Publishers Weekly
04/17/2023
In this upbeat debut, journalist Stanger calls on readers to pursue a life of adventure, whether that means scaling Mount Everest or visiting a national park. Drawing on others’ odysseys and her own experience ditching a career in marketing to become an adventure journalist, Stanger explains how to pursue “wild ideas,” or ones that “scare you,” involve nature, and “change your life in a positive way.” Readers should start by determining whether they’re stuck, she writes, be it in a job or relationship. Next, she explains how to seek “trail signs” to get started, as when an amateur runner read about a man who trekked across America, and became “so excited he thought he might throw up.” (He eventually pulled off the same feat, running from San Francisco to New York in “forty-two days, six hours, and thirty minutes.”) Stanger discusses mapping one’s proverbial trail, tackling fear, and reaching the “finish line,” after which adventurers may feel fatigue or even grief. Drawing on anecdotes from thrill seekers who skied to the South Pole and summited Kilimanjaro, Stanger weaves a buoyant mix of inspiration, personal experience, and nuts and bolts tips (she recommends, for instance, taking a wilderness first aid class before embarking on a backcountry adventure). Those looking to break in their hiking boots will want to pick this up. (June)
From the Publisher
The outdoors has a transformative power that all of us can tap into. Shelby Stanger has shared that as creator and host of REI Co-op’s “Wild Ideas Worth Living” podcast, reaching millions of listeners and REI members. In Will to Wild, Shelby blends her own uplifting, personal stories with some amazing guest voices to show how the best version of ourselves is right outside.” – Eric Artz, REI Co-op president and CEO
“Drawing on anecdotes from thrill seekers who skied to the South Pole and summited Kilimanjaro, Stanger weaves a buoyant mix of inspiration, personal experience, and nuts and bolts tips...Those looking to break in their hiking boots will want to pick this up.” —Publishers Weekly
“A rollicking operating manual for navigating modern malaise.” - James Nestor, author of Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art
Whether your "call to the wild" is a solo hike, a new hobby, a career change, or a radical overhaul of your whole life, Will to Wild will help you spot the signs, show you what is possible, and give you the confidence to take the first step. —Melissa Urban, New York Times best-selling author, The Book of Boundaries and Co-Founder/CEO Whole 30
"A priestess of adventure for our times, Shelby Stanger inspires us by curation, example, and her generous good sense. This book may very well change your life." —Florence Williams, author, The Nature Fix and Heartbreak: A Personal and Scientific Journey
"Shelby Stanger's signature optimism, curiosity, and joy shine brightly in this inspiringly adventurous book—a great trail map for inviting more wild into your life, or just taking the first step." —Mary Turner, Deputy Editor at Outside magazine
"True story: I’ve written more books (5) than blurbs (4). I almost always refuse because c’mon, when’s the last time you read a blurb you actually believed? You can tell it’s mostly friends blowing smoke for friends. That’s why I only blurb if I read the entire book and believe the writer has something special to say and the chops to say it — and it’s why WILL TO WILD just evened the score at five all. Shelby Stanger isn’t a motivational speaker; she’s a motivational listener. She’s interviewed scores of people over the years who’ve cracked the code for turning their dreams into their day jobs, and she lays out her discoveries in a book that’s beyond inspirational: it's instructional. Stanger digs into the tough how-tos, first by sharing stories of all kinds of everyday folks who’ve broken free and "gone wild," and then detailing how you can follow in their footsteps. She tells you how to finance your wild dream; why it may radically change your personal life and even romances; and what to do “When it all goes haywire,” as she puts it, and you hit that “Oh F— moment.” This is the first book that ever made me stop reading, walk out the door, and try one of Stanger’s tips (singing in the face of anxiety). And guess what? It works. Shelby Stanger knows her stuff." —Christopher McDougall, bestselling author of Born to Run and reluctant blurber.
"Will to Wild is just as captivating as informative for anyone who has ever dreamed of taking that leap outside their comfort zone. An intimate memoir written in a candid, playful, and illuminating style, you will feel compelled to search your will to wild. Had I known of this book, it would have saved me years of doubt and research. So grateful it is available for you all to read!" —Silvia Vasquez-Lavado, Explorer and Author of In The Shadow of The Mountain
"Beautiful, profoundly inspiring, and laugh-out-loud funny, Will to Wild feels like being on an awesome outdoor adventure with your best friends. After every chapter, you find yourself planning a new adventure." -Jaimal Yogis, author of The Fear Project and Saltwater Buddha
"Will to Wild is the ultimate guide for anyone looking to try something new and have more nature in their lives. Shelby makes it fun and relatable—skillfully weaving practical tips, effective advice, hilarious stories, inspiring examples, and heartfelt encouragement into a clear step by step format that will make you feel supported as you take the leap into whatever endeavor is calling you." — Captain Liz Clark, Author of Swell: A Sailing Surfer's Journey of Awakening
author of The Book of Boundaries Melissa Urban
Whether your ‘call to the wild’ is a solo hike, a new hobby, a career change, or a radical overhaul of your whole life, Will to Wild will help…give you the confidence to take the first step.”
New York Times bestselling author James Nestor
A rollicking operating manual for navigating modern malaise.”
New York Times bestselling author Melissa Urban
Whether your ‘call to the wild’ is a solo hike, a new hobby, a career change, or a radical overhaul of your whole life, Will to Wild will help…give you the confidence to take the first step.”
Library Journal
06/10/2024
Adventurer, surfer, and podcaster (Wild Ideas Worth Living) Stanger has written a book for people interested in new experiences. It contains inspiring stories of former guests of her podcast embarking upon extraordinary ventures, reaching and surpassing their limits, and using solitude and curtailed resources to figure out their next phase in life and find inner peace. While most of the adventures Stanger describes are grand, she also describes small, actionable steps for people looking to warm up to larger adventures and face their fears. Much of this book focuses on people finding inner strength and taking advantage of being in nature to center themselves and find happiness and humor, even when it means taking on challenges others might consider wild. VERDICT This inspirational book is recommended for teens and college students exploring next steps, and for anyone in need of encouragement and ideas for what their next adventure could be.—Amanda Ray
