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Confessions of a Middle-Aged Runaway: An RV Travel Adventure
For fans of Wild and Eat, Pray, Love, an entertaining story of a five-year, motorhome road trip taken by a woman and her dog.
Have you ever felt suffocated by your routine and responsibilities, or just longed for some adventure? Heidi Eliason did, so at the age of 45 she quit her job, sold her house, bought a motorhome, and embarked on a five-year road trip with her dog, Rylie. It was a journey that transformed her life.
Through the challenges of managing the Green Monster—her motorhome—traveling in Mexico, and getting derailed by Mr. Wrong, she learned—sometimes the hard way—that chasing the corporate ladder and storybook romance was not always a sure route to happiness. She struggled with insecurities, faced her fears, and dug her way out of depression.
By taking a leap into the unknown, Heidi found a new community of friends, met wildlife, traveled the Baja Peninsula, discovered the magic of the sea, and experienced freedom like she had never known.
At a time when the American Dream is uncertain for so many, more people are turning to alternative lifestyles such as the van life movement and fulltime RV travel. Confessions of a Middle-Aged Runaway may help others to find the courage to jump off the hamster wheel of the conventional Dream and make a transformative journey of their own.
Have you ever felt suffocated by your routine and responsibilities, or just longed for some adventure? Heidi Eliason did, so at the age of 45 she quit her job, sold her house, bought a motorhome, and embarked on a five-year road trip with her dog, Rylie. It was a journey that transformed her life.
Through the challenges of managing the Green Monster—her motorhome—traveling in Mexico, and getting derailed by Mr. Wrong, she learned—sometimes the hard way—that chasing the corporate ladder and storybook romance was not always a sure route to happiness. She struggled with insecurities, faced her fears, and dug her way out of depression.
By taking a leap into the unknown, Heidi found a new community of friends, met wildlife, traveled the Baja Peninsula, discovered the magic of the sea, and experienced freedom like she had never known.
At a time when the American Dream is uncertain for so many, more people are turning to alternative lifestyles such as the van life movement and fulltime RV travel. Confessions of a Middle-Aged Runaway may help others to find the courage to jump off the hamster wheel of the conventional Dream and make a transformative journey of their own.
274 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 4, 2019
49 people are currently reading
277 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
October 15, 2019
Eliason recounts her fascinating RV journey as we ride shotgun with her dog Riley under the Green Monster's front seat. There are countless campgrounds where she must level her RV -- and her life -- as she faces an almost daily test of her "skill and tool set." Mile markers along the way are the personal triumphs and emotional tribulations she does her best to stow away or jettison in her mercifully not-too-graphic weekly tank dump. Eliason keeps her RV between the ditches, making new friends along the way and proving to be a true life-learner on her dogged attempt to put the 'free' in freeway.
My favourite line: "I wondered if trust could be regenerated in a relationship like the greenery in nature." This is a great read for those 'full-timers' seeking RV advice and those who wish they could if only briefly escape the 9-to-5 rat race for wanderlust with a purpose. In Eliason's case, finding one's self. Kudos for a fun, heartwarming read sure to teach a lesson or two to all of us on life's open road.
My favourite line: "I wondered if trust could be regenerated in a relationship like the greenery in nature." This is a great read for those 'full-timers' seeking RV advice and those who wish they could if only briefly escape the 9-to-5 rat race for wanderlust with a purpose. In Eliason's case, finding one's self. Kudos for a fun, heartwarming read sure to teach a lesson or two to all of us on life's open road.
October 16, 2021
As a full time RVer, I love to read of other people's experiences. Eliason presents as a strong, independent woman who had the courage to take off ALONE on her adventure, which put her in a category of greater bravery than mine, since I took off with a husband. I was impressed at the sisterhood she found along the way and the multiple, long-term relationships she formed. Perhaps more than courage, Eliason's exceptionality might be her extroversion that led to such extraordinary connections. For a memoir, I think she might have dug a little deeper and given readers a richer, more complex emotional journey. Many women these days are writing personal RV stories, myself included, and I am happy to add this one to my bookshelf.
September 27, 2024
A full-time RVer for fifteen years, I've read a lot of books about RVing and full-timing; most fall short. Heidi Eliason has found the perfect balance of true life adventure and personal, emotional transformation. This is not as easy to accomplish as she makes it seem; this woman can write.
Some readers might be upset by some of the life Eliason confesses. I'd encourage them to keep going. The best memoirs require their authors to rip off pieces of themselves honestly and openly, and Eliason does this. No false charm here: it's genuine and hard to read at times, but well worth it.
Eliason's rendition of her five years on the road will be completely familiar to others who've likewise struck out with all their worldly goods in an RV. Not only are you toting everything you own with you, which makes hail and windstorms particularly frightening because you could lose it all, but you're constantly in unfamiliar places. Things are always breaking in the RV (or extra vehicle), you meet people only to bid them goodbye, and the lifestyle isn't always as wonderful as you dreamed it would be.
All of this is well-captured in Eliason's book. Her sense of wonder and humor (I laughed out loud at her description of emptying the black tank) penetrate the book and as I closed the book I felt as though I was bidding adieu to yet another fellow traveler I'd met on the road.
This is a great book for all who have traveled by RV or have dreamed of a full-time RV lifestyle, as well as those who face things in life they're not sure they can overcome--Heidi Eliason assures you that you will do just that.
Some readers might be upset by some of the life Eliason confesses. I'd encourage them to keep going. The best memoirs require their authors to rip off pieces of themselves honestly and openly, and Eliason does this. No false charm here: it's genuine and hard to read at times, but well worth it.
Eliason's rendition of her five years on the road will be completely familiar to others who've likewise struck out with all their worldly goods in an RV. Not only are you toting everything you own with you, which makes hail and windstorms particularly frightening because you could lose it all, but you're constantly in unfamiliar places. Things are always breaking in the RV (or extra vehicle), you meet people only to bid them goodbye, and the lifestyle isn't always as wonderful as you dreamed it would be.
All of this is well-captured in Eliason's book. Her sense of wonder and humor (I laughed out loud at her description of emptying the black tank) penetrate the book and as I closed the book I felt as though I was bidding adieu to yet another fellow traveler I'd met on the road.
This is a great book for all who have traveled by RV or have dreamed of a full-time RV lifestyle, as well as those who face things in life they're not sure they can overcome--Heidi Eliason assures you that you will do just that.
December 16, 2019
Writing a memoir is like holding a mirror to a section of one’s life and showing the reader what is within the reflection. I believe it must be relatively easy to write a bad memoir; just as it is easy to look past the wrinkles and imperfections as you glance at the mirror. Heidi Eliason, however, has not only written a witty, interesting account of her five-year long journey as a RV roadster but has given us a searingly honest insight into her life at that time.
We travel alongside Eliason, from her moment of realisation at the start of the book that her life had to change significantly - the realisation being that in her run-down mind she was actually envying the freedom homeless people have - to the day five years later when she understands it is time once again to settle and grow roots. As she drives from state to state learning how to handle her ‘Green Monster’ RV, we watch as she peels off the layers of her depression and learns who she really is; and, perhaps more importantly, who she wants to be. I particularly enjoyed Eliason’s trip down the Baja California, having travelled there in my late teens, and found myself envying the carefree life she enjoyed there... though, not without its yang moments, I must add.
I would have liked Eliason to have sometimes delved a little more into the descriptions of her feelings, as some significant moments were tainted with a little too much cliche, but, all in all, I found myself willing her along and enjoyed her insights into RV life, love and the courage it takes to become someone new.
We travel alongside Eliason, from her moment of realisation at the start of the book that her life had to change significantly - the realisation being that in her run-down mind she was actually envying the freedom homeless people have - to the day five years later when she understands it is time once again to settle and grow roots. As she drives from state to state learning how to handle her ‘Green Monster’ RV, we watch as she peels off the layers of her depression and learns who she really is; and, perhaps more importantly, who she wants to be. I particularly enjoyed Eliason’s trip down the Baja California, having travelled there in my late teens, and found myself envying the carefree life she enjoyed there... though, not without its yang moments, I must add.
I would have liked Eliason to have sometimes delved a little more into the descriptions of her feelings, as some significant moments were tainted with a little too much cliche, but, all in all, I found myself willing her along and enjoyed her insights into RV life, love and the courage it takes to become someone new.
January 5, 2020
Depressed with her climb up the corporate ladder and struggling with “middle-age” insecurities, Heidi Eliason took a daring leap of faith in herself.
At age 45 she sold her house, bought a motorhome, quit her job and embarked on an adventure that would change her life in ways she never imagined.
A modern Travels With Charlie, Confessions Of A Middle-Aged Runaway is an entertaining chronicle of one woman’s five years on the road through Mexico and the US with her dog, Rylie in an RV.
