Reviews

A MUST READ, ESPECIALLY FOR BACKPACKERS
 
 
I read the book over the course of 24 hours, as I was out travelling, waiting around in airports. This brought me back over a decade, back to the time I was a backpacker and traveling around Australia. This was around the same time the author is describing in her book. This made me remember and relive those memories and places, which she describes with such detail, bringing forward smells and sounds of my own experiences. The author managed to make me feel as I was right there with her, hiking the trails and cycling the roads. This especially as the people she meets in her book, is the same type of people I also met. And probably most backpackers did.
 
This is a must buy/read for all backpackers that ever have traveled Australia, and I would say especially the West. I will recommend this to anyone, but especially backpackers. I know that I will reread the book many more times, if only to relive my own memories of traveling.

E KittOttawa, Canada

SHE GOES, SHE GOES!

 

When Fat Chick meets Mr Bojangles you’ll know why you’ve fallen madly and deeply in love with the beautiful soul that is Fat Chick. An indomitable spirit with a brain cell that is seeking to engulf the stratosphere. Buy Fat Chick Goes AWOL and let her tales of a human powered traveller massage your desire for life.

Melanie StalenhoefPerth, Australia

I LIKE BIG BUTTS & I CANNOT LIE

 

If this book won’t make you seriously start questioning where you are in Life, like why you’re still stuck in Planet Office, then I don’t know what will get off your Fat Chick (or Fat Bloke or Fat Person or Fat Non-Gender-Specific) Arse.

 

A humorous and inspiring read, which only improves the further you go.

 

With enough self-depreciation without being sappily vitriolic, you will also enjoy just the right hint of some maudlin tomfoolery.

Kate KornackiMelbourne, Australia

VERY FUNNY, DOWN TO EARTH AND INSPIRING

 

This book is not the sort of thing I normally read, but I was pleasantly surprised. Having just finished Cheryl Strayed’s book Wild I couldn’t help but compare the two and I must say I enjoyed this one more. I was hooked from the first sentence. Fat Chick Goes AWOL is very funny, down to earth and inspiring.

Anna-Lee FoxMelbourne, Australia

Best Adventure Book I’ve Read for a Long Time

I have known the author, Anna, for quite a while through her amazing Facebook page so I was really looking forward to reading her book.


The price, $12, is usually out of my reach for Kindle books so my mother and I decided to go halves. We are so glad we did!
It was pure ‘Anna’, and everything I expected plus more, much more.


I loved everything about her story, and I grew to see Anna as a person that is so different (eccentric, even) but so loveable, funny, tenacious, resourceful, stubborn, and passionate.


Absolutely fantastic book!


P.S STOP drinking coke!!!

Fiona McLintockBrisbane, Australia

FIVE STARS

 

Anna Mitchell takes us on a journey (several actually) beyond our collective comfort zone.  With a refreshingly candid and hilariously funny writing style Anna manages to draw the reader in as a close friend and travel buddy while she navigates a series of adventures that she hurls herself into against all odds.

 

The ultimate escapism for a mother of two, I found myself laughing out loud, grimacing and celebrating alongside the author (not to mention positively raging over a certain BBQ incident!).  Having travelled a lot in the past this book was a great reminder to me that we can all succumb to those ‘soft chains’ of comfort and reasons not to go when it really is as simple as saying ‘fuck it, I’m going to do it anyway!’

 

Love this book. I’m already looking forward to the next installment!

Eve ArchboldMelbourne, Australia

FELT LIKE I WAS TAGGING ALONG

 

This was my Christmas holiday read and I loved it, I’m sure I had a few strange looks as I laughed aloud. This story felt more like a conversation! I felt like I had tagged along with Anna on each of her trips, her descriptions of people and places made me feel part of the adventures.

 

Anna describes how ‘soft chains’ keeping us safely locked in the known and comfortable, this is something that most of us can relate too.

 

I loved this quote from her book and I think it sums up Anna and her adventures nicely:’What looks like reasons why you can’t are really reasons why you won’t. Those who truly want to do something always find a way.’

 

Great read. Looking forward to the next book!!

Michelle RiddSydney, Australia

I STRUGGLE TO FINISH BOOKS – BUT NOT THIS ONE. FAT CHICK’S ATTITUDE TO LIFE HAS RE-ENERGISED SOME OF MY DORMANT DREAMS

 

In my younger days I used to like to read. But after years at university.. where reading was made into a chore I find it very difficult to pick up a book and read it to completion…. Until I picked up “Fat chick goes AWOL”. I found the pages captivating. I wasn’t reading… it was like Anna was talking directly too me, The colloquialisms and the humour made it feel like I was chatting with an old friend.

