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Blind Curves: A Woman, a Motorcycle, and a Journey to Reinvent Herself
After months of following one-size-fits-all advice for a fifty-seven-year-old widow, Linda Crill is still miserable, until she makes a rebellious spur-of-the-moment she trades her corporate suits for motorcycle leathers and commits herself to a 2,500-mile road trip down America’s Pacific Northwest coast on a Harley. The problem—she doesn’t know how to ride and has only thirty days to learn.
Four short weeks later, Linda joins two men and a woman for a white-knuckled, exhilarating road trip along the west coast from Vancouver, Canada, to the wine country of Mendocino, California. Along the way she encounters washed-out mountain roads, small town hospitality, humming redwoods, and acceptance from gentle souls who happen to have tattoos and piercings.
By heading into the unknown—the blind curve—she faces her fears, tests old beliefs, and discovers not only a broader horizon of possibilities to use in building the next phase of her life, but also the fuel to make it happen.
Funny, irreverent, and extraordinarily honest, it’s the perfect read for people looking for ways to reinvent themselves, and anyone “What now?”
Four short weeks later, Linda joins two men and a woman for a white-knuckled, exhilarating road trip along the west coast from Vancouver, Canada, to the wine country of Mendocino, California. Along the way she encounters washed-out mountain roads, small town hospitality, humming redwoods, and acceptance from gentle souls who happen to have tattoos and piercings.
By heading into the unknown—the blind curve—she faces her fears, tests old beliefs, and discovers not only a broader horizon of possibilities to use in building the next phase of her life, but also the fuel to make it happen.
Funny, irreverent, and extraordinarily honest, it’s the perfect read for people looking for ways to reinvent themselves, and anyone “What now?”
256 pages, Hardcover
First published March 1, 2013
16 people are currently reading
49 people want to read
About the author
Linda Crill
2 books4 followersLinda Crill is a sought-after Washington DC area executive, consultant and international speaker who has worked with Citigroup, Cadbury-Mott’s, Goldman Sachs and Marriott International, Inc., as well as many other Fortune 100 companies, universities, non-profits, and government departments and agencies.
Today, Crill, a mother of three, lectures and writes on how to manage change and reinvent yourself, your life and your business. “Discoveries,” she says,” are waiting to be found around each blind curve.”
Today, Crill, a mother of three, lectures and writes on how to manage change and reinvent yourself, your life and your business. “Discoveries,” she says,” are waiting to be found around each blind curve.”
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
January 31, 2020
As I'm from the PNW, I was anxious to read something set here. I enjoyed some of the writer's style, but some errors are kind of glaring. Make sure when you're writing about real places that you get things exactly right.
Otherwise, I liked her journey and the things she learned about herself.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
Otherwise, I liked her journey and the things she learned about herself.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
April 27, 2014
Title is the perfect metaphor for what one might experience while looking to create a new life after the death of a spouse. Linda Crill at 57 took up motorcycling. Too ambitious a challenge for me but inspiring nevertheless. Her trip down the Pacific Coast and then inland to eastern Washington described just how difficult riding a motorcycle can be. Linda found new strengths and great enjoyment. Good for her!
Just one note to the editor: It's Gray's Harbor, not Gray Harbor.
Just one note to the editor: It's Gray's Harbor, not Gray Harbor.
March 26, 2018
Easy pleasant read with few surprises
Linda's discovery of herself after the death of her husband reads like a travel guide rather than self discovery. The Linda at the beginning is the same at the end for the reader.
Linda's discovery of herself after the death of her husband reads like a travel guide rather than self discovery. The Linda at the beginning is the same at the end for the reader.
December 26, 2018
I needed to read a book that included a motorcycle journey, but it was hard to find a story that I could identify with as I have never ridden a motorcycle and don't know much about it. This was a nice choice, since the author was a complete novice to start with and she did a decent job of talking about her learning experience. I felt as though I learned something about motorcycles without feeling like I was on the outside staring in or that I was being patronized.
It was a decent enough book. It occasionally got a little heavy on the soul-searching-finding-peace-in-everything bits, which kept it a 3 star book instead of a 4 star. Overall I enjoyed it.
It was a decent enough book. It occasionally got a little heavy on the soul-searching-finding-peace-in-everything bits, which kept it a 3 star book instead of a 4 star. Overall I enjoyed it.
June 18, 2024
Linda breaks the deadlock she’s in after the death of her husband by learning to ride a motorcycle and embarking on a road trip. The trip, and the book, are all about Linda’s journey to rediscover herself rather than sightseeing. The long hours on the road, concentrating on riding safely (and getting to enjoy it for its own sake), allow plenty of time to reflect on the past, present and future.
