Book Review: Two Are Better by Tim & Debbie Bishop

Two Are Better is a unique memoir about the two-month cycling adventure that Tim and Debbie Bishop experienced shortly after their wedding. They both faithfully waited upon the Lord to find a spouse. It took them over 30 years but it's totally worth the wait. They got married at age 52. Tim retired from a 26-year career in the corporate world eight days after he proposed to Debbie. Two weeks after their wedding, they embarked on their dream cross-country bicycle trip. It's definitely one-of-a-kind extended honeymoon. The first three chapters of the book talk about how they met (online), how their single lives & previous relationships were like, and the whirlwind weeks of wedding and preparation for the trip. Their coast to coast bicycle trip began in Seaside, Oregon and ended in Cape Elizabeth, Maine. They biked through fifteen states and part of Canada in 53 days (with a few transports). Their trip log is included in the back of the book.

I got hooked from the very beginning because I'm fond of love stories. Although I'm not into cycling, I enjoyed reading this book and looking at all the beautiful photos (over 100 color photos included). Tim is an excellent writer. He brilliantly describes their experiences, feelings, sceneries, and surroundings. He sprinkles in some interesting historical facts. I also like reading Debbie's perspective. I appreciate their honest sharing about their anxieties, concerns, and frustrations. They had to adjust not only to a new life as newlyweds but also to new day-to-day demands in order to accomplish their goal. I admire their courage, resourcefulness, and tenacity. At the center of their lives is faith in God, which enables them to overcome challenges, fears, and discouragement. Through the pages, we learn how they live out their dream, how they struggle with stresses of a cross-country bike ride, exhaustion, oppressive heat, unforeseen pitfalls, dangers (from trucks and dog attack to questionable people and scary neighborhoods), how they bond and grow as a couple, in spite of their occasional conflict and disagreement, why Isaiah 40:31 means so much to them, and what they discover from their reflection on life during the trip.

I could relate to the authors in some ways. I'm 50 and I have an adventurous spirit and dream of traveling. My husband and I hope to enjoy some adventures (that include serving the Lord and getting involved in missions/ministries in some ways) after he retires in a year or two. We have also been trying to downsize and simplify our lives. As the Bishops biked across the country, they seized opportunities to share about their favorite ministry, TheHopeLine (a service that helps hurting teens and young adults). What they accomplished is impressive; what they shared from what they learned is inspiring. Two Are Better is an enjoyable read that inspires readers to dream, find purpose, and live life to the fullest. It's filled with wonderful insights and valuable lessons for life's journey. It will spur readers to evaluate priorities in their lives and to realize that a fresh start is available to anyone at any age.  You can follow their adventures on their blog at http://www.openroadpress.com .

"Without some adventures in our lives, we would become entrenched and unchanging, and begin to endure a slow death." (p. 79)
"Faith provides comfort to the face of uncertainty, and peace and confidence amid challenges." (p. 163)
"There is plenty of life to be lived after fifty, and you live it with the advantage of life experience and wisdom. But don't waste any more time thinking about it. Grab life by the horns and ride it for all you can. You are called to make a difference with what has already been entrusted to you." (p. 191)

~I received a free copy of this book via Christian Women Affiliate in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.