This is the third motorcycle travel book I’ve read. Though I’ve only had one short ride on a
motorized bike in my life, there’s something about bike books that I find
liberating.
Jeremy Kroeker’s first book, Motorcycle Therapy, was my
first bike book. I read it because he
was my husband’s friend in high school.
I thought I’d just read a few chapters, but then I found myself laughing
aloud at an airport while I read it. I
finished the book.
Through Dust and Darkness is more of a spiritual journey
than Kroeker’s first book. I was quite
intrigued by Kroeker’s reference to his upbringing in reference to his trip
through Europe and the Middle East. Born
and raised as a Mennonite in Canada, Kroeker seeks to see God through a
different lens. While I don’t always
agree with his conclusions, and really, whom do we ever completely agree with
in these matters, I was impressed with his willingness to share his doubts and discoveries
with his reader.
As a fiction writer, I am always taken aback by how much
nonfiction writers are willing to open themselves up to the world. I imagine they make some adjustments the
truth, but the courage to record my failings for anyone to see is beyond
me.
I was especially touched by Kroeker’s description of his self-loathing
in high school, which he describes in Chapter 39. I would have to agree that the Evangelical
church has taught its children many outrageous things in regards to sexuality
during my lifetime. It reaffirmed my
commitment to discuss such precious and sacred things with my children: to
encourage them rather than frighten them to death, to be approachable when they
have questions, and to discuss what they learn in church and at school.
I was also a bit misty over his conclusion where he
describes meeting Amanda Lindhout.
Having only met her in crowds where she was speaking and reading her
book, I am glad she has friends like Kroeker to help her as she deals with the
torture she suffered.
Having said this, Kroeker offered many funny moments. Amongst my favourites was his attempt to fix a
broken tire pump, his experience in an Iranian toilet and his run-in with an
overly generous taxi driver. Kroeker is
a skilled writer and storyteller. I hope
his aging back doesn’t keep him from taking and writing many more adventures.