When author Kirk Field learned that his latest book, Planes, Trains & Amphetamines: Clubbing Holiday Confessions, out now on Velocity Press, was seized by Australian customs authorities, he wasn’t all that surprised, given the cheeky use of the word ‘amphetamines’ on the cover.
But when the authorities elevated the impounded copies to ‘redline’ status, “reserved for items which pose a potential biosecurity threat to the state of Australia“, as Field noted on his blog, it was a PR opportunity not to be missed.
As Field said, “‘Its been known for controlled drugs to be imported in impregnated paper’ was one reason given to justify the delay, while others reasoned the boys (and gals) in blue were too engrossed in the book to release it. So I’ve sent them a signed copy!
“In 12 years of sending books down under both my publisher and distributor have never known a book to be impounded in this way, making Planes, Trains & Amphetamines officially the Most Wanted Book in Australia!”
After several days, during which time each reader had to submit proof of purchase, the books were released into Australia.
Planes, Trains & Amphetamines, which is the follow up to Field’s Rave New World: Confessions of a Raving Reporter, chronicles his experiences running the world’s first holiday company catering exclusively for clubbers.
A diverse cast of characters feature in the book, including Vin Diesel, Ed Sheeran, Madonna, P Diddy, Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands, and the ghost of Michael Jackson, alongside surreal encounters with Hamburg Harbour Polizei and HM Customs.
As a press release for the book puts it, expect “sun, sand, sea, sex, and slipmats – with a great soundtrack. Bill Bryson with bassbins.” Check it out here.
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