When The Road Beckons

by Ravi Manoram

When the Road Beckons' is an inspiring odyssey that promises to transform a generation. Caught in the inescapable hurricane of life,the protagonist decides to snap out of the everyday mendacity and go on a 4000 km motorbike journey across Ladakh. Little does he know whether he can complete this arduous and uncertain journey and finds himself struggling with the whims and fancies of the mountain. But soon, his journey transforms into a metamorphic one, unsettling the dusts in his mind and teaching him invaluable lessons. The changing landscapes take him on a quest to discover his true identity as he learns to break free and introspect. He finds a connection to his past and finds his way to build his future, the future he always wanted to build but never had the courage to do so. He learns to annihilate the impediments on his path to creativity and entrepreneurship which were created by fear and uncertainty and goes on to follow his bliss. 'When the Road Beckons' is not merely a travelogue but a valuable read for anyone on a quest for meaning of life but is afraid to step into the unknown. It's a story that will take you to that one person whom you are quite eager to discover. And that person is You. An ode to 'When the Road Beckons' I'm alive but I feel no life, When the sun goes down, the darkness arrives, tearing my heart with a knife. I have debts I remind myself, To my parents, my peers, to the divine himself; I can't reclaim what I never owned, For Life, it's not mine, but a loan I'm told. Lonesome I sit in a crowded room; There're many, but I'm in a cocoon. Like a puppet, I smile and greet, But I'm surely unknown to those I meet. A hush prevails, and it lingers longer, For the abyss, it's growing stronger. Empty as I am despite everything I need, Devoid of passion and purpose in my deed. There's a lull on the surface and a storm within. A boy awaits, to be heard, to be seen. Devoid of form, of life, of sight; I wait for death to end my plight. Listen to the voice, when she beckons, With the sound of her lullabies, your soul awakens. Take the road, the heart echoes, Follow the wind wherever it blows. I drive through the wilderness of the mountain; My heart and mind open like a fountain. The journey guides my soul, Devoid of judgements, hatred or control. The wind, the sun, the rivers, the trees, In their beauty, the soul foresees. Don't carry the past, nor fear the future, Embrace the present with all your vigour. Follow your heart and embrace the light, However uncertain seems your foresight. The Now is the past of tomorrow, The future is born from its shadow. I embrace that what my soul reckons. Tread I must, when the Road Beckons.

Genres: Travel, Nonfiction, Travelogue

284 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 25, 2015

Reviews

[Anbukarasan · Rating 1 out of 5]

i tried reading this book but find that its not worth reading after reaching the middle of it...

i like travel books... but this one is not so...

may be one caution is like choosing who can we ride with we also need to choose which book than just seeing the ratings..

if at all i still complete and there is something worth in the second half i might modify this review..

so far i had not given rating for books that i had read and found might be of value to others.. but i really want to give a -ive feedback and caution readers from this books...

[Kulpreet Yadav · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a terrific book. Honest & highly readable, 'When The Road Beckons' is a first-person account of a young Indian who is on a quest to discover the very purpose of his life. The narrator is a disillusioned youth who is not just suicidal, but who's also unhappy with everything he has done in his life so far. So one day, he invests all the money that he has to buy a Royal Enfiled Thunderbird motorcycle, finds two friends who are willing to undertake the journey with him, and leaves Delhi for the mountains to find answers to his questions, some known to him, and some simmering deep inside. The group of three travels through Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh, navigating on roads not known to be motorable, crisscrossing some of the most difficult mountain passes in the world, and risking their lives on more than a few occasions. The journey, in a way, introduces the narrator to the man he is capable of, waking him up in the process to his deepest desires, testing his nerves, making him fight with his innermost fears, and transforming him into the kind of person who is in firmer control of his destiny. That said, this book has a few typos and errors. I haven't taken any stars away for this, as I am aware that this is a self-published book and the author had no help from anyone. Yet, you must read this book and discover what a journey can do to a human soul.

[Mukesh Murmu · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked up this book as a Travelogue but it turns out to be far more than that. It’s a message to the society about the society, about finding yourself and at the same time will be entangled in the writer’s journey. This book depicted the events and places so beautifully that when the writer was leaving Leh; with him I too was feeling heartbroken and sad. I was hardly 4 pages into the book and there I was with him traveling, riding, falling, rising, fighting, smoking, drinking, loving.
“That’s the beauty of traveling, it leaves you speechless then turns you into a storyteller”
It’s a very powerful book, after every chapter, you will question yourself and learn something. Every chapter is an amalgamation of writer’s adventure and the lessons he learns from the hardship of his adventure. It will make you question everything you have believed in. After reading it, you may come up with your own version of plausible reasons to contradict the writer but deep down you know he is right.

[Ekta Kubba · Rating 5 out of 5]

'When The Road Beckons'. I must say i was captivated by the journey and most importantly the transformation of Ravi from a frustrated to-be-entrepreneur, a victim of the so called system and the standards set by the system-makers. It took me 3 days to finish reading this book, but i wish i would have slowed down my reading speed so that i might savour the delight of reading about this enlightening journey for more days, as i don't know what to do now after finished reading this masterpiece about every traveller's dream - the ShangriLa, Ladhakh. The way Ravi has shared his experience is enough for a reader to think himself/herself to be with him on his bike (ooops Thunderbird, my dream bike too, thatbi hope to rude soon ') throughout this journey. Thanks Ravi for writing this book '. It was a delight reading each and every page of your book.
All i can say is Keep Travelling and Keep Writing.

[Narendra Singh · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was Amazon that recommended this book, basis my reading history.
When I began reading this book, I hardly new this author, neither was inclined to know much as I felt it just a usual recommendation.


Having reached about 30% of the book so far, I have to admit this is one of the finest books that I have read in recent times. Its an Absolute delight. Especially the tit bits of the author's journey, which one would otherwise ignore.

Must have to off-roaders like me. Read on to discover the real YOU.

[Aravindh Sundaragopalan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Somehow I got a feeling the author wanted to write a book and he used the Ladakh ride experience to complete his ambitions.

Riding in Ladakh has become very common these days with modern gps and good roads and all those things. I have couple of friends who have done this. So I wasn't super thrilled about the whole hype about it in the first place.

Certain episodes are a little dragging.
Also I didn't think the author really explained his enlightenment ( something of that sort ) In a good way.

Good attempt but it stops there

[Ishitva Goel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspiring!

The author beautifully describes the complete journey, taking care of the minute yet important details. The book is not only a description of the trip and sights that the journey offered, it is also about the author's personal struggle to find his purpose, and the lessons he learned by facing uncertainties throughout his journey. Really liked the book 😊

[Shrinath Sridhar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Powerful, daring and inspiring. A stunning narrative of a journey that transformed the author's life. The best part is that, the narration is too good that the reader feels that he is not a witness, rather he feels that it is he who is riding the journey. Even if this book doesn't transform us, it makes a mark in our heart that reminds us to take responsibility for the journey of life and to daringly take a step to achieve our dreams.

[Jyoti · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brilliant piece of work

It's very well written, the experiences very well described and the people who travel to the mountains can very much relate with the events... All the best for your next venture!

[A Dreamer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliantly written book... Loved every chapter of it .. going through the book feels as if the reader is actually riding. .. read it only if you can control the urge to make plans for a ride to ladakh... Ready reckoner for anyone planning to ride there.. Or setting of on an entrepreneurial journey...

[Rudra Narayan Lenka]

This book amazed me till the end.Actually the landscapes where the book has been set made this book for me more interesting.i would like to suggest this book to more young persons with in the age range of 20 to 25,those who are blundered & doubtfull about their futures.Thank you to the writer for creating such a good work.

[Pankaj Goyal · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some way or another, Ravi has managed to write different stages of his journey to the region of Ladakh without creating a monotonous tone. Each chapter feels fresh and different. The author writes with both intellect and humour. He has the power of observation, certain elegance and a captivating style in his writing. All of these add up to the narrative and make this book a beautiful read. There are certain moments in the book that will take your breath away. The description of places has been done in such a way that you feel like you are actually travelling to these places. You imagine those places in your mind while taking a break from reading and clung to those imaginations for a long time. In fact, I got so enchanted by the description of some of the places described in the book that I searched them on internet and enjoyed the beauty of these places further by viewing the images of these beautiful places. It is not that there are no pictures in the book. The author has incorporated some selected ones in the book but their number is very less. And, this made me thinking that the inclusion of some more pictures of the places visited by the author in the book could certainly have enhanced the reading experience. It is a self-published book and the author had full liberty to do so.

Read the rest of the review on:
https://pgalmora.wordpress.com/2016/0...

[Bandita Verma · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of those books that I was not able to put down..something very refreshing about the first hand experiences, the journey itself is healing .. destination is just an outcome of it.. i read a few negative reviews of this book as well.. depends on which phase of life you are and what you expected from the book.. but I would strongly recommend it to everyone who believes that life is what you make of it..travelers who don't just travel to tick off things on bucket list but actually getting transformed in the course..people who are stuck in herd mentality won't relate to this one and people who don't have the courage to be on their own will find faults everywhere.. I was not expecting it to be that good .. understand there are few grammatical mistakes here and there.. but overall I think it is a good read!

[Bharath Bhandarkar · Rating 2 out of 5]

1. The author's journey to Ladakh does seem to be an adventurous one if you haven't undertaken the Ladakh journey. But having done so, I felt that there was a lot of exaggeration - especially in the first half of the book. However, the benefit of the doubt goes to the author since he undertook the journey in 2012
2. The latter half of the book was hard to read. I understand that the author wanted convey his sincere emotions, but somehow it translated to a philosophical cliche.
3. Brevity and good editing should be exercised by the author in his future works. The book could have been cut short by at-least 100 pages.
4. The writing conforms to contemporary Indian novelists like Chetan Bhagat (some parts being very dramatic)

P.S - These are just my opinions. I might be biased because I am just back from my Ladakh journey post which I read this book

[Siddharth Gujrathi · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 start - This might be one of best books on travel experiences every novice traveler should read. You will get everything out of this book which every new to traveling must have been imagined. Ravi Manoram has made balance between travel story and spiritual journey of oneself so amazing, which makes you realize what should be actual meaning and purpose of your each travel.

1 Start less - at some point author made chapters little stretched or I would say lengthier which might bore you and skip to next part.

[Reeba Devaraj · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is a good read...a very personal account of the author's journey to Ladakh and in the process the road to self-discovery. I felt that certain sections have been written without keeping the reader in mind as it gets very author-centric. Nonetheless, it is an enjoyable ride...

[Soul longings · Rating 2 out of 5]

new writer , good one time read , and mentally takes u to the famed journey , but the writer has mixed facts with fiction potraying himself as a casanova , which leaves as bad taste , but still its a good one time read and the writer has a long long way to go

[Rakesh Ravindran · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book tells you why you sometimes need to travel alone, not escape from life, but to rediscover what life is.

[praveen gopala · Rating 5 out of 5]

I felt that i been visited to ladakh with my soul & leaving body at home while reading this book. Really appreciate your efforts and dareness which come across your journey. Knowing hidden energy which maks us free all pains what you felt at ever corner to this journey. Finally you achived your success. While reading i felt i was standing beside you and watching entire journey. Lovely experience to me too.😀

I felt that i been visited to ladakh with my soul & leaving body at home while reading this book. Really appreciate your efforts and dareness which come across your journey. Knowing hidden energy which maks us free all pains what you felt at ever corner to this journey. Finally you achived your success. While reading i felt i was standing beside you and watching entire journey. Lovely experience to me too.😀

[Abhijeet Ranjan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was searching for books on travel and my Amazon search prompted me to this book. I checked the reviews and thus decided to go for it. I completed the book in almost a day and so. I really enjoyed the book and though I haven't been to that region , the description was enough to let me search the places on internet. It was good to read the vulnerability present in the author and the way he presented it be it in his life or driving.
But there were few things I didn't like such as discussing Kashmir, as I felt it was not addressed properly. It was kinda vague. At the same time the author presenting his beast mode. At no point I sensed a beast. Also I felt the book could have been crisped a little.
Though it was a good read and recommended one

[sagar bolbhat · Rating 4 out of 5]

content: 7/10
writing style: 7/10
writing flow: 8/10

as i started the book, initially i felt its a bit 'exaggerated reality'. sometimes if the real incident is not much exciting,writer starts exaggerating the emotions and incidents..
but as it progressed, words became genuine and emotions became honest..
towards the end, boom reached a new height that is close to spirituality..its a nice balance between practical and spiritual experience..

[Aashita · Rating 4 out of 5]

Traveller in you will b connected

travel, didnt njoy reading about the night stands.. wasnt reli needed to elobrate so much on every girl.. yes will do recommend the book for d travellers

[Yoginder Agarwal · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the Indian version of Robin Sharma and Shiv Khera! The story really picked up after Ravi was left to himself in Leh. I liked the discourses he had with Yogi and the revelations the mountains made that lead him to philosophize. Extremely readable. I hope the next book comes soon.

[Ankur Bansal · Rating 2 out of 5]

A very boring book, unnecessarily dragged for the most part of it. Doesn't feel like a real story and experience, looks more like author has written what he thought was good to write. Honestly, missed the connect completely with the travelogue

[Vishal Somvanshi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Congrats Ravi for the travel, finding yourself, and for the book. This is a good first attempt, and I wish you the best for all your future endeavours.
I just do not agree with it being called an 'inspiring odyssey that promises to transform a generation'. The writing is yet to mature.

[Yashasvi · Rating 2 out of 5]

not recommended for >20 years old people

[Balu Suresh · Rating 5 out of 5]

An inspirational story of an amateur rider who successfully explored the Himalayas.

[Prakash · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good feel

Only few books can make you feel what exactly you want in your life... This book helped me recollect the fears I conquered unknowingly... Enjoyed the ride with the author

[Dhananjaya Poojari · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ladakh Ride through reading

[Sanyam · Rating 2 out of 5]

An interesting topic but poor story telling

Ravi, like many others, including me did travel to Ladakh. He overcame his fears like most others. Road Trip to Ladakh is an experience one must go through atleast once in life for, you will be humbled by the sheet size of the beautiful surroundings. The barren beauty of colorful Ladakh ranges is mesmerizing and passes challenging. A few grammatical and spelling mistakes must be avoided and serminising could be removed for this takes away the fun and challenge of road trip to Ladakh. Keep tucking Ravi.