BUMPS IN THE ROAD - a memoir: Life and adventure in bike-size chunks Hardcover – 17 Nov. 2023

Normally I would leave a review after reading a book, however Maria’s book is worth an early bird review, as I am really enjoying the book.Having pre-ordered the book, I anticipated reading it over Christmas, but to date have reached page 59, but please don’t let that put you off. The book starts with Maria’s childhood, then moves into early adulthood. What she describes is true to the time, the opportunities life brings (or not), the fun people had (or not).Being also of a certain age (60+), I recognise the authenticity of Maria’s description of the era and some of the characters she describes. In comparison to now, University places were limited. Many started their working life as teenagers and left home for work opportunities and to explore the wider world. In the late 70’ and early 80’s I knew girls from all sorts of backgrounds who struck out into the grown-up world and lived independent lives. Maria’s book evokes that time. Esme Young’s Behind the Seams is another brilliant memoir that also touches on teenage independence and later success.Maria was smart enough to jump ship from a boring dead end job and head south to take a summer job in a seaside hotel. Having also worked as a cleaner in a land-locked hotel, just briefly (just one day!), I also share Maria’s sentiment in “… I have always been mindful to leave hotel rooms as tidy and pleasant as I can, for the simple reason that I DID that job once and care about those who are doing it now” (ref page 54).For people who are a tad younger and love 70s music and vintage looks, this book provides an insight to the wider social context of the time.The book itself is a beautiful hardback, with a lovely dust jacket and printed on nice quality paper. It would make a lovely present.If you don’t have time to read it before, I would recommend this book as a great holiday read.In the meantime, I read on... xx

Like many people, I have tuned in to Radio 2 and Virgin Radio to listen to Maria and Graham with their 'agony' advice and it's always struck me how wise and sensible Maria's advice is.....now I understand where she got her wisdom from....An amazing story of a life heavily influenced by Catholic parents and the constant need to 'conform'....Lots of twists and turns and some heartbreaking moments too.Beautifully written, well crafted stories and Maria's passion for her bicycles and living life to the full are plain to see.There's much more to Maria than meets the eye and I have a whole new level of respect and affection for her and her approach to wringing as much as possible from each day.

Hmm. It's very rare for me to give up a book. I try to finish everything that I read. I was attracted to the book as I admire the author as an actress, agony aunt and all her other many quality guises. However, I just couldn't get to grips with the book being told in chapters of times spent with bikes. This is a personal opinion of course but I would have preferred the bikes to be the 2nd though in her story. I got half way and then gave up. Other readers may well love it, and I hope that they do. For me... it's a no. Too dull, rather rambling and never really getting anywhere of interest.

Great book, sometimes funny, sometimes sad, real life!

I loved this book. It made me laugh out loud in places, and moved me to tears in others. Coming from the same era as Maria, it echoed much of my own childhood and experiences through the years. Listening to the book actually read by Maria was a gem as she injects so much of herself into her story. Fabulous! I am buying this book for all my friends.

I really enjoyed this book. I never miss Maria on the Graham Norton radio show and so was delighted when she wrote this book. I kinda miss it now I've finished it. Maria seems to take life in her stride and makes me feel that I can too. Good work Maria

Really enjoyed Maria’s book - a great read

The book cover was damaged which was disappointing as it is a present.