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.

Was a wonderful book of bicycle riding through Europe. I was so excited about this book I was giving to many details. Through all the hardships of weather and mishaps looking up realize a great adventure.

This is an remarkable true love story. Timing is everything. What if you both feel the pull to see who you are and where you came from, so you go together on the quest with this person you are just getting to know. The quest to love on many dimensions. It is a account of choices that others have made and the choices you for yourself. Maybe a chance to look at our American values.
How would you react when given knowledge of a previous love that may put a shadow over your love. How does love of family fit into our lives? Everywhere they travel there are people that care and have stories of their own lives that gives them a glimpse of the possibilities ahead.
This is also a narration that includes forays into the Jewish culture, I am not Jewish, but I appreciated the visits to Beirut that opened my eyes to the experiences of those who have remained in their original country and why they stay and why they leave. The lovers travel to unbelievable areas of danger, maybe because they are naïve, but they feel drawn to see who they are, and who they want to become. It drives you, the reader, to question your own destiny. We don't all have to fit the same mold as those about us. We are free to choose.

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.

Thanks to NetGalley for giving me a digital copy this nonfiction travel memoir. This is about a couple in the 1980's who are tired of the same old same old and decide to bike from France to Lebanon to Israel. It's a story of love, heartbreak, found family and religion.

Michael Tobin introduces us to his life in cold Vermont along with his partner Deborah. They are both psychologists who met on a dance floor in the 70's. They decided to go on this journey of discovery and bike from Paris to Deborah's family homeland in Lebanon and eventually come to an end in Israel where Michael will come to terms with his Jewish roots.

Along the way they meet many Holocaust survivors who tell their stories. They experience first hand the war between the Lebanese and Syrians in Beirut. In Israel Michael accepts his Jewish heritage and becomes accepting of whatever Deborah will do. Will she convert to Judaism to stay with him or will she leave the relationship for her Lebanese Christian family.

I ended up giving this a 3 out of 5 stars. I really enjoyed the bike adventure and the Holocaust survivor stories. The bike adventure reminded me of one of my favorite youtubers who went on a bike ride through Europe for charity. What I didn't care about reading was the religion and the choices that they had to make.

The ending was really sad and the secondary title makes sense.

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

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

It's 1980 and early 30's couple Michael (a secular Jew) and Deborah (an Arab non-practicing Christian) ride their bikes from France to Israel, with stops in Italy, Greece, and Lebanon. Fir the geographically challenged, this was not an "around the world trip". They talked to a bunch of people who were affected by the Holocaust, and they almost died in Beirut (because what kind of idiots go to Beirut in 1980?!) and then Michael decides he wants to be a practicing Jew and can't be with Deborah unless she converts.
Honestly, it's great that they didn't die and had a wonderful life together but I found them so self-aware and tearful that it got pretty annoying.

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

Tobin's "love story" focuses on an extensive bike trip that he and his girlfriend make in the 1980's. The trip is actually an odyssey, and the novel consists of many layers and transformations. I could not put it down. I finished it at 3 a.m. this morning. It is one of those books in which readers "live" the narrative. This tribute to the love between Deborah and Michael is a must read!

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4173185868

Oh to be young and in Paris and then be cycling for hours in the cold rains and then sleeping on the wet grounds under a waterproof tent. But wait, there will be days of sunshine and groves of vineyards and fields of vegetables which turn into wine and exotic smells and delicious food and conversation. Along the way this couple will meet people who want to hear their stories and for them to tell their stories. This is a story of great sorrow, of great joy, but here is a wordsmith who is so capable of describing this really other indescribable memoir but, most of all, it is a love story for all time, Thank you NetGalley and Greenleaf Book Group for providing an e-copy of this book; this is my honest review.

Unfortunately this one was DNF for me. Based on the description I thought I was going to love it but once I started reading it, I could not connect with the characters and their story. Maybe I’ll get back to it one day but now I am ready to move on.

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.

RIDING THE EDGE-Michael S. Tobin

Michael Tobin is an outstanding author and I totally enjoyed reading this e-book from Net Galley.

Michael and Deborah leave their very ordered lives as psychologists to travel thru Europe-Greece, Italy, Lebanon, Israel and more. They took this trip on bicycles with plans to camp or stay in hostels. There were times when they used a bus or railroad but mostly bicycles. Their goal to visit their family origin and decide if they were compatible. Michael is a Jew and Deborah is Arab.

As they traveled they not only saw beautiful scenery but were able to encounter very interesting folks along the way. Lebanon was of interest to Deborah to investigate her heritage. Deborah's side trip to Sweden gave her a chance to confirm her loyalty to Michael.

From Lebanon they traveled to Israel. Met many people there and Michael came to accept his heritage with great understanding.........and gained a sense of pride rather than embarrassment.

I challenge everyone to read the book. Lots of reality and emotions because they are psychologists and knew how to help others while helping themselves. Michael describes the terrain and challenges so well; you feel as if right along with them. Multiple scenarios and funny stories add to the memoir.



#NetGalley #Riding the Edge

Riding The Edge : A Love Song to Deborah, is a well written and heartfelt memoir.

The best way to explain it would be as described in the book - The story of a thirty something years old man, on an around-the-world odyssey with the woman he loves.

The story takes place around 1980s. Michael - an American Jew and Deborah - an American Arab, both psychologists, travel East with a desire to discover themselves in the land of their ancestors.

The book talks about love, faith, war, comfort, religion and much more. It is filled with unexpected turns and events, and does have an analytical aspect that's interesting.

It was engaging and exciting to know about the family histories of Michael and Deborah and its effect on their futures.

I'd recommend readers who are interested in memoirs, self-discovery or traveling book to give Riding The Edge a try.

Thank you netgalley, publishers and author, Michael Tobin for the ARC.

I am not even sure where to start with this one. It starts as a memoir but quickly becomes so much more. This story dives deep, stirring the soul and making the reader look inside themselves as well. It is more than just a love story between two people, it is so much more.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an advance copy of this book in return for an honest review

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.

My thanks to Michael Tobin, River Grove Books and NetGalley for allowing me to read this copy.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an advance copy of this book in return for an honest review.

It’s 1974 and Michael and Deborah meet on a disco dance floor. Intuitively, both knew they had found “the one” yet it took a few years, an around-the-world bike tour and some deep soul-searching for both of them to understand how they were going to make their journey together. Deborah identifies as a Lebanese Christian from West Virginia, and Michael is a non-practicing American Jew. Both are successful psychologists, yet there is an undercurrent of restlessness in each of them. Giving up their practices, they decide to cycle to Paris and stay with Deborah’s friend, then on to Italy, Croatia, Greece, Lebanon in search of Deborah’s long-lost family, and end in Israel with Michael exploring his Jewish roots.

While Michael’s memoir starts as a travel diary, it gradually becomes a spiritual journey and a study of relationships. While Michael and Deborah take stock of their relationship to each other, their place in the world and connections to their cultures and fellow man are explored.

The writing is engaging, and Michael brings to life the places they visit, the people they meet and the food they eat. From the cafes in Paris to war-torn Lebanon, their journey is full of good, bad, happy, sad, ugly and beautiful, with a very touching ending.

https://candysplanet.wordpress.com/

Thank you to NetGalley, the publishers, and the author for giving me the opportunity to review this book. This was such a remarkable story. I really felt like I was traveling the world with our two characters. My favorite thing about reading is all that I get to experience through the author’s writing.

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

A memoir of a trip 40 years ago is as vivid and timely as today. Ostensibly a love letter to his wife as she is lost in the wilds of dementia, it is an ode to a time passed on in the histories of the people met during a bike ride thru Europe and the Middle East. Moving and thoughtful.