37 review for At the Altar of the Road Gods: Stories of motorcycles and other drugs

1. 

   4 out of 5

   Aden Date – Dec 26, 2014

   I must preface this by saying that this book was almost written for guys like me. As an aloof and brooding motorcyclist I can only really dream of the kind of honest, lawless life of guys like Boris. Couched in beautiful Australiana, Boris' book is an exploration of a life that most of us would never dare to live. Boris describes one of his sharehouses as being "a cross between a Marxist utopia and a pirate ship," but it may as well be a description of the entire book. Boris writes like a more ab I must preface this by saying that this book was almost written for guys like me. As an aloof and brooding motorcyclist I can only really dream of the kind of honest, lawless life of guys like Boris. Couched in beautiful Australiana, Boris' book is an exploration of a life that most of us would never dare to live. Boris describes one of his sharehouses as being "a cross between a Marxist utopia and a pirate ship," but it may as well be a description of the entire book. Boris writes like a more abrasive Hunter S. Thompson. Both seem fond of the term "atavistic" and references to the size of their balls. It feels like Gonzo journalism, as though Boris lived his life in order that he might one day write about it. I find myself wondering if whilst watching his 6'6" mate Big Dima get blown by his girlfriend Svetlana, Boris might've pulled out a notepad for posterity. It's a wonder that any memories survived those drug, speed-crazed decades but we are very fortunate that what emerged is a surprisingly lucid (if stylised) account of those times. This is what makes the book fantastic - it is a book written by the sort of person you'd never expect to write a book. The unbelievable machismo of Boris' crazy years are measured on either side by more endearing accounts of his youth and fatherhood respectively. The book is more a collection of anecdotes than an autobiography, but the sum of them can't help but leave the reader with an affinity for the author. He doesn't navel gaze much in the book, leaving it to the reader to analyse the man behind the lines. Early in the book Boris describes watching two guys on Harleys at a set of lights and becoming fascinated with the motif of the outlaw. For most of us, that's all we'll ever know of bikie culture are those occasional glimpses of Harley Davidsons with loud pipes. The book lets us peer in to that world more deeply - the drugs, women, and the odd symbiotic relationship with law enforcement. I warmed a little to Boris' world, which is more or less a bunch of dudes who just want to be left alone to have fun. A Marxist pirate ship indeed. Highly recommend as a very easy read, especially for Australian motorcyclists who might now feel compelled to shoot a little knowing wave to any bikie gangs they may pass on the road.

2. 

   4 out of 5

   Jessica – Sep 09, 2014

   Surprisingly enjoyable, a nice easy read with some interesting tales about life growing up with motorcycles.

3. 

   5 out of 5

   Murat –

4. 

   5 out of 5

   John –

5. 

   4 out of 5

   Christian Daxbock –

6. 

   4 out of 5

   Jason Hole –

7. 

   4 out of 5

   Thomas Gillman –

8. 

   4 out of 5

   Adam –

9. 

   5 out of 5

   MacDonald Machingura –

10. 

    5 out of 5

    Tim Standen –

11. 

    4 out of 5

    Allan Sinclair Guy –

12. 

    4 out of 5

    Paulo –

13. 

    5 out of 5

    Shayne Hicks –

14. 

    4 out of 5

    Marcus –

15. 

    5 out of 5

    Bruce Taylor –

16. 

    4 out of 5

    PaulY –

17. 

    5 out of 5

    Mim Mckay –

18. 

    5 out of 5

    Glenn Ziernik –

19. 

    5 out of 5

    Dennis Lindemann –

20. 

    5 out of 5

    Anthony Byrne –

21. 

    4 out of 5

    Mitchell varady –

22. 

    4 out of 5

    Gordie –

23. 

    5 out of 5

    Christopher –

24. 

    4 out of 5

    Miroslav Gubas –

25. 

    5 out of 5

    Dean Rivers –

26. 

    4 out of 5

    Anne Tomietto –

27. 

    4 out of 5

    Suzette –

28. 

    5 out of 5

    Eric –

29. 

    4 out of 5

    Kristy –

30. 

    5 out of 5

    p858snake –

31. 

    4 out of 5

    Steve –

32. 

    4 out of 5

    Matt Linklater –

33. 

    5 out of 5

    andrew burgwin –

34. 

    4 out of 5

    Eeeya –

35. 

    4 out of 5

    Carey –

36. 

    4 out of 5

    matt robinson –

37. 

    4 out of 5

    Trevor Lucey –