

Trigger warnings: some WWII concentration camp scenes, drug use

I listened to the audiobook as well as read the digital copy. The narrator read very slow. I mostly listened at 1.5 speed. The narrator’s depiction of Deborah’s southern accent was clownish. While clear, the voice had a small but harsh edge to it.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Laurie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story of a young couple who embarks on a biking journey through parts of Europe and the Middle East.. The autobiographical story shares the ups and downs both literally and figuratively of Michael - an American Jew and Deborah - an American Arab, both psychologists, as they travel with a desire to discover themselves in the land of their ancestors.. The story is set during the turbulent 1970's, and this journey challenges their relationship and eventually strengthens their bond in ways they could not have imagined. I really enjoyed this story, and it helped me to focus on learning more about myself as well.

[Janilyn Kocher · Rating 4 out of 5]

A touching story of Michael and Deborah early in their relationship. Set in 1980, Tobin chronicles the couples ride across Europe. Discussing their ups and downs, the people they met, and their experiences, it was interesting reading. Tobin reveals why he needed to write their story at the end. He includes an epilogue, which I appreciate because I always want to know what came after. The Q & A section was also interesting reading. Thanks to River Grove Books and NetGalley for the advance copy.

[Gail Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

Several years ago, a literary friend put a book in my hand—After You, Marco Polo by Jean Bowie Shor. She said that this is the best book she has ever read: I must read it. When I recently read the preface to Riding the Edge: A Love Song to Deborah, I was reminded of friend Karen’s favorite book; both books involved young couples in a once-in-a-lifetime adventure through Europe and the Middle East.

Michael and Deborah are psychologists who decide to take a bicycle tour to explore the world and their relationship. Deborah’s responsibilities include bicycle maintenance since she is the more mechanically inclined of the two. Michael is to procure the provisions and document the journey. This is a task well-suited for him, as he writes beautifully and weaves a compelling tale. In the earlier part of the book, we learn of the interesting and caring people that they meet, glorious meals and the beautiful landscape. I was thoroughly enjoying the trip with them.

Somewhere along the west coast of Italy, Michael begins analyzing his relationship with his faith (Jewish, non-practicing) and with Deborah, an Arabian American. At this point, his recollections of this 1980 trip are of filth and trash rather than the beauty of the region. I felt that from this point on, the book was really all about Michael.
They continue to the Middle East, where they see firsthand the plight of the Arabs and the Jews. Sadness encircles their journey as they complete their trip as planned, although many encouraged them not to go into the countryside for fear of their safety. Michael continues to describe wonderful people and marvelous meals throughout the book. Sadly, somewhere within this beautiful book I lost sympathy for Michael, who would have chosen his religion over Deborah if it was necessary. I wonder how she really felt about his choices?
My reaction to Riding the Edge is ambivalent. Parts of the book I loved; parts frustrated me immensely. Maybe that is the characteristic of good writing.
Thank you to NetGalley and Greenleaf Book Group for an early copy of this book in exchange for an honest review

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Riding the Edge by Michael Tobin, read by Luke Welland, is described on the title as a "Love Story to Deborah," and I must say I agree. It is a memoir focused on a six-month bicycle journey through Europe and the Middle East in 1908; a journey made by thirtyish Michael, a non-practicing American Jew, and his girlfriend, Deborah, a Christian Lebanese American, both practicing psychologists. Their trip brings them into contact with many people, mostly interesting, who have come in contact with war. Even now, in Europe, WWII is not history, it is current, but in 1980 it was much more so. These conversations had deep meaning to both of the young travelers, but much more to Deborah, at least at first.

Theirs was a committed relationship, but not yet solidified by vows. Deborah had an ex-boyfriend in Sweden that she went to see for a weeks, looking for closure (or not) before returning to Paris and Michael. From there they continued on eventually ending up in war-torn Lebanon where Deborah had relatives. It became a profound experience, for both of them, experiencing life with daily fear and hatred. The trip began to take on even more serious undertones as it became obvious to Michael, that if her were forced to choose between his Jewishness and Deborah, it would have to be his Jewishness. It broke his heart as it became apparent that if she didn't convert, the love affair was over.

