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Sea of the Unknown
For anyone who ever launched themselves towards their dreams only to be rebuffed…
The Sea of the Unknown lays before us, cold and callous. Behind us stand the comforts of home, the assurance of a path well-trodden. But some of us feel called to something else, something unseen, undefinable. Those hopes and nebulous dreams rest out over the horizon, beyond the chop and spray of the slate-gray sea that crashes at our feet. We know not how to reach those dreams; we know only that we must try.
From the moment I figured out how to operate a crayon, I started writing stories to fill a fantasy world of my own creation. I dreamed of sharing that world, of bringing it to life in the imagination of readers and movie-goers. And I dreamed of building my own life in Paris—the city that most nourished my creativity. But the real world always seemed to send its own monsters to resist, and throw me off my route.
This is the story of how I launched myself into the sea time and time again. How my early attempts at charting a course in the real world failed, my hopes of making a living as a creative in Paris floundering, cracking beneath me, and sinking below the waves. It’s a story of perseverance. Of picking up the pieces, rebuilding my raft, and plotting another new course. There is no map in here for others to follow, but if I can make it this far out into the Sea of the Unknown, and live to tell the tale, then so can you.
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Jay Swanson is an American author and YouTuber living in Paris, France. His videos on YouTube have racked up over 7Million views with his guides to Paris most popular among them. This book follows Jay's journey back to Paris, from the recession of 2008 through volunteering on a hospital ship in West Africa to traveling around the United States as a consultant (a lifestyle frighteningly similar to George Clooney's in 'Up in the Air').
Follow along as Jay tries to strike out on a path that will lead him to his dream of being a full-time creative, only to be rebuffed again and again before finally making it back to Paris.
The Sea of the Unknown lays before us, cold and callous. Behind us stand the comforts of home, the assurance of a path well-trodden. But some of us feel called to something else, something unseen, undefinable. Those hopes and nebulous dreams rest out over the horizon, beyond the chop and spray of the slate-gray sea that crashes at our feet. We know not how to reach those dreams; we know only that we must try.
From the moment I figured out how to operate a crayon, I started writing stories to fill a fantasy world of my own creation. I dreamed of sharing that world, of bringing it to life in the imagination of readers and movie-goers. And I dreamed of building my own life in Paris—the city that most nourished my creativity. But the real world always seemed to send its own monsters to resist, and throw me off my route.
This is the story of how I launched myself into the sea time and time again. How my early attempts at charting a course in the real world failed, my hopes of making a living as a creative in Paris floundering, cracking beneath me, and sinking below the waves. It’s a story of perseverance. Of picking up the pieces, rebuilding my raft, and plotting another new course. There is no map in here for others to follow, but if I can make it this far out into the Sea of the Unknown, and live to tell the tale, then so can you.
----
Jay Swanson is an American author and YouTuber living in Paris, France. His videos on YouTube have racked up over 7Million views with his guides to Paris most popular among them. This book follows Jay's journey back to Paris, from the recession of 2008 through volunteering on a hospital ship in West Africa to traveling around the United States as a consultant (a lifestyle frighteningly similar to George Clooney's in 'Up in the Air').
Follow along as Jay tries to strike out on a path that will lead him to his dream of being a full-time creative, only to be rebuffed again and again before finally making it back to Paris.
240 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 20, 2020
15 people are currently reading
52 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
April 16, 2020
It was such an honest entertaining and on many occasions incredibly humorous read. I can't remember the last time I had such good honest laughs it was so witty! I LOVE the choice of metaphor and how intelligently you stuck to it throughout the book and how easy it made it to relate with your story.
I recall being awestruck by the degree of depth and honesty you went to and relating so much and finally I want to appreciate how thoughtful and inspiring the story was to read, and how well it spoke to the heart and connected to truly motivate one towards whatever successes they seek for themselves.
I recall being awestruck by the degree of depth and honesty you went to and relating so much and finally I want to appreciate how thoughtful and inspiring the story was to read, and how well it spoke to the heart and connected to truly motivate one towards whatever successes they seek for themselves.
April 13, 2020
I've been in a major reading slump recently and was hesitant to pick up another book for fear of getting through a couple of chapters, setting it down, and never returning to it.
Not with this book. I devoured it in a day. The writing was easy to digest but the narrative jumped around enough to keep the momentum up to keep you hurdling through. Comedic moments get your spirits up as Jay writes you through some bleak and low times full of failure and uncertainty.
Definitely recommend this book to folks interested in memoirs (especially by creatives) and anyone who needs assurance that eventually there's success on the other side of failure. It's just not always the success you might have initially imagined it being.
Not with this book. I devoured it in a day. The writing was easy to digest but the narrative jumped around enough to keep the momentum up to keep you hurdling through. Comedic moments get your spirits up as Jay writes you through some bleak and low times full of failure and uncertainty.
Definitely recommend this book to folks interested in memoirs (especially by creatives) and anyone who needs assurance that eventually there's success on the other side of failure. It's just not always the success you might have initially imagined it being.
July 29, 2020
I love this book! Jay Swanson is a storyteller extraordinaire! His tales of love and labor are so relatable. His honest portrayal of life’s ups and downs draw you into cheering for him. I follow him on YouTube for everything Paris. I follow him on Instagram for daily photos of Paris, or wherever he happens to be! Dedicated to his art and supportive of others Jay’s journey is well worth the read!
April 26, 2020
This is my wife’s fault.
Before she and I started dating in 2015, she had gone to Paris and Amsterdam with a BFF and had absolutely fallen in love with Paris. Yeah, she loved Amsterdam too, but that’s not what this story is about. :)
As we started to look at places to go for our 2019 vacation, she really wanted to go back to Paris. I had always wanted to go too, so it quickly moved to the top of the bucket list.
And boy did I ever fall in love with the city, even before we went there in September. We started watching YouTube vlogs related to the city, and while there are many out there for Paris, the one we kept going back to was Jay Swanson’s.
What made Jay’s videos stand out was that they weren’t just from tourists who’d spent a week there and were offering their suggestions. Jay, who was raised in Washington state, actually lives in Paris. So we not only got an American perspective, but one that had evolved over time as he became more and more familiar with the city.
Added to that was that he made a vlog a day for over 1000 days. So, while some were made when he was stateside or elsewhere in the world, the vast majority are about Paris. We watched and devoured and made notes about many of his episodes, and we learned so much about the city.
Which leads us to this book and the subsequent review. As we watched the daily vlogs from Jay, we also went back to the beginning, before he was in Paris, and watched all of them. The more we watched, the more fascinated we became with the struggles, challenges, and triumphs Jay experienced over the years, not to mention how he actually got to Paris.
And that’s exactly what this book is about. It tells the story of how he ended up in Paris in the first place, why he majored in French, how he went about traveling on Mercy Ships, and, along the way, managed to write several novels.
But here’s the deal. You don’t have to be familiar with his vlog series to enjoy this book, although it does help to know some of the backstory and where the book is headed. He has led a fascinating life so far, and this book goes into extensive details of his time at home, at fantasy/writing conferences, the amazing work Mercy Ships does for those who can’t afford medical care, and, of course, how he finally ended up in Paris, presumably for good. And Jay does it with brutal honesty about his struggles, something he skips over for much of his vlog series, which he explains in the book.
Overall, I found this book very fascinating, as it was wonderful to read about how Jay managed to accomplish all he has so far, even if it was simply putting one foot in front of the other, one day at a time. You get in-depth insight into his adventure, and it’s a story that is amazing, even if you pick it up having no clue who he is. It’s a story of challenges, successes, failures, and what it’s like to sail into the vast Sea of the Unknown, especially when the Shores of the Known are not so inviting anymore.
Before she and I started dating in 2015, she had gone to Paris and Amsterdam with a BFF and had absolutely fallen in love with Paris. Yeah, she loved Amsterdam too, but that’s not what this story is about. :)
As we started to look at places to go for our 2019 vacation, she really wanted to go back to Paris. I had always wanted to go too, so it quickly moved to the top of the bucket list.
And boy did I ever fall in love with the city, even before we went there in September. We started watching YouTube vlogs related to the city, and while there are many out there for Paris, the one we kept going back to was Jay Swanson’s.
What made Jay’s videos stand out was that they weren’t just from tourists who’d spent a week there and were offering their suggestions. Jay, who was raised in Washington state, actually lives in Paris. So we not only got an American perspective, but one that had evolved over time as he became more and more familiar with the city.
Added to that was that he made a vlog a day for over 1000 days. So, while some were made when he was stateside or elsewhere in the world, the vast majority are about Paris. We watched and devoured and made notes about many of his episodes, and we learned so much about the city.
Which leads us to this book and the subsequent review. As we watched the daily vlogs from Jay, we also went back to the beginning, before he was in Paris, and watched all of them. The more we watched, the more fascinated we became with the struggles, challenges, and triumphs Jay experienced over the years, not to mention how he actually got to Paris.
And that’s exactly what this book is about. It tells the story of how he ended up in Paris in the first place, why he majored in French, how he went about traveling on Mercy Ships, and, along the way, managed to write several novels.
But here’s the deal. You don’t have to be familiar with his vlog series to enjoy this book, although it does help to know some of the backstory and where the book is headed. He has led a fascinating life so far, and this book goes into extensive details of his time at home, at fantasy/writing conferences, the amazing work Mercy Ships does for those who can’t afford medical care, and, of course, how he finally ended up in Paris, presumably for good. And Jay does it with brutal honesty about his struggles, something he skips over for much of his vlog series, which he explains in the book.
Overall, I found this book very fascinating, as it was wonderful to read about how Jay managed to accomplish all he has so far, even if it was simply putting one foot in front of the other, one day at a time. You get in-depth insight into his adventure, and it’s a story that is amazing, even if you pick it up having no clue who he is. It’s a story of challenges, successes, failures, and what it’s like to sail into the vast Sea of the Unknown, especially when the Shores of the Known are not so inviting anymore.
June 14, 2021
Five things about Sea of the Unknown by Jay Swanson 3/5⭐️s
1. I stumbled upon Swanson’s Youtube Channel (self-named) while looking for footage of Montmartre Cemetery for a personal writing project. One of his many videos popped up in the list of recommendations. I had no idea who this fast talking, whirlwind of a person was. Watching that video (which did include a pass by of the cemetery…so not exactly helpful for my purposes) felt like walking into a conversation that had already started. It was kind of confusing but also intriguing. I watch YouTube mostly for books, journaling, old home restoration, research, and old movies. This was something I knew was out there but had never been interested in - people documenting their existence. I subscribed.
2. I soon realized this guy was a posting machine. So. Many. Videos. Videos of Paris, jogging, apartments, coffee, bikes (has anyone ever had more trouble keeping a viable bike?), meals with friends. Videos of editing videos? I still do not understand the existence of that phenomenon but okay. I definitely didn’t watch it all…but some.
3. After a few months I realized he’d held my attention without actually doing much. I mean…the man is always moving and talking and doing but the videos aren’t generally more than like a visual diary entry - of a stranger’s life. Why was I still watching?
4. Eventually, I realized he’d self-published some books. One of which is this memoir. I thought it might clue me in to the start of this monologue he is speaking to the world. And it DOES.
5. It’s a well-written prequel to the prolific vlog he keeps up and provides so much context. It’s wise and funny and a little narcissistic but many memoirs are. Overall, it was interesting to read about how he’s gone about trying to pursue his dreams. Personally, I think he chooses the hard way most of the time and that gets a little frustrating to “watch” but humans do that. No stones thrown from my direction.
1. I stumbled upon Swanson’s Youtube Channel (self-named) while looking for footage of Montmartre Cemetery for a personal writing project. One of his many videos popped up in the list of recommendations. I had no idea who this fast talking, whirlwind of a person was. Watching that video (which did include a pass by of the cemetery…so not exactly helpful for my purposes) felt like walking into a conversation that had already started. It was kind of confusing but also intriguing. I watch YouTube mostly for books, journaling, old home restoration, research, and old movies. This was something I knew was out there but had never been interested in - people documenting their existence. I subscribed.