June 27, 2019
Great story as well as an opportunity to share light on drastic changes
I hope anyone who reads this understands motorcycle lifestyles as well as the need to make a decision when life throws a curve at you.
I hope anyone who reads this understands motorcycle lifestyles as well as the need to make a decision when life throws a curve at you.
September 12, 2021
I wouldn’t have picked this book up any other time than now when I am learning to ride motorcycle myself. It’s nice to hear all the fears and experiences I am going through as a new rider are reflected by someone else.
Read
July 22, 2019Awesome book about the drive of a middle age woman!
March 18, 2022
Lovely story… good to see women taking control and doing stuff…. Brava
April 8, 2023
I listened to the audiobook on Audible and it was a great listen.
May 4, 2013
lindacrill
After Linda Crill's husband dies, she knows it is necessary to change her life. She decides to learn how to drive a motorcycle. She has never ridden one. She joins a group with one other lady and two guys. They leave from Vancouver, Canada with the intention of riding 2500 miles. This is their final goal before returning to their homes. The book is written in a wonderful style. It is nonfiction. However, it seems like a novel. I hated to stop reading it to go out or to do a chore. It is an inspiring book because Linda Crill is fifty-seven years old. She has been a CEO. She is also picking a challenge which will test her in every way possible. I just could not believe this woman would choose to drive a motorcycle. If so, I felt very worried for her.
I've always wondered why people choose a quest like climbing a mountain, skiing down the steepest slope or walking long distances alone. After reading Blind Curves, I understand why these brave people pick such choices. Like Linda they are intent on overcoming their fears. It is like saying if I can climb a mountain surely I can fight this lawsuit, this neighbor who hollers at my children for no reason or stand by a relative or friend during an illness or some other dark valley of their lives. Risks help make people stronger. Linda Crill writes it in a far more inspiring and wonderful way than I can ever describe using my words.
I had the chance to learn a good bit about a motorcycle too. The one Linda Crill drove weighed 500 pounds. One day she had forgotten to put down the kickstand. The bike fell over. What a hustle to pick it up again. For a while Linda Crill had to really focus on every move she made while driving. At stop lights she would count down 1,2,3,4 the number of gears. She often hoped for times when the traffic light would stay green. Then, she could keep riding without stopping. To stop meant she might fall behind the group and lose sight of them or something else might go wrong.
She really makes a person want to hop on a bike or just use their two legs and walk through different places in America. Our country is beautiful. "A mesmerizing, snow-capped mountain appeared in the distance It stood solo and regal, unaccompanied by foothills or other mountains...roughly 14000-foot volcano was Mount Shasta." I remember her talking about Crater Lake. It had been a volcano. Then, it cooled and the evaporation of rain made a beautiful lake. They also stopped in a little German town.Ms. Crill found her grandparents' house by chance. She rode back the next day to make sure she was not mistaken and all of her wonderful memories of that time sprang to the surface
She also stopped by a German bakery. When she described the pastries, I wanted to stop reading and go to a bakery. She also made me think about the importance of a support group, friendships, when a person takes on a new and perhaps dangerous quest. She always knew the two guys were looking out for her best interests. And her friend, Eva, always encouraged her too. The group put into action the words of The Three Musketeers. " All for one; one for all." Since the group were always united and hit it off so well Linda Crill suffered little damage to herself or to her bike. "Aside from the obvious danger and risk of injury, this whole experience could have resulted in some serious consequences for our happy group. What if we hadn't all been able to agree as a group to either go forward or turn around and ride against traffic?"
There are so many themes in this novel: friendship, risk taking, anxiety, change and trying new knowing they won't kill us. I will never drive around another blind curve without thinking of Linda Crill's many metaphors and other poetic passages which are really ways to live a more successful life, and you don't have to choose to drive a motorcycle. "This feeling of being in the zone isn't unique to motorcycling. Athletes, artists, professionals, craftsmen, gardeners, meditators....find this ethereal state. It's a glorious feeling when it happens...But this feeling can't be commanded to appear. A natural combination of skill, focus and relaxation allows an individual to fall into the activity's natural rhythm."
As I read BLIND CURVES, I began to see Linda Crill as a thinker, philosopher, a woman who knew how to search her soul. I would like to end with one of her Redwood mighty thoughts.
"When the unknown, unwanted or undeserved occurs our answers often are found around blind curves where expanded horizons reveal increased possibilities and new ways of being."
After Linda Crill's husband dies, she knows it is necessary to change her life. She decides to learn how to drive a motorcycle. She has never ridden one. She joins a group with one other lady and two guys. They leave from Vancouver, Canada with the intention of riding 2500 miles. This is their final goal before returning to their homes. The book is written in a wonderful style. It is nonfiction. However, it seems like a novel. I hated to stop reading it to go out or to do a chore. It is an inspiring book because Linda Crill is fifty-seven years old. She has been a CEO. She is also picking a challenge which will test her in every way possible. I just could not believe this woman would choose to drive a motorcycle. If so, I felt very worried for her.
I've always wondered why people choose a quest like climbing a mountain, skiing down the steepest slope or walking long distances alone. After reading Blind Curves, I understand why these brave people pick such choices. Like Linda they are intent on overcoming their fears. It is like saying if I can climb a mountain surely I can fight this lawsuit, this neighbor who hollers at my children for no reason or stand by a relative or friend during an illness or some other dark valley of their lives. Risks help make people stronger. Linda Crill writes it in a far more inspiring and wonderful way than I can ever describe using my words.
I had the chance to learn a good bit about a motorcycle too. The one Linda Crill drove weighed 500 pounds. One day she had forgotten to put down the kickstand. The bike fell over. What a hustle to pick it up again. For a while Linda Crill had to really focus on every move she made while driving. At stop lights she would count down 1,2,3,4 the number of gears. She often hoped for times when the traffic light would stay green. Then, she could keep riding without stopping. To stop meant she might fall behind the group and lose sight of them or something else might go wrong.
She really makes a person want to hop on a bike or just use their two legs and walk through different places in America. Our country is beautiful. "A mesmerizing, snow-capped mountain appeared in the distance It stood solo and regal, unaccompanied by foothills or other mountains...roughly 14000-foot volcano was Mount Shasta." I remember her talking about Crater Lake. It had been a volcano. Then, it cooled and the evaporation of rain made a beautiful lake. They also stopped in a little German town.Ms. Crill found her grandparents' house by chance. She rode back the next day to make sure she was not mistaken and all of her wonderful memories of that time sprang to the surface
She also stopped by a German bakery. When she described the pastries, I wanted to stop reading and go to a bakery. She also made me think about the importance of a support group, friendships, when a person takes on a new and perhaps dangerous quest. She always knew the two guys were looking out for her best interests. And her friend, Eva, always encouraged her too. The group put into action the words of The Three Musketeers. " All for one; one for all." Since the group were always united and hit it off so well Linda Crill suffered little damage to herself or to her bike. "Aside from the obvious danger and risk of injury, this whole experience could have resulted in some serious consequences for our happy group. What if we hadn't all been able to agree as a group to either go forward or turn around and ride against traffic?"
There are so many themes in this novel: friendship, risk taking, anxiety, change and trying new knowing they won't kill us. I will never drive around another blind curve without thinking of Linda Crill's many metaphors and other poetic passages which are really ways to live a more successful life, and you don't have to choose to drive a motorcycle. "This feeling of being in the zone isn't unique to motorcycling. Athletes, artists, professionals, craftsmen, gardeners, meditators....find this ethereal state. It's a glorious feeling when it happens...But this feeling can't be commanded to appear. A natural combination of skill, focus and relaxation allows an individual to fall into the activity's natural rhythm."
As I read BLIND CURVES, I began to see Linda Crill as a thinker, philosopher, a woman who knew how to search her soul. I would like to end with one of her Redwood mighty thoughts.
"When the unknown, unwanted or undeserved occurs our answers often are found around blind curves where expanded horizons reveal increased possibilities and new ways of being."
July 21, 2019
This was a very nice read. As a motorcycle enthusiast for over 40+ years, I can certainty relate to Linda's story, journey, and experiences. Well done, I wish you all the best on your self discovery and new found affection for being on 2 wheels.
Joe
Joe
June 9, 2022
Simply put, this is the best motorcycle travel book since Zen and the Art Of Motorcycle Maintenance. This is a book about healing, self discovery, and embracing the unseen future. I am a huge fan of this genre, I have read almost every motorcycle travel book on Amazon. Many of them come off condescending and judgmental towards other riders, brands of motorcycles, tourists doing what tourists do, and other things. I was thrilled that this author had nothing negative to say about other riders. This is a journey of emotions and how she looks at the world and how she sees change. and it is perfect.
July 4, 2013
Blind Curves
Linda Crill
Author: Linda Crill
Publisher: Opus International
Language: English
ISBN: 098589850X
Copyright: 1st Ed. edition (March 1, 2013)
Rating
Blurb
After 18 months of following one-size-fits-all advice for a 57-year-old widow, Linda Crill was still miserable. In a moment of rebellion, she traded her corporate suits for motorcycle leathers and committed herself to a 2,500-mile road trip down America's Pacific Northwest coast riding a motorcycle. The problem she didn't know how to ride and had only 30 days to learn.
