Reviews for Spontaneous Revolutions
“McQuade writes in companionable prose, establishing a breezy rapport with the reader. The recollection abounds with thoughtful insights about her experiences.”
– Kirkus Reviews
"Liza is a gifted storyteller"
– Quad Cities Business News
“These two inexperienced, out-of-shape, middle-aged cyclists prove to be champions anyone can get behind in what may well be this summer’s greatest anything-is-possible-with-a-good-attitude read.”
– The Flagstaff Business News
Fascinating, inspiring, engaging, Spontaneous Revolutions: Seeing America One Pedal at a Time is a thoughtful and thought-provoking read from first page to last. Simply stated, it is one of those books that will linger in the mind and memory long after it is finished and set back upon the shelf.
– Margaret Lane, Midwest Book Review
“Spontaneous Revolutions is so much fun to read. Wow! Such an inspiring story!”
– Carol W
“This is not your average travel book, this is much more! It's great reading from first to last page and you feel, suffer, enjoy, love, experience with Liza and Clark bicycling from West to East Coast. Absolutely beautiful, recommend it to everyone who dreamed about traveling in a different way but never had the courage to do it. Thanks Liza for inspiring the American Soul!!”
– Brigitte S
Taking a Long Spin with Lisa and Clark
“One of the most enjoyable reoccurring events that I have embraced over the years has been after-dinner talk, chatting over coffee, and cocktail conversation. I've experienced many lively and oft-inspiring and highly educational exchanges in homes and restaurants and bars across the United States – and a few foreign countries. But, I must be honest, I never had one conversation that involved how to remove a cockroach from one's ear. That's something that author, Lisa McQuade and her husband, Clark Campbell experienced with the owners of a B&B, while overnight guests, in Princeton, Wisconsin.
How such an event occurred is part of what makes reading Spontaneous Revolutions such a joy. McQuade fills the pages of her newly-released book with many rare and memorable moments – all experienced as she and Clark pedaled their way across the northern tier of the United States from Portland, Oregon to Portland, Maine (two cities that I've actually visited numerous times). How their cycling adventure erupted spontaneously, how they survived heat and rain, flat tires and spills, good food and bad food, cops and cowboys, bugs and wild animals, all make for a delightful, frequently comedic story that I could envision told in a movie starring Jack Lemon and Diane Keaton.
For me, the reading was easily digested, since it was delivered in sizable bites (not 'chapters' but 'weeks'). The references made to Clark often made me think of how I'd like my own wife to describe me. The small towns and people met along the way also sounded familiar – just as the strangers they met sounded like so many that I've encountered over the decades. And when they cycled into Old Orchard Beach, Maine, I broke into a huge smile. (I spent many of my youthful summers in a small village – Ocean Park – on the southern boundary of Old Orchard Beach.) I felt as if I had cycled into town with Lisa and Clark.
This highly surprising 122-day-ride took me along for the fun, the pain, and innumerable surprises experienced by a couple who rediscovered a friendship and marriage that had been, like so many of us, placed on pause for too long. I found myself jealous of their experience – and that's a positive statement. Perhaps that's what you and others will take away from Spontaneous Revolutions.”
– Dennis M
“Amazing! I thoroughly enjoyed the writing style and am giggling my way through each chapter.”
– Carol B
“It’s fun reading and feels like I’m riding a bike along with Liza and Clark, even though I don’t know how to ride.”
– Hyun L
“This book was a great adventure. For someone who has never biked more than a few miles it was the ride of a lifetime. I loved passing through all the small towns and learning about both the culture and the food in each area. But in the end, this book is a love story. The way that Liza and Clark manage all the trials and tribulations with heart and humor is a lesson in how to survive with love in a relationship. Their earnest pronouncements of love for each other throughout the whole trip was so beautiful. I loved getting to know them and seeing how they make their love work. I can’t wait to start over and read this adventure book again.”
– Karen S
“What fun … I can’t put it down!”
– Dale S
“Dear Readers:
This is mom ... Liza McQuade's mother. Let's be clear ... I'm not at all biased about this subject. This is a terrific book! You should buy it immediately and tell all your friends!
If you don't .... You'll be sent to your room and will have to do the dishes for a whole year!”
– Marjory P
“Wow! What a saga. Liza and her husband, Clark, take us on a rollicking bike ride across the U.S. for 122 days through blistering sun, downpours, sprained ankles, flat tires, and falls. Liza’s beautiful narrative makes a story of each day as they struggle up mountains, around potholes, and over windy cliffs. And they did it with vigor, persistence and joy.
This is not just a bike excursion… it’s also a culinary adventure. We experience the local bars, restaurants and food specialties - some great, some not! Being a chef, Clark focused on local food wherever they landed for the night. They were also treated to small town lore and gossip wherever they landed by locals, wait staff and cooks.
This is also a love story. To paraphrase Liza, they had their challenges like most couples but bottom line - they loved and respected one another and fell deeper in love as they traveled. Adventures have frustrations, but they “wouldn’t have traded lives with anyone for any reason.”
This is not just a book about a ride across the country. It’s an inspiration for each of us to be unafraid of what lies ahead, tackling challenges and enjoying each moment.”
– Jacquie J
“Just finished, what a wonderful read! AND…what a wonderful REMINDER that the world is full of gracious, caring ‘new friends’ who will open heart and home to someone and share that love we all need and seek. THANK YOU for sharing your great adventure!!”
– Joan H
“Spontaneous Revolutions: Seeing America One Pedal at a Time by Liza McQuade is a great read. If you would like to travel from your reading chair to Portland, Oregon to Portland, Maine, this is the book for you.
Self-proclaimed novice riders, Liza and her husband, decided on this bike ride. Little training and minimal preparation they did it!
You will enjoy their road trip. Trials and tribulations. Mostly, tribulations. Their ability to make the best of any situation which came their way is inspiring.
Liza is very entertaining and has the ability to make you feel like you are along with them. Lots of personal interest stories regarding all the wonderful people they encountered along their way. Good information on the countryside, towns, and culinary experiences. They were able to celebrate small and big victories and made the best of challenging ones.
It was a pleasure to read this work of love. I am glad Liza and her husband were able to have this amazing experience. Especially since he passed unexpectedly a few years later. Great memories for her.
They definitely flew by the seat of their pants. I should say, by the seat of their bikes and bike shorts.”
You will enjoy it!
– Lynn M