2. I soon realized this guy was a posting machine. So. Many. Videos. Videos of Paris, jogging, apartments, coffee, bikes (has anyone ever had more trouble keeping a viable bike?), meals with friends. Videos of editing videos? I still do not understand the existence of that phenomenon but okay. I definitely didn’t watch it all…but some.
3. After a few months I realized he’d held my attention without actually doing much. I mean…the man is always moving and talking and doing but the videos aren’t generally more than like a visual diary entry - of a stranger’s life. Why was I still watching?
4. Eventually, I realized he’d self-published some books. One of which is this memoir. I thought it might clue me in to the start of this monologue he is speaking to the world. And it DOES.
5. It’s a well-written prequel to the prolific vlog he keeps up and provides so much context. It’s wise and funny and a little narcissistic but many memoirs are. Overall, it was interesting to read about how he’s gone about trying to pursue his dreams. Personally, I think he chooses the hard way most of the time and that gets a little frustrating to “watch” but humans do that. No stones thrown from my direction.
May 8, 2020
This is a book about the author's adventures and personal struggles over the past dozen or so years as he becomes a successful media creator (books, Youtube vlog, podcast) living in a tiny apartment in Paris. It is well written and full of captivating anecdotes. The narrative flows smoothly and I found myself zipping through it quickly. Admittedly, it's sort of a niche read. If you know who Jay Swanson is, and you have followed him through his vlogging as an American ex-pat living in Paris, it's absolutely a must read.
If you don't have a clue as to who he is, I would still recommend the book for anyone who might be interested how a young, talented, energetic and adventurous person overcomes a series of personal struggles (and failures) to end up living/working successfully as a content creator in Paris.
The book was highly enjoyable, maybe because I am a bit envious of the ex-pat life in France, but also from the perspective of someone who is long past my own career and wonders what it might have been like if I had been confronted with some of the same life choices.
...Steve Oswald
If you don't have a clue as to who he is, I would still recommend the book for anyone who might be interested how a young, talented, energetic and adventurous person overcomes a series of personal struggles (and failures) to end up living/working successfully as a content creator in Paris.
The book was highly enjoyable, maybe because I am a bit envious of the ex-pat life in France, but also from the perspective of someone who is long past my own career and wonders what it might have been like if I had been confronted with some of the same life choices.
...Steve Oswald
May 14, 2020
I recently discovered Jay while researching a now postponed trip to Paris. Being a Youtube and podcast subscriber I am up to date on current events in Jay's life and Paris but didn't know the backstory to people, places and things like Pullman, Spokane, Mercy Ships, French visas and his early writing career.
Whether you "know" Jay through his videos or podcasts or not, this is an interesting story of one guy's struggles and crazy journey along the road of chasing his dreams. It's a story of dreaming big, taking chances (and often failing), perseverance, rolling with the punches and ultimately successfully finding his way to Paris in what I assume is only Phase 1 of his ambitious dreams.
It's an interesting journey and he tells a good story. Having seen lots of his videos and several podcasts I could picture facial expressions and hear his voice as I read the book, which made it quite a fun read.
I also applaud him for releasing the e-book version free of charge to those who could not afford a copy during the lockdown. Quite a magnanimous gesture.
He's a good dude. Read the book and see for yourself.
Whether you "know" Jay through his videos or podcasts or not, this is an interesting story of one guy's struggles and crazy journey along the road of chasing his dreams. It's a story of dreaming big, taking chances (and often failing), perseverance, rolling with the punches and ultimately successfully finding his way to Paris in what I assume is only Phase 1 of his ambitious dreams.
It's an interesting journey and he tells a good story. Having seen lots of his videos and several podcasts I could picture facial expressions and hear his voice as I read the book, which made it quite a fun read.
I also applaud him for releasing the e-book version free of charge to those who could not afford a copy during the lockdown. Quite a magnanimous gesture.
He's a good dude. Read the book and see for yourself.
