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Take Risks: One Couple’s Journey to Quit Their Jobs and Hit the Open Road
Imagine breaking free from the constraints of the corporate world, escaping the monotony of daily routines, and choosing to live life on your terms. Envision waking up to a beach view on Monday and being surrounded by mountains on Friday. What if, instead of postponing your dreams, you decided to live your best life right now?This was the turning point for Joe and Kait Russo as they grappled with endless corporate meetings, draining business trips, and the constant pressure to succeed. Their lives took a dramatic turn when Kait suggested, "What if we sold our house and bought an RV?""Take risks, and have lots of children."Inspired by his father's parting advice, Joe and Kait took a leap of faith. They sold everything, left their lucrative jobs, and set out to explore the world, embracing a minimalist lifestyle and the freedom of the open road.In "Take Risks," Joe invites readers to join them on this transformative journey. Written in an engaging first-person narrative, the book recounts the challenges and triumphs of adopting a nomadic lifestyle and living life to the fullest.Infused with practical wisdom and an authentic, personal tone, this powerful memoir serves as a guide and inspiration for anyone considering a full-time RV lifestyle. It's less of a 'how-to' and more of a 'how we did it' look at RV life, offering a starting point for your own adventure.Dare to take risks and discover the rewards that come with embracing the unknown."This is the book I wish I'd read two years ago. It's less of a 'how-to,' and more of a 'how we did it' look at RV life."—Kevin Tumlinson, Author & Podcast Host
- GenresTravelNonfictionMemoir
290 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 3, 2017
96 people are currently reading
92 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
February 7, 2019
This book is about one couples metamorphosis!
This book is for anyone considering an alternate life path that consists of traveling with your home an RV! I found it to be an easy read, the book kept my interest and taught me a lot about the many things one should begin to prepare in your life before setting out on such a journey. Joe the author is very open sharing the many stresses Kate and himself faced preparing there lives to meet this major life change. While reading the book I found myself getting closer to the Russos and caring about there successfully metamorphosis! I follow the Russos on YouTube as they move now into there third year on the road. It's my hope that they may get to know me if I succeed in changing the direction of my life. I wish Joe & Kate the very best on there continued journey! Peace....
This book is for anyone considering an alternate life path that consists of traveling with your home an RV! I found it to be an easy read, the book kept my interest and taught me a lot about the many things one should begin to prepare in your life before setting out on such a journey. Joe the author is very open sharing the many stresses Kate and himself faced preparing there lives to meet this major life change. While reading the book I found myself getting closer to the Russos and caring about there successfully metamorphosis! I follow the Russos on YouTube as they move now into there third year on the road. It's my hope that they may get to know me if I succeed in changing the direction of my life. I wish Joe & Kate the very best on there continued journey! Peace....
February 6, 2018
Great insights to the RV World.
For a first time novelist who writes about the personal journey he and his wife took to become full-time-RV’ers, is truly enlightening and inspirational.
Many people have incredible dreams, during their life time but fear is the foundation that keeps many from taking action.
The Russos’s are the example of what happens when a plan is launched with responsible expectations, and discipline to maintain the course of action providing the ultimate reward of a dream coming true. :-)
For a first time novelist who writes about the personal journey he and his wife took to become full-time-RV’ers, is truly enlightening and inspirational.
Many people have incredible dreams, during their life time but fear is the foundation that keeps many from taking action.
The Russos’s are the example of what happens when a plan is launched with responsible expectations, and discipline to maintain the course of action providing the ultimate reward of a dream coming true. :-)
January 26, 2021
2.5 stars. I’ve been avidly watching “We’re the Russos” on YouTube and was curious about how they originally got started on living in an RV full time.
The information included in this book was interesting, helpful, and entertaining. However, Joe is a much better talker than he is a writer. Anyway, it was worth the read as I learned a lot and was entertained.
The information included in this book was interesting, helpful, and entertaining. However, Joe is a much better talker than he is a writer. Anyway, it was worth the read as I learned a lot and was entertained.
December 23, 2017
I’d heard of the Russos, Joe and Kait, a year or two ago. I had liked their Facebook page and then forgot about them. Then a few weeks ago I noticed a Facebook post which led to binge watching a bunch of their videos on YouTube, some of which mentioned the book Joe had written that had just been released. Getting a copy of the book was the obvious next step. I’m glad I did.
