Have to say…I thoroughly enjoyed this one. Half the books that I dive into, I never fully remember where I’ve gotten the recommendation from. Usually from a podcast or another book. Safe to say though that it leaves my room littered with a bunch of random post-it notes covered with books that I need to check out at some point or another. This book was no different, just another name on the list who’s time had come.
From the first chapter alone I knew I was hooked. Reading it sparked a feeling of excitement that I’ve felt before. That before that I’m talking about is the excitement that I felt when I started planning my thru-hike of the Pacific Crest Trail. Should the process from start to finish of my trip have been condensed and printed into a book, this would be it. Or Vagabonding by Rolf Potts would be a close second. Another crucial book for anyone looking to embark on a long term adventure.
You’d be a fool to not pick this book up if you’ve been getting that itch to head out on a long term journey. From start to finish this book will have gave you the complete rundown on everything from cost, to the prep work, to ordinary people who set out on a similar quest, to the potential trouble that you’ll face while you’re out on that quest, to so much more. Let this book save you the trouble on even trying to think about where to begin with a task so daunting.
Standouts: “Discontent is the first necessity of progress.”
“When discontent leads to excitement, that’s when you know you’ve found your pursuit.”
“It’s better to be at the bottom of the ladder you want to climb than the top of one you don’t.”
“The long, slow grind of working toward something is all about loving the process. If you don’t love the process, the grind is tough.”
Rating: 8/10
Recommended for: Anyone itching to head out on an indefinite journey. Anyone confused on where to begin with something like this. Anyone who needs a kick in the ass or some overall inspiration to get their shit together and take a timeout from life.
*If there’s a serious trip that you’re trying to plan where you’re taking a month-year timeout from life, completely digest this book alongside Vagabonding by Rolf Potts.