October 30, 2020
If you are reading this review then you probably already know who Jay Swanson is and probably watch his Vlog-a-Day videos on YouTube. As a traveler who loves visiting Paris, I came to know of him when I found his videos while planning a trip a few years ago. I watched off-and-on since my initial interest was more to glean travel ideas and tips than his day-to-day life. However, late in 2018, especially with his trip to India, I became as enthralled with his stories. He became my go-to YouTuber and I usually go to his content before even serial shows on television or Netflix! When he wrote his memoirs telling of how he got to Paris I had to read it. I was not disappointed. This is a great book and has value even for those who don't watch his channel. He offers timeless lessons from his dream of living in Paris that can inspire anyone who has a goal they are pursuing that, at times, may seem out of reach. I learned a lot about his background that I did not know and that gave me an even greater respect for Jay. If you have stretch goals for your life and you are seeking to venture out into your own sea of the unknown, I highly recommend this book.
July 29, 2020
An extremely honest, funny and interesting account of one man (the one and only Jay Swanson) and his journey from Washington State, via Africa, the Canary Islands, Nice, a huge portion of the Midwest USA, Spokane WA and eventually to....Paris!
A journey with a lot of ups and a lot of downs, so many of which anyone can relate to as he focuses on his experiences with self doubt, dead end jobs (I will never view Electronic Medical Records in the same way after reading his experiences as an EMR consultant!) and his struggles to become established as a creative. Plus Jay's tips on dealing with French bureaucracy make this book a worthwhile investment all by itself!
And you know what the best thing is....I think there is another book or two to follow this one; if you follow Jay on YouTube, you know he packs in a hell of a lot living in Paris. There's definitely more material here to be explored!
A journey with a lot of ups and a lot of downs, so many of which anyone can relate to as he focuses on his experiences with self doubt, dead end jobs (I will never view Electronic Medical Records in the same way after reading his experiences as an EMR consultant!) and his struggles to become established as a creative. Plus Jay's tips on dealing with French bureaucracy make this book a worthwhile investment all by itself!
And you know what the best thing is....I think there is another book or two to follow this one; if you follow Jay on YouTube, you know he packs in a hell of a lot living in Paris. There's definitely more material here to be explored!
April 23, 2024
I'm visiting Paris in early June and because it's a been a long time since my last visit I dived into the YouTube rabbit hole for recommendations, stumbling upon Jay's "Paris in my Pocket" guides, as well as his more personal vlogs.
People who choose to follow their own path, rather than the tried-and-true, are a constant source of fascination for me, so I purchased this book, which is a memoir of how Jay's dream of living in Paris (from his beginnings in a small town in the Pacific Northwest of America ) came to fruition. One of the key takeaways is that life is never linear and it's okay if things don't go according to plan, but if you're tenacious, and you also ask for help along the way, you'll eventually get there.
People who choose to follow their own path, rather than the tried-and-true, are a constant source of fascination for me, so I purchased this book, which is a memoir of how Jay's dream of living in Paris (from his beginnings in a small town in the Pacific Northwest of America ) came to fruition. One of the key takeaways is that life is never linear and it's okay if things don't go according to plan, but if you're tenacious, and you also ask for help along the way, you'll eventually get there.
August 9, 2020
I have followed Jay on YouTube for 2 years. I discovered his vlogs about life in Paris and since I too am an American in Paris I decided to tune in daily. Reading this book gave me a bigger picture of Jay that sure does help me appreciate his work a lot more. I actually really like his writing style and found myself unexpectedly laughing out loud a couple of times. I learned a lot from this read (never heard of Mercy Ships before) and I enjoyed learning about Jay’s life that preceded his move to the city of lights. Even more, I enjoyed following his story about making dreams a reality in the midst of many hardships.
November 23, 2020
I’ve been watching Jay’s vlog on YouTube regularly for almost 2 years now, so this felt like learning more about a good friend. The same thing that drew me to his daily videos has carried through in his book - he’s a thoughtful, passionate, self-motivated, optimistic guy with common dreams that have often been thwarted and sometimes delayed by unfortunate, untimely hurdles. So basically he’s a relatable person who you find yourself rooting for as he continues to learn from his experiences while working hard for those dreams and of course simultaneously being a great storyteller. Excellent and heartwarming read.