 

Anna describes how ‘soft chains’ keep us safely locked in the known and comfortable. this is something I relate too. The book has made me realise I have stagnated over the past few years. My dreams and ambitions have been left dusty on the shelf, while the mundane daily process they call life, which in reality is merely existence, has taken hold and I am meanly flotsam bobbing down the river of time.

 

Anna’s “ I can’t do that….. fuck it I’m going to do it anyway” approach to life has in some way reenergised some of my dormant dreams. I have come to realise I need to do something different, to break away from the norm if I’m ever going to get back on track.

 

So Anna (Fat Chick) thank you. I think it’s time for this Fat Bloke to start planning my own AWOL.

Malcolm BrownPerth, Australia

A RIPPING GOOD YARN

 

What a ripping good yarn! Anna’s lively story telling makes for a real page turner. She tells her story with honesty and humour and had me cheering from the sidelines, looking forward to the next installment of her unconventional life. And importantly, her story encourages every one to have a go (with appropriate planning ), follow your dreams and not be trapped by society’s stereotypes.

Helen DailySydney, Australia

WHAT A RIPPER!

 

A rip-roaring true blue Aussie yarn, about one girl’s journey to do just what she pleases, irrespective of expectations or boundaries. And like any adventurer, she learns along the way and adapts accordingly.


Even if you have no intention of cycling further than to the cafe or walking more than a few blocks to the shops, you will learn something that you can apply to your own ‘struggles’ in life.


If nothing else, you’ll have a damn good belly laugh!

Lynda WilsonMelbourne, Australia

IGNORED MY PARTNER ALL WEEKEND BECAUSE I COULDN’T PUT THIS DOWN

 

I have been following Anna’s Facebook page for a few years now and find her honest and hilarious accounts of her life highly entertaining. So when I heard that she was writing a book I just knew I had to have it! Boy did it not disappoint!

 

Fat Chick Goes AWOL is a fantastic, laugh-out-loud, and honest tale of an Australian Fat Chick’s adventures and the characters she meets along the way.

 

I finally had a spare moment away from Planet Office to read it on a flight from Brisbane to Melbourne this past weekend. I started reading after I picked up an over-priced coffee when I got to the airport and I didn’t stop until I was dropped off at my hotel. While I was waiting for my partner to decide on a restaurant – I read, whenever I had a spare moment on this short trip, I read. Sadly all good things come to an end, and on the flight home I finished it. But I want more! Get writing Anna, because I need to know what adventures you get up to next!

Emily MayesBrisbane, Australia

FANBLOODYTASTIC!!!

 

What a great read! I laughed, cried, snorted and couldn’t wait till the next AWOL leg. ‘LIFE begins when you start LIVING’
Keep writing lady!!! 😁

KazzleAustralia

FUNNY!

 

I once worked briefly for the BBC. I was given scripts and told ‘Make this funny’. So I know funny. And THIS is FUNNY.

Tahnee WoolfAuthor and Co-creator of The Ten Terrains of Consciousness

F#CK IT I’M GONNA DO IT ANYWAY: WORDS TO LIVE BY!

 

What a fun read! Anna is irreverent and funny in describing her adventures. She has great nicknames for various characters she meets along the way, and a tenacious fun-loving attitude. I’m seriously inspired by Anna’s adventures, which are formidable for those in the best of athletic shape. Her determination, wit, and will shine through in this fun memoir.

Nora Dunn - The Professional HoboSomewhere on Planet Earth

INSPIRATIONAL

 

Most people dream about chucking it all and taking off on wild adventures. Few actually do it. Anna shows us exactly how it’s done. In Fat Chick Goes AWOL, Anna drags us along through all the highs and lows of making your life your own, and will inspire you to grab life by the horns and steer it toward a life uncommon.

Nancy Sathre-VogelAuthor of "Changing Gears: A Family Odyssey to the End of the World"Idaho, USA

DON’T MISS THIS ONE!

 

An outrageously funny travel memoir, I couldn’t put this down. Fat Chick had a ball and learnt some life-changing lessons. Loved reading about the places she visited and the people she met.

 

Excellently written with a great natural style, I highly recommend this. Just great!

 

I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.

Anita S.Brisbane, Australia

WELL WRITTEN, ENTERTAINING & INSPIRING

 

Self-deprecating, ‘rough around the edges’ accountant Anna Mitchell’s warts n all account of her crazy and hilarious travels. It is well written, and in a down to earth style. Not just a travel story, but about pushing yourself physically, facing your fears, questioning what most people consider ‘the norm’, and following your own path. She deliciously weaves into her tales the fascinating characters in her life and those she meets along the way. An inspiring and entertaining read, with some practical tips thrown in for free.

Ildiko PhilpSydney, Australia

THE RIGHT KINDA NUTS

 

I loved this book. Anna’s convesational style makes you truly feel you are on this adventure with her, chatting across the YHA Dorm or from next tent. “Maybe I’m not so f’n nuts…for riding a trike around the outback on my own”. Um, yeah Anna, you are nuts – but you are the right kinda nuts. Apart from the wonderful story Anna shows us that “normal” people don’t find it easy to catapult out of the comfort zone – but it can be done and there might just still be a chance for me (and you). Simply funny, fascinating and inspiring.

Darelle PolaPerth, Australia

GREAT BOOK & WICKED SENSE OF HUMOUR

 

4.0 out of 5 stars. Would have been 5 stars but a few too many swear words for me. Look forward to the next book which hopefully will be soon!

TraceyNew Zealand

FIVE STARS

 

A few four letter words, but very entertaining. Tells all the important details in a very humorous way.

Mike SchwabIllinois, USA

WARNING: MAY CAUSE WANDERLUST!

 

This book should come with a warning ‘May cause wanderlust!’ or least a discount voucher for your local stockist of recumbent trikes. It’s full of great stories and characters with some interesting travelling tips along the way. Fat Chick’s adventures on the road and during the in between times are recounted in an down-to-earth and witty way that’s highly enjoyable and might make you look a bit thoughtfully at your own ‘soft chains’. Read it and then go look at trikes…

Miss PUnited Kingdom

WARNING: YOUR LIFE WILL STOP UNTIL YOU FINISH THIS BOOK

 

I opened the book for a quick glance. Do NOT attempt this as It can’t be done and you’ll find that your life will stop till you have finished it. It’s a fabulous journey written in such an honest and open style, that you’ll feel you know The FAT Chick and personally accompanied her on these amazing journeys (but without all the hardship and pain) although you’ll experience all these things too, as well as sharing her absolute joy at being alive and free.

 

The places she goes, how she gets there, the interesting people she meets and the amazing adventures she has, is GREAT reading and I’m sure it will be a genuine inspiration to many, to “just do it”, “STOP making excuses and just say “why not” and like the Fat Chick, will discover “anything is possible” if you choose to make it so.

John PengelleyPerth, Australia

A BRILLIANT BOOK

 

An exquisite travel memoir in a fresh and authentic writing voice. Hugely entertaining – laugh out loud in many places, too numerous to mention, well written and loaded with distinctive and hilarious characters. A brilliant book.

Christine ElliottAuthor of Unmasked

GREAT CHARACTERS & FUNNY STORIES

 

Loved it. Great characters and funny stories on these adventures around Australia. The story held me so well it was a relief when I got to the end of an adventure so I could finally take a break to get up and go to the toilet or eat.

Julie McLarenMelbourne, Australia

A PAGE TURNER

 

“Fat Chick” will take you on the most surprising adventure. You will cheer for her, laugh with her and, yes, curse with her, but one thing you will never do is stop turning the pages!

Estella VukovicZagreb, Croatia

THE BEST DOWN UNDER VOICE SINCE CROCODILE DUNDEE

 

Bloody brilliant!!!


This truly is a page turner with the best down under voice since crocodile dundee


Anna’s adventures and her very enjoyably coloured language and writing style has kept me reading this beauty in a jiffy. Highly recommend it to anyone who needs to have a laugh out loud kinda book.

Isabel Mettler - Melbourne, Australia

I LAUGHED SO HARD PEE RAN DOWN MY LEGS!

 

I laughed so hard that pee ran down my legs. Anna Mitchell brought her story alive and full of humour. Her style of writing is vibrant and makes for easy reading, I felt like I was there with her on her journey. I reccommend this book to anyone who needs a good belly laugh.

Wendy AllenPerth, Australia

CAN’T RECOMMEND IT HIGHLY ENOUGH

 

I loved it…!!!


As a fellow Trike touring cyclist who has ridden some of the same trails – I recognized so much. Anna tells the whole story…not much gets left out.


Its a great read and brings home the fact that the hardest barriers, are those we don’t want to face.
Anna proves to the world that fat is merely stored energy…..!!


Cant recommend it highly enough.

Rob DuncanAdelaide, Australia

A HILARIOUS, EASY READ

 

A hilarious account of Backpacker life, hostels and holiday romances. It was an easy read, I could not put it down.

Claire MooreMelbourne, Australia

I JUST LOVE THIS BOOK!

 

I just love this book! As an accountant I especially loved the stories from Planet Office. It is so well written and realistically described it made me feel I was there on this amazing journey with Anna! It also has some important messages about life and following your dreams.

Viktoria HorvathHungary

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