Prone to Wander: A Memoir

by Suzanne LaVenture

Prone to Wander is a poignant and humorous memoir that details the life of a woman yearning for adventure and meaning. From her sheltered upbringing as the Bible drill champion of her southern Baptist Church to her college semester abroad in Colombia, Suzie begins to learn to challenge her own beliefs through a life dedicated to travel. In her bold explorations around the globe in more than forty countries, Suzanne’s story delves into the complexities of love, faith, and the mysteries that connect us all. From the bustling streets of Bogotá to the depths of the Amazon rainforest, she experiences the transformational power of travel, love, and self-discovery. The author’s vivid storytelling and insightful reflections make this memoir a captivating read for anyone seeking inspiration and a deeper understanding of the human experience.

About the Author
Suzanne LaVenture is a world traveler, award-winning instructor, and a Fulbright Scholar. She created a program at Davidson-Davie Community College which won NAFSA’s Senator Paul Simon Award for comprehensive internationalization. Suzanne has published articles in Diversity Abroad’s Global Impact Exchange, New Directions for Community Colleges, and The Journal of International Students. She holds Spanish Language and Literature degrees from Wake Forest University (BA) and the University of Illinois (MA). She dabbles in other languages, including Arabic, French, Irish, and Elvish. She lives in Lewisville, NC with her husband Craig.

Genres: Memoir

206 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 25, 2025

Reviews

[Julia Tracey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Suzanne LaVenture has the perfect name for a world traveler--and her adventures around the world are either very funny or poignant--what I expect from a travel memoir. I love her story of chasing Bono around the globe, as well as her spiritually moving witness to various religions around the world. She says something like, "The world is kept moving by little old women praying in churches around the world." I have often felt that myself.
Suzanne's revelations when she finds the opposite of her Midwest expectations -- that foreigners can be funny, that other religions are just as valid as her evangelical upbringing, that people are people no matter what they wear or who they love--her personal growth is a gift for herself as well as the reader. As well, kudos to the community college teacher who brought her students to the world, and opened their eyes and their horizons. Well done all around.

[Ruth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really didn’t know what to expect when I opened this memoir-travelogue hybrid, but what I found was a beautifully crafted invitation into my friend’s world. Her vivid descriptions transported me to amazing, unfamiliar places, while her honesty and vulnerability grounded the story in something deeply human. It’s not just about where she traveled, but how she carried herself through challenge and change. I found myself delighting in every page—and wishing there were more. A wonderful, worthwhile read.

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’re reaching retirement and considering the impact you have had on the world, or your world, this book will inspire you to examine and reframe. Suzanne reflects on a life in which she makes a difference in the lives of her students, an international program that will continue beyond her tenure, and her own family. She artfully intertwines introspection with stories of adventure. An impressive life, and an engaging book. Bravo!

[Nancy Staley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I related very much to this book, travel challenges my thinking both with a velvet glove and a hammer. One of my favorite passages: "Name-calling and othering will never lead to mutual understanding or a change of heart. Hatred and revenge are common. Loving your enemy is for badasses."

[Artie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started reading this book because I know the author. I continued reading it because it's interesting, informative and occasionally quite funny. Some very remarkable lives happen in unexpected places and ways.

[Heidi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this memoir.
So engaging on the different travels, and just enough person reflection.
Read as an audiobook.