July 28, 2020
SOTU really captured my attention. I was transported to Washington, Paris, and Sierraleone alongside the author on his amazing adventure. Swanson really delved deep and exposed some things about his journey and how that transformed him into the outstanding, hardworking, youtube creator, podcast host, and author that he is today. The trials that he went through are very inspiring. I can't stop thinking about Sierraleone and the vivid images that were laid out in SOTU. Highly recommend this book for anyone that set sail on their own stormy seas into the Unknown.
March 17, 2022
An Authentic Endearing Recounting of Struggles and Successes Along the Way to Finding One's Place
I first found Jay Swanson on YouTube. We've become regular watchers. I thoroughly enjoyed this memoir of his path from USA to Paris, where he currently lives. Just as he portrays himself on YouTube, Jay is a thoughtful and authentic human. His journey, overly fraught with ups and downs, is a powerful look back at what he accomplished in order to be in the place in his world where he truly wanted to be... both physically and metaphorically. Loved this book!
I first found Jay Swanson on YouTube. We've become regular watchers. I thoroughly enjoyed this memoir of his path from USA to Paris, where he currently lives. Just as he portrays himself on YouTube, Jay is a thoughtful and authentic human. His journey, overly fraught with ups and downs, is a powerful look back at what he accomplished in order to be in the place in his world where he truly wanted to be... both physically and metaphorically. Loved this book!
April 17, 2020
This book was such a good read. It teaches lessons that are relevant to everyone in at least some small way, and to read the progression of a life in such a way felt like a joy and a real privilege. There were points at which it jumped around slightly, but as long as you were paying attention it wasn't really an issue. Overall, I'd recommend this to anyone who is struggling with their dreams, or just anyone who wants to read a tale from the heart about what life is truly like.
July 6, 2020
Sea of the Unknown if a great read for those who aspire to relocate in Paris or any other foreign country. The reader goes along on a journey with the author on the obstacles and hardships you may face reaching your dream destination. Jay's anecdotes are rich in emotion, wittiness, and context. My only complaint is that I wish it never ended! It's one thing to watch his amazing videos and another to go on a existential trip through his writing.
July 21, 2020
I loved this book! The title is so apt.
Swanson's writing is candid, heartfelt, and almost breathless with energy. He creates an easy, warm intimacy with his reader as he talks so openly, and self-deprecatingly, about everything: romance, studies, travel, family, and of course his dreams.
I found all of the accounts of Mercy Ships fascinating, especially the touching and vivid writing about Sierra Leone.
This is a fantastic read which I recommend sincerely.
Swanson's writing is candid, heartfelt, and almost breathless with energy. He creates an easy, warm intimacy with his reader as he talks so openly, and self-deprecatingly, about everything: romance, studies, travel, family, and of course his dreams.
I found all of the accounts of Mercy Ships fascinating, especially the touching and vivid writing about Sierra Leone.
This is a fantastic read which I recommend sincerely.
October 20, 2020
This was a really fun book to read. Jay was so real and honest about his struggles and feelings and what it took to go through the Sea of the Unknown to find and be able to do what he was ultimately passionate about. Jay is your guy for the Paris scene. I follow him on YouTube under Jay Swanson and he’s on Instagram too with a photo of Paris every day. He’s brought Paris to me during this pandemic when we can’t travel abroad. Check Jay out. He’s a great guy and entertaining too.
July 26, 2021
I loved it! This is a thoroughyly enjoyable read that will leave you wanting more. I've been a fan of Jay's art for a long time - he is a talented storyteller with a beautiful aesthetic.
Jay's coming of age story is a wonderful reminder that when you are honest, vulnerable, and open, opportunities (and luck) can surprisingly come knocking on the door when you least expect it. It was a fun and easy read that I couldn't put down until finished.
Jay's coming of age story is a wonderful reminder that when you are honest, vulnerable, and open, opportunities (and luck) can surprisingly come knocking on the door when you least expect it. It was a fun and easy read that I couldn't put down until finished.
