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Lost & Found: Reflections on Travel, Career, Love and Family
“Complex, engaging, and deeply layered.”
—EJ Colen, Nonfiction Editor of Tupelo Press
A writer uses the same adventurous spirit that took him all over the world to look inward and embark on a journey of self-discovery.
If there was one thing Dustin Grinnell craved, it was adventure. From running the Paris marathon, to bungee jumping in New Zealand, to watching the sunrise at the top of Mount Kilimanjaro, Grinnell spent his twenties and thirties traveling across the globe in search of new experiences. But as he indulged his wanderlust, he noticed he seldom looked inward to explore What did he want, and where was he really going?
In this insightful collection of twenty-five memoir essays, Grinnell discovers amazing places—and bit by bit, himself. Whether he’s exploring his relationship with his father, trying to find satisfaction in Corporate America, or searching for love, Grinnell’s essays offer readers a window into the complexities of human relationships and the natural world, with insights that are both deeply personal and universally resonant.
—EJ Colen, Nonfiction Editor of Tupelo Press
A writer uses the same adventurous spirit that took him all over the world to look inward and embark on a journey of self-discovery.
If there was one thing Dustin Grinnell craved, it was adventure. From running the Paris marathon, to bungee jumping in New Zealand, to watching the sunrise at the top of Mount Kilimanjaro, Grinnell spent his twenties and thirties traveling across the globe in search of new experiences. But as he indulged his wanderlust, he noticed he seldom looked inward to explore What did he want, and where was he really going?
In this insightful collection of twenty-five memoir essays, Grinnell discovers amazing places—and bit by bit, himself. Whether he’s exploring his relationship with his father, trying to find satisfaction in Corporate America, or searching for love, Grinnell’s essays offer readers a window into the complexities of human relationships and the natural world, with insights that are both deeply personal and universally resonant.
200 pages, Paperback
Published December 11, 2023
2 people want to read
About the author
Dustin Grinnell
9 books8 followersDustin Grinnell is a writer based in Boston. Journalism and creative nonfiction, short stories and novels, poetry and scripts—all these and more have earned him publication with a wide range of presses, magazines, and literary journals.
His true passion, however, lies in exploring the intersection of ethics and science in a subgenre of speculative fiction he’s dubbed “sci-fi with heart.” Most of his fiction writing—including his most recent novel, The Empathy Academy, and his short story collection, The Healing Book—falls into this subgenre, blending the imaginative worlds of science fiction with deep, emotional storytelling that emphasizes the human impact of science and technology. Inspired by modern media, he also reviews sci-fi movies that bring real emotions to the genre in articles and in his video series, Sci-Fi with Heart, analyzing what makes them hit on a deeper level.
Born in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, Dustin grew up with a fascination for the science-fiction works of authors like Michael Crichton, and he never missed an addition to R.L. Stine’s Goosebumps series or an episode of The X Files. With a BA in psychobiology, an MS in physiology, and an MFA in fiction, he hones his writing in marketing while building his literary portfolio.
Beyond writing, Dustin loves to explore the world. He’s traveled a lot throughout his life, including climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, running the Paris marathon, hitchhiking across New Zealand, and riding his motorcycle across the United States. He’s written about many of these adventures in personal essays, most of which can be found in his essay collection, Lost & Found: Reflections on Travel, Career, Love and Family.
More recently, he’s applied his love of exploring the world to his podcast, Curiously, in which he explores big ideas with a variety of guests in insightful and engaging conversations. When not traveling the world, he can be found in the seaside town of Winthrop, MA, where he lives with his cat, Poe, named after author and poet Edgar Allan Poe.
His true passion, however, lies in exploring the intersection of ethics and science in a subgenre of speculative fiction he’s dubbed “sci-fi with heart.” Most of his fiction writing—including his most recent novel, The Empathy Academy, and his short story collection, The Healing Book—falls into this subgenre, blending the imaginative worlds of science fiction with deep, emotional storytelling that emphasizes the human impact of science and technology. Inspired by modern media, he also reviews sci-fi movies that bring real emotions to the genre in articles and in his video series, Sci-Fi with Heart, analyzing what makes them hit on a deeper level.