This touching story was narrated by Luke Welland. In the beginning, his voice was too monotone for me but as the memoir progressed, he became the perfect narrator, staying dispassionate and neutral, yet imbuing the narrative with indescribable emotion. He made this audiobook important. Kudos to both Michael Tobin and Luke Welland, but most of all to Deborah.

I was invited to listen to the audio version of Riding the Edge by Greenleaf Book Group, through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. #netgalley #michaeltobin #lukewelland #ridingtheedge #greenleafbookgroup

[Jackie Sunday · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a memoir about Michael's love with Deborah -- someone he found to be not only beautiful but brilliant, fun, passionate and full of inspiration after meeting her at a dance floor in 1974. She was everything he hoped for and more. But sometimes, life isn't that simple.

Before settling down with marriage, jobs and kids, they decided to go on a bicycle journey exploring Brussels, Paris, Italy, Lebanon, Israel and other interesting places. They experienced some uncomfortable situations but for the most part, they had fun with great food, wine, music and art. With all the good times and new friends, they noted that they kept bumping into people with intense and heart-breaking WWII stories -- perhaps as they were both psychotherapists.

Michael felt like Deborah was the other half of his soul. Yet, during their travels, they both had serious relationship issues to get through and had to process their deepest feelings for each other. Would their love be strong enough to keep them together with different religious backgrounds?

This book isn't long but it took me awhile to get through because there's a lot to digest with the serious war stories, life situations and dislike of Americans in some places. There was one point where Michael said to one of his clients: "Imagine you're lying on your deathbed...and you're watching an instant replay of your life. What would you do differently?" It's a memoir but the direction they took makes you think about your own life.

[Jodi · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the first book by this author and I have mixed feeling. The writing feels choppy. Metaphors seem cliché or forced. This is a memoir about Michael's love with Deborah -- someone he found to be not only beautiful but brilliant, fun, passionate and full of inspiration after meeting her at a dance floor in 1974. She was everything he hoped for and more. Their journey begins in 1980 and Tobin used his extensive notes and photos to chronicle the story 40 years later. I found it fascinating strangers would invite Deborah and Michael into their homes for food and lodging. It was a different time. They visit Brussels, Paris, Italy, Greece, Cyprus, Lebanon, Israel and more. They are met with kindness and generosity. Others aid them in their search for God, meaning, and should they stay together and get married. I enjoyed the epilogue of what happened after the journey and a Q & A with the author. I was captivated by the palpable love Michael still feels for Deborah and was engrossed in the deeply cultural travel tidbits. Written with the help of his diary, the people they encounter are real and constantly reminded me of the value of human connection. Even those less than friendly encounters led to some of the best meals, the most thought-provoking conversations, and perhaps the challenging divides that the couple needed to conquer. A gripping odyssey of love, identity, and fate.

Thanks to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for providing this ARC.

[Star Gater · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful love story from first sight. This has as much historical content as it has love. Make no mistake, this is not a romance book. The story is between two people, different backgrounds, religious degrees, complex families, and the work they put forth prior to marriage. They were in stressful situations, made life decisions such as where to live, will there be children all while each personally thinking (for lack of better wording) are you the one.

The historical content is based on their travels, religious convictions, and generational family cultures. It is similarly written as a historical fiction with the emphasis on the couple and their future. Sometimes the historical was a bit dry, however, those were the moments that shaped the relationship.

There is profanity and as the author stated in the beginning he was retelling, I do believe it could have been left out. I dare say he would not speak with the F-bombs in a synagogue, church or medical office.

I did choose, with reservation to round up from 3.5 to 4 stars. The work Tobin placed after seeing Deborah was incredible and what I believe most people pretend. The end of the book was emotional and I cried.

Narrator Luke Welland did a nice job, and showed sensitivity and playfulness in his reading.

This is a GoodReads Kindle Giveaway win, and I do appreciate and enjoyed Riding the Edge.

[Paul Olkowski · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I started to read this book, I was very into it. I liked the idea of the adventure travelogue with a personal involvement romance mixed in. I like to read the travel adventure books that abound these days. This book is a bit different however, in the sense that it mixes in personal romance and psychological evaluation of the romance and it offers up a good deal of European and Middle Eastern history too.
Two psychologist decide to end their practice and go on a long discover Europe bicycle tour and wind up in Lebanon and Israel where their families are originally from. Initially, the book was very interesting as the two friends,(lovers) bike across France on their way to Paris. It continues across Europe, Cyprus, and into Lebanon. It slows to a crawl however when they enter Israel. There was way too much philosophy and explanation of religion and Jewishness in the last few chapters. I realize that this was a sort of an autobiography adventure, but for me it slowed down the story and started to lose my interest. It was good to find out what happened to them over the years and it was sort of sad to see what happened to Deborah at the end.
It was a good read, but not a great one; Better than average, but just missed the mark by a bit. I give it 3- 1/2 stars out of 5. just about what the general public gave it. I read the first half then set it aside due to some ailments that I had and time I didn't have. I picked it up in May and finished it off in a couple days.

[Antoniette · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you Netgalley and Greenleaf Book Group for allowing me advanced access to the audio book version of this book.

I'm having a very hard time deciding on a rating for this book so I'm going to sit in the middle. The book itself is interesting. I truly enjoyed the stories shared by the people they met along their journey. At the same time, though, the interactions with these same people seemed to drag on and on. The author's descriptions felt the same way, sometimes spectacular, sometimes unnecessarily stretched out.

I really didn't care for the narrator. While his normal voice was very pleasant, he had the difficult task of reading in various accents for both men and women. This was where he lost me. I pushed painfully through his southern American accent, and really couldn't judge his French accent, but being a speaker of Italian, I cringed at his pronunciation of the Italian words and names. He could easily have listened to pronunciations of words he didn't know by searching online.

I will say, however, that this book has lit a spark in me to learn more about the 1980s conflict between Muslims and Christians in the Middle East, and I'll be liking for more books to read on the topic.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautifully written memoir about two psychologists. It’s 1980. Michael is a non-practicing Jewish 34yr old and Deborah is his beautiful Arabian girlfriend in search of her family roots. As their relationship develops they decide to close their practices and set out to take an extensive bike tour traveling through Paris, Italy, Greece, Lebanon and Israel. Deborah must decide, via an unexpected solo side trip to Sweden, if a previous relationship still holds her emotions or if she is ready to fully commit to Michael. There are many interesting encounters with a variety of different people along the way all of whom contribute to the couple’s life and ultimately their understanding of themselves and their relationship. The descriptive writing transports the reader to a different place and time. Over the course of 6 months, the reader feels the joy of Paris in direct contrast to the time of political unrest in war torn Lebanon. As the trip unfolds so too does their relationship and the understanding of who they are and where they belong in the world. This memoir is written from the heart of Michael and is a wonderful story of discovery and of love. I highly recommend!

[Trudy Zufelt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Michael Tobin fell in love with Deborah when he met her on the dance floor. A few years later, they embark on a six month biking and traveling journey that takes them through the country side of France, Italy, Greece, Belgium, and into Lebanon and Israel.

Along the way the people they meet leave a lasting impression on their souls. It's not only the people but the beauty of their surroundings as well as the horrific images of a war torn Beirut in the 1980's that help them in a spiritual transformation.

Michael wants to spend a lifetime with Deborah but she needs the time to find herself and what she really wants as well. In fact, she leaves for their journey to Sweden to meet up with an ex boyfriend. Michael wonders whether she will come back or stay there forever. When she returns a week later, they continue growing individually and as a couple on their journey.

A sweet love story that touches on change and spirituality. It took me a bit longer to read as it moves slowly. For those who love memoirs and travel, this might be appealing. I would rate it 3.5 stars but bumped it up instead of down on the rating.

[Erica Lindsay · Rating 4 out of 5]

A love letter to Deborah... told through the trials and tribulations of a 6-month bike trek around the world. Ups and downs of both the emotional and hill kind weave through the journey that is this true-life love story.

Leaving the security blanket of their ordered lives in search of something bigger, Michael and Deborah discover more than just their undying love for each other. Both on personal pilgrimages of self-discovery, they ride together across Europe and Asia, through rain and heat, meeting various important characters (and lessons) along the way.

I was captivated by the palpable love Michael still feels for Deborah and was engrossed in the deeply cultural travel tidbits. Written with the help of his diary, the people they encounter are real and constantly reminded me of the value of human connection. Even those less than friendly encounters led to some of the best meals, the most thought-provoking conversations, and perhaps the challenging divides that the couple needed to conquer. A gripping odyssey of love, identity, and fate.

[Deborah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Disclosing I chose to review the book - a candid impression follows. I would like to give it 3.5 stars, but no half stars are available :-) It was enjoyable but too detailed; I'd prefer more of a memoir and less of a journal publication.

There was a personal interest and resonance with the travels, cycling, and the psychological-philosophical frame. While it didn't fully connect, there is much detail and expanse here to offer different ways into their story as ways for readers to connect. The journal style, for me, differs from a memoir and it doesn't flow as easily as a memoir. However, their story unfolds with such authenticity, through their very human tender and fierce exchanges, that one doesn't doubt the veracity of the account.

The ending was a great surprise and reminder of how precious and unpredictable is this human experience, as it unfolds through the years. What a genuine and loving tribute of a man to the love of his life. We should all get to embrace such a soul mate.

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this touching memoir, American Jew, Michael Tobin, and American Arab, Deborah Risk, decide in the winter of 1980 to embark on a six-month journey that will take them by bicycle across Europe to the Middle East. They are psychologists living in Vermont and have been together for six years. Michael finished his PhD six months ago and Deborah is about to finish hers. They decide that they need to take a break, reexamine their lives and see what direction they want to take.

Deborah wants to visit war-torn Lebanon and go to the village that her Lebanese grandmother was from. Michael wants to go to Israel to discover his Jewish roots. Their journey will be one of self-discovery with joys and hardships along the way.

I learned a lot about European and Middle Eastern history and geography in reading this book. It was like a travelogue in addition to a memoir. It was also a touching tribute that Michael wrote to his soulmate and wife, Deborah.

Thank you to Goodreads and Greenleaf Book Group for the gift of this book that I received in a giveaway.

[Alison · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a wonderful memoir. In 1980, Michael and Deborah, both psychologists, decide to take an around the world bike trip, to hopefully sort out their lives, wants and goals, and to see how their relationship goes.
Michael is an American Jew and Deborah is an American Arab, which is something they both want to explore on this trip.
This story is beautifully written with wonderful descriptions of the landscapes they ride through, the food that they eat and most of all the amazing people along the way. Each person they encounter gives them a little look into their own lives and the goals they want to achieve from this trip.
This is a very personal and beautiful story of their journey in finding themselves and each other.
I would like to thank NetGalley and Greenleaf Book Group for a copy of this book.

[Deb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Riding the Edge was a pleasant surprise. This memoir is beautifully written and also has a wonderful story to tell. Memoirs mostly hit one (well written) or the other (good story) but rarely both. Michael and Deborah are a couple at odds with life, love and the world. They decide to take a 6 month European bicycle tour in the 1980's. Michael Tobin takes us with them on their European adventures, gives you food descriptions that will make you drool, reveal Holocaust stories that bring tears to your eyes and finally tells of a love so sweet it fills your heart with joy. I hope many readers find this memoir in between the other big name books coming out this fall. Thank you NetGalley for bringing a book to me that I might have otherwise missed.