Heidi’s initial plan to travel only a year in the motor home extended to five years, as she discovered she could enhance her savings with writing and photography to support further travels.
For everyone who has ever had a “run away” dream, Heidi’s experiences will introduce you to what it’s really like to live and travel full-time in an RV—the good, the bad, and the unexpected. She is not afraid to share her tribulations and triumphs.
Heidi Eliason’s writing style is open and honest. It’s easy to imagine that she is telling you her story as if you are a luncheon friend.
Heidi’s story never slows in pacing and you’ll be heart-warmed as Heidi shares her inner misgivings and her challenges with the motor home she calls “the Green Monster.” Yet she never loses her sense of humor.
Heidi’s decision to radically change her life provides an inspiration for all of us whose inner soul resonated when Peggy Lee sang, “Is that all there is?”
Heidi’s story proves that there is an adventuress inside each of us and shows what magical possibilities can unfold when we risk the growth and insight that come with life’s daring adventures.
At age 45 she sold her house, bought a motorhome, quit her job and embarked on an adventure that would change her life in ways she never imagined.
A modern Travels With Charlie, Confessions Of A Middle-Aged Runaway is an entertaining chronicle of one woman’s five years on the road through Mexico and the US with her dog, Rylie in an RV.
Heidi’s initial plan to travel only a year in the motor home extended to five years, as she discovered she could enhance her savings with writing and photography to support further travels.
For everyone who has ever had a “run away” dream, Heidi’s experiences will introduce you to what it’s really like to live and travel full-time in an RV—the good, the bad, and the unexpected. She is not afraid to share her tribulations and triumphs.
Heidi Eliason’s writing style is open and honest. It’s easy to imagine that she is telling you her story as if you are a luncheon friend.
Heidi’s story never slows in pacing and you’ll be heart-warmed as Heidi shares her inner misgivings and her challenges with the motor home she calls “the Green Monster.” Yet she never loses her sense of humor.
Heidi’s decision to radically change her life provides an inspiration for all of us whose inner soul resonated when Peggy Lee sang, “Is that all there is?”
Heidi’s story proves that there is an adventuress inside each of us and shows what magical possibilities can unfold when we risk the growth and insight that come with life’s daring adventures.
July 31, 2025
It's just... the writing, it's so boring and monotonous. even the off and on fling with the Canadian just felt so bleh. I get that it's a memoir, and maybe that's just not my genre.
But...with riveting writing like, "When are you going, and what will you do while you’re there?” I told him when I was going and the activities that were available there.", and the events not really tying together very well, I just couldn't stay engaged. Struggled to finish, but I don't like to DNF a book, especially a book club book. 😬
But...with riveting writing like, "When are you going, and what will you do while you’re there?” I told him when I was going and the activities that were available there.", and the events not really tying together very well, I just couldn't stay engaged. Struggled to finish, but I don't like to DNF a book, especially a book club book. 😬
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July 11, 2020Great Read
I enjoyed reading this book .all her adventures going in different places and doing this all alone with only her dog for company. 5 years of traveling gave her a great adventure. Seeing new sites . Meeting new people and creating friends for the rest of her life. She really did a great job of writing about the places she went to and problems with her RV. Starting her life over I believe she made some good choice s. This is a must read book for someone alone and wanting to find a new life.
I enjoyed reading this book .all her adventures going in different places and doing this all alone with only her dog for company. 5 years of traveling gave her a great adventure. Seeing new sites . Meeting new people and creating friends for the rest of her life. She really did a great job of writing about the places she went to and problems with her RV. Starting her life over I believe she made some good choice s. This is a must read book for someone alone and wanting to find a new life.
August 20, 2019
Great read
I loved this book, it was a real page turner. The author is a great story teller. I liked the hooks, or cliff hangers, at the end of the chapters enticing you to read the next chapter. There was romance, humor, challenges, heartbreak, and a glimpse at many beautiful parks and natural areas in the US and Mexico. The book was well written and easy and fun to read.
I loved this book, it was a real page turner. The author is a great story teller. I liked the hooks, or cliff hangers, at the end of the chapters enticing you to read the next chapter. There was romance, humor, challenges, heartbreak, and a glimpse at many beautiful parks and natural areas in the US and Mexico. The book was well written and easy and fun to read.
