The Way of the Wanderer: Discover Your True Self Through Travel

by David Yeadon

Beginning with a life-changing event in the mountains of Iran, and roaming the globe from the backcountry lanes of Yorkshire to the Australian outback, David Yeadon shares serendipitous encounters with amazing people, unexpected challenges, and near-death experiences. His stories illuminate the ways in which years of wandering have taught him to be open to experience, accept things as they are, live life to the fullest, and embrace his many “selves.” These tales are filled with lessons learned from saints, sinners, fellow travelers, and everyday folk, and are accompanied by his own accomplished illustrations.

Genres: Travel

288 pages, Paperback

First published March 7, 2001

Reviews

[Bikiran Guha · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book came recommended by a friend. It is somewhat of a travel diary, interspersed with self reflections by the author. The author portrays travel as a means of self-reflection, and most of the chapters are examples of that. Each chapter is basically a short story, with very little to no relation to others. So, you can spend 10-15 minutes every day reading one chapter if you want.

I enjoyed reading about all the varied experiences of the author, from very close encounters with death to long hikes to meeting amazing people and visiting amazing landscapes. Honestly, felt quite jealous of the adventures he has had through his travels. But it did get a little boring at the end, because it felt a bit same old same old. Had to force myself a bit through the last few chapters.

But the book is a good one for making a list of off-beat places you may want to see and things you may want to do around the world. It is also a good book to understand how travel can help with discovering the various selves hidden within us.

[Hasely · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first book I’ve read from David Yeadon. I found it very enjoyable and I liked reading his perspective of the adventures he went on. Though, by the time I reached the last 5 or so entries, it did start to seem repetitive. I went through this book pretty leisurely, reading a chapter or two a night , and didn’t have too hard of a time getting through it. I did not mind this, was still enjoyable!

[Chris Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty enjoyable but not my favorite style of travel writing. It’s not one cohesive story but instead a collection of short anecdotes with some inspirational quotes mixed it - after a while it gets a bit repetitive and difficult to stay engaged. Would make a good coffee table book though.

[Mik Hamilton · Rating 3 out of 5]

David Yeadon has been to some incredible places and had some great adventures. I don't agree with his subtitle "discover your true self through travel" (He might not have had anything to do with that) If only it were so easy... I'd be there by now. I do believe that travel can give you the opportunity to look at yourself and by looking within you can learn more about your true nature as a spiritual being. He sometimes got a little too preachy for me so that his moments of "humility" seemed more like modesty. Humility is honest; modesty is not. I've read a lot of travel adventure and I had to force my way through this one.

[Lori · Rating 2 out of 5]

Started the book and read quote from Agassiz which immediately grabbed my attention "I cannot afford to waste my time making money" which was partly what inspired Yeadon to quit his successful career and start traveling the world. Ultimately he was able to make a career out of writing stories & illustrating pictures about his world travels. What a dream...your passion in life is that which also is able to sustain you financially! I thought it'd be an inspirational read...and while there are some interesting stories about his travels, eventually I lost interest b/c I just thought it read more like his own personal travel diary than anything else.

[Cathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book of travel essays shows the various ways we discover our multiple selves through travel. David Yeadon includes essays of his ramblings through Iran, England, India, Italy, Venezuela, Japan, Costa Rica and many more places as he seeks to peel back the layers of onion that are his own personality. He meets a lot of interesting characters along the way, people who always reveal some bit of wisdom. Overall, the essays were interesting but not overly compelling. Somehow I came up short in feeling a great connection to the writer.