Born in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, Dustin grew up with a fascination for the science-fiction works of authors like Michael Crichton, and he never missed an addition to R.L. Stine’s Goosebumps series or an episode of The X Files. With a BA in psychobiology, an MS in physiology, and an MFA in fiction, he hones his writing in marketing while building his literary portfolio.
Beyond writing, Dustin loves to explore the world. He’s traveled a lot throughout his life, including climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, running the Paris marathon, hitchhiking across New Zealand, and riding his motorcycle across the United States. He’s written about many of these adventures in personal essays, most of which can be found in his essay collection, Lost & Found: Reflections on Travel, Career, Love and Family.
More recently, he’s applied his love of exploring the world to his podcast, Curiously, in which he explores big ideas with a variety of guests in insightful and engaging conversations. When not traveling the world, he can be found in the seaside town of Winthrop, MA, where he lives with his cat, Poe, named after author and poet Edgar Allan Poe.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
April 26, 2024
I enjoyed reading the reflect essays Dustin Grinnell wrote showcasing his adventurous life. As someone who left their job to pursue my dream life, I applaud the strength, courage, and passion Grinnell executed in fulfilling his dreams. I can't imagine the rush of adrenaline it took to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, running the Paris marathon, and bungee jumping in New Zealand. I also loved how he structured this book by writing essays rather than lengthy chapters. It made the book far from boring like we were embarking on the adventure of a lifetime.
This book is the reason why I love biographies. The book was edited, written, and structured beautifully. Readers will be engaged from the beginning until the very end. For these reasons, there is no question to award a five star rating.
This book is the reason why I love biographies. The book was edited, written, and structured beautifully. Readers will be engaged from the beginning until the very end. For these reasons, there is no question to award a five star rating.
February 23, 2024
As a close spiritual advisor and friend, I've had the privilege of witnessing Dustin Grinnell's remarkable journey of self-discovery unfold within the pages of his captivating memoir essays.
From the outset, it's clear that Dustin possesses an insatiable thirst for adventure, a yearning to explore the far reaches of the globe in search of novel experiences. Yet, beneath the surface of these thrilling escapades lies a deeper quest—a quest to unravel the mysteries of his own soul. As Dustin traverses continents and scales mountains, he simultaneously embarks on an inward odyssey, grappling with profound questions about his identity, purpose, and place in the world.
In this poignant collection of twenty-five essays, Dustin's introspective musings invite readers into the inner sanctum of his psyche, where vulnerability and courage intertwine in a dance of self-revelation. Whether he's navigating the labyrinthine corridors of familial relationships, confronting the disillusionment of corporate life, or navigating the turbulent waters of romantic love, Dustin's narrative voice resonates with authenticity and raw emotion.
What sets Dustin's memoir apart is its profound universality. While his adventures may span the globe, the themes he explores—love, loss, longing—are timeless and universally relatable. Through his keen observations and introspective reflections, Dustin offers readers a mirror in which to glimpse their own triumphs and tribulations, inviting them to embark on their own journey of self-discovery.
As a spiritual advisor, I've borne witness to Dustin's evolution—from intrepid explorer to courageous soul-seeker—and I can say with certainty that his memoir is not just a chronicle of worldly exploits, but a testament to the transformative power of self-exploration. With each essay, Dustin peels back the layers of his own existence, illuminating the path for others to embark on their own voyage of self-discovery.
In sum, Dustin Grinnell's memoir is a luminous testament to the human spirit—a stirring reminder that true adventure lies not only in the vast expanse of the external world, but also within the depths of our own hearts and minds.
From the outset, it's clear that Dustin possesses an insatiable thirst for adventure, a yearning to explore the far reaches of the globe in search of novel experiences. Yet, beneath the surface of these thrilling escapades lies a deeper quest—a quest to unravel the mysteries of his own soul. As Dustin traverses continents and scales mountains, he simultaneously embarks on an inward odyssey, grappling with profound questions about his identity, purpose, and place in the world.
In this poignant collection of twenty-five essays, Dustin's introspective musings invite readers into the inner sanctum of his psyche, where vulnerability and courage intertwine in a dance of self-revelation. Whether he's navigating the labyrinthine corridors of familial relationships, confronting the disillusionment of corporate life, or navigating the turbulent waters of romantic love, Dustin's narrative voice resonates with authenticity and raw emotion.
What sets Dustin's memoir apart is its profound universality. While his adventures may span the globe, the themes he explores—love, loss, longing—are timeless and universally relatable. Through his keen observations and introspective reflections, Dustin offers readers a mirror in which to glimpse their own triumphs and tribulations, inviting them to embark on their own journey of self-discovery.
As a spiritual advisor, I've borne witness to Dustin's evolution—from intrepid explorer to courageous soul-seeker—and I can say with certainty that his memoir is not just a chronicle of worldly exploits, but a testament to the transformative power of self-exploration. With each essay, Dustin peels back the layers of his own existence, illuminating the path for others to embark on their own voyage of self-discovery.
In sum, Dustin Grinnell's memoir is a luminous testament to the human spirit—a stirring reminder that true adventure lies not only in the vast expanse of the external world, but also within the depths of our own hearts and minds.
January 12, 2026
In Lost & Found, Dustin Grinnell offers a thoughtful and deeply personal collection of twenty-five memoir essays that chart a journey from outward adventure to inward understanding. Structured in three sections: Lost, Departed, and Found, the book traces Grinnell’s evolution from a restless seeker of external thrills to a more reflective individual grappling with identity, purpose, and emotional truth.
At first glance, Lost & Found appears to be a travel memoir, filled with vivid accounts of running marathons in Paris, bungee jumping in New Zealand, climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, and traversing China by motorcycle. Yet Grinnell skillfully subverts this expectation. The physical journeys serve primarily as entry points into deeper psychological and philosophical explorations. Travel becomes a mirror rather than an escape, revealing the author’s fears, ambitions, etc.
Grinnell writes candidly about failed relationships, dissatisfaction with corporate life, complicated family dynamics, and the quiet anxieties that emerge when ambition outpaces self-knowledge. His reflections on psychotherapy, psychosomatic illness, and identity crises are particularly compelling, demonstrating how unexamined emotional pain can manifest physically and spiritually.
Lost & Found is a compelling exploration of what it means to live deliberately in a world that encourages constant motion. It will resonate strongly with readers interested in memoir, personal essays, travel writing with depth, and stories of quiet transformation.
At first glance, Lost & Found appears to be a travel memoir, filled with vivid accounts of running marathons in Paris, bungee jumping in New Zealand, climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, and traversing China by motorcycle. Yet Grinnell skillfully subverts this expectation. The physical journeys serve primarily as entry points into deeper psychological and philosophical explorations. Travel becomes a mirror rather than an escape, revealing the author’s fears, ambitions, etc.
Grinnell writes candidly about failed relationships, dissatisfaction with corporate life, complicated family dynamics, and the quiet anxieties that emerge when ambition outpaces self-knowledge. His reflections on psychotherapy, psychosomatic illness, and identity crises are particularly compelling, demonstrating how unexamined emotional pain can manifest physically and spiritually.
Lost & Found is a compelling exploration of what it means to live deliberately in a world that encourages constant motion. It will resonate strongly with readers interested in memoir, personal essays, travel writing with depth, and stories of quiet transformation.
May 8, 2024
I really wanted to like this book after seeing the couple of rave reviews about the author's growth which is the main focus here. But honestly, I had to force myself to get through this one. This book is separated into three parts, but that served no purpose as the author struggles to truly find himself at any point.
The only parts I actually really enjoyed was when he talked about medicine and therapy. I learned a lot about alternative treatments and related to many of the author's health struggles.
I think this book just needed to be more focused on a singular topic, instead of mentioning random parts of the author's life that hardly tie into each other. In fact, I feel like the first part of the book could've been omitted entirely, and those stories could've been briefly mentioned in the later chapters where they would've felt more impactful.
This book definitely wasn't worth the nearly $30 I spent on it, in fact I've never spent that much on a memior before and really took a chance on it. I probably would've given this another star had it been appropriately priced for how short the read was.
The only parts I actually really enjoyed was when he talked about medicine and therapy. I learned a lot about alternative treatments and related to many of the author's health struggles.
I think this book just needed to be more focused on a singular topic, instead of mentioning random parts of the author's life that hardly tie into each other. In fact, I feel like the first part of the book could've been omitted entirely, and those stories could've been briefly mentioned in the later chapters where they would've felt more impactful.
This book definitely wasn't worth the nearly $30 I spent on it, in fact I've never spent that much on a memior before and really took a chance on it. I probably would've given this another star had it been appropriately priced for how short the read was.
February 29, 2024
I love reading about someone's first-hand experiences. This book is a collection of twenty-five memoir essays. The author has spent years traveling and having new experiences in the outer world. Later, he started reflecting inside when he realized that he rarely looked inward to explore himself.
My favorite part from the book is Found. Since, I believe more in spirituality and self-awareness, I loved this part the most.
'A Morning Dose of Awe' is about the author's experience of shifting from watching news as a morning routine. Now, instead of watching news, the author started watching Sunrise Earth that took his attention away from the everyday affairs of the world. The author feels satisfied to have a break from himself and the news.
The author guides us to be free from our past and present so we can make new choices to start our life anew. These essays are amazing. I loved every bit about these essays. I am grateful to get my hands on this collection. Go ahead with it without any second thoughts.
My favorite part from the book is Found. Since, I believe more in spirituality and self-awareness, I loved this part the most.
'A Morning Dose of Awe' is about the author's experience of shifting from watching news as a morning routine. Now, instead of watching news, the author started watching Sunrise Earth that took his attention away from the everyday affairs of the world. The author feels satisfied to have a break from himself and the news.
The author guides us to be free from our past and present so we can make new choices to start our life anew. These essays are amazing. I loved every bit about these essays. I am grateful to get my hands on this collection. Go ahead with it without any second thoughts.
February 29, 2024
I love reading books that focus on self-awareness. Self-awareness helps us to know ourselves better. It takes us on the path of growth.
Dustin had many travel experiences. He explored different places and had great learnings from his travels. His marathon experience has motivated me to start my journey. "Departing Down the Middle" is a wonderful essay. I recently had a heartbreak and am finding it really difficult to let go of someone whom I love.
This essay made me realize that I cling hard to people. I should have a balance in my life, especially with people. Reading this essay made me feel better. I got my hands on it at the right time.
I am grateful to the author for this awesome collection. His years of experience would serve as a guide for us. The writing style of the author is nice. It's one of the best books that I have read this year. I strongly recommend it to my fellow readers. The lessons that the author has included in these essays would help us for life.
Dustin had many travel experiences. He explored different places and had great learnings from his travels. His marathon experience has motivated me to start my journey. "Departing Down the Middle" is a wonderful essay. I recently had a heartbreak and am finding it really difficult to let go of someone whom I love.
This essay made me realize that I cling hard to people. I should have a balance in my life, especially with people. Reading this essay made me feel better. I got my hands on it at the right time.
I am grateful to the author for this awesome collection. His years of experience would serve as a guide for us. The writing style of the author is nice. It's one of the best books that I have read this year. I strongly recommend it to my fellow readers. The lessons that the author has included in these essays would help us for life.
March 1, 2024
This is a wonderful poetry book through which the author teaches us to leave our past behind and live a happy life. The author has mentioned how his main focus is on living a happy life.
i hope that one day i could find the words to say
how you make me feel
but all i have today is
more
i want more
The above poem reminded me of my relationship. I had the words and even expressed it to the person I love but he never had any feelings for me. It's painful to be the one who gets rejected every time by everyone. Like the author, I am eagerly waiting for true love.
These days, love is a rare commodity which is not so easy to find. Lucky are those who find it. "dreams come true for a boy in love" paints a beautiful picture in front of our eyes. I read a couple of poems in a single sitting. The author has done great work in this book. Those who want to give a try to reading poems can go ahead with this book. I had a great day reading it.
i hope that one day i could find the words to say
how you make me feel
but all i have today is
more
i want more
The above poem reminded me of my relationship. I had the words and even expressed it to the person I love but he never had any feelings for me. It's painful to be the one who gets rejected every time by everyone. Like the author, I am eagerly waiting for true love.
These days, love is a rare commodity which is not so easy to find. Lucky are those who find it. "dreams come true for a boy in love" paints a beautiful picture in front of our eyes. I read a couple of poems in a single sitting. The author has done great work in this book. Those who want to give a try to reading poems can go ahead with this book. I had a great day reading it.
March 1, 2024
Lost & Found is a great book in which the author has reflected on his past years. In this book, he has reflections on Travel, Career, Love and Family. Dustin has written this book so we can relate to some of his experiences and learn from them.
“How to Fix a Bluey Heart” is a great read. It teaches us to get over our previous relationship and to love again. After a heartbreak, we find it difficult to love someone again. The author has mentioned about his love Paige whom he met at the wrong time. Sometimes, we need to sacrifice our love for our future/career.
One important lesson that I have learned from this book is that change is constant. We need to learn to let go. That's the only way to make our life easier.
Those who are obsessed about growth and self-discovery should definitely read this book. I appreciate the valuable content of this book. Dustin's years of experience would be helpful to the readers in becoming less stranger to themselves. A must read book.
“How to Fix a Bluey Heart” is a great read. It teaches us to get over our previous relationship and to love again. After a heartbreak, we find it difficult to love someone again. The author has mentioned about his love Paige whom he met at the wrong time. Sometimes, we need to sacrifice our love for our future/career.
One important lesson that I have learned from this book is that change is constant. We need to learn to let go. That's the only way to make our life easier.
Those who are obsessed about growth and self-discovery should definitely read this book. I appreciate the valuable content of this book. Dustin's years of experience would be helpful to the readers in becoming less stranger to themselves. A must read book.
March 1, 2024
"Lost & Found: Reflections on Travel, Career, Love and Family" written by the author Dustin Grinnell is an insightful collection of twenty-five memoir essays. This book is written in three parts: Lost, Departed and Found.
"A Sudden Stab of Murky Suspicion" teaches us to trust our instincts and listen to them. I have myself experienced this many times in my life that my instincts have saved me from making wrong decisions in life.
"A Taste of Glory" is another amazing essay that details the author's experience of participating in the Newport marathon in Rhode Island. Dustin has mentioned about having a peak experience.
While reading this book, I reflected upon my own life and learned new things. I enjoyed the writing style of the author. The essays that are part of this book are full of amazing experiences. I am glad to read them and learn from them.
"A Sudden Stab of Murky Suspicion" teaches us to trust our instincts and listen to them. I have myself experienced this many times in my life that my instincts have saved me from making wrong decisions in life.
"A Taste of Glory" is another amazing essay that details the author's experience of participating in the Newport marathon in Rhode Island. Dustin has mentioned about having a peak experience.
While reading this book, I reflected upon my own life and learned new things. I enjoyed the writing style of the author. The essays that are part of this book are full of amazing experiences. I am glad to read them and learn from them.
April 20, 2024
I really enjoyed getting to "know" Dustin Grinnell via his book of essays. In the beginning, he was young and lost but by the end of the book, he had found himself. He takes us on a journey of how his childhood and young adult life caused both mental and physical problems but also, how he found healing via therapy and Chinese medicine.
We were a part of his healing journey and his "finding" himself when it came to his writing and how unhappy he was as a cog in the machine, or in Corporate America. He shows how he learned to stand up for what is right and just but without violence and how he landed his dream job while allowing him time to write and publish material. I recommend this book!
We were a part of his healing journey and his "finding" himself when it came to his writing and how unhappy he was as a cog in the machine, or in Corporate America. He shows how he learned to stand up for what is right and just but without violence and how he landed his dream job while allowing him time to write and publish material. I recommend this book!
February 25, 2024
I am not normally drawn to non-fiction. In particular, memoirs and personal essays often leave me questioning the author's honesty and angle. Not the case with this collection.
The author has shared his full humanity as he moves through his early adulthood trying to sort out his place in the world. He shares stories of triumph and failure. In some he is a likable hero; in others, he is closer to a confused antihero. Throughout the book, his character is fully drawn.
Grinnell offers no easy lessons to the reader. It's clear he has grown but is still learning, which makes this book an interesting read - not a cheap morality tale.
The author has shared his full humanity as he moves through his early adulthood trying to sort out his place in the world. He shares stories of triumph and failure. In some he is a likable hero; in others, he is closer to a confused antihero. Throughout the book, his character is fully drawn.
Grinnell offers no easy lessons to the reader. It's clear he has grown but is still learning, which makes this book an interesting read - not a cheap morality tale.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews