Last Updated on 12 November 2023 by Vanessa
Have you ever dreamt of circling the globe on a bike with your feline companion by your side? Dean Nicholson turned this dream into a reality, and he documented his extraordinary journey in the book Nala’s World: One Man, His Rescue Cat, and His Bike Ride Across the Globe.
Nala’s World: book review
Nala’s World by Dean Nicholson – A remarkable journey of adventure and compassion
In September 2018, Dean Nicholson and his friend Ricky set out on a global adventure, beginning their travels on bicycles. They want to escape their little corner of the world, which is Dunbar on the eastern coast of Ireland, and achieve something worthwhile. They make it through northern Europe, but their journey has been a series of detours and distractions, false starts and setbacks. It doesn’t take long before his friend Ricky decides to return to their hometown in Dunbar while Dean continues his quest to explore the world.
But Dean’s solo adventure takes an unexpected turn in the mountains of Bosnia when he encounters a homeless and starving kitten in desperate need of help. He doesn’t hesitate to become her rescuer. Dean rushes the kitten to a vet, naming her Nala, after the beloved character from The Lion King.
With Nala requiring regular veterinary care and vaccinations, Dean understands the need to pause in one place for her well-being. What unfolds is a heartwarming testament to the extraordinary lengths to which this man goes to ensure Nala’s health and happiness.
Nala quickly becomes Dean’s loyal travel companion, eagerly hopping onto the bike as they set off on adventures through Montenegro, Albania, Turkey, Greece, Azerbaijan, Serbia, and more. Along the way, they rescue and rehome several other animals, extending their compassion to those in need.
As they share their journey through photos and videos on Instagram and YouTube, a significant following quickly rallies around them. This supportive community helps Dean find loving homes for the animals they rescue and raises funds for numerous animal welfare organizations.
Their adventures reach a temporary halt when the Covid-19 pandemic sweeps across the world. It’s during this period that Dean decides to immortalize their incredible journey in the pages of a book.
Every chapter of Nala’s World is a joy to read. The dedication and care Dean shows for his cat’s well-being shine through the narrative, touching the hearts of readers. Equally heartening is Dean’s boundless compassion for other animals, and his unwavering efforts to rescue and assist them. Moreover, their bicycle expeditions take readers to countries they may have never explored before, offering a unique and enriching perspective on the world.
In the end, readers will find themselves reluctant to part with this delightful book, as it carries them through a truly exceptional adventure.
Also check out these other cat books
- Sigrid Rides: The Story of an Extraordinary Friendship and an Adventure on Two Wheels
- Saudades Mr. No Ears
- KeeKee’s Big Adventures
- Drinks & Whiskers: How You Can Open a Successful Cat Café
- Neko Land
- Shop Cats of Hong Kong
Destinations from the photos: Bellagio in Italy, Dunvegan Castle in Scotland (Isle of Skye), Gmunden in Austria, Portree in Scotland (Isle of Skye), and the Bell Tower of St. Anna’s Church in Warsaw, Poland.
Pin this book review!
One Response
This book looks like a joy to read!