From Vancouver, Canada, to the wine country of California, this out-of-character choice became a catalyst for discovering answers to What Now? By heading into the unknown the blind curve she faced her fears, tested old beliefs, and discovered not only a broader horizon of possibilities to use in building the next phase of her life but also the fuel to make it happen.
Funny, irreverent, and extraordinarily honest, it s the perfect read for people looking for ways to reinvent themselves, and anyone asking: What now?
My thought
Linda Crill is starting a new life. She didn't volunteer to choose a new way of life. This new life is thrust upon her after her husband's death. She knows her life calls for change. She chooses to do something she's never done. She picks and buys a 500 lb. motorcyle. After learning how to drive it, she will drive around and through the Pacific Northwest. First, she has to learn how to hold this big motor baby up without dropping it, past a driver's test and learn all bikers don't wear tattoos.
Linda learned quickly how to roll with the road and leave her sadness behind.The motorcycle journey didn't solve Linda's issues and didn't fix her broken heart. But it did help her get off the road she had been on - grieving, taking care of others instead of self - and step back to reflect, breathe, and listen. She had found new strength to go ahead, new trust within herself to try new things
This book contains Clear, engaging, conversational prose.The story keeps the reader sailing around the curves.
Linda Crill
Author: Linda Crill
Publisher: Opus International
Language: English
ISBN: 098589850X
Copyright: 1st Ed. edition (March 1, 2013)
Rating
Blurb
After 18 months of following one-size-fits-all advice for a 57-year-old widow, Linda Crill was still miserable. In a moment of rebellion, she traded her corporate suits for motorcycle leathers and committed herself to a 2,500-mile road trip down America's Pacific Northwest coast riding a motorcycle. The problem she didn't know how to ride and had only 30 days to learn.
From Vancouver, Canada, to the wine country of California, this out-of-character choice became a catalyst for discovering answers to What Now? By heading into the unknown the blind curve she faced her fears, tested old beliefs, and discovered not only a broader horizon of possibilities to use in building the next phase of her life but also the fuel to make it happen.
Funny, irreverent, and extraordinarily honest, it s the perfect read for people looking for ways to reinvent themselves, and anyone asking: What now?
My thought
Linda Crill is starting a new life. She didn't volunteer to choose a new way of life. This new life is thrust upon her after her husband's death. She knows her life calls for change. She chooses to do something she's never done. She picks and buys a 500 lb. motorcyle. After learning how to drive it, she will drive around and through the Pacific Northwest. First, she has to learn how to hold this big motor baby up without dropping it, past a driver's test and learn all bikers don't wear tattoos.
Linda learned quickly how to roll with the road and leave her sadness behind.The motorcycle journey didn't solve Linda's issues and didn't fix her broken heart. But it did help her get off the road she had been on - grieving, taking care of others instead of self - and step back to reflect, breathe, and listen. She had found new strength to go ahead, new trust within herself to try new things
This book contains Clear, engaging, conversational prose.The story keeps the reader sailing around the curves.
January 16, 2016
This is a very encouraging book. It makes you think if a 57 year old woman can learn to ride a motorcycle and ride cross country, what can I do? It proves that age really has no limits and neither does gender as far as that goes. I loved that she was older and I loved that she was a woman! I say - Good for her!
This book was a little slow in spots that why I gave it 3 stars. I also expected a little more descriptions about the places they went. There were a few but mostly it was all about the bike the riders and things that happened on the road - this was all very descriptive!
But still very good and still very interesting.
Here are a few good quotes -
"Suddenly I was flat on the asphalt, pinned down by the 500-pound motorcycle, crushing my right leg. Disoriented, I wondered where I was. Shock waves radiated up through my body."
"It's impossible to look at someone on a motorcycle and know what they do for a living. A man riding an old heritage-style motorcycle, wearing a well-worn jacket covered with skulls and crossbones over a muscle shirt that has seen better days, is as likely to be a corporate executive as a machine welder. And just as at a masquerade party, no one asks what a person does for a living, it's immaterial."
"The blind curves faced on this road trip had been filled with fears that needed to be surfaced, heard and then gently honored as they faded, leaving room for new feelings and discoveries. Around these curves previous self-centered boundaries were erased. Each day on this trip my world became wider. As a motorcyclist, I viewed my world with beginner eyes. ~ I loved this quote!
Very nice read with no swearing, no sex. And with Lots of heartfelt adventure. Take a ride with Linda on her bike in this true story of one woman's excitement in starting her life over again - on a motorcycle!
Also I wanted to say , this is a very good quality book! Nice thick pages and a beautiful glossy cover.
This book was a little slow in spots that why I gave it 3 stars. I also expected a little more descriptions about the places they went. There were a few but mostly it was all about the bike the riders and things that happened on the road - this was all very descriptive!
But still very good and still very interesting.
Here are a few good quotes -
"Suddenly I was flat on the asphalt, pinned down by the 500-pound motorcycle, crushing my right leg. Disoriented, I wondered where I was. Shock waves radiated up through my body."
"It's impossible to look at someone on a motorcycle and know what they do for a living. A man riding an old heritage-style motorcycle, wearing a well-worn jacket covered with skulls and crossbones over a muscle shirt that has seen better days, is as likely to be a corporate executive as a machine welder. And just as at a masquerade party, no one asks what a person does for a living, it's immaterial."
"The blind curves faced on this road trip had been filled with fears that needed to be surfaced, heard and then gently honored as they faded, leaving room for new feelings and discoveries. Around these curves previous self-centered boundaries were erased. Each day on this trip my world became wider. As a motorcyclist, I viewed my world with beginner eyes. ~ I loved this quote!
Very nice read with no swearing, no sex. And with Lots of heartfelt adventure. Take a ride with Linda on her bike in this true story of one woman's excitement in starting her life over again - on a motorcycle!
Also I wanted to say , this is a very good quality book! Nice thick pages and a beautiful glossy cover.
July 6, 2013
Life threw corporate executive Linda Crill a blind curve when her beloved husband died of cancer. Eighteen months later 57-year-old Crill realizes she needs to make dramatic changes in order to cope with her unabated grief. She accepts an invitation from an old college friend to join a group trip from Vancouver, Canada to San Francisco - on motorcycles. The challenge - Crill isn’t an experienced rider and has only 30 days to learn.
Crill arrives at a Harley dealership to attend a three-day rider safety course quickly realizing how out of her element she is, how complex the machine and the knowledge, skill and hard work required to become a rider. After the first day, with faltering confidence she makes the decision to complete the course. During her first road test Crill drops her bike.
With openness and honesty Crill reveals her self-doubts, the bruises, failures and fears as well as the successes of new skills, confidence, determined grit, and satisfying adventure.
More than a decade older than Crill and never ever thinking of riding a motorcycle I still found the details of learning to ride, the machine and the road travel fascinating. Having traveled the same Canada to California route I enjoyed the location descriptions. And, I think every reader could benefit from Crill’s message of taking charge of one’s own life and daring to make changes and face new adventures - ready to face the next blind curve.
Crill arrives at a Harley dealership to attend a three-day rider safety course quickly realizing how out of her element she is, how complex the machine and the knowledge, skill and hard work required to become a rider. After the first day, with faltering confidence she makes the decision to complete the course. During her first road test Crill drops her bike.
With openness and honesty Crill reveals her self-doubts, the bruises, failures and fears as well as the successes of new skills, confidence, determined grit, and satisfying adventure.
More than a decade older than Crill and never ever thinking of riding a motorcycle I still found the details of learning to ride, the machine and the road travel fascinating. Having traveled the same Canada to California route I enjoyed the location descriptions. And, I think every reader could benefit from Crill’s message of taking charge of one’s own life and daring to make changes and face new adventures - ready to face the next blind curve.
June 25, 2013
0nce you’re a widow, folks treat you “different.” Oh, they do mean well; but after awhile it gets old. Which is when Linda Crill decided to make some changes. She had been widowed unexpectedly but that was over eighteen months ago and Linda was only 57! Things had to change.
And they did. She drove to the local Harley dealer and went shopping. She didn’t buy that day but did sign up for the Motorcycle Safety Course they were offering. Three days later she took her final road test – and failed. Not to be deterred, she retook the test elsewhere and passed! Now on to part two of her plan.
Friends of friends were planning a two week trip down the Washington, Oregon California coast and Linda was invited. This involved a bike she didn’t know, people she didn’t and roads she absolutely didn’t know. All in all a definite challenge for a board-room style lady waaayyyy out of her comfort zone.
This book, filled with thoughts on life and God; laughter and near crisis was a very uplifting tale that Linda Crill does an excellent job of telling. She is serious, humorous and is so easy to read that you’ll find yourself going back over pages in case you missed something. We ride and I would love to take this exact trip (thanks, Linda, for the lodging recommendations!) someday.
And they did. She drove to the local Harley dealer and went shopping. She didn’t buy that day but did sign up for the Motorcycle Safety Course they were offering. Three days later she took her final road test – and failed. Not to be deterred, she retook the test elsewhere and passed! Now on to part two of her plan.
Friends of friends were planning a two week trip down the Washington, Oregon California coast and Linda was invited. This involved a bike she didn’t know, people she didn’t and roads she absolutely didn’t know. All in all a definite challenge for a board-room style lady waaayyyy out of her comfort zone.
This book, filled with thoughts on life and God; laughter and near crisis was a very uplifting tale that Linda Crill does an excellent job of telling. She is serious, humorous and is so easy to read that you’ll find yourself going back over pages in case you missed something. We ride and I would love to take this exact trip (thanks, Linda, for the lodging recommendations!) someday.
September 11, 2013
A 57 yr. old woman learns to ride and conquer a huge, heavy motorcycle and then immediatly go on a 10 day trip? Very inspiring and thought provoking!! Makes me want to get out there and try new things.
I enjoyed reading about the road trip Linda took, and even her thoughts on her late husband and how she was coping. She shared her doubts about herself, and shows how to overcome your fears and how to have a “I can do this” attitude.
This would be a good book for someone who has lost someone and feels disconnected. Linda Crill helps us see that life doesn’t have to end when our spouse dies. It will of course never be the same, but you can invent a new life. You just have to decide what kind of life you want to live, and to go for it.
There are many emotions throughout this book as Linda talks about her life, the death of her husband, the grief that consumed her, and finally the healing process. There is also some humor in the book, and although there isn’t much in the way of describing the scenery along her trip, there are a few times when she and her riding partners stopped to discover their surrounding and she described them so well that I felt as if I was actually there looking at everything.
I really enjoyed this book and would definitely recommend it!
I enjoyed reading about the road trip Linda took, and even her thoughts on her late husband and how she was coping. She shared her doubts about herself, and shows how to overcome your fears and how to have a “I can do this” attitude.
This would be a good book for someone who has lost someone and feels disconnected. Linda Crill helps us see that life doesn’t have to end when our spouse dies. It will of course never be the same, but you can invent a new life. You just have to decide what kind of life you want to live, and to go for it.
There are many emotions throughout this book as Linda talks about her life, the death of her husband, the grief that consumed her, and finally the healing process. There is also some humor in the book, and although there isn’t much in the way of describing the scenery along her trip, there are a few times when she and her riding partners stopped to discover their surrounding and she described them so well that I felt as if I was actually there looking at everything.
I really enjoyed this book and would definitely recommend it!
May 7, 2013
BLIND CURVES by Linda Crill is an interesting and poignant Widows/Biography/Memoir. A great story of what now? Linda Crill had it all, she was 57 years old, a Fortune 100 executive,successful,mother,and wife. Until her husband died after a battle with cancer,and left her a widow and a bit lost. What now she asked herself? You pick up the pieces of your shattered heart,rework your life,face your fears,and move forward. So Linda learns to ride a, yes,a motercycle and takes off on a road trip down America's Northwest coast from Canada to California with two men and another woman. What she learns are valuable lessons,finds new friendships,broadens her horizons,and begins another phase of her life. A poignant,sometimes funny story of life,death,grief,healing and finding herself again. A powerful yet interesting story! We are not defined by our age or circumstances. We can redefine ourselves. So ask yourself, what now? If you a recent widow, or just adrift in your life,what a powerful story to read. Very impressive! Received for an honest review from the publisher and The Cadence Group.
RATING: 4
HEAT RATING: SWEET
REVIEWED BY: AprilR,(Courtesy of My Book Addiction and More)
RATING: 4
HEAT RATING: SWEET
REVIEWED BY: AprilR,(Courtesy of My Book Addiction and More)
April 12, 2016
As someone from a poverty background, I wanted to dislike this book. Although Crill professed open mindedness to the "real" bikers she met, I sniffed a whiff of privilege that snapped a wedge between her and many she met along her journey. But, darn it, she won me over, and that makes me laugh. Yes, she's from a more privileged background than many she meets en route (and certainly from mine). But she grapples with her stereotypes and comes through with more understanding than she had when her trip started.
Crill's book feeds on her professional perspective, as an organizational development consultant. At times, I wanted to say, "So...get on with it. This is not a consulting book. It's an experience of growth." But every time I thought that, Crill took my hand and led me beyond my stereotypes of privilege.
Crill was dealing with the aftermath of the death of her beloved spouse. She was a greenie biker. Motorcycles were oh-so-outré. But friends invited her to join them, and she set aside a lot (not all) of her stereotypes to join them. And she drew me into her book. I ended up enjoying the book and ready to invite anyone who's experienced loss to read it.
Crill's book feeds on her professional perspective, as an organizational development consultant. At times, I wanted to say, "So...get on with it. This is not a consulting book. It's an experience of growth." But every time I thought that, Crill took my hand and led me beyond my stereotypes of privilege.
Crill was dealing with the aftermath of the death of her beloved spouse. She was a greenie biker. Motorcycles were oh-so-outré. But friends invited her to join them, and she set aside a lot (not all) of her stereotypes to join them. And she drew me into her book. I ended up enjoying the book and ready to invite anyone who's experienced loss to read it.
May 7, 2013
Since I’m a woman well over 40, Linda Crill’s Blind Curves was impossible for me to resist. After her husband dies Crill tries to recover by doing all the right things--getting plenty of rest, eating nourishing food, etc--but when she’s still miserable she decides to try something “wrong” instead. Motorcycle riding. As an avid bicyclist she never thought she’d go to the other side, but when the opportunity comes to take a 10-day motorcycle trip through redwood forests on the Pacific coast she’s intrigued. Crill has to get a license to drive a motorcycle first, and while the whole process of preparing for and even participating in the trip is stressful and difficult she finds rising to the challenges is making her happier. Blind Curves is as much about decision making and life reinvention as it is about her physical journey. Crill’s background as a consultant and speaker for Fortune 100 companies comes through in her writing and though I don’t usually seek out motivational books I couldn’t help but be inspired.
July 9, 2013
Linda Crill's book was a joy to read. She takes us through the raw experience of grieving for her husband, then shares just as deeply, her experience of reinventing a new life for herself. One of my favorite quotes from the book was,
"It's impossible to look at someone on a motorcycle and know what they do for a living. A man riding an old heritage-style motorcycle, wearing a well-worn jacket covered with skulls and crossbones over a muscle shirt that has seen better days, is as likely to be a corporate executive as a machine welder. And just as at a masquerade party, no one asks what a person does for a living, it's immaterial."
I liked this in particular because my son owns a Harley. I have seen people judge him based on the leather on his back, the tattoos on his arms, and the motorcycle he is riding. That Linda would find such an outrageous, totally "out of the box" way to work through her transformation is a testament to her strong spirit.
"It's impossible to look at someone on a motorcycle and know what they do for a living. A man riding an old heritage-style motorcycle, wearing a well-worn jacket covered with skulls and crossbones over a muscle shirt that has seen better days, is as likely to be a corporate executive as a machine welder. And just as at a masquerade party, no one asks what a person does for a living, it's immaterial."
I liked this in particular because my son owns a Harley. I have seen people judge him based on the leather on his back, the tattoos on his arms, and the motorcycle he is riding. That Linda would find such an outrageous, totally "out of the box" way to work through her transformation is a testament to her strong spirit.
September 9, 2019
I read this as part of the first selection for the Manchester College (now University) Alumni book club. I liked the idea of alumni reading books of value together and having the opportunity to talk about them. This particular selection is written by an alumna from the 1970's. It is a memoir about a very specific several weeks in her life when she pushed herself on a Pacific motorcycle ride after never having ridden in her life. This ride took her through literal and theoretical challenges that helped provide focus and clarity in the midst of grief over the death of her husband.
I found the writing and reflection to be very engaging. Sometimes the metaphors got to be a bit too expansive for my taste, but I always followed what she was trying to convey. While the book did not inspire me to undertake my own motorcycle adventure - it was a reminder that creating and pursing my own challenges and adventures give meaning and build unexpected relationships in my life.
I found the writing and reflection to be very engaging. Sometimes the metaphors got to be a bit too expansive for my taste, but I always followed what she was trying to convey. While the book did not inspire me to undertake my own motorcycle adventure - it was a reminder that creating and pursing my own challenges and adventures give meaning and build unexpected relationships in my life.
June 26, 2013
Linda Crill is a widow, following the advice put out to her as to how to go on, what to do next. Unhappy, she decides to completely change directions with her life. She puts aside a high paced career, for life on a motorcycle. She commits to a 2500 mile journey, having only 30 days to plan it. She then takes classes to learn how to tame the 800+ pound machine.
Unsure of what she is doing, she chooses to go for it, and makes the journey. From Canada through California, Linda takes every blind curve bravely facing the unknown in search of answers for herself and her future.
Her book is not only her travelogue, but also motor cycle history and facts. She writes with heart, humour and courage. This is a very enjoyable book for those who wonder what may beyond that “blind curve”, and those who may seek it.
Unsure of what she is doing, she chooses to go for it, and makes the journey. From Canada through California, Linda takes every blind curve bravely facing the unknown in search of answers for herself and her future.
Her book is not only her travelogue, but also motor cycle history and facts. She writes with heart, humour and courage. This is a very enjoyable book for those who wonder what may beyond that “blind curve”, and those who may seek it.
December 21, 2015
Linda has her mid-life crisis late, after her husband dies and she is mired in the loving cocoon of her "new' life doing all the things people say she should but feeling mired not uplifted. She decides to learn to ride a motorcycle so that she can take a 2500 miles journey with new and old friends. What she learns along the way is what many people who are fortunate learn as they approach middle life - you must live in the moment and just "do" sometimes. It is all about the journey and discovering who you are inside much more that the accomplishments you garner along the way. An added bonus to this book are the descriptions of the places she vsisits on the trip - Crater lake, the Redwoods, the Pacific Coast highway and more. Linda appreciates the call of nature and is able to give the reader many of the same feelings and insights as if you were there yourself. Really good read.
February 10, 2014
Linda is suddenly single after her husband's battle with cancer and after more than a year of still being depressed and lonely she decides to learn to ride a motorcycle. Timid and nervous she flunks the test over and over until finally by a shear miracle, she passes.
Good thing, because she is set to go on a ten day ride with three other people. She buys her leathers and helmet- no mocking at death skeletons on the helmet- and meets up with the group.
This book is her ten day journey. It is the story of discovering her self-assured self, her willing to take chances self, her willing to meet new people self. All because of a motorcycle.
It is a quick read with a motivational feel to it.
Good thing, because she is set to go on a ten day ride with three other people. She buys her leathers and helmet- no mocking at death skeletons on the helmet- and meets up with the group.
This book is her ten day journey. It is the story of discovering her self-assured self, her willing to take chances self, her willing to meet new people self. All because of a motorcycle.
It is a quick read with a motivational feel to it.
June 3, 2013
This book was provided as an advanced reader copy.
I felt an affinity for Linda Crill"s Blind Curve. Her journey to find a new perspective on life after losing her husband and business partner to cancer is something to be admired. She embraces a different world by learning to ride a motorcycle and cutting her teeth by taking a west coast adventure. In the course of driving thousands of miles with her friends she learns that challenges happen but they are also opportunities to experience life in new ways. Crill has a very philosophical style of writing that helped me understand her mindset during the trip and I could relate many of her insights to my own. Enjoyable to read!
I felt an affinity for Linda Crill"s Blind Curve. Her journey to find a new perspective on life after losing her husband and business partner to cancer is something to be admired. She embraces a different world by learning to ride a motorcycle and cutting her teeth by taking a west coast adventure. In the course of driving thousands of miles with her friends she learns that challenges happen but they are also opportunities to experience life in new ways. Crill has a very philosophical style of writing that helped me understand her mindset during the trip and I could relate many of her insights to my own. Enjoyable to read!
September 5, 2014
This book was provided as an advanced reader copy.
I felt an affinity for Linda Crill"s Blind Curve. Her journey to find a new perspective on life after losing her husband and business partner to cancer is something to be admired. She embraces a different world by learning to ride a motorcycle and cutting her teeth by taking a west coast adventure. In the course of driving thousands of miles with her friends she learns that challenges happen but they are also opportunities to experience life in new ways. Crill has a very philosophical style of writing that helped me understand her mindset during the trip and I could relate many of her insights to my own. Enjoyable to read!
I felt an affinity for Linda Crill"s Blind Curve. Her journey to find a new perspective on life after losing her husband and business partner to cancer is something to be admired. She embraces a different world by learning to ride a motorcycle and cutting her teeth by taking a west coast adventure. In the course of driving thousands of miles with her friends she learns that challenges happen but they are also opportunities to experience life in new ways. Crill has a very philosophical style of writing that helped me understand her mindset during the trip and I could relate many of her insights to my own. Enjoyable to read!
March 14, 2015
I gave it three stars for her bravery as opposed to the writing. After inhabiting the business world for almost 30 years, business motivational speakers leave me cold. Unfortunately, whether in promotion of her businesses interests or because that is her background, as a beginning writer that was how her story was framed. Ignoring that, it is a motivational story of moving beyond grief and a reminder that being alive is different than living. The best parts of her external (as opposed to internal) journey made me want to go out and get my motorcycle license or its equivalent as well.
July 21, 2014
Review: BLIND CURVES by Linda Crill
I was amazed at how meaningful I found this memoir. It's not "flibbertygibbety" "chick-lit," and the author is not some vain ego-pusher. Instead, she is forthright about her values and flaws, and although she faces fears and is not completely unafraid, the point is, she acknowledges, then learns how to cope with, those fears. Additionally, she leaves her reader with wise philosophy and the sense of time well-spent with this narrative.
I was amazed at how meaningful I found this memoir. It's not "flibbertygibbety" "chick-lit," and the author is not some vain ego-pusher. Instead, she is forthright about her values and flaws, and although she faces fears and is not completely unafraid, the point is, she acknowledges, then learns how to cope with, those fears. Additionally, she leaves her reader with wise philosophy and the sense of time well-spent with this narrative.
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