August 9, 2024
I found Jay’s YouTube videos while researching our Paris trip. He was insightful, funny and well edited. When I found out he had a book about his journey I thought it would be a great vacation read.
He’s a great storyteller with funny stories and comments. His ship lost at sea theme made for a good metaphor throughout the book. His drive to get to Paris and the pitfalls along the way made a pretty compelling book.
He’s a great storyteller with funny stories and comments. His ship lost at sea theme made for a good metaphor throughout the book. His drive to get to Paris and the pitfalls along the way made a pretty compelling book.
April 25, 2020
Written very in a very approachable manner for a non-English speaker, Swanson writes an eventful story about his experiences. His witty sense of humour and his presence as an omniscient narrator gave the storytelling an amusing twist. Would 100% recommend for a friend, if not only for the really inspiring journey but also for the sarcastic remarks on ones own spirit.
July 22, 2020
For anyone who loves Paris or just loves adventure, you will thoroughly enjoy Jay Swanson’s real life adventure of traveling the world, working tirelessly, and searching for love. Jay is a writer, photographer and vlogger living in Paris. Jay’s vlogs are rooted in storytelling and after reading SOTU, you can see how his talent to takes the reader along with him to find purpose and joy in life.
September 2, 2020
This is a memoir written by a vlogger whom I follow on YouTube. He chronicles his life in Paris. I really enjoy this expat view, roaming Paris and the surrounding areas in France. He is very engaging both in his vlog and in this book which entertainingly tells the tale of his convoluted journey ending in his beloved Paris. Many twists and sometimes heartbreaking in his honesty. A good read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 25, 2024
Rounding up, because I stumbled upon his YouTube channel when prepping for a trip to Paris. I knew a bit of his story which I don't know if the random person picking up the book would get the story, but then again I learned quite a bit more details that I had wondered about from his vlogs. A story of struggles and leaps into the unknown. I enjoyed it.
January 14, 2025
Sea of the Unknown is like taking a surprise road trip with your coolest, weirdest, most philosophical friend—except instead of a car, you're on a wobbly raft, and instead of snacks, you’ve got existential dread....And somehow, it’s the most fun you’ve ever had.
Really enjoyed reading about the authors experiences getting to the land of the baguette!
Really enjoyed reading about the authors experiences getting to the land of the baguette!
April 16, 2020
A throughly enjoyable romp from Spokane to Paris across the globe and back by YouTube vlogger, Jay Swanson.
Funny, touching, honest and full of grit. Anyone who has dreams to follow needs to read this... now.
Funny, touching, honest and full of grit. Anyone who has dreams to follow needs to read this... now.
June 21, 2020
YouTuber gets real
Guy meets France
Guy falls for France
Guy does his best to find his way
Guy moves back to France (despite the "lovely" french bureaucracy)
Guy makes daily videos
Guy sleeps in a cloud
Gilly
Guy meets France
Guy falls for France
Guy does his best to find his way
Guy moves back to France (despite the "lovely" french bureaucracy)
Guy makes daily videos
Guy sleeps in a cloud
Gilly
August 21, 2020
Inspiring Read
A forthright and honest account of what most of have dealt with: struggles. Jay has struggled but persevered and eventually realized his goal of not just surviving but thriving in his dream city of Paris. Inspiring!
A forthright and honest account of what most of have dealt with: struggles. Jay has struggled but persevered and eventually realized his goal of not just surviving but thriving in his dream city of Paris. Inspiring!
January 31, 2021
A reminder of what it was like to come of age around the Great Recession and not knowing who or what you wanted to be.
“It’s amazing how much pain you can withstand when there’s just the smallest promise of a return on your heart’s investment.”
“It’s amazing how much pain you can withstand when there’s just the smallest promise of a return on your heart’s investment.”
June 13, 2021
A funny, heart-warming, and awesome book about an awesome dude. I’ve been watching his vlogs on Youtube and supporting him on patreon because Jay is a truly talented and genuine man. Reading this book and listening to the audiobook was like hanging out with a friend.
Highly recommended.
Highly recommended.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews