A Finalist for the Oregon Book Award
“Lily Brooks-Dalton is wonderful, fresh on the scene with a big heart, a fierce spirit, a writer's eye, and a lovely sense of humor.” ―Anne Lamott
“As [Brooks-Dalton] deepens her relationship with motorcycles through riding and then exploring their mechanics, she emerges as a confident storyteller, revealing a fascinating cast of catalysts, teachers, and idols. Even those who don’t see the allure of motorcycles will find a compelling story here, especially younger readers who will likely see a glimmer of themselves in this quest for inner strength and identity.” ―Booklist “[E]ngaging, informative, and enjoyable… Brooks-Dalton is clear and straight-talking as well as eloquent.” —New Hampshire Union Leader “A scenic ride through the backcountry roads of being a woman in what is often considered a man’s world.” ―Library Journal |
“What the PCT is to Cheryl Strayed, the open road is to Brooks-Dalton.” ―Cosmopolitan
"Brooks-Dalton's rip-roaring memoir traces her journey from a difficult breakup to her rebound affair with a series of motorcycles." ―Oprah.com “A young woman of passion and…velocity, Brooks-Dalton has written a bright, brisk ode to her beloved two-wheelers.” ―Elle “Each chapter bears titles such as velocity, impulse, gravity and inertia, and Brooks-Dalton weaves a nuts-and-bolts primer on each into her narrative of learning to ride and care for a series of cycles… One hopes to see what this author’s next adventure will produce.” ―The Boston Globe “[Brooks-Dalton’s] memoir of finding purpose and courage on the back of a bike is an empowering, poignant journey.” ―US Weekly "Empowering." —PopSugar “In her reflective prose, Brooks-Dalton captures the nearly mesmerizing quality of solitary, long-distance riding. She offers some useful tips on maintenance and repair, and overall she portrays a satisfying journey to a very American sense of selfhood and autonomy.” ―Publishers Weekly “This girl-powered memoir will leave you feeling like you can conquer the world.” —Brit + Co “Lily Brooks-Dalton is a writer with an innate curiosity for the world we live in, whether it’s through words or traveling or science.” —Biographile “[A] welcome respite from the male-centric storylines that dominate pop culture depictions of motorcycle-riding characters…a delight.” —The Riveter Magazine “Lily Brooks-Dalton has given us an honest and lovely memoir about learning to keep the shiny side up and the dirty side down. This is a book for seekers, wanderers, wayward souls, devotees of the open road, and anyone who loves being swept along by the performance of a beautiful writer at work.” —Philip Connors, author of Fire Season: Field Notes from a Wilderness Lookout “Like all great quest stories, Motorcycles I’ve Loved depicts a journey that demands the daring and determination to defy those voices (including our own) that try to tell us we’re not cut out for the journey. Lily Brooks-Dalton has blazed a trail all her own, and the resulting memoir is as forthright as a well-worn leather motorcycle jacket, and as beautiful as a country road rolling out just up ahead.” —Rosie Schaap, author of Drinking with Men |