January 7, 2022
This was a quick read. I like the idea of traveling solo full time in the RV. As an owner of a motorhome I certainly could appreciate the trials and tribulations. Ive been through them all. It was also a very therapeutic insight into the author's struggle with depression. The book seemed to have places out of order. There were vague parts and then detailed conversations so the timeline got confusing but other than that it's worth the read.
July 3, 2023
Loved this book! The author was so brave to take that courageous leap and move onto her RV without having any experience in driving it. That took a lot of guts! It was fun to follow her adventures and see the highs and lows of her experiences. She writes from the heart and opens up so the reader can see her brave and vulnerable sides. Wonderful read!
December 24, 2019
A delightful read of a brave woman who decided to quit her current, unfulfilling life to retreat. She brings you along with her for the ride. You can see how her years on the road helped her find courage she didn't know she had and learn how to cope when things didn't go as expected. I rooted for her the whole way, and I look forward to her next book!
November 17, 2019
This book made me envious of not following my on wish to walk away from everything and get on the road!
First of all Heidi was kind enough to send me a book through her mom and signed it. Our mothers are neighbors. It was an easy read, and it was great to know I wasn't the only one who wanted to do this, but that Heidi did. I appreciate the humor, and the candor of RV life, dealing with personal demons and family while trying to live a traveling life. It was great the way Heidi was able to stay connected to home while on the move. I have already passed my copy onto a coworker and have family members waiting their turn for a read!!! Cheers to more adventures......
First of all Heidi was kind enough to send me a book through her mom and signed it. Our mothers are neighbors. It was an easy read, and it was great to know I wasn't the only one who wanted to do this, but that Heidi did. I appreciate the humor, and the candor of RV life, dealing with personal demons and family while trying to live a traveling life. It was great the way Heidi was able to stay connected to home while on the move. I have already passed my copy onto a coworker and have family members waiting their turn for a read!!! Cheers to more adventures......
December 28, 2019
After checking the reviews, I looked forward to reading Heidi Eliason's Confessions of a Middle-Aged Runaway, an RV Travel Adventure. I left the daily grind myself in my mid-forties, selling everything and moving from California to St Andrews, Scotland. Ten years earlier I piloted a motorhome across America and along the west coast. What would Eliason discover? A lot.
Her book is complex, a combination travelogue, adventure story, personal growth and social commentary. Her writing skills pulled it together with exquisite balance. Her transition from needy and depressed, to needy, to lonely, to self-sufficient, to looking forward to what the future may hold was engaging. The G rating writing limited its impact; PG would have done wonders for the exciting events and the discouraging ones.
The book did not have a table of contents, which was fine. Photos of the Green Monster, Heidi and her friends and the dogs and cats, scenery and maybe a dark silhouette of the Canadian would have enriched the book too.
It’s a good book, well worth reading. Heidi was a delightful and insightful traveling companion and I would travel with her again.
Her book is complex, a combination travelogue, adventure story, personal growth and social commentary. Her writing skills pulled it together with exquisite balance. Her transition from needy and depressed, to needy, to lonely, to self-sufficient, to looking forward to what the future may hold was engaging. The G rating writing limited its impact; PG would have done wonders for the exciting events and the discouraging ones.
The book did not have a table of contents, which was fine. Photos of the Green Monster, Heidi and her friends and the dogs and cats, scenery and maybe a dark silhouette of the Canadian would have enriched the book too.
It’s a good book, well worth reading. Heidi was a delightful and insightful traveling companion and I would travel with her again.
July 10, 2019
A wonderful vicarious adventure for those of us who think of running away from it all. Spending a few weeks or months camping on the beach of Baja? Yes, please! In addition to the fun times, we see how she learned to wrangle the Green Monster motor home and overcome other challenges. Part travelogue; part personal growth story. A thoroughly enjoyable read.
December 8, 2019
A worthy read if you ever dream of escaping.
I loved the book because the story motif rings so heavily on my own potential story lines. A woman who hates the American dream that's all she's been led to believe there is, sells everything after her daughter goes off to college, buys an RV and hits the road alone for a one-year journey that extends to 5 years as she figures ways to make some money while she lives on the road. The book is good in that it has the right sort of arc and trajectory for a good memoir, but also, it's really tame - the things she does, the places she goes, the lessons she learns about life and herself. To me it all seemed so basic, but I'm someone who doesn't even flinch to consider the kinds of things she agonized over before diving in. Nonetheless I appreciated her doing it all and sharing it with readers.
I loved the book because the story motif rings so heavily on my own potential story lines. A woman who hates the American dream that's all she's been led to believe there is, sells everything after her daughter goes off to college, buys an RV and hits the road alone for a one-year journey that extends to 5 years as she figures ways to make some money while she lives on the road. The book is good in that it has the right sort of arc and trajectory for a good memoir, but also, it's really tame - the things she does, the places she goes, the lessons she learns about life and herself. To me it all seemed so basic, but I'm someone who doesn't even flinch to consider the kinds of things she agonized over before diving in. Nonetheless I appreciated her doing it all and sharing it with readers.
September 25, 2021
3.5 Stars
I live in an RV, stationary, I don’t travel. Living in a campground of sorts, I meet a lot of people living in various forms of the lifestyle featured in this memoir. I find the lifestyles fascinating, and a great fit for people who love nature and appreciate the diverse landscapes across our country. Heidi Eliason’s story is pretty much in alignment with the tales I hear from single people who pass through this campground. I mostly meet families—adventurous couples who homeschool their children and give them a very rich environment for learning.
Anyway, I related to this story in regards to feeling trapped by the economy, making ends meet, the monotony of desperately needing a major change—a lifestyle overhaul. I’ve had a few of those in my lifetime, some of them even by choice! I’m glad this author was able to find the lifestyle that worked for her. The RV travel life isn’t for everybody. It was so cool how this lady found her tribe out on the road, and rather effortlessly, too.
The author is also a decent writer. But I had issues with 2 things: her tendency to be noncommittal, and some holes in her story—unanswered questions.
I felt she was noncommittal in her story about “the Canadian.” During the telling of this escapade both the author and her Canadian became very one-dimensional. It was obvious to me she was picking and choosing parts of the story to present to the world, and not committing to telling the real, entire story. Anyone who has ever became involved with someone who is married, and if you are single long enough it’s quite likely to happen once, knows that it is a learning about oneself on an extremely deep, but uncomfortable level. It’s a meeting of one’s shadow side, and learning about marriage and commitment in a way that does not flatter anyone involved. The author doesn’t go there. For example, she does not ask this guy the important questions about his marriage and about cheating. Like many in her position, she sticks her head in the sand and just barely addresses the information she accidentally acquires. Ok, she’s human, but then, she doesn’t even ask HERSELF why she wasn’t asking. She only tried to admit, again in a very surface way, that she had a part in some kind of fiasco, but she still strived to present herself in a positive light. She stuck to the facts with very little emotional Involvement. This could have been a rich story of self revelation and meeting one’s shadow self, but she seemed too afraid to really go there and tell the story. If she really viewed this part of her life in the way she told it, then she is quite shallow. I tend to think she didn’t want to get too personal. But then, she should not have told as much as she did.
I also had some questions about how the book ended. A big part of the author’s struggle before her big adventure was that she had a very hard time financially. Understandable, California cost of living is not cheap. It seemed that problem had vanished when she went back to living in one spot. She lived in a townhome and took vacations out of the country! How did she manage this when before, it was her biggest hurdle. I didn’t see her picking up marketable job skills in her 5 year sabbatical. Had her salary doubled? Was she paying for a mansion in that house she sold? It kinda bugs me that question went unanswered. I’m sure there IS a practical answer since it’s a true story…I’d just like to know what her secret is.
Overall though, it was a nice, easy read. I would have preferred it to be deeper emotionally since it was a “coming of age” story. Still, there were lovely descriptions of scenery, and places to visit cross country.
I live in an RV, stationary, I don’t travel. Living in a campground of sorts, I meet a lot of people living in various forms of the lifestyle featured in this memoir. I find the lifestyles fascinating, and a great fit for people who love nature and appreciate the diverse landscapes across our country. Heidi Eliason’s story is pretty much in alignment with the tales I hear from single people who pass through this campground. I mostly meet families—adventurous couples who homeschool their children and give them a very rich environment for learning.
Anyway, I related to this story in regards to feeling trapped by the economy, making ends meet, the monotony of desperately needing a major change—a lifestyle overhaul. I’ve had a few of those in my lifetime, some of them even by choice! I’m glad this author was able to find the lifestyle that worked for her. The RV travel life isn’t for everybody. It was so cool how this lady found her tribe out on the road, and rather effortlessly, too.
The author is also a decent writer. But I had issues with 2 things: her tendency to be noncommittal, and some holes in her story—unanswered questions.
I felt she was noncommittal in her story about “the Canadian.” During the telling of this escapade both the author and her Canadian became very one-dimensional. It was obvious to me she was picking and choosing parts of the story to present to the world, and not committing to telling the real, entire story. Anyone who has ever became involved with someone who is married, and if you are single long enough it’s quite likely to happen once, knows that it is a learning about oneself on an extremely deep, but uncomfortable level. It’s a meeting of one’s shadow side, and learning about marriage and commitment in a way that does not flatter anyone involved. The author doesn’t go there. For example, she does not ask this guy the important questions about his marriage and about cheating. Like many in her position, she sticks her head in the sand and just barely addresses the information she accidentally acquires. Ok, she’s human, but then, she doesn’t even ask HERSELF why she wasn’t asking. She only tried to admit, again in a very surface way, that she had a part in some kind of fiasco, but she still strived to present herself in a positive light. She stuck to the facts with very little emotional Involvement. This could have been a rich story of self revelation and meeting one’s shadow self, but she seemed too afraid to really go there and tell the story. If she really viewed this part of her life in the way she told it, then she is quite shallow. I tend to think she didn’t want to get too personal. But then, she should not have told as much as she did.
I also had some questions about how the book ended. A big part of the author’s struggle before her big adventure was that she had a very hard time financially. Understandable, California cost of living is not cheap. It seemed that problem had vanished when she went back to living in one spot. She lived in a townhome and took vacations out of the country! How did she manage this when before, it was her biggest hurdle. I didn’t see her picking up marketable job skills in her 5 year sabbatical. Had her salary doubled? Was she paying for a mansion in that house she sold? It kinda bugs me that question went unanswered. I’m sure there IS a practical answer since it’s a true story…I’d just like to know what her secret is.
Overall though, it was a nice, easy read. I would have preferred it to be deeper emotionally since it was a “coming of age” story. Still, there were lovely descriptions of scenery, and places to visit cross country.
January 6, 2020
Confessions Of A Middle-Aged Runaway by Heidi Eliason is a humorous and touching story of a woman that realizes the traditional “American Dream” was not her vision of happiness. After quitting her job, selling her home, and most of her possessions, she buys what is fondly referred to as the “Green Monster.”
The only companion she brings with her in the RV is Riley, her faithful dog and sidekick. What started as a year-long road trip, turned into something completely unexpected. Eliason has managed to bring readers on the trip with her. Her writing flows smoothly and the vivid descriptions will put readers in the “Green Monster” alongside her.
At the start of each chapter, Eliason has added a quote. Some are poignant, while others will make readers chuckle. The quotes also serve as an introduction to the chapters. These quotes also help to give readers a glimpse into Heidi’s mind and personal life, making her even more relatable.
Confessions Of A Middle-Aged Runaway is not only a book about a woman and dog traveling across the country in an RV. It is a story about a woman finding herself at a time in her life when many people feel that it is too late to change. It is filled with hope and humor, but there is also heartbreak.
Heidi discusses her history in a way that readers can identify with: her husband leaving her alone to raise their infant daughter; moving back in with her parents and the subsequent move to start a new life in California, the state she falls in love with. Her writing on these topics does not ask readers for sympathy, instead it helps to build a connection. Readers will also have a better understanding of why she decided to embark on this journey.
Along the way, Eliason meets a variety of characters. Some are good-hearted, while others may make the reader think twice about heading out on the road. Through it all, she maintains her sense of humor, something that many people would find hard to do. It is a book filled with laughter, hope, and sadness. In its way, it is a story about life, learning what makes a person happy, and realizing that everyone’s idea of happiness is not always the same. It is a story of courage, hope, and love for humanity.
Heidi Eliason’s Confessions Of A Middle-Aged Runaway is a heartwarming and humorous story about one woman’s journey to find happiness. It will draw the reader in by the end of the first paragraph and never lose their attention until the end. It is a fun and sometimes thought-provoking story to read that shows it is never too late to find personal happiness in life.
The only companion she brings with her in the RV is Riley, her faithful dog and sidekick. What started as a year-long road trip, turned into something completely unexpected. Eliason has managed to bring readers on the trip with her. Her writing flows smoothly and the vivid descriptions will put readers in the “Green Monster” alongside her.
At the start of each chapter, Eliason has added a quote. Some are poignant, while others will make readers chuckle. The quotes also serve as an introduction to the chapters. These quotes also help to give readers a glimpse into Heidi’s mind and personal life, making her even more relatable.
Confessions Of A Middle-Aged Runaway is not only a book about a woman and dog traveling across the country in an RV. It is a story about a woman finding herself at a time in her life when many people feel that it is too late to change. It is filled with hope and humor, but there is also heartbreak.
Heidi discusses her history in a way that readers can identify with: her husband leaving her alone to raise their infant daughter; moving back in with her parents and the subsequent move to start a new life in California, the state she falls in love with. Her writing on these topics does not ask readers for sympathy, instead it helps to build a connection. Readers will also have a better understanding of why she decided to embark on this journey.
Along the way, Eliason meets a variety of characters. Some are good-hearted, while others may make the reader think twice about heading out on the road. Through it all, she maintains her sense of humor, something that many people would find hard to do. It is a book filled with laughter, hope, and sadness. In its way, it is a story about life, learning what makes a person happy, and realizing that everyone’s idea of happiness is not always the same. It is a story of courage, hope, and love for humanity.
Heidi Eliason’s Confessions Of A Middle-Aged Runaway is a heartwarming and humorous story about one woman’s journey to find happiness. It will draw the reader in by the end of the first paragraph and never lose their attention until the end. It is a fun and sometimes thought-provoking story to read that shows it is never too late to find personal happiness in life.
June 12, 2020
I don't know why I bought this book. I think I was feeling my age and I have fantasized about leaving my husband with the house while I explored the US (he's doesn't like leaving home) in an RV.
This book thoroughly dissuaded me from my fantasy. There's a bit too much reality and I think I'd prefer to get a new car (my current car is well over 15 years old) and drive around the US using the comfort of the hotels/motels in the vicinity. I know it's more expensive but I do love my creature comforts.
I genuinely felt for Heidi. I can't imagine being so depressed that I'm envious of the homeless (unless it's more fantasizing). She also has terrible taste in men which is balanced by good taste in selecting female friends. She meets a friendly community but, as usual, I have a hard time imagining fitting in: I don't drink and that seems to be important in the bonding experience for many adults.
In any case, I've dropped my fantasy.
This book thoroughly dissuaded me from my fantasy. There's a bit too much reality and I think I'd prefer to get a new car (my current car is well over 15 years old) and drive around the US using the comfort of the hotels/motels in the vicinity. I know it's more expensive but I do love my creature comforts.
I genuinely felt for Heidi. I can't imagine being so depressed that I'm envious of the homeless (unless it's more fantasizing). She also has terrible taste in men which is balanced by good taste in selecting female friends. She meets a friendly community but, as usual, I have a hard time imagining fitting in: I don't drink and that seems to be important in the bonding experience for many adults.
In any case, I've dropped my fantasy.
November 7, 2019
What a great read! Confessions of a Middle-Aged Runaway is a true story about a woman who chucks the "American Dream" and leaves town and everyone she knows to find adventure. And she does find adventure - plenty of it! And she also finds herself in this lovely story of transformation. It's a book about taking risks, overcoming fear, and living life to the fullest. And oh yes, it's about traveling in a motorhome, so you'll learn a bit about what that entails as well. I read the book in just two days. It really captured my attention. It's sweet, tender and fun - and it might just be the inspiration you've been looking for. Enjoy!
May 20, 2020
I picked up this book purely because it was about full time RVing and since we are currently doing this crazy thing, I figured it would be fun to read about others experiences. I enjoyed reading about the author's travels and all the places she was able to go. The writing was ok but wasn't super deep or thought provoking. Just a fun light read.
April 11, 2020
Loved it! Well written and the stories are captivating. I felt like I was living vicariously through Ms. Eliason's adventures.
April 29, 2024
Too much relationship….not enough RV life.
February 4, 2025
I don't know what she meant to confess in this memoir. Probably her inability to find a good title. But I do know what I have to confess: as much as I wanted to like this book, I just didn't.
Very sorry. She went all kind of places (where I'd love to go), and saw all kind of things (that I'd love to see), but her approach to it all lacked the kind of insight and understanding that makes me enjoy reading a memoir. About halfway through, I started reading faster in hopes that she'd eventually get to something deep and thoughtful and insightful--and it just started reading like a to-do list. Grand Canyon? Done that. Manatees? Saw the tops of 'em. Friends? Made some. Etc.
The early part of the memoir and her trip to Baja was my favorite. After that, nada. And her romantic interlude just gave me the heebie-jeebies.
Again, sorry not to be able to recommend this. The RV repairs and mishaps were amusing but not really funny; the approach to life and living, shallow.
Very sorry. She went all kind of places (where I'd love to go), and saw all kind of things (that I'd love to see), but her approach to it all lacked the kind of insight and understanding that makes me enjoy reading a memoir. About halfway through, I started reading faster in hopes that she'd eventually get to something deep and thoughtful and insightful--and it just started reading like a to-do list. Grand Canyon? Done that. Manatees? Saw the tops of 'em. Friends? Made some. Etc.
The early part of the memoir and her trip to Baja was my favorite. After that, nada. And her romantic interlude just gave me the heebie-jeebies.
Again, sorry not to be able to recommend this. The RV repairs and mishaps were amusing but not really funny; the approach to life and living, shallow.
June 14, 2022
I enjoyed the book immensely, the story, and the overall travel experience. Heidi left her house, job, comfort, and safety, and embarked on an adventure into the unknown. She met the good, the bad, and the ugly with grace, and dignity treating each contact with the respect it deserves. The sum of her experiences changed her life for the better after all so she treated them like important pieces of the puzzle that would later become her future. I appreciated that she didn't leave out any of the thorns that pricked the rosy story, whether it was about love life or the green monster. I can relate completely to her love for nature and wildlife and I learned so much from her travels and wildlife close encounters. I looked up every place she visited that I haven't and added it to my to-visit list. I love full circle stories. They make the most sense to me.
July 7, 2023
A friend read this book in her book club & recommended this book to me after I told her that my dream/fantasy was to find a trailer and go away for months at a time, be able to do a little earning while I'm out, and travel all 50 states (obviously not driving to Hawaii... but maybe to Alaska) and reconnect with my family and friends. I liked the book quite a bit, and these days if I don't like a book, I just quit reading it. I wanted to finish this one :-) That said, I wish, like some other reviewers mention, that there was a bit more depth to the relationships and friendships - a bit more detail. I understand, or rather, guess, that the author was most likely trying to protect privacy of real people. Overall I quite enjoyed reading it, but found the writing a little too uninvolved - er - uncomplicated... maybe plain/basic is the best description. Still, it was a fun read and gave me some insight as to how it might actually be, out there... traveling alone. Thank you Heidi.
November 28, 2021
For those of us who carry a little dream that someday or sometime in our lives we can be nomadic, this book is a fun and easy read. I admire Heidi for taking off and hitting the road alone. She even gives a couple RV tips if we ever find ourselves out living on the road. However, the writing was just so blah. Sometimes it was so boring it was hard to continue on. Especially towards the end I felt like I was reading the 6th grade winning essay of a “what would an awesome adult life look like” contest.
February 18, 2025
I was impressed with the journey the author took and enjoyed reading about it and her travels. As someone who has never been RVing but longs to try it, I would have liked to see her mention a bit more about some of the day to day RV experiences like things she brought with her, storage, laundry, food prep, etc. to help inform those of us who are considering trying RVing. I also would have liked her to dig a little deeper into more of the travel experiences. Some were detailed but so many were just brushed over. Overall a good RV travel book.
November 7, 2022
I was intrigued by the premise of a gutsy woman walking away from a lackluster career to tour the United States in an RV she named The Green Monster. This inspirational memoir is a must read for anyone who is on the verge of making a major life change and needs a little encouragement. Heidi's honest recounting of her five-year odyssey is more than a journey traveling across the lower 48, it is a quest for self-confidence, self-reliance, and romance.
November 29, 2022
“So inspiring! Eliason is stuck and she gets herself unstuck with a total lifestyle change. The author has the ability to make the reader feel her pains and joys and I could visibly see her grow. The book is filled with helpful details about RV life, as well as all the emotions that go along with it. Similes, metaphors and small scenes with big impacts are artfully placed throughout the story. I read it in 2 days--couldn't put it down!”
July 11, 2025
I'm giving it 3 because of my own bias. otherwise it would be a 2. This is not an adventure book, it isn't a travel book, it isn't a vanlife book. Hell, it isn't even a woman finding herself book. It's simply a woman who tried to do those things and let herself get distracted from her goals of freedom and adventure....by a man...of course. A married one at that...and her struggles to dig herself out of that mess. I should have really clued into the word Confessions in the title. My bad.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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