Western Steps

by Brian Sherlock

Everyone will only ever have a first solo trip... and for mine I chose to spend it with some whale sharks in Western Australia.

It was a big step for me to take, but it was one I gladly took with a backpack named Luna and some un-diagnosed autism for company... or was it?

Sometimes I second guess myself and sometimes I don't... but if you're eager to know, I'm sure you'll find the answers in the pages.

34 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 3, 2025

Reviews

[Gina Rae Mitchell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found Western Steps to be a quietly impactful memoir—short, thoughtful, and grounded in honesty rather than polish. The writing is simple and direct, and while it’s not highly stylized, that rawness feels intentional and appropriate for the story being told.

One of the highlights for me was the use of humorous footnotes, which added charm and self-awareness without undercutting the reflective nature of the journey. The book fits well under creative nonfiction, blending travel and personal insight in a way that feels natural.

The neurodiversity aspect is handled with a light touch, woven into the experience rather than framed as a defining label. Overall, this is a memoir that lingers quietly after you finish—best suited to readers who enjoy reflection over spectacle.

⭐⭐⭐⭐☆

This review first appeared on Gina Rae Mitchell:
https://ginaraemitchell.com/western-s...

[Dermot · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a charming little book. It tells the story of a boy who appears to be in his late teens or early twenties, taking his first steps in the brave new world (for him) of travelling alone to get to the place in Western Australia where he can swim with whale sharks. He is on the spectrum, and the story gradually reveals the boy's worldview and anxieties. The journey reveals the narrator's character and optimistic trust in strangers, and also the kindness of those strangers. I'm sure there is a big market for books such as this, and hopefully Brian Sherlock will produce more books and stories that will continue the young narrator's journey towards a life in the mainstream.

[Ash Stacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This really hit home for me as someone who also has a genuine fear of the ocean, and honestly, most new experiences.

Brian captures that anxiety so honestly (the overthinking, the nerves, the sensory overload) but balances it beautifully with curiosity, humour, and the quiet joy of pushing yourself to experience the world anyway.

What I loved most is how real this feels as a neurodivergent travel story. It’s human, funny, and reassuring. If you’re on the spectrum (or just get overwhelmed easily) and still feel the pull to travel, this book will make you feel a little braver.

[Anthony Malin · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book was an easy, enjoyable read, and you could feel the anxiety through Brian's writing.
The writing throughout the book felt real and raw, and I found myself cheering him on, to push towards the rewarding goal. Having done some of my own solo travels over the years, Brian's expression of his travels hit close to home, although it gives you a whole new perspective from a neurodivergent perspective.

I highly recommend the book to those wanting a short read about travel, particularly if they themselves need the inspiration to take their own leap!

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am an avid traveller and was curious to read Brian’s newest title in the hope to learn more about Ningaloo - I have swam with the whale sharks in Mexico, but have heard that Ningaloo is better - shit, did I make the wrong decision? I don’t think there are wrong decisions in travel, just great stories, and this is one of them!
Paints a picture of the dusty roads and backpacker route in northern Australia
Easy to read and enjoyable

[Gabrielle Powell · Rating 5 out of 5]

A truly lovely short read. In such a short amount of words Brian Sherlock encapsulates those common feelings and sentiments when travelling - excitement, anxiety, doubt, and accomplishment. It's also very insightful to hear about these travel adventures from a neurodivergent perspective - looking forward to reading similar types of stories from the author.

Easy to read and flowed perfectly. I even found myself googling Ningaloo...my next Aus adventure perhaps?

[joanyreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really beautiful book that made me miss Australia and traveling so much. The writing and details were so vivid, I could picture everything so clearly. I even found myself googling all the locations in the book, which made me realize how much more of my own country I still want to see. It was also great to see genuine neurodivergent representation in a travel story it made me feel seen and reassured, especially when things don’t go to plan. Definitely worth a read!

[Jade Bower · Rating 5 out of 5]

What I loved most is how accessible this book is. At around 40 pages, it’s an easy read, but it still leaves you thinking. It offers insight into the joys and challenges of travel through a neurodivergent lens in a way that feels both personal and relatable!

I’d absolutely recommend this to anyone interested in travel, autism, or real-life perspectives that don’t get shared often enough. I’m really excited to see where he takes this next! Go Brian!!!

[Anne Gaelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it ! The writing is simple, direct, and sometimes funny. It's not just about travel, but about stepping out of your comfort zone and facing your fears. If you like personnal travel stories and being inspired, this book is for you.

[Brian Sherlock · Rating 5 out of 5]

This will come off as biased but I'm really happy with these 40 pages...

[Melissa Mannix · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely LOVED reading this! Brian’s writing flows and is please to read. Left me wanting to read more!!!!

[Katherin Molnar · Rating 5 out of 5]

An enjoyable read, Brian writes with great pacing and genuineness throughout, more phone-zines please!

[Tracey Bartlett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed this short read, it flowed nicely.
Related to the anxiety of travel and pushing yourself to go ahead and have ago. Looking forward to reading more adventures.

[Stephen Nightingale · Rating 5 out of 5]

An insightful account of the difficult first steps of overcoming anxiety to travel. And quite the pleasant little read.

[Denise Newton · Rating 2 out of 5]

https://denisenewtonwrites.com/?p=7741