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Tales from Randomland: Vol 1
Randomland is a show on YouTube hosted by Justin Scarred (aka Justin Willits), known for his videos exploring offbeat and unusual destinations, theme parks, roadside attractions, and Americana. Randomland videos are known for their enthusiastic and nostalgic approach to exploring these unique places, often with a sense of humor and a love for the obscure and unexpected.
In this book, Justin reveals how a Punk Rock frontman turned into an accidental YouTuber, and how a life of adventure didn't end at hanging up the guitar. Discover the surprising origin of Randomland, and how learning to stand on your own two feet can change everything...
In this book, Justin reveals how a Punk Rock frontman turned into an accidental YouTuber, and how a life of adventure didn't end at hanging up the guitar. Discover the surprising origin of Randomland, and how learning to stand on your own two feet can change everything...
- GenresNonfiction
298 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 25, 2024
21 people are currently reading
44 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
May 5, 2024
absolutely loved seeing this look into Justin’s life and thoughts. i’ve been watching Justin on Youtube since my senior year of high school in 2017. i’ve always related to him, and honestly this book makes it even more so
it’s great to see Justin explore another artistic medium, and i hope we get to see it again soon. as a frequent Randomland viewer, during many parts of the book describing Justin’s various Youtube adventures, i felt like that one meme of Leonardo Dicaprio pointing to the screen from Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (hopefully you know what i’m talking about). i had already seen it all before, but now i was getting a fresh new perspective, and i LOVED it.
it also probably helps that i’ve been to many of the places Justin talks about in his book. places like Disneyland in Anaheim, i had been going to and learning the history of since i was a child, and Justin’s content about the park is actually the reason i started watching him. other places like Disneyland Paris and the Clown Motel, i went to because i saw Justin go there on his Youtube and wanted to see and experience it for myself
honestly, i’ve lost the plot with this review. in conclusion, i loved the book, and i hope Justin writes more about his experience and his positivity!!
it’s great to see Justin explore another artistic medium, and i hope we get to see it again soon. as a frequent Randomland viewer, during many parts of the book describing Justin’s various Youtube adventures, i felt like that one meme of Leonardo Dicaprio pointing to the screen from Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (hopefully you know what i’m talking about). i had already seen it all before, but now i was getting a fresh new perspective, and i LOVED it.
it also probably helps that i’ve been to many of the places Justin talks about in his book. places like Disneyland in Anaheim, i had been going to and learning the history of since i was a child, and Justin’s content about the park is actually the reason i started watching him. other places like Disneyland Paris and the Clown Motel, i went to because i saw Justin go there on his Youtube and wanted to see and experience it for myself
honestly, i’ve lost the plot with this review. in conclusion, i loved the book, and i hope Justin writes more about his experience and his positivity!!
May 2, 2024
I've been following Justin on YouTube since I came across his Live Fast Die Poor channel and some amazing Disneyland trips. Over the years I've been privileged to be one of those faithful viewers who couldn't wait to find out where we were heading off to next. Frankly, it was astonishing to realize that I've been watching about as long as he's been bringing vlogs to YouTube.
Like many, many other viewers, not to mention proud fellow members of the Sometimes Mob, it was easy to connect with this guy who was so happy to show us things, share information, enjoy the jokes and wonder at the magic of the world.
Every once in a while we would sit down for a heart to heart talk. Those talks were where we started to realize that this guy was a lot more than just a silly joke or odd factoid.
This book is, in its way, one of those heart to heart talks. Amongst all the crazy antics to film those great videos are bits of truths and some deep honesty that might catch you by surprise. There are some truly amazing people, too.
In a way, this book is the story of a journey to reclaim the self and to finding the path out of the darkness. It is the beginnings of a community who love some seriously off the wall and seemingly unconnected stuff. It is a reminder that there are some good folks out there if you have the courage to just look and listen.
Like many, many other viewers, not to mention proud fellow members of the Sometimes Mob, it was easy to connect with this guy who was so happy to show us things, share information, enjoy the jokes and wonder at the magic of the world.
Every once in a while we would sit down for a heart to heart talk. Those talks were where we started to realize that this guy was a lot more than just a silly joke or odd factoid.
This book is, in its way, one of those heart to heart talks. Amongst all the crazy antics to film those great videos are bits of truths and some deep honesty that might catch you by surprise. There are some truly amazing people, too.
In a way, this book is the story of a journey to reclaim the self and to finding the path out of the darkness. It is the beginnings of a community who love some seriously off the wall and seemingly unconnected stuff. It is a reminder that there are some good folks out there if you have the courage to just look and listen.
May 6, 2024
Randomland is a channel I discovered in 2014, I believe, when searching youtube for Disneyland Paris videos. Clicking on the video showed me a young American walking around my favourite park with the same wonder and excitement as I do. From that moment, I was hooked on his channel.
This book tells his backstory from his days in a punk rock band and tales from some of his favourite adventures.
These tales are told with the same passion and excitement, which he shows in his videos, and you can't help but read it in his voice. Once you read about these adventures, you will want to go and rewatch the videos on his channel.
I highly enjoyed this book, and I think if you're a fan of his, you will, too.
This book tells his backstory from his days in a punk rock band and tales from some of his favourite adventures.
These tales are told with the same passion and excitement, which he shows in his videos, and you can't help but read it in his voice. Once you read about these adventures, you will want to go and rewatch the videos on his channel.
I highly enjoyed this book, and I think if you're a fan of his, you will, too.
May 9, 2024
I stumbled across Justin’s YouTube channel 7 years ago when I was looking for Disney content during a snow day. The Disney content introduced me to Randomland, but the variety of adventures that Justin takes us on kept me hooked. This book is no exception.
This book deals with some heavy topics, and covers some darker times in Justin’s life. Through it all, you can still hear Justin’s voice and tone, talking to you like you are riding shotgun with him on a roadtrip. If you are a Randomland Explorer, or if you are someone who is looking for a book about the ongoing quest for positivity, this book is for you.
This book deals with some heavy topics, and covers some darker times in Justin’s life. Through it all, you can still hear Justin’s voice and tone, talking to you like you are riding shotgun with him on a roadtrip. If you are a Randomland Explorer, or if you are someone who is looking for a book about the ongoing quest for positivity, this book is for you.
May 2, 2024
This book of adventures from Justin Scarred is an easy read that truly warms the heart. His sincere reflection of life and its many ups and downs are relatable in every way. I felt I was on the journey with him. I highly recommend this uplifting book. I would give it more than 5 stars if I could.
November 11, 2025
Let’s be honest, if you’re thinking of getting this book you probably already know who Justin Scarred is. If that’s the case then you’re not going to be disappointed with this book, because it’s a great insight into the early days of Randomland. If by chance you don’t know who Justin is, then this book will give you a fantastic introduction to the mind of one of YouTube’s unique voices. It’s not all sun and rainbows, but there’s a hopeful undercurrent all the same. A quest for positivity, if you will.
There’s a lot of ground not covered, and I hope that one day we get a volume two, but until then there’s at least two episodes of Randomland you haven’t seen to tide you over.
There’s a lot of ground not covered, and I hope that one day we get a volume two, but until then there’s at least two episodes of Randomland you haven’t seen to tide you over.
April 29, 2024
If you are reading this book or even found where to buy it you are a fan of Randomland content and will love this book, being born and raised in North OC i love the dropped names like Choice Burgers in Brea (best machaca plate I've had since MexiCasa closed down) the Cinedome in Orange (saw Return of the Jedi,Batman, The Last Crusade and Star Trek V there among others) Vol 1, hope he does more, he writes conversationaly, like reading an episode of Randomland. 4 stars cause im a book snob and rarely give 5s,but it's rad book, I've Done My Duty.
May 2, 2024
I’ve been watching Justin on YouTube for damn near ten years now and his videos have turned into the thing I put on and do a little binge of when I’m having a bad day and need some cheering up. This book, while having some heavier moments, was also a nice little cheer up.
I hope the volume 1 means there will be a volume 2. Getting to read some little behind the scenes tales of past videos was fun, it being such a quick read left me wishing it were longer, but I had a good time reading this and that’s all that really matters.
I hope the volume 1 means there will be a volume 2. Getting to read some little behind the scenes tales of past videos was fun, it being such a quick read left me wishing it were longer, but I had a good time reading this and that’s all that really matters.
May 3, 2024
This was such a fun read! I hope Justin writes another one!
May 8, 2024
So I just finished reading Tales from Randomland and I was trying to think about how I would review the book for someone that was unfamiliar with Justin or Randomland.
I found it a bit of a challenge, because I feel like the YouTube show at least creates a context as to WHY someone would want to read the book - be it for behind-the-scenes stories or insights about Justin himself.
But the more I turned it over in my head, a couple of ideas started to crystalize for me. Specifically, the importance of creativity and how it can be used to find "your people."
In the book, Justin talks about the end of The Scarred, his divorce, and how Randomland was born from that. As a result, he found a community of like-minded people.
I've not had challenges like Justin's in my personal life, but there was a time where I was writing and illustrating comics that I was publishing online. The experience yielded similar results. I ended up self-publishing my own books, going to comic book conventions, and making friends with people all over the country that have lasted for several years after.
I stopped making comics a decade ago to raise my family, but Justin's book made me very nostalgic for that time. It's a unique feeling to find like-minded people that share your goals and ambitions. Trading ideas, swapping stories, making friends... It's amazing. I wouldn't trade it for anything.
And at the end of the day, what I realized is how that experience informed who I am today. It opened a door to a world larger than my Midwestern upbringing. Made me a little more aware and a little more empathetic.
In the end, I realized what the book was trying to say - you gotta put yourself out there to find yourself.
I found it a bit of a challenge, because I feel like the YouTube show at least creates a context as to WHY someone would want to read the book - be it for behind-the-scenes stories or insights about Justin himself.
But the more I turned it over in my head, a couple of ideas started to crystalize for me. Specifically, the importance of creativity and how it can be used to find "your people."
In the book, Justin talks about the end of The Scarred, his divorce, and how Randomland was born from that. As a result, he found a community of like-minded people.
I've not had challenges like Justin's in my personal life, but there was a time where I was writing and illustrating comics that I was publishing online. The experience yielded similar results. I ended up self-publishing my own books, going to comic book conventions, and making friends with people all over the country that have lasted for several years after.
I stopped making comics a decade ago to raise my family, but Justin's book made me very nostalgic for that time. It's a unique feeling to find like-minded people that share your goals and ambitions. Trading ideas, swapping stories, making friends... It's amazing. I wouldn't trade it for anything.
And at the end of the day, what I realized is how that experience informed who I am today. It opened a door to a world larger than my Midwestern upbringing. Made me a little more aware and a little more empathetic.
In the end, I realized what the book was trying to say - you gotta put yourself out there to find yourself.
June 4, 2024
I started watching Justin's YouTube adventures back in 2017. For seven years, I've followed along as he's gone on adventures around the world, taking us lucky viewers along with him. His videos are always entertaining, informative, and leave you feeling better than you did before watching.
It turns out, he's one heck of a storyteller as well. In his first book, Justin gives us a more intimate view of his adventures in Randomland. The memories are honest and heartfelt. At times hilarious and at times painful, but always informed by the Quest for Positivity that serves as his personal compass.
The book works on a lot of levels. For longtime fans, it's an intimate look behind the scenes. For anyone interested in the history of YouTube, it's a fascinating personal history that details the early days of the medium, as well as its growth leading to its current explosion. It's also a wildly entertaining travel narrative told in Justin's inimitable voice.
Also, I know they say not to judge a book by its cover, but c'mon. The cover to this book is amazing. Highly recommend giving this one a read.
It turns out, he's one heck of a storyteller as well. In his first book, Justin gives us a more intimate view of his adventures in Randomland. The memories are honest and heartfelt. At times hilarious and at times painful, but always informed by the Quest for Positivity that serves as his personal compass.
The book works on a lot of levels. For longtime fans, it's an intimate look behind the scenes. For anyone interested in the history of YouTube, it's a fascinating personal history that details the early days of the medium, as well as its growth leading to its current explosion. It's also a wildly entertaining travel narrative told in Justin's inimitable voice.
Also, I know they say not to judge a book by its cover, but c'mon. The cover to this book is amazing. Highly recommend giving this one a read.
September 3, 2025
I bought the book, autographed, directly from Justin and Ally. They are amazing friends and this book was an amazing glimpse into Justin's life. From the problems of being on the road as a lead singer of The Scarred. (I love the band but I really love Justin's Randomland Adventures on Youtube.)
The book shares some of his "adventures" of breaking down in the Band Van, staying in the infamous Clown Hotel in Tonopah, NV and the trials of life during his younger years and subsequent divorce. Wonderful and fun read. I can't wait until "Volume 2". You will see what he says about the next volume in the book. LOL
I love the book and the way it was written. I have loved getting to know Justin & Ally in real life. They are just amazing and regular people. Down to Earth! I just laughed every time they mentioned a certain saying from the movie Tombstone when Virgil says that his wife's maiden name was Sullivan. By the way, kudos to Bret Iwan for the cover. He is an amazing artist and, oh yeah, the actual voice of Mickey Mouse!!!
Go and check this book out...so you can say..."You have done your duty, now go home and schleep well!"
The book shares some of his "adventures" of breaking down in the Band Van, staying in the infamous Clown Hotel in Tonopah, NV and the trials of life during his younger years and subsequent divorce. Wonderful and fun read. I can't wait until "Volume 2". You will see what he says about the next volume in the book. LOL
I love the book and the way it was written. I have loved getting to know Justin & Ally in real life. They are just amazing and regular people. Down to Earth! I just laughed every time they mentioned a certain saying from the movie Tombstone when Virgil says that his wife's maiden name was Sullivan. By the way, kudos to Bret Iwan for the cover. He is an amazing artist and, oh yeah, the actual voice of Mickey Mouse!!!
Go and check this book out...so you can say..."You have done your duty, now go home and schleep well!"
May 28, 2025
As a longtime fan of Justin Scarred and all the Randomland YouTube adventures, this book was amazing. Justin has always been a YouTuber I feel like the viewers almost know personally because he gives so much of his heart and soul in every video he does. That same spirit definitely transfers over into this book as well and it’s exciting to see a different perspective into some of his adventures. The story about running from the gate guards at Area 51 was truly exciting, and I felt my heart race as I was reading, waiting to hear what happened to them. Even if you have never seen his YouTube videos, I recommend reading this and hearing about the adventures of such an amazing guy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 17, 2024
This book gives you a shotgun seat to Justin Scarred’s Wild “Q4P” journey of finding out what is really important in life. The world can be a big scary place for all of us. Justin, despite all of his struggles, has found out that mindset is everything. It’s not that life is an uphill battle, it’s how you make the climb. If your on a quest for positivity instead of negativity, not only will you be happier, but it affects everyone around you too. From the bottom of my heart, thank you Justin for all that you do for the world.
April 14, 2025
Been watching Justin’s escapades on YouTube since the beginning. Hard to believe it’s been ten years! So many places I have now visited, thanks to being introduced during his adventures (and so many more adventures in the planning). All the stories described are ones I remember, and it was great to hear what happened behind the scenes. Who would have thought the Justin and George’s friendship was forged under such harrowing circumstances! I know there are many, many more stories to be told, and I look forward to volume 2.
So read this book, and you will have done your duty!
So read this book, and you will have done your duty!
June 1, 2024
I’ve been a huge fan of Justin’s YouTube channel since I first found his Disneyland videos when I was in middle school in 2014/2015ish, and I’ve been looking forward to getting my hands on this book since he started working on it in 2020. It was a quick and super enjoyable read, I loved getting the behind-the-scenes in his own words for some of his best videos of all time, and even more insight into how his Quest for Positivity first began. Absolutely loved this book!
June 25, 2024
I laughed, I cried… “Her maiden name was Sullivan!”
The memoirs are touching, heart-felt, and funny. I really enjoyed the behind the scenes adventures and the glimpse into the vulnerable moments that make Justin so relatable to his fans.
The memoirs are touching, heart-felt, and funny. I really enjoyed the behind the scenes adventures and the glimpse into the vulnerable moments that make Justin so relatable to his fans.
August 27, 2024
Enjoyed this for what it is! (Especially as Paul and I used it as our own bedtime story, where Paul did the JS voice to really bring the story to life and I would go YouTube diving to find relevant vlogs- namely the escargot experience.)
February 16, 2025
I didn't expect to enjoy this so much! I almost didn't buy it, figuring it was just another YouTuber book, but this is well written and thoughtful. If Justin writes another I won't put off buying it!
May 4, 2024
Random land from the heart
If you ever came across Justin on you tube and thought what the h is he thinking then get this book and find out.
If you ever came across Justin on you tube and thought what the h is he thinking then get this book and find out.
June 13, 2024
I loved this. I didn't want it to end. I'm ready for more stories!
August 25, 2025
Entertaining
Thank you for sharing your tales. I've been following on YouTube for at least 5 years. This book provided more backstory. Waiting for Volume 2.
Thank you for sharing your tales. I've been following on YouTube for at least 5 years. This book provided more backstory. Waiting for Volume 2.
September 24, 2024
After watching Justin's videos for the last x9 years, reading this book had a familiar feel. I could picture Justin's manorisims. I thoroughly enjoyed this book very much. From that first big adventure with George, which was hilarious, to Paris, to the last adventure with George and Oscar. This book kept me wanting to find out more. Thank you to Justin for being so willing to share these parts of your life with all of us.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews