Wander: A Memoir of Letting go and Walking 2,000 Miles to a Meaningful Life

by Ryan Benz

#1 AMAZON BESTSELLER (Adventure Category)
#1 AMAZON NEW RELEASE (5 Categories)
RECIPIENT OF 4 GLOBALLY RECOGNIZED AWARDS (Royal Dragonfly Book Award; Readers' Favorite International Book Award; B.R.A.G. Medallion Honoree; The Wishing Shelf Book Awards - Red Ribbon Winner)

"An inspirational tale of transformation." — Independent Book Review

Many people only ever dream of leaving it all behind to follow their heart. In "Wander," Ryan Benz shares the story of how he upended his 'successful' life and turned that dream into a reality.

In this raw and authentic memoir, Benz embarks on a journey of physical and emotional perseverance and transformation to discover what it means to live a truly meaningful life.

An encouraging read for the dreamer in each of us, "Wander" illuminates the impact wandering can have on a person's life and is a meditation on purpose, authenticity, and intentionality. While walking over two thousand miles from Georgia to Maine, Benz explores the nature of adventure, self-discovery, and what it means to follow your heart.

While telling the story of one man's quest for meaning, "Wander" also serves as a roadmap for the rest of us, inspiring us to awaken to the potential that lies within and choose the path truest to our being.

Genres: Nonfiction, Nature, Adventure, Memoir, Travel

228 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 6, 2023

About the author

While successful by most external measures, by his early thirties, Ryan Benz felt empty and exhausted, dissatisfied with his life, and eager to strengthen his connection to himself and the natural world. In the prime of his life, he chose a nontraditional path, diving headfirst into the world of mindfulness and letting go of everything contributing to his unhappiness-including the career he had spent over ten years building. Turning to the healing power of nature, Benz's trek took him over two thousand miles through the woods from Georgia to Maine, and with each step traveled, he returned a little closer to his true self. Ryan now spends his time sharing his story to show others they have the power to choose their own path.

If you'd like to know more about how Ryan engages and shares value, please visit his webpage at: RyanBenz.com or drop him a line at: Ryan@RyanBenz.com

Reviews

[Rick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even though I am the author’s father, my review of the book is completely unbiased. As for Ryan’s writing ability I would have to say that Ryan’s writing is superb. Thoroughly keeping the readers attention and making the reader feel as though they were on the trail with him. Also, His ability to convey messages about life in general are spot on. So many of us need to reevaluate our lives and Ryan, through his AT experience, makes that seem possible. Proud of you Ryan. Well done.

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve always loved reading about people’s adventures on the Appalachian Trail, and Wander by Ryan Benz is a truly inspiring addition to the genre. This memoir takes readers on a 2,000-mile trek from Georgia to Maine, offering a raw and deeply personal look at what it means to leave behind the familiar in search of something greater.

Benz captures the essence of long-distance hiking—the physical exhaustion, the unpredictable challenges, and the moments of pure awe in nature. But what makes this book stand out is the emotional depth. He doesn’t just describe the trail’s beauty; he reflects on how it reshaped his perspective on life, purpose, and authenticity. Through encounters with fellow hikers and time spent in solitude, he learns valuable lessons about resilience, simplicity, and the importance of slowing down.

One of the things I appreciate most about Wander is how immersive it feels. Benz’s vivid descriptions made me feel like I was right there on the trail, experiencing the highs and lows alongside him. His storytelling is honest and reflective, making this more than just a travelogue—it’s a journey of self-discovery that resonates long after the final page.

If you love Appalachian Trail memoirs or books about personal transformation, Wander is a must-read. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the most challenging paths lead to the greatest growth.
🥾🥾

[Chuck Malley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Many of us feel stuck in relationships, be they jobs, marriages or bad habits. We rarely have the courage to change these relationships, until the rug is pulled out from under us and we HAVE to make a choice. Ryan and his former partner were both brave enough to say, "this relationship isn't working" and he added his job to the mix for good measure. They went their separate ways, but unfortunately, he didn't really know which way to go. He had doubts and reservations about his decision to hike 2100+ miles on the Appalachian Trail, and he shares them from the beginning. We've all had "I know what I'm doing/ I've got this" moments...and his SHOE choice taught him a lesson. Whether you realize it or not, every day is a test. I shoot for A's and B's and often have a C or D grade...F's are to be avoided! Ryan was able to keep the demons in his head at bay for the most part, and that brought about the aha moment of "just BE!" Mindfulness and gratitude for the surroundings, the wildlife, the comradery and even the continuous rain, oh...and don't forget the pizzas! JUST FOR TODAY, RIGHT HERE RIGHT NOW is all we have. The AT path was already laid out for the thru-hikers, but his path post hike was revealed to him about half way on his journey. The end of the trail journey, was the beginning of his NEW life. Courage is being afraid, but following your dreams anyway. He's a courageous young man, and you can be courageous too! The book goes into detail about his fight/fundraising for people suffering with Cystic Fibrosis.

[Denise~ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed the message and learning about Ryan's adventures hiking the Appalachian Trail. He really draws you into his adventure and asks the big questions that get you thinking about what you are doing with your own life and what you can do to make it better. I laughed, cried, laughed again and looked at my own life and how to make it more fulfilling. A fun read with lots of meaning.

[Michael Grim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good opportunity for some healthy self-reflection.

[Jess and Pluto · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice outdoor book on letting go and finding yourself along with true beauty and meaning in life.

[Danya Matulis · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good book about a long journey with inspirational insights sprinkled throughout. Thru-hiking the AT is a very challenging feat and I enjoyed reading Ryan’s story and learning some of his lessons through his words. The book lost my attention ~half way through because it started to feel repetitive but still ended up being good and having great thought provoking moments and beautiful reminders/ life lessons.

I also appreciate that he started this book explaining how much research and preparation he put into getting ready for thru-hiking. I do wish he had taken his gear for a test run overnighter or even just set up in his backyard or living room. As a fellow backpacker, this really frustrates me and people being dangerously unprepared for the wilderness is one of my pet peeves. So if this book motivated you to try backpacking/thru-hiking… that’s my advice ;)

[Phil Hardin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an amazing book. It is extremely well written, because the author has a great command of the English language. Throughout his journey of the Appalachian trail, he shares many life lessons that he has learned and can be pondered by the readers. He does a great job of sharing his inner thoughts on all the different experiences he encounters. The book is a real page turner as you as you anticipate the authors joy upon completing the trail after almost 4 months of walking

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ll never give a bad rating to a book by an AT thru-hiker, because I admire their achievement and am enthralled by the topic. This one in particular is good, it’s more a reflection on his thoughts than it is a travelogue.. and that makes it an engaging and thought provoking read. Well done Ryan and thanks for sharing your story.

[Elise Powell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fantastic read... talked about the daily ins and out of the trail, his perspective shift, and the friends he made along the way.

[Brian R · Rating 5 out of 5]

I very much enjoyed Wander. It was a quick read that I am sure I will pick up and read again. Ryan did an excellent job of making me vision the trail and the people along the way as he wanders north. I sometimes get caught up in the end goal. Ryan (Scrambler) reminded me to enjoy the journey, to take a zero-day, rest and reflect. I reminded myself yesterday to look for the trail angels in my everyday life.

[Mary Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a moving piece of writing. It hit so close to home as I come close to entering the 7th decade of my life. Thank you Ryan for putting yourself out there. Your honesty hit me hard.

[Tee · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a nice story for him. But all I could really think was well good for him. 🤷🏻‍♀️

[barbara a. woodruff · Rating 5 out of 5]

While successful by most external measures, by his early thirties, Ryan Benz felt empty and exhausted, dissatisfied with his life, and eager to strengthen his connection to himself and the natural world. In the prime of his life, he chose a nontraditional path, diving headfirst into the world of mindfulness and letting go of everything contributing to his unhappiness-including the career he had spent over ten years building. Turning to the healing power of nature, Benz's trek took him over two thousand miles through the woods from Georgia to Maine, and with each step traveled, he returned a little closer to his true self. Ryan now spends his time sharing his story to show others they have the power to choose their own path.
As Ryan mentions, this is not a "how to walk from Georgia to Maine", it is a discovery of who he is at this point in his life. It is NOT a step-by-step review but his thoughts as he walked and discovered who he really is. Many of his comments are valid to anyone who begins to become dissatisfied with a lifestyle. Whether walking for 2,000 miles or trying something else to realize who you are, this is a very interesting book and it accompanied me on my Kindle. Recommend.

[Brian Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. I originally picked it up because for the last 6 months or so I have been on an outdoors/nature kick for reading. For those with a similar interest, the book I read before this was The River. The second reason was timing and what I am trying to focus on in my life - being a happier person. I couldn’t have asked for a better book to have brought these two things together. I related to every piece of it. I took away so many things but one that stands out for me is his divorce and him recognizing he wasn’t present in the relationship. Earlier today I bought 5 copies of this book because I want to give them as gifts to people, including my 19 year old son. The story is told effortlessly and I found myself just trying to take in as much as I could, rereading sentences or paragraphs 6 or 7 times because it was something I truly wanted to digest and apply in my own life. I also liked that I didn’t feel it was fluffy like other pre-scripted books in self development and growth that can often feel corny and to “off in the clouds”. If anyone else shares similar feelings after reading this book and has other similar books (nature and self growth) please send them my way.

[Cindy Dyson Eitelman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not your typical Appalachian Trail thru-hike. Mr. Benz was an older guy (30s ?), with a successful, well-paying career and a wife and even a house, I think. His marriage ended because for both his wife and him there was nothing but the job and the lifestyle--they didn't grow together in their years together but instead grew apart. And during those years, he kept putting off "real life" until some nebulous point in the future when he'd attained the perfect job and lifestyle.

The marriage ending jerked him into thinking about what he really wanted out of life, and it wasn't the high-pressure job or the big house or the perfect marriage. What was it? He didn't know, so he quit. All of it. To hike the trail.

Wish I had done the same thing, but there were too many people depending on me. But he did, and I couldn't stop reading to find out if he found what he was looking for. Would he or wouldn't he? And could he even walk that far?

Read this and find out. I'll guarantee it's full of adventure and pain and happiness and finally, even joy. And just possibly a mountaintop at the end.

[Lori Holland · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I’ve read about hiking the Appalachian Trail. I have read several about the Pacific Coast Trail. The themes are the same as far as perseverance and determination which I admire greatly. I found it interesting in Ryan’s memoir how similar his experience was to Carrot Quinn who wrote about the PCT. Both expressed the desire of not wanting to come back to “real” life. I think everyone wants to escape life at some point and all the stress that goes with our modern day culture. I enjoyed Ryan’s transparency and vulnerability in his journey, though. I was happy to read about his “after-the-trail” success. The book was sometimes a bit cliche and he may need to give more credit to a few people for some of the ideas and passages in the book. Overall, it was an enjoyable read and I will be recommending to a few friends!

[Bonnie Watson · Rating 5 out of 5]

thank you

You have restored my faith in books. I was apparently searching for this one, but didn’t know it. I loved every second of reading this . It touched me and took me to a place I needed to be. You may be young but what a story you have told. I have been to several of the places mentioned and had longed for the wilderness, …to reconvene with nature. And though I’m not part of the young group you described, I went with you on this hike in my heart. Although I couldn’t wait to read every next word or chapter, I too felt a sadness at the end.

[Lisa B · Rating 5 out of 5]

not just another AT thru hike book….

I liked the book had geographical info but not overwhelming. The author shared his emotions of the moment. He shared the good the bad and ugly that makes one want to take on an adventure like this or some part of it. I found the book motivational

[Niko · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having grown up near the AT, this was a special book as I’ve hiked many sections in the Georgia, NC, Virginia mountains. Benz’ career motivations are similar to mine so his introspection was easy to follow as my brain seems to think like his. I thoroughly enjoyed his candor and humility throughs the book. His writing is excellent as well. Highly recommend!

[Tessa Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

An incredible story of adventure and self-discovery. Ryan's writing made me feel as if I was present every step of the Appalachian Trail. I appreciated the shared experiences and the people he encountered during his journey.

[Fred Fanning · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Book

Wander is a great story about what life is really about rather than what we have made of it. The story is raw and exposes feelings we should all experience but don't. As the author says, we don't need to hike the Appalachian Trail to learn these lessons.

[Adam Hardin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wander takes you on Ryan’s journey to a new self while hiking the AT. The experiences learned and messages shared are great and I didn’t want the book to end. Highly recommend!

[Allison Jehlicka · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent read about a journey to find what’s important in life.

[Sarah Lintz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very inspirational

[jesse dwight · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful Experience

This book was so refreshing . The heart felt descriptions of sights and relationships. Thanks for sharing such an incredible experience and journey.

[Kim Francis · Rating 5 out of 5]

A perfect combination of one man's journey to mindfulness and self discovery balanced with tales of life as a thru-hiker on the Appalachian Trail.

[Richard Jarvis · Rating 5 out of 5]

excellent read!

This was a very inspiring read and so well written! Some wright so much about the gear and details of trail food choices. It was a thoughtful journey sharing the trail “magic” and people met along the way.

[Leslie · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5/5.0

[Tony Gibowski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent writer as he talks about how important the journey is and how we should all enjoy it. He takes you to the trail and also what his journey is about.