Danny Bent cycled 15,000 kilometres from the UK across Europe, the former Soviet Republic, Russia, China and Pakistan to raise money for ActionAid, and take up a teaching post in India. This is the true story of the trip of a lifetime, the places Danny visited, the people he met along the way and most of all, Shirley.

It explains of why an otherwise normal – if rather more fit and determined than most – teacher decided to embark on such a foolhardy venture – to quote Danny “have you ever woken up in the sultry heat of the morning, your hair and beard teeming with maggots, and then had potatoes picked out of your ears?”

A naturally gifted story teller who shares the wry humour which makes many of the Bill Bryson books such a joy. He writes of even the most ghastly of his experiences – mostly toilet related – with warmth and grit.

This book left me with the heart-warming feeling that all is not lost in an age when decent people exist who are prepared to undergo hardships in aid of others, stand up for their beliefs and generally try to get along with everyone they meet.

Currently only available to read on Kindle and supplemented by wonderful photographs available on www.dannybent.com

Verdict: Funny, warm and a great read, this was the first complete book I read on Kindle and at 86pence (yes, honestly) you can’t go wrong. You could donate the rest of the price to ActionAid and feel even more heartwarmed. *****

And, by the way, Danny, if you’re reading this… you don’t really look like Wayne Rooney!