As you’ll read in the book (or even reading the full book description on retail sites), the title of the book comes from advice Joe’s father gave him on his deathbed, to “take risks, and have lots of children.” The point Joe’s father was making, at least as I see it, is that the best things in life come from taking an intelligent risk. Investigate, prepare as best as you can, and then jump. The Russos did exactly that and this book takes us from their initial idea of selling their house, buying an RV, and hitting the road, up to taking the jump which I’ll define as pulling out on the highway in their new home on wheels. The book chronicles this process well.
I can see this appealing to three distinct groups, from least to most important. The first, readers of travel memoirs. While not much travel happens in this book, this is billed as book one in a series and logically the future volumes are going to chronicle the traveling The Russos have done since hitting the road. Travel book readers should start with this first volume as the foundation of understanding the history for future installments. The second group are those who have dreamed of doing exactly what The Russos have done. While everyone’s situation is different and therefore their decision making process would be different, the specifics of the research, thinking process, and decisions The Russos made would be good as a blueprint and to trigger ideas. But the most important is as inspiration. If you’re considering taking a risk, making that jump, the story of others who did that with good results may be just the inspiration you need. It was for me.
**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy. **
As you’ll read in the book (or even reading the full book description on retail sites), the title of the book comes from advice Joe’s father gave him on his deathbed, to “take risks, and have lots of children.” The point Joe’s father was making, at least as I see it, is that the best things in life come from taking an intelligent risk. Investigate, prepare as best as you can, and then jump. The Russos did exactly that and this book takes us from their initial idea of selling their house, buying an RV, and hitting the road, up to taking the jump which I’ll define as pulling out on the highway in their new home on wheels. The book chronicles this process well.
I can see this appealing to three distinct groups, from least to most important. The first, readers of travel memoirs. While not much travel happens in this book, this is billed as book one in a series and logically the future volumes are going to chronicle the traveling The Russos have done since hitting the road. Travel book readers should start with this first volume as the foundation of understanding the history for future installments. The second group are those who have dreamed of doing exactly what The Russos have done. While everyone’s situation is different and therefore their decision making process would be different, the specifics of the research, thinking process, and decisions The Russos made would be good as a blueprint and to trigger ideas. But the most important is as inspiration. If you’re considering taking a risk, making that jump, the story of others who did that with good results may be just the inspiration you need. It was for me.
**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy. **
November 30, 2017
Realistic, vulnerable. The real side of the life transition process!
My girlfriend and I have been fans and follow the Russos on YouTube. This book is a real detailed view of what it is like to make the changes necessary to achieve the life they dreamed about...an entrepreneurial journey on life, to live the life many people today (myself included) are envious of.
The book is inspirational and shows you that it is possible if you really want to achieve something and make it happen. What's covered is the emotional side of the journey many people don't talk about or can't express well enough. The hidden stresses and challenges of making the life happen.
This book doesn't cover the technicalities and detailed research involved in trying to buy a RV or all things RV related. If that's what you're looking for then this book isn't for you.
Highly recommended for you if......you're stuck in life and are unhappy with where you are, looking for that extra motivation to keep pushing through to your life goals of traveling in a RV full time, or if you just entertaining the idea of an alternative lifestyle.
I look forward to reading the next book as it lets me vicariously live through them and learn from their experiences until we can achieve the same lifestyle!
My girlfriend and I have been fans and follow the Russos on YouTube. This book is a real detailed view of what it is like to make the changes necessary to achieve the life they dreamed about...an entrepreneurial journey on life, to live the life many people today (myself included) are envious of.
The book is inspirational and shows you that it is possible if you really want to achieve something and make it happen. What's covered is the emotional side of the journey many people don't talk about or can't express well enough. The hidden stresses and challenges of making the life happen.
This book doesn't cover the technicalities and detailed research involved in trying to buy a RV or all things RV related. If that's what you're looking for then this book isn't for you.
Highly recommended for you if......you're stuck in life and are unhappy with where you are, looking for that extra motivation to keep pushing through to your life goals of traveling in a RV full time, or if you just entertaining the idea of an alternative lifestyle.
I look forward to reading the next book as it lets me vicariously live through them and learn from their experiences until we can achieve the same lifestyle!
January 19, 2018
Was not disappointed
I have been following the Russos for about 2 years so was very curious about the process they went through in making their decision to quit corporate America and live life on their own terms. My husband and I were in the process of doing the same thing that's why I was following their blog. We got on the road full time in June, 2017. When I learned Joe had written a book, I was skeptical because I didn't know if it would be a boring read or would be entertaining enough to hold my interest. I was pleasantly surprised. Right from the beginning I was hooked on Joe and Kait's story told with humor and honesty. There were many parts I could identify with because we had gone through a similar experience. I guess for me there is comfort in knowing that we are not alone in our fear, excitement and determination to see our way through the stress to finally getting to the day when we backed the rv out of the driveway. Looking forward to Joe's next book.
I have been following the Russos for about 2 years so was very curious about the process they went through in making their decision to quit corporate America and live life on their own terms. My husband and I were in the process of doing the same thing that's why I was following their blog. We got on the road full time in June, 2017. When I learned Joe had written a book, I was skeptical because I didn't know if it would be a boring read or would be entertaining enough to hold my interest. I was pleasantly surprised. Right from the beginning I was hooked on Joe and Kait's story told with humor and honesty. There were many parts I could identify with because we had gone through a similar experience. I guess for me there is comfort in knowing that we are not alone in our fear, excitement and determination to see our way through the stress to finally getting to the day when we backed the rv out of the driveway. Looking forward to Joe's next book.
July 15, 2018
This is an awesome book of a couple who decided to stop being a slave to societal norms and instead pursue their dreams. Society says you need to work and slave away at a job to buy houses that cost too much and are too big, cars, vacations etc etc. Basically you work to pay a mortgage and hopefully save enough to have a decent retirement. But no one says retirement is guaranteed. Life can change in a moment so why not take the risk to enjoy life now rather than wait until you are either too old or worse. This book is inspiring and shows the reality of the transition from a neck real working couple to selling the house and buying an rv to travel the country. This is exactly what I want to do. I don’t want to be paying huge sums of money just t have a place to live. If one downsizes then they can work less and enjoy life more. That’s how it should be and that’s how I would love to live my life as well.
November 6, 2017
A Good Pre-Amble To The Main Event Without The Actual Event
A Good lesson in preparation but ends with the pulling out to start the actual journey so the whole premise of taking risks isn't actually realized in this book. It should have been titled the preparation to take a risk without having done it beyond selling everything and buying a motor home and as we all know from following the We're the Russo's vlog they don't even have it anymore. Not that they have up but rather downsized. A better title would have been, one couple's journey to quit their jobs. Book two needed to be released with book one to make the story what it is.
A Good lesson in preparation but ends with the pulling out to start the actual journey so the whole premise of taking risks isn't actually realized in this book. It should have been titled the preparation to take a risk without having done it beyond selling everything and buying a motor home and as we all know from following the We're the Russo's vlog they don't even have it anymore. Not that they have up but rather downsized. A better title would have been, one couple's journey to quit their jobs. Book two needed to be released with book one to make the story what it is.
June 1, 2018
Big Sighs!!
Thank you for giving me (allowing me) to live through your escapades/adventure. I have wanted to do something like this for years but circumstances always got In the way. Now I'm too old and crippled up to do more than dream. AND read such excellent books as this. I'm almost 79 years old, legs are starting to go, have a bed-bound wife to care for (who will probably outlive me). I was dreaming of getting shuttle bus with handicap access and making it into a "campervan" but no such luck! Your writing is good with only a few grammatical errors. Your proofreaders done good, boy!! Can't wait for episode 2!!
Thank you for giving me (allowing me) to live through your escapades/adventure. I have wanted to do something like this for years but circumstances always got In the way. Now I'm too old and crippled up to do more than dream. AND read such excellent books as this. I'm almost 79 years old, legs are starting to go, have a bed-bound wife to care for (who will probably outlive me). I was dreaming of getting shuttle bus with handicap access and making it into a "campervan" but no such luck! Your writing is good with only a few grammatical errors. Your proofreaders done good, boy!! Can't wait for episode 2!!
August 4, 2019
Joe's very first book is full of great information in the preparations necessary for making a striking life change. I was struck by how well Kait and Joe work together as a team and married couple, a very good example of how that should look like. I applaud you both.
The "price Terminator" was hysterical and I could definitely relate to it! My husband needs to learn a lesson from Joe about letting the "boss" handle the dickering!
Good work, and good book! Thanks for writing it, Joe, it is most informative.
The "price Terminator" was hysterical and I could definitely relate to it! My husband needs to learn a lesson from Joe about letting the "boss" handle the dickering!
Good work, and good book! Thanks for writing it, Joe, it is most informative.
July 15, 2020
Great book
I loved this book. It was as if we talked to each other, going over everything in their life. Every step of the way to their new life. This is what my husband and I are planning but we are starting late in life. We both have retired from our business but still have a few things to get taken care of. They had everything well planned out. They did a great job of getting things in order. The book flowed so well for reading. I can't wait to start the next book of theirs and I hope there will be more after that in their future.
I loved this book. It was as if we talked to each other, going over everything in their life. Every step of the way to their new life. This is what my husband and I are planning but we are starting late in life. We both have retired from our business but still have a few things to get taken care of. They had everything well planned out. They did a great job of getting things in order. The book flowed so well for reading. I can't wait to start the next book of theirs and I hope there will be more after that in their future.
January 31, 2018
A good read for anyone wanting to live the RV life
So much good info on shopping for an RV, as well as the many, many steps to successfully shed material things in order to embrace a minimalist life. Joe and Kaitlin are good folk, genuine, and down to earth. Even tho I know much of their story from following them on YouTube, I still immensely enjoyed this book, and look forward to their next one
So much good info on shopping for an RV, as well as the many, many steps to successfully shed material things in order to embrace a minimalist life. Joe and Kaitlin are good folk, genuine, and down to earth. Even tho I know much of their story from following them on YouTube, I still immensely enjoyed this book, and look forward to their next one
February 7, 2018
Hit the road!
I absolutely loved this book! I dream of doing what the Russo's did and reading this tells me I could one day. The book is a joy to read and I particularly liked how well Russo conveyed the struggles and decision on the "right" RV. I loved the suspense! When I finished the last words I could only think, "Don't stop here!" was happy to read in the epilogue there will be more! Can't wait!
I absolutely loved this book! I dream of doing what the Russo's did and reading this tells me I could one day. The book is a joy to read and I particularly liked how well Russo conveyed the struggles and decision on the "right" RV. I loved the suspense! When I finished the last words I could only think, "Don't stop here!" was happy to read in the epilogue there will be more! Can't wait!
May 23, 2021
I would likely give this book 3.5 stars but rounding up to 4 since that isn't an option. It was very informative on a first hand experience of buying a RV and travel trailer. The dialogue goes into a little too much detail and just doesn't feel like the author is a professional writer (it's because they're not - the couple leaves corporate jobs to travel the US). My positive comments are they're very information on the buying process and I now follow their YouTube Channel - We're the Russos.
December 14, 2017
Inspiration
This book is an easy read for anyone thinking about a new lifestyle. It gives an account of what all is involved in downsizing from one lifestyle to another. As someone who is planning to do the same, I am inspired to keep plugging away and it will become a reality. I look forward to reading about the next phase in the journey of the Russos.
This book is an easy read for anyone thinking about a new lifestyle. It gives an account of what all is involved in downsizing from one lifestyle to another. As someone who is planning to do the same, I am inspired to keep plugging away and it will become a reality. I look forward to reading about the next phase in the journey of the Russos.
January 28, 2018
Inspiring!!!
My wife and I are planning for a life on the road so I’ve read a lot of books and watched a lot of YouTube but I have to say the way you told your story was most inspiring out of all of them! It makes me want to leave for our journey right now, but just a few things on the list we have to take care of then it’s time! Thanks for the good read!
My wife and I are planning for a life on the road so I’ve read a lot of books and watched a lot of YouTube but I have to say the way you told your story was most inspiring out of all of them! It makes me want to leave for our journey right now, but just a few things on the list we have to take care of then it’s time! Thanks for the good read!
January 29, 2018
Awesome Book!!
I've watched We're the Russos on YouTube and have enjoyed the story of their adventures on the road. It was a pleasure reading how they got there, what led to their decision to go and all of the details in between. I was absolutely fascinated by their story and am so happy for them! I can't wait for Book 2!!
I've watched We're the Russos on YouTube and have enjoyed the story of their adventures on the road. It was a pleasure reading how they got there, what led to their decision to go and all of the details in between. I was absolutely fascinated by their story and am so happy for them! I can't wait for Book 2!!
February 5, 2018
I loved this book. Their story gives a person hope that they can do it if they really want to. It also shows that it is not just a decision to drop everything and run away. The process takes time and planning.
I love Joe and Kaitlin (and of course Leo) and have watched there YouTube for over a year
I love Joe and Kaitlin (and of course Leo) and have watched there YouTube for over a year
April 28, 2018
Inspiring and Enjoyable
I loved reading about their transforming choices and the steps they took to reach life on the road. Having lived as an expat several times, and having downsized myself it was interesting to read about their unfolding process. I found myself nodding in understanding at some parts.
I loved reading about their transforming choices and the steps they took to reach life on the road. Having lived as an expat several times, and having downsized myself it was interesting to read about their unfolding process. I found myself nodding in understanding at some parts.
May 30, 2018
Yes to risks!
I first met the Russo’s through their YouTube channel while researching RVs. This book is a very easy read and an interesting way to further get to know them. Anyone considering a change in lifestyle could benefit from this read. Looking forward to the next book even though we’ve seen much of the story in video form.
I first met the Russo’s through their YouTube channel while researching RVs. This book is a very easy read and an interesting way to further get to know them. Anyone considering a change in lifestyle could benefit from this read. Looking forward to the next book even though we’ve seen much of the story in video form.
May 31, 2018
Good if you are still deciding whether this is for you.
I was wanting more information about actually living in the road full time. We have already decided that life is too short and we want to travel and see the country. If you are undecided then this is the book for you. It did give a lot of insight on what to look for in a RV and was told in a very relatable way.
I was wanting more information about actually living in the road full time. We have already decided that life is too short and we want to travel and see the country. If you are undecided then this is the book for you. It did give a lot of insight on what to look for in a RV and was told in a very relatable way.
June 11, 2018
Fun to learn about where the journey started.
If you’ve ever dreamed of ditching the 9-5 grind and heading off on a life changing journey then this is the book for you. It’s a nice, light read with helpful advice on making the change in lifestyle and buying an RV. Worth the few bucks for sure.
If you’ve ever dreamed of ditching the 9-5 grind and heading off on a life changing journey then this is the book for you. It’s a nice, light read with helpful advice on making the change in lifestyle and buying an RV. Worth the few bucks for sure.
March 3, 2019
Very Inspiring
Wow! Wow! Wow! I binge watched all their You Tube videos and now that I’ve read the book I’m so inspired. Inspired to live my version of a debt free, nomadic life. I’m looking forward to it! Thank you Russo’s! I look forward to the next book and more videos! I would definitely recommend this book to a friend!
Wow! Wow! Wow! I binge watched all their You Tube videos and now that I’ve read the book I’m so inspired. Inspired to live my version of a debt free, nomadic life. I’m looking forward to it! Thank you Russo’s! I look forward to the next book and more videos! I would definitely recommend this book to a friend!
March 16, 2019
Following in their footsteps!!
A great read and finished in one day as my wife and I are traveling for her business! Tired of flying over the country and last month we did purchase a 28 ft. Class C motor coach! Planing our escape to happen over the next 12-36 months!!! We want to be the Russo’s!!
A great read and finished in one day as my wife and I are traveling for her business! Tired of flying over the country and last month we did purchase a 28 ft. Class C motor coach! Planing our escape to happen over the next 12-36 months!!! We want to be the Russo’s!!
May 6, 2021
This book is well worth the read for anyone interested in full-time RVing, even from an arm-chair vantage point. The editing was a bit sloppy for punctuation and redundancy of content, but the information was presented clearly and effectively. So many books in this genre are poorly written. This one stands out as one of the better offerings.
August 8, 2021
This book is about a couple who are tired of the day to day grind of their work and over work. They decided to give it all up to go on the road for a year. They talk about when they will leave their jobs, buying an RV, selling their possessions, and their house. They also talk about how they stick to a budget in this endeavor.
October 4, 2017
Loved it....
Read this in one sitting. We have spent one and a half year in our pull type, some years ago. Now we spend time in our 27 foot Bay Star. The book well represents what takes place preparing for life on the road. I follow this couple on Utube also.
Read this in one sitting. We have spent one and a half year in our pull type, some years ago. Now we spend time in our 27 foot Bay Star. The book well represents what takes place preparing for life on the road. I follow this couple on Utube also.
October 16, 2017
Well written story on creating a life most only dream of
I finished this book quickly. It's an enjoyable read and the story is very similar to mine and husband's. Joe is a good storyteller and kept me interested. I'll look forward to reading his second book.
I finished this book quickly. It's an enjoyable read and the story is very similar to mine and husband's. Joe is a good storyteller and kept me interested. I'll look forward to reading his second book.
April 26, 2018
Fascinating book! Joe Russo describes the entire process that he and Cait went through while deciding to quit their jobs and live in a recreational vehicle with their two dogs. I loved this book! Actually, I've started reading it again.
August 5, 2023
Great story that will inspire
I have watched the Russo’s YouTube channel for a while so it was nice to read how it all began. The book will inspire many to consider how they live their lives and maybe seek some adventure of their own.
I have watched the Russo’s YouTube channel for a while so it was nice to read how it all began. The book will inspire many to consider how they live their lives and maybe seek some adventure of their own.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews