What do you think?
Rate this book
Bedtime Adventure Stories for Grown Ups
Have you ever wanted to kayak down a gorge in New Zealand? Or run night-time marathons through the Californian desert? How about rollerblading 100 miles around Amsterdam?
You have? Then pour yourself a cup of cocoa, get those jim-jams on and prepare to escape into a world of adventure with this collection of life-affirming short stories from award-winning adventurer Anna McNuff.
You'll go road trippin’ through the Canadian winter. Bivvy out on a mountaintop in Wales. Explore pockets of wilderness around the city of London and take a journey by bike across Europe.
Always upbeat and often insightful, Bedtime Adventure Stories is the antidote to adult life. It’ll have you drifting off into the land of nod, dreaming up journeys of your very own – and it’s proof that the only thing standing between you and the next wild adventure is a willingness to step beyond your front door.
You have? Then pour yourself a cup of cocoa, get those jim-jams on and prepare to escape into a world of adventure with this collection of life-affirming short stories from award-winning adventurer Anna McNuff.
You'll go road trippin’ through the Canadian winter. Bivvy out on a mountaintop in Wales. Explore pockets of wilderness around the city of London and take a journey by bike across Europe.
Always upbeat and often insightful, Bedtime Adventure Stories is the antidote to adult life. It’ll have you drifting off into the land of nod, dreaming up journeys of your very own – and it’s proof that the only thing standing between you and the next wild adventure is a willingness to step beyond your front door.
196 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 9, 2021
538 people are currently reading
709 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 194 reviews
August 20, 2022
This was one of those books that you stumble across by complete accident with no idea what to expect and then discover that what you’ve picked up to read is all round delightful! This is a short book of short stories, all gentle in nature, all involving some sort of mini-adventure from the authors travels and all normally containing something comical. A perfect book to read a chapter from just before drifting off to sleep!
October 27, 2021
I loved this book! I only read one story at a time so that the book would last me for a while. Happily because I follow Anna, I was able to get a signed copy. I have listened to her other books on audio so when I was reading this one, I could "hear" her voice! She is an amazing, talented, adventuresome, funny and all around awesome lady! Look her up on line so you can hear her voice before you read the book. It will make it much more fun. I also follow her on Facebook "Anna McNuff".
March 4, 2023
4 Stars for Bedtime Adventure Stories for Grown Ups (audiobook) by Anna McNuff read by the author.
This is some short and crazy adventures that Anna McNuff has gotten herself into. I can’t believe how little thought she has put into some of these. It really makes me feel anxious just listening to them.
This is some short and crazy adventures that Anna McNuff has gotten herself into. I can’t believe how little thought she has put into some of these. It really makes me feel anxious just listening to them.
January 12, 2023
I guess the message of this book is to go on adventures and know that life doesn't go according to plan?
I feel like you have to have some sort of relationship with the author to enjoy or care about this book. Did you listen to her bedtime stories during the pandemic? Or maybe you follow her on social media? Maybe that would have helped me to enjoy this book more. She tried to sprinkle in a one sentence lesson she learned during each adventure but it just missed the mark for me. It was essentially just someone's travel journal. I finished it because it was short and it was chosen for my book club and I'm shocked at the high ratings of this book on goodreads. As I read, I was thinking to myself - if I was reading/listening to these stories at bedtime, it would surely put me to sleep. I would not recommend this book.
(audiobook version-narrated by author)
I feel like you have to have some sort of relationship with the author to enjoy or care about this book. Did you listen to her bedtime stories during the pandemic? Or maybe you follow her on social media? Maybe that would have helped me to enjoy this book more. She tried to sprinkle in a one sentence lesson she learned during each adventure but it just missed the mark for me. It was essentially just someone's travel journal. I finished it because it was short and it was chosen for my book club and I'm shocked at the high ratings of this book on goodreads. As I read, I was thinking to myself - if I was reading/listening to these stories at bedtime, it would surely put me to sleep. I would not recommend this book.
(audiobook version-narrated by author)
May 14, 2021
Can I give it more than 5 stars?!
What a brill book - it had me crying with laughter at several points. Absolutely worth the read! Thanks for cheering me up while stuck in the sofa with a cold and for inspiring me to start planning my next adventure!
What a brill book - it had me crying with laughter at several points. Absolutely worth the read! Thanks for cheering me up while stuck in the sofa with a cold and for inspiring me to start planning my next adventure!
January 13, 2023
I devoured this book, and will start the year with a refreshed “why not” attitude.
In Anna’s own words - “ultimately life, no matter how chaotic, should be all about two simple things: we should either be at home reading stories or we should be out in the world, creating them”.
I’m only sorry I missed the Thursday story telling through lockdown!
In Anna’s own words - “ultimately life, no matter how chaotic, should be all about two simple things: we should either be at home reading stories or we should be out in the world, creating them”.
I’m only sorry I missed the Thursday story telling through lockdown!
February 14, 2023
This book is well written, the adventures exciting, Anna is SO determined and courageous. There is a thoughtful conclusion to the book which wrapped the stories up perfectly...
May 6, 2024
"we should either be at home reading stories or we should be out in the world, creating them"
September 8, 2021
Lovely short book about some of Anna ¹McNuff's adventures. A fun read, shame there wasn't a few more.
Does make me want to get out and about a bit more now that we are getting some freedom back.
Does make me want to get out and about a bit more now that we are getting some freedom back.
February 4, 2024
What a delightful book, loved all of the adventures. Very inspirational and a few chuckles too.
March 13, 2024
A gorgeous, lovely and delightful reading experience. Loved all the adventures. This made me want to lace up my hiking boots and get exploring more of the world.
April 30, 2025
3-3,5⭐️
October 6, 2021
Loved this, Anna had some hilarious stories and these small adventures have been brought to life in this collection. Such easy light reading that makes me giggle. We need to definitely improve our adventure list and start to challenge ourselves a bit more, move out of that comfort zone!!
September 12, 2023
Wonderful stories of adventures to curl up with before bed.
March 12, 2024
3.5 stars
May 15, 2021
I’ve loved reading Anna’s books, helping to escape during lockdