An adventurous teenager must roller skate across France to reunite with his girlfriend, despite her overprotective father and 800 miles of topless beaches between them.An Amazon Top 100 Bestseller in the exemplary spirit of Bill Bryson and Cheryl Strayed, hailed as beautiful, fast-paced, and moving, this lovely book captures the exuberance of youth, the joy of chasing dreams. A perfect read for shelter-in-place, it reminds us of the bountiful world waiting to be discovered. A pleasure to read, highly recommend!
From the icy peaks of Germany to the steamy beaches of France, this coming-of-age story begins when Michael, 19, gets a letter from his girlfriend asking him to meet her in Barcelona. He quits his daredevil job at the top of the German Alps and plots a risky two-month trek across the coast of southern France - alone, on roller skates. He leaves his alpine friends behind to follow his heart with only a backpack, ski poles, and roller skates.
Even being chased down impossibly steep mountain roads by tour busses and ritzy sports cars can’t keep an American teenager down, especially when he’s delivering an engagement ring… and a dark confession. It was supposed to be fun and easy, but when disaster strikes his love life and a spectacular wipeout leaves him a heartbeat away from roadkill status, Michael must emerge from his tenderfoot life and learn some difficult lessons about growing up.
Rolling over every inch of the French Riviera, European history, art history, and French culture come together in this off-the-grid, true tale of living in the moment, creating your true self, and living to write about it.
Reviews
I only started this book last night, but I’m already completely hooked (like, hiding the book on my lap under my desk). Jarvis writes in a way that pulls you into his wild adventures, dragging you adrenaline-sweating down ski slopes and pulling you up stunning vistas along the French Riviera.
Jarvis is an incredibly captivating storyteller. French Roll is a unique coming-of-age tale you just won’t want to put down. And the fact that it’s a true story makes it all the better!
Jarvis has done a masterful job taking creative chances and turning them into pure fun and entertainment. This is a terrific book that doesn’t disappoint. French Roll has voice, presence, entertainment value, great characters, and reads like a charm.
His dangerous exploits kept me on the edge of my seat and I looked forward to each day’s escapades. I appreciated the teen angst, as well, and enjoyed reading about his romantic entanglements. An inspiring story of self-revelation, not to be missed!
Roller Skating Quad Roller Skates Solo Travel Adventure Travel French Riviera Traveler & Explorer Biographies Biographies & Memoirs / Sports & Outdoors Travelogue Hiking & Camping stories Coming of age memoir