[Hemenover · Rating 4 out of 5]

Riding the Edge: A Love Song to Deborah (by Michael Tobin) was a joy to read. While Tobin’s memoir shares practical details about his bicycle journey with Deborah, it ultimately impresses upon readers the indelibility of the human spirit. At times serene and romantic, this book also presents stories of violence and trauma. Tobin’s descriptions transported me to the French countryside, into the homes of kind strangers, and to the volatile streets of Lebanon. This is a must-read for anyone who enjoys memoirs and who isn’t afraid to contemplate how running from the past might just be the thing keeping one moving forward. * I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

[Rach · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a beautiful bittersweet memoir, love story, spiritual transportation. Just beautiful writing and inspiring read. I love the author's Q&A section as well and his honesty about how it took him a decade to perfect this. Encouraging for an aspiring author, and I love that Tobin shared his vulnerable story with us.

Amazing that he took time to put together the pieces of his life that happened a while ago. I can't imagine the amount of work and effort he put into this. Also emotionally just to relive his life like this. Truly a passion project.

"When you construct an impenetrable psychic wall to keep suffering at bay, you do so at the cost of destroying any chance of love, connection, and growth." LOVE this!!

[Lily · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is probably one of the most beautiful books ever written.

I have no experience reading memoirs and didn't know what to expect, so this was a wonderful surprise.
We follow Michael and Deborah, an American Jew and American Arab, on a bike journey through Europe, Lebanon and Israel. This is a story of discovering their connection to each other, to themselves, to their roots and religion. It was so beautifully written and very emotional. I always cry where reading or listening to holocaust stories and the ending gave me chills.
As an Israeli who isn't considered a Jew by religion, this hit many spots for me that I was battling with for many years.

A must read for everyone and Jews especially.

[Jeff · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love travel. I love heartfelt memoirs. I love hearing about people's unexpected self-discoveries. I was the perfect audience for this book.

Michael S. Tobin has eloquently delivered a beautiful tribute to his wife, Deborah. It is also a beautiful gift to every one of its readers. Riding the Edge is so many things, ticks off boxes across multiple genres, and is a pure joy to read.

Tobin's world becomes clearly focused, perhaps unexpectedly, as many truths are revealed. An incredible journey through life and across this planet.

I will definitely be re-reading this one.

I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Lonny · Rating 2 out of 5]

First I'd like to thank NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book. All opinions are strictly my own.

This is a memoir of the early days of the romance between 30 something Michael and the love of his life, Deborah, and their trip biking through Europe. I really wanted to love this book, but I just could not. Many of the descriptions were over the top, and the recalled conversations were beyond boring and much too long. Parts were brilliant and lovely, but I found myself getting bogged down too often to enjoy the book fully.

[Liza Markling · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️
A memoir of love, life, and hope. Michael and Deborah embark on a bike trip through Europe and the Middle East that turns into a very personal, and spiritual, journey for them both.
.
.
.
.

Thank you to @netgalley for providing a copy in exchange for an honest review.

#netgalley #netgallyreviewer #netgalleyreader #netgalleyarc #fiction #booklover #bookreviews #whatimreading #whatiread#bookish #bookstagram #bookworm #booknerd #bookaddict #bibliophile #bookgram #bookstagrammer #instabooks #bookreviewer

[taketwolu]

It was interesting to see Michael and Deborah’s 6-month bike journey unfold as the two tried to settle and affirm their other for each other. Throughout their time, I enjoyed hearing about the people, food, art, and interesting situations they encountered along the way. Tobin also explores race, war, religion, and identity and how it affected their relationship. Though the book is a decent length, the story felt long and a lot ot digest at times -- it also slightly reminded me of Eat Pray Love. Maybe not my favourite memoir but still and interesting read and I enjoyed the narrator.

[Patricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a beautiful love "letter" to Deborah. I received a copy of this free of charge and wasn't sure what to expect. The book blurb sounded great so I had high hopes. I wasn't disappointed!
There were some passages that were lengthier than they needed to be sent a few moments I thought about skipping the rest of the page bc it was droning on and on but I stuck with it.
A great story and over all, really well told.