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Wanderlost #1
Wanderlost
The day I broke up with normal was the first day of my magical life.
When Simon Williams was 14 he wrote out a series of accomplishments he wanted to achieve in life in his journal. His diary was found by some older students, they read what he had written and they then teased the shit out of Simon for it. This bullying had a profound effect on him. He became determined to show up every one of the boys who humiliated him by achieving everything he wanted to.
But life has a way of saying, not so fast young man.
A person can dream all they want, but when the rubber hits the road things might not turn out how they envisioned it was going to. And that is certainly the case with Simon's life. His experiences have to be read to be believed. No one else can ever claim to have seen more of the good and bad that this world has to offer, or of themselves. But what an amazing feeling it is to really know yourself.
The collection of deliberately arbitrary stories in this first of the five book WANDERLOST series will initially put you into the jumbled and unsettled mind that Simon has as he approaches 50. With everything he has been through in life he is starting to question his own worth, his own sanity. His adventures and the whole point of life makes no sense to him, well nothing probably should when a hired hitman introduces themselves to the author in his hotel lobby and shows pictures of Simon taken during the day while he walked around a shopping mall in Rio de Janeiro. And that was only a Tuesday.
Join Simon as he humorously, and with no small measure of self deprecation, recounts the most character defining moments of his life as he seeks to find an answer to the unanswerable question, 'what if he had done it all differently?'
When Simon Williams was 14 he wrote out a series of accomplishments he wanted to achieve in life in his journal. His diary was found by some older students, they read what he had written and they then teased the shit out of Simon for it. This bullying had a profound effect on him. He became determined to show up every one of the boys who humiliated him by achieving everything he wanted to.
But life has a way of saying, not so fast young man.
A person can dream all they want, but when the rubber hits the road things might not turn out how they envisioned it was going to. And that is certainly the case with Simon's life. His experiences have to be read to be believed. No one else can ever claim to have seen more of the good and bad that this world has to offer, or of themselves. But what an amazing feeling it is to really know yourself.
The collection of deliberately arbitrary stories in this first of the five book WANDERLOST series will initially put you into the jumbled and unsettled mind that Simon has as he approaches 50. With everything he has been through in life he is starting to question his own worth, his own sanity. His adventures and the whole point of life makes no sense to him, well nothing probably should when a hired hitman introduces themselves to the author in his hotel lobby and shows pictures of Simon taken during the day while he walked around a shopping mall in Rio de Janeiro. And that was only a Tuesday.
Join Simon as he humorously, and with no small measure of self deprecation, recounts the most character defining moments of his life as he seeks to find an answer to the unanswerable question, 'what if he had done it all differently?'
263 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 17, 2018
226 people are currently reading
247 people want to read
About the author
Simon Williams
9 books22 followersSimon Williams is an author who believes in the adage, write what you know. So, his two memoir series, TORN and WANDERLOST, encapsulate the three themes he knows best in this world, fear, regret, and inspiration.
Life has not always been easy for Simon, whoever he keeps on fighting. His honest and forthright openness on the issues that have dogged him as he found a determination to continue struggling for the one thing in his life that is most important to him and that still eludes him to this day.
Born in a small, dry town in Australia, after residing in over 45 different locations, Simon now calls Miami, Florida home.
His books are always tinged with sufficient humorous relief to keep uplifting readers as they must follow Simon through what have been some extremely harrowing exploits over his 50 years.
Life has not always been easy for Simon, whoever he keeps on fighting. His honest and forthright openness on the issues that have dogged him as he found a determination to continue struggling for the one thing in his life that is most important to him and that still eludes him to this day.
Born in a small, dry town in Australia, after residing in over 45 different locations, Simon now calls Miami, Florida home.
His books are always tinged with sufficient humorous relief to keep uplifting readers as they must follow Simon through what have been some extremely harrowing exploits over his 50 years.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
December 27, 2025
Simon Williams has always had a desire to see the world.
"Navigating life, in many ways, is like trying to fight a kangaroo you are seven."
And, as time goes on, this desire has bloomed into a full-fledged "problem".
In this novel, he reflects on his early childhood and some of his more memorable adventures, all the while sprinkling in life advice from his many, many travels.
"Travel is the most exciting and worst decision a person can make, not unlike experimenting with smoking crack. It is extremely addicting."
This novel was interesting, to say the least!
"Abject stupidity is the catalyst of unforgettable experiences for the fool."
There were several aspects that I liked - for example, I loved his take on childhood:
and early-adulthood in general:
"What a great time. I loved being emotionally and physiologically undeveloped. No sense of accountability."
He was so enthusiastically in favor of "being a kid" as long as possible.
"They say if you haven't grown up by the time you reach 50 you don't have to."
However, the book (in general) felt rather disjointed and under-connected.
Without a clear timeline or sense of a plot, it literally felt like random shots of tequila. Which is good? (At least the accuracy of choosing a title)
It's not that I didn't like it, it just felt (at times) a bit abrasive, a bit off-putting and all-around odd.
For example, there were several times where his random bits of advice would fall flat for me:
(I get what he's going for, but I'm left with the mental picture of bloody diarrhea wrapped in a soft shell).
"If I took all the unfortunate mistakes I have made in life and rolled them up in a flour tortilla, I could make a burrito filled with some bloody dumb shit."
And other areas of the book just rubbed me the wrong way. For example, there's his philosophy:
Which is boils down to the author acting like a jerk to local law enforcement until he gets his way.
"Going 'full dickhead' is an ethereal state of being where one empties their mind of rational thought and behaves in a manner of such opposed nature to the conventions of society that both citizens and law enforcement realize it is in their best interests to just let you go on your way."
Since this book is just shots and snippets, we don't get a whole view of the situation and perhaps there were more events that would trigger such a reaction, but as a reader, it doesn't seem too justified - both his actions and the inclusion of that moment in the novel.
In addition, there were several areas that were worded oddly and really made me wonder why they were in the book at all.
For example, there is this quote:
Since he is the writer, I will make the leap that he had ample time to look up A) whether this was the politically correct term, B) he would actually know whether or not to be concerned with his words and C) if he really wanted to warn about PC, it would have come sooner than 20% of the way through the novel.
"(Is a stewardess still the politically correct term for someone who is a stewardess? I don't know, and I know I should probably be concerned about that, but I really don't care. This will be the first and only warning to any who is overly sensitive to things like 'words.'"
(Also for the record, stewardess is about the most "un-PC" thing he says, which really confused me - why even include the warning in the first place?). Maybe it's humor?
At any rate, this book did have quite a few merits - and had several quotes that I did connect with, especially his description about what it felt like to begin his travels.
And reading this book really did make me want to go out there and spontaneously travel!
"As a shy, introverted young man for me to venture out into the world was the most challenging thing that I could do, but I absolutely loved it."
I received a free copy from the author in exchange for an honest review
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October 6, 2018
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Return to the hilarious, sarcastic humor of author Simon Williams with his latest novel, Wanderlost: Shots of Literary Tequila for the Restless Soul. Here’s the synopsis:
Take a FREE shot of Tequila and make some poor choices in your life.
When was the last time you laughed your f#cking arse off?
Do you feel bored, listless, and trapped? Want to take off from your life for awhile? Ever tried taking a walk in someone else's shoes… when their choice of footwear is a pair of flippers?
Three things in this world are certain. Life can be repetitive and boring. Having more money would solve 99% of our problems. Pissing ourselves laughing will make 99% of our problems not seem quite as bad, while uplifting our spirits as we wait for our lotto numbers to come in.
Soak in the literary intoxication of the Wanderlost series while you roar with laughter. On the bus, at school, or at work. The next best thing to drinking at work and your boss will never find a bottle.
The first in a new series by the author of the nonfiction, humor/memoir series Torn, Wanderlost #1 captures the humor and sarcastic wit of author Simon Williams. Already this series of books has captured my attention, leaving me laughing out loud (literally) as I read the stories the author experienced. From drunken fights about overpriced cab fares in Hong Kong that draws the attention of local police, to issues of personal space from the moment you exit your plane into New Delhi, the author uses humor to make light of otherwise frustrating struggles many travelers endure in the world. Being from another country makes world travel difficult, and only be leaning into the absurd and mind-blowing circumstances of travel can one hope to survive with their sanity intact.
This is a wonderful first book in what promises to be a hilarious, laugh riot of a travel book series. The honesty and personal experience of the author blend well with the sarcasm used by the author throughout the novel. This book showcases the various struggles of going to other nations around the world, as this lone Australian citizen treks the countries of the United States, China and more. If you enjoy funny, well written and quick reads about travel, then author Simon William’s novel Wanderlost: Shots of Literary Tequila for the Restless Soul is the book for you. Grab your copy today!
Return to the hilarious, sarcastic humor of author Simon Williams with his latest novel, Wanderlost: Shots of Literary Tequila for the Restless Soul. Here’s the synopsis:
Take a FREE shot of Tequila and make some poor choices in your life.
When was the last time you laughed your f#cking arse off?
Do you feel bored, listless, and trapped? Want to take off from your life for awhile? Ever tried taking a walk in someone else's shoes… when their choice of footwear is a pair of flippers?
Three things in this world are certain. Life can be repetitive and boring. Having more money would solve 99% of our problems. Pissing ourselves laughing will make 99% of our problems not seem quite as bad, while uplifting our spirits as we wait for our lotto numbers to come in.
Soak in the literary intoxication of the Wanderlost series while you roar with laughter. On the bus, at school, or at work. The next best thing to drinking at work and your boss will never find a bottle.
The first in a new series by the author of the nonfiction, humor/memoir series Torn, Wanderlost #1 captures the humor and sarcastic wit of author Simon Williams. Already this series of books has captured my attention, leaving me laughing out loud (literally) as I read the stories the author experienced. From drunken fights about overpriced cab fares in Hong Kong that draws the attention of local police, to issues of personal space from the moment you exit your plane into New Delhi, the author uses humor to make light of otherwise frustrating struggles many travelers endure in the world. Being from another country makes world travel difficult, and only be leaning into the absurd and mind-blowing circumstances of travel can one hope to survive with their sanity intact.
This is a wonderful first book in what promises to be a hilarious, laugh riot of a travel book series. The honesty and personal experience of the author blend well with the sarcasm used by the author throughout the novel. This book showcases the various struggles of going to other nations around the world, as this lone Australian citizen treks the countries of the United States, China and more. If you enjoy funny, well written and quick reads about travel, then author Simon William’s novel Wanderlost: Shots of Literary Tequila for the Restless Soul is the book for you. Grab your copy today!
November 29, 2019
A very entertaining read and maybe because the author is from north Queensland (like me), found it quite relatable and funny. There were some editing errors but for a free book, can't complain.
December 14, 2018
This is the kind of book that makes me want to meet the author and have a beer with him. Williams seems to have had a lot of experiences, both on the road and in certain places, and so, he presents different chapters of his own life in a funny, engaging way. The humour (or, maybe sarcasm) of the situations he finds himself in is very pleasurable.
Some stories become a little to convoluted, the author rambles, and the chapter loses its main direction, only to come back to the problem at hand in the end. This can be sometimes interesting, but sometimes quite frustrating, especially if that particular chapter is less than laugh-out-loud funny.
Some stories become a little to convoluted, the author rambles, and the chapter loses its main direction, only to come back to the problem at hand in the end. This can be sometimes interesting, but sometimes quite frustrating, especially if that particular chapter is less than laugh-out-loud funny.
September 27, 2018
This was so bad that I really don't know why I finished it. I only started it because it was free. It was not worth it.
April 13, 2019
Thank you for the free read.
This book should be renamed “Greetings from Redneck Island.” Simon Williams is exactly the kind of Aussie that makes you cringe when you hear them at Check-in. It means you are going to have to pretend to be Canadian for the next nineteen hours. Some funny moments, but could use an editor and a proof reader.
This book should be renamed “Greetings from Redneck Island.” Simon Williams is exactly the kind of Aussie that makes you cringe when you hear them at Check-in. It means you are going to have to pretend to be Canadian for the next nineteen hours. Some funny moments, but could use an editor and a proof reader.
May 30, 2021
Disjointed
I thought the photo on the front cover was a female, but this book is clearly a man called Simon's story.
The essence of the book touches my heart; Simon is a boy who is picked on throughout his life and has spent a lot of his life travelling to various countries world wide.
The format of the book however is really disjointed. It jumps backwards and forwards in time and from place to place, story to story, as if they are random thoughts rather than in a coherent, considered order. This probably represents the disjointed feeling that Simon has felt his entire life, but it makes it hard to connect and consequently empathise with the author.
The spelling and grammar is not great, there are a good handful of errors that show this book was not proof read.
I feel that Simon should have read one book as a catharsis, but to have written many is astonishing - I do not feel that he is an author, but more of a many with a few stories he wants to share.
It is sad the book just focuses on his darker times, clearly he had friends, siblings and a wife so there must have been good times too, but these are not even hinted at.
I did enjoy the stories of Hong Kong and India, more information could have been provided to enable the reader to imagine it - the writing style is a lot like sitting with your mate who's recounting a story, rather than reading a novel.
I therefore feel two stars is justified for this book.
I thought the photo on the front cover was a female, but this book is clearly a man called Simon's story.
The essence of the book touches my heart; Simon is a boy who is picked on throughout his life and has spent a lot of his life travelling to various countries world wide.
The format of the book however is really disjointed. It jumps backwards and forwards in time and from place to place, story to story, as if they are random thoughts rather than in a coherent, considered order. This probably represents the disjointed feeling that Simon has felt his entire life, but it makes it hard to connect and consequently empathise with the author.
The spelling and grammar is not great, there are a good handful of errors that show this book was not proof read.
I feel that Simon should have read one book as a catharsis, but to have written many is astonishing - I do not feel that he is an author, but more of a many with a few stories he wants to share.
It is sad the book just focuses on his darker times, clearly he had friends, siblings and a wife so there must have been good times too, but these are not even hinted at.
I did enjoy the stories of Hong Kong and India, more information could have been provided to enable the reader to imagine it - the writing style is a lot like sitting with your mate who's recounting a story, rather than reading a novel.
I therefore feel two stars is justified for this book.
September 26, 2019
This was such an enjoyable read. I love the author's humor and witty "down under" philosophies. It was so entertaining, and I felt as if he was telling each story in person. I will definitely read all of his other books in this series. If you need a break from the hum-drum occurrences in day to day life, or if you want to experience a totally all expenses paid getaway to who knows where from the comfort of your own favorite chair, or if you just need an excuse to laugh, then this book is just the ticket for you too!
October 1, 2020
Not politically correct but somehow enticing
At times irreverent at times funny. You will not find yourself wondering what the author is thinking. He will express his opinion loudly and clearly. I was prepared to hate this book from the preface, but the candor of Simon kept me engaged. I was also sure I would not want to continue with the series, but he is astute and knows how to keep you coming back for more.
At times irreverent at times funny. You will not find yourself wondering what the author is thinking. He will express his opinion loudly and clearly. I was prepared to hate this book from the preface, but the candor of Simon kept me engaged. I was also sure I would not want to continue with the series, but he is astute and knows how to keep you coming back for more.
May 14, 2020
I skimmed to 48% but every time I stopped skimming, it was just a ramble on and on, usually totally unrelated. Reminded me of a weak student trying their utmost to fill a requirement of a certain number of words or pages. The sense of humor failed me as well, perhaps because we are in Covid-19 isolation.
July 1, 2019
I couldn’t even get past the preface. The writing was poor and rambling, previewing what was to come by numerous alcoholic references. I went looking on my Kindle for something to read before going to sleep and was deeply disappointed.
July 28, 2019
Laugh out loud moments
Traveling builds a life of tales. In this book some of the tales will make you smile others will make you laugh out loud! Fun easy read for adults with wonderlust.
Traveling builds a life of tales. In this book some of the tales will make you smile others will make you laugh out loud! Fun easy read for adults with wonderlust.
March 6, 2021
Travel nightmares in search of meaninh
This was an okay read with some painfully awkward chuckle out loud moments.
I can't bring myself to read the follow on books but I hope he finds a way to work through his self-loathing angst.
This was an okay read with some painfully awkward chuckle out loud moments.
I can't bring myself to read the follow on books but I hope he finds a way to work through his self-loathing angst.
January 20, 2019
I finished this book but it was not what I expected - lots of sarcasm, rambles a lot, worst book I have read in a long time.
May 25, 2019
Cocky and disrespectful.
November 28, 2019
No hangovers here!
Such a fun read. A slightly different viewpoint that is all too familiar. Just read it. You will be glad you did!
Such a fun read. A slightly different viewpoint that is all too familiar. Just read it. You will be glad you did!
February 1, 2020
Good essays
Good essays about travelling by a native of Australia. Great way of looking at travel as more than just a destination.
Good essays about travelling by a native of Australia. Great way of looking at travel as more than just a destination.
March 20, 2020
Amusing
Amusing,and very well written. Once started it is very difficult to put down. Buying the next book. Hope it is just as entertaining.
Amusing,and very well written. Once started it is very difficult to put down. Buying the next book. Hope it is just as entertaining.
May 5, 2020
I found the stories entertaining, and it's a quick and easy read.
July 7, 2020
He needs to do the world a favor and stay home.
November 8, 2020
Edit, edit and then edit again
This book needs an editor. It was hard to read due to some awkward sentences. The story is good. Just edit.
This book needs an editor. It was hard to read due to some awkward sentences. The story is good. Just edit.
December 1, 2020
It needs an editor. But entertaining.
January 26, 2021
DNF at 10%. From the second page, this book didn't have a chance with me. I really enjoy the genre but I found the narrative tone to be incredibly off-putting.
February 16, 2021
I read about 25% of the book and I just couldn't continue. There is so much rambling that I'd get confused.
July 4, 2021
Entertaining light read but very disjointed with no conclusion or follow up to chaotic experiences . I guess this is to encourage you to buy book 2,3 etc.
November 3, 2022
Just... horrible. What a negative view. Some amusing moments, but overall bad. I'll not be reading any more
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews