Out There: Dispatches from My Personal Wilderness

by Lance Garland

Out There recounts one man’s search to lead an authentic life, an adventure that takes him all over the world and through some of the biggest societal changes of recent history. From a distance, this could be a typical American boy grows up in a religious home, joins the military to defend his country, returns home to attend university, then becomes a firefighter. That would be typical if it weren’t for the fact that he’s gay and was open in places that historically excluded people like him.

As a nineteen-year-old from a fundamentalist family, Lance Garland worked hard to qualify for Navy SEAL training, then sailed across the Pacific on a warship where he met his first boyfriend. After his partner was sexually assaulted by a superior, the two men became witnesses in a court-martial that was complicated by the military’s “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy. After he was discharged from the Navy, Garland discovered time in nature as a way to heal from the experiences of his youth. While sailing, backpacking ,and climbing in the Pacific Northwest, he navigates the challenges of becoming a first-generation college student, equal rights activist, and the first openly gay fireman in the Seattle fire department.

Out There is a memoir of a man out in the wilderness, both physically and socially, on a journey to find a place to call his own. It is for anyone who has felt like an outsider or hasn’t found their place yet.

213 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 7, 2025

Reviews

[Grembo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lance's memoir is a story of perseverance and grit, but also love and hope. The book presents a unique perspective on military life as a gay man during the Don't Ask Don't Tell policy and working as a firefighter in the Seattle Fire Department. Lance's vivid descriptions of the places in nature he loves so much were beautiful and inspiring. The story was a joy to read. It's impossible not to root for Lance both personally and professionally during this book!

[Liz Evergreen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can’t recommend this book enough. In a time in the world which many people don’t feel safe for being who they are, harmlessly, it’s so important for those who are able to speak up to do so like Lance. His memoir is beautiful, heart wrenching and warming, poignant, and so well written. I cried out of the sadness I felt for his younger self, who I could relate to on many levels. While I am a straight woman, I felt Lance’s words and sentiments deeply. I love queer love and joy and I cannot fathom why anyone would want to take that away. Thank you, Lance Garland, for being courageous and brave. Thank you for your service, your kindness, and your heart. I am in awe of your spirit and so proud of you. I deeply loved this book and encourage anyone to read it. You won’t be disappointed.

[Zackary · Rating 4 out of 5]

An absolute joy to read. Some people have it, some people don’t. Lance has that voice that reminds us all that to be an author requires a level of observing and interpreting the world that most are unable to put into words, especially when done with elegance and a necessary cadence. This is a memoir that will only grow in popularity.

[Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a heartwarming and beautifully written book about Lance’s journey. I laughed, and definitely had some tears. This book is the epitome of never truly knowing what someone has been through. So glad he shared this with the world.

[Katy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very moving and inspiring memoir!

[Sarah · Rating 2 out of 5]

The writing is little unpolished. It's not awful, but it's stark considering the number of times the author claims people praised his writing in various situations-- it's not notable, nothing to write home about, and the repetitious bragging eventually seems like he's trying to convince the reader that the writing is great, instead of just giving great writing.

The narrative jumps back and forth in time; these jumps usually aren't clear. I'm guessing this is because the book is reworked from previously-published essays; a more complete -- or a complete and total-- rewrite would have given a clearer timeline and a better reading experience.

Program topics: not currently recommended for programming

Discussion prompts: not currently recommended for book discussion groups