Brave-ish: One Breakup, Six Continents, and Feeling Fearless After Fifty

by Lisa Niver

2024 Literary Titan Non-fiction Gold Book Award
2023 Zibby Awards Runner-up: Best Book for The Strong Woman
2023 HEARTEN Book Awards Finalist for Inspiring & Uplifting Non-Fiction
2023 WINNER: Goody Business Book Awards: Memoir/Self-Help
Featured in Conde Nast Traveler Women Who Travel Book Club: 10 New Books We Can't Wait to Read this Fall
As seen in Forbes Best New NonFiction

Although Lisa Niver has traveled in far-off locales from Vanuatu to Nepal and received numerous accolades for both her writing and her top ranked website, what people don’t realize is that this began from the wreckage of a rotten romance.

Newlywed Niver was on the adventure of a lifetime. She had quit her job, rented out her condo, and was traveling around Asia. To the outside world, Niver was a woman living out her dreams of exploring ancient ruins in Cambodia and seeing orangutans in Borneo. In private, she was keeping a dark secret. But, when she found herself lying on a sidewalk in Thailand, looking up at the sky in severe pain, she knew things had to change. At age forty-seven, Niver found the courage to set course on a new life.

Feeling like a failure, pushing fifty, and moving home to her parents’ house to start again from scratch, Niver started taking one tiny “brave-ish” step at a time to take her life far away from the old one and into the adventurous world of travel writing. These small hurdles led to the challenge of trying fifty new things before turning fifty. From diving into shipwrecks, swimming with sharks, bobsledding at 3 Gs, to indulging in wild escapades, Niver found herself traversing the world on a journey of reinvention, personal growth, and discovering what it actually means to be “brave.”

While Brave-ish chronicles Niver’s inspiring expeditions to distant corners of the world including Myanmar, Cuba, Morocco, Kenya and Mongolia this is more than a travelogue. Niver’s story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of perseverance. Brave-ish inspires readers to dream big, take risks, and embrace the unknown to create a life filled with wonder and excitement, even when courage seems elusive.

Genres: Travel, Memoir

272 pages, Paperback

Published September 19, 2023

About the author

Lisa Niver is the author of Brave-ish, One Breakup, Six Continents and Feeling Fearless After Fifty. Lisa Niver is an award-winning travel expert who has explored 102 countries on six continents. This University of Pennsylvania graduate sailed across the seas for seven years with Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean, and Renaissance Cruises and spent three years backpacking across Asia. Discover her articles in publications from AARP: The Magazine and AAA Explorer to WIRED and Wharton Magazine, as well as her site WeSaidGoTravel.

On her award nominated global podcast, Make Your Own Map, Niver has interviewed Deepak Chopra, Olympic medalists, and numerous bestselling authors, and as a journalist has been invited to both the Oscars and the United Nations. For her print and digital stories as well as her television segments, she has been awarded three Southern California Journalism Awards and two National Arts and Entertainment Journalism Awards and been a finalist twenty-two times.

Named a #3 travel influencer for 2023, Niver talks travel on broadcast television at KTLA TV Los Angeles, her YouTube channel with over 2 million views, and in her memoir, Brave-ish, One Breakup, Six Continents and Feeling Fearless After Fifty.

LINKS
https://lisaniver.com/braveish/


https://bit.ly/m/lisaniver

https://wesaidgotravel.com/

http://lisaniver.com/one-page/

SOCIAL
YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@LisaNiver

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lisaniver/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/lisaniver
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lisa.niver
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/wesaidgotra...
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lisaniver
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisaellen...

Reviews

[Diane Nagatomo · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Bravish" is a charming memoir by journalist and travel writer Lisa Niver. It opens with a critical incident that is the catalyst for her to change her life--to leave her abusive and controlling husband and strike out on her own. This is not a "rags-to-riches" sort of memoir, and neither is it a "getting a life back together after hitting rock bottom" tale.. The author comes from a place of economic security and strong family support, which has enabled her to follow her ambitions to travel and go diving. But even with such privilege, bad choices can be made, and despite every warning bell in the world ringing, she marries a man that on the surface seems to share her dreams, but who tears her down every chance. Then the book turns to how she got her life back on track and developed her career while setting up "50 challenges to do before turning 50". While at times the second part of the book read a bit like a travel diary, I think it can offer a lot of encouragement for people to be brave enough to not only follow their dreams but to also take steps (however painful they may be) to change their lives if need be. And of course, arm chair travelers and real travelers will definitely enjoy the writer's descriptions of so many out-of-the-way places.

[Jennifer Hazen · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really wanted to like this book. I didn't. The writing was so disjointed that I couldn't even empathize with Niver, a domestic violence survivor. Nor could I glean inspiration from her perseverance and travel. If you're looking for an inspirational story of the brave-ish woman described in the book's description, bring your patience. Reading this book is difficult but not for the reasons you'd think.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such an inspirational story, from getting out of a toxic relationship to becoming one of the most influential travel journalists today. Lisa Niver’s story is universal and one that will stay with me for a long time.

[Shayna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Meeting Lisa on one of her adventures made reading this book all the more special! Learning what she’s gone through really puts her high energy and positive personality into perspective and I can’t help but be inspired by her never ending zest for life, learning, and new experiences.

As she built her fifty things before fifty adventure I too wanted to jump right up and make one for myself, and I have yet to reach thirty! Lisa takes you through her journey with honesty and comforts you with genuine storytelling. This is just her life and she was courageous enough to share it for those of us who are learning to be brave…ish.

Thanks Lisa!

[Lisa Niver · Rating 5 out of 5]

My book is available to REQUEST on NETGALLEY
from Post Hill Press
https://www.netgalley.com/catalog/pub...
Happy Reading!

[Book Reviewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brave-ish by Lisa Niver is an engaging memoir that masterfully interweaves the challenging dynamics of a marriage at a crossroads with vivid accounts of solo travel and self-exploration. The narrative transports readers from the lively streets of Thailand to Fiji's serene landscapes and into the opulent heart of Monaco, all while offering an introspective look at Niver's personal journey.

In Brave-ish, Lisa Niver emerges as a relatable figure, akin to a close friend who has weathered significant challenges yet maintains a sense of humor. Her candor in discussing the emotional aftermath of her marriage and the subsequent steps toward recovery is both striking and inspiring. The memoir goes beyond the excitement of adventures like shark diving and car racing in Vegas, framing these experiences as pivotal moments in Niver's path to healing. While the memoir at times delves deeply into the emotional aspects of her life, potentially overshadowing the more light-hearted, travel-centric narratives, it is precisely this vulnerability that lends authenticity to her story. The book skillfully blends reflective thought with the excitement of global exploration. Niver doesn't just pass through destinations; she fully immerses herself in them, extracting meaningful insights from each experience, whether confronting fears or embracing different cultures. She is the approachable protagonist of her own story, exemplifying that true bravery often lies in perseverance.

Brave-ish is an invitation to confront the unfamiliar, to discover resilience in openness. Lisa Niver's memoir is not only a revealing journey into her own experiences but also a reflective look at the adventurous spirit that resides within us all. It appeals to anyone drawn to the unknown and serves as a poignant reminder that often, the most significant adventures are those that take place within ourselves.

[Sylvia Jacobs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Title:
Brave-ish
One Breakup,
Six Continents,
and Feeling Fearless
After Fifty

Author:
Lisa Niver

Publication Date:
September 19, 2023

Publisher:

Post Hill Press

Genre:
Non-fiction 
Memoir

Travelogues
Travel Essays

Print Length:
263 pages

Awards book
received:

2024 Gold Nonfiction Book
Award from the Nonfiction Authors Association 
2024 Literary Titan Non-fiction Gold Book Award
2023 Zibby Awards Runner-up: Best Book for The Strong Women
2023 Hearten Book Awards First Place
Category Winner for Uplifting & Inspiring Nonfiction and  Memoir
2023 Winner: Goody Business Book Awards:
Memoir/Self-Help


Book Reviewed By Sylvia J.

Everyone thought that Lisa Niver who was married to her husband Fred was on an adventure of her lifetime. She was traveling all around Asia and had left her job to do it. Was it really a great adventure or did she have a dark secret she was carrying with her.

One day she found herself on a sidewalk in a different country.. Was she pushed by perhaps someone she knew who was very close and dear to her? She realizes that things have to change.

Did she feel like the universe had just fallen?

Having the courage to start your life over in the middle years of your life, is quite courageous.
Could this be what she might have to do?

Will she call her parents to let them know what her plans are?

Has she given up so much of her life for him?

Would she have to move back to her parents house?

Can she build her torn life back up again?

Would she now take up a new profession? Would she become a travel writer?
20 years ago she had put a pause on medical school.

The author is inspirational and brave. You will see how she describes her journey and how she overcame obstacles.  You will see where she is now. 

Come take the journey with Lisa and read this book now.

5*****

[Eva · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars | This review is of an advanced copy provided by the publisher via BookSirens and I am leaving this review voluntarily. If this were a published book I had bought in the store, I would have given it closer to 3 stars, but since this was an advanced reading copy and most likely improvements were made prior to publishing, I am going to be a bit more lenient in my review.

I picked up this book because I love stories where women aren't afraid and jump head first into new adventures. And Lisa did just that: after a painful breakup, she slowly got back on her feet and ended up accomplishing amazing things she never thought she'd have the strength to do. Loved it! Here's the thing: the entire first half was about her ex-husband Fred, and while he truly did not seem like a very kind guy, it felt like a very one-sided storytelling. I also started noticing around Chapter 8 that the writing could have used some more editing. It increasingly felt like reading a diary. This took me even more by surprise since Lisa is an accomplished writer, but I wonder if her primary outlet--articles and blog posts--does not perfectly translate to book format.

Overall, I enjoyed reading the book, and I am excited how wonderful life turned out for Lisa. There were a few things here and there that a reader could take away from by reading the book (such as the "50 before 50" challenge). The ending was done quite well.

[Zibby Owens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brave-ish: One Breakup, Six Continents, and Feeling Fearless After Fifty is a captivating memoir that takes readers through the highs and lows of life, love, and self-discovery. To the rest of the world, seasoned travel writer Lisa Niven was living her dream. But at 47, she returned to her parents' house to leave her broken marriage. Her memoir is an empowerment anthem as she sets out to try fifty new things before turning fifty. From adventures like diving into shipwrecks to profound moments of self-discovery, she invites readers to reflect on their paths and find the bravery within.

The author poured her heart out on the page. I love books that make me feel, and this one was interesting and moving. She paints a vivid picture of what happens in an abusive relationship, which can start as verbal abuse and can turn physical—it's so insidious in the harm it does over time. I felt like I was in her shoes, from the travel to the pain of the relationship to trying to figure out who she was. It was all so relatable and honest. Brave-ish is a reminder that it's never too late to reinvent oneself. It is a compelling read that resonates long after turning the last page. It is highly recommended for anyone seeking inspiration and a renewed sense of courage.

To listen to my interview with the author, go to my podcast at:
https://shows.acast.com/moms-dont-hav...

[Jill Dobbe · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've followed Lisa Niver's travel writings and adventures since early in her career. I've also read and enjoyed the book that she wrote with her husband. Since reading the book I've learned of her divorce and curious about what happened, I knew I had to read Brave-ish. In her memoir/travelogue, Niver writes about their disastrous relationship that included verbal and physical abuse. As she divulged what happened, I could only believe that it must have been somewhat cathartic for her to write about it.

Niver is a unique, talented, and vivacious woman who lives to scuba dive and travel. She thought she met the love of her life who also lived to travel. It was not to be, however. Despite feelings of sadness, loss, and loneliness that she suffered after the breakup, she eventually found the strength and confidence to begin traveling on her own and start her own business. She goes on to detail her excessive adventures and travels as if to prove to herself and to readers that she really is fearless and brave.

Brave-ish is an inspirational story that proves a woman can have and do everything she puts her mind to. Thank you to the author, publisher, and Netgalley for this ARC.

[Jessie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Niver is a master at being humble, an everywoman with fears and challenges, while taking her readers around the world in quite a powerful and magical way. Her drive and persistence is not only inspiring, but an honest glimpse into what it means to be human: to learn, take joy, and find the people, places, and purpose she needs to grow.

With her signature zest, wonder, and grace, Niver takes us on her journey of self-discovery, inspiration, and perseverance. Brave-ish is so much more than a memoir...it is a guide to growing with both humility and curiosity, and shows us the power of inner strength, friendship, community, and drive. This is a beautiful memoir about finding self, about slowly moving past trauma, and about the immense influence that travel has to heal and inspire. This book? Pure magic.

[V Dowdy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brave-ish; Lisa Niver’s is any one of us as we go through life. She shares her journey that is filled with demons, health issues, insecurities, mistakes and bad judgements that help her discovery within herself the determination and resilience to overcome these problems. As she sets herself on a road to recovery and self redemption from her failures and abusive marriage, Nivers holds tight to her love and dream of becoming a travel writer, explorer, videographer.

Her story and writing voice grabbed my attention from the moment I downloaded her book. I couldn’t put it down. I felt her frustration and her insecurity, just as I appreciated her hard work and honesty. She openly shares her faults but also how she turned them into catalysts propelling herself forward to success.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Amanda Chay · Rating 3 out of 5]

The author's love of travel resonated with me and it was the thread that kept me engaged in this book. I can appreciate Lisa’s enthusiasm and willingness to explore her mental and physically self-imposed limitations deeper with travel.

I was eager for the book to change directions away from her negative relationship with that jerky Fred, as this discussion continued for 60% of the book. I would have been more interested in reading a condensed version of this story with fewer details of Fred and Lisa's actions and interactions.

I liked reading about the evolution of the author's travel career. At times, it felt more like bullet points being given from one trip to another and they merged into a clump for me. I found myself skimming the content here looking for Lisa’s nuggets of wisdom gained.

[Jennifer Lang · Rating 5 out of 5]

The title is what caught my eye. Brave-ish made me think how so many people have called me that before. I wondered who this woman was, what made her brave. At 47, Lisa Niver's marriage to a controlling, alcoholic man reaches a turning point, a triggering moment when she understands he will never change, he is abusive, he is not fit to be married. After selling her car, renting her condo, and quitting her job in LA, she leaves him and returns Stateside solo to rebuild from scratch, thinking herself not worthy and weak. Thanks to her parents and friends and her own smarts, she does rebuild. Change happens. And as she inches her way toward 50, she understands what she's made of, capable of, and the true meaning of bravery.

[Cynthia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved the style of writing and the tales of the author's adventures. However, the book centered too much on the author's relationship with her ex-husband for me. This was a good jumping off point for the story, but once the husband proved himself as a jerk and worse, I was ready for the author to move on. This book was a huge lesson in why you need to dump guys who are jerks, quickly, rather than stay with them hoping they will improve. They won't.

I hope to read more from this author, but I hope she focuses on her travels more next time.

[Svweaver · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read Lisa's book in 2 days! She is my hero! She has done so much in such a short amount of time and has inspired me to want to do more for myself. Being defined by other people is not the path to happiness but being true to yourself and really accepting yourself is the start. Lisa shows us that getting out of your comfort zone, even if it is as small as opening the space between your clasped hands, is worth the risk. And, its wonderful to see its never too late to start being a little "Brave-ish"."

[Lizz Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an inspirational memoir of a woman's journey from a very low place in her life to finding her own inner strength and going on the most amazing adventures. It is easy to lose our way and as she points out is never too late to re-center ourselves. I really admire her strength, determination and grit. It also shows that even the strongest have self crippling doubt that can prevent us from living our best lives. I am very appreciative that Lisa shared her story and was able to accomplish so much after her horrible marriage and divorce.

[Beth Georgia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lisa Niver truly inspires you to take small steps to chart your own path and find change. She is resilient and has a great sense of humor. She sorts through her dramatic experience with her ex and finds her footing. When you think you are lost and cant find your way, Lisa shows you that it is okay to start slowly and just do one small thing. I would love to see more woman stand under themselves and challenge themselves the way Lisa did. Bravo.

[Jeannie Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Woman, hear me roar!

I met Lisa many years ago as we worked together on a children's television show. I read her book late into the night as I couldn't wait to see what was the next adventure she would take on. She is brave, plucky and smart and funny and has a beautiful soul. I am blessed to have met her. If you're stuck or afraid, don't be. Adventures await around every corner waiting on you to grab hold!

[Jonathan Phillips · Rating 4 out of 5]

For those who think life ends at 50, Lisa Niver proves that life is just beginning. Having gone through a terrible divorce in the middle of building a new writing career, Ms. Niver brings you on a daring scuba dive into her troubles. Sparing no details into the hardships that come from the limiting beliefs and self doubt, she is able to challenge herself to not only press forward, but heal and recover in this enjoyable and humorous memoir.

[Laurel Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read. Read it in one day. Very well written to describe the dichotomy of feelings in domestic abuse as in...I can't reconcile what is happening to me vs how I wish it to be. The descriptions of altered reality, second chances and excuses were spot on.....could've written them myself. Wonderful book - highly recommend

[Joëlle · Rating 2 out of 5]

The book touches on themes of reinvention, courage, and travel but doesn’t explore them with nuance.

Ultimately, Brave-ish is an easy read with occasional moments of inspiration. However, its lack of depth makes it less fulfilling to read. You may enjoy the concept but feel like something is missing.

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Story of her divorce and how her background led her to different travel careers. Fascinating story of resilience bravery overcoming obstacles. Vision therapy helped her eyesight and then her ability to move forward to 50 challenges before 50. Gutsiness sadness many emotional upheavals are portrayed.

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book with several slower parts. Nothing that made me want to stop reading but definitely slowed me down.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like the author, I'm a travel journalist so I was interested to read her book. I also have a background in psychology so I appreciated Niver's emotional journey that she explored throughout the book. She was able to overcome a lot of her challenges by going outside of her comfort zone in various settings including ones related to travel or career choices. As a reader when I read about her triumphs I not only cheered for her but also felt inspired. I highly recommend this book to anyone, not just travel journalists.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am inspired to be more Brave-ish in my everyday life after reading this book. Plus I added some items to my bucket list after reading about Niver’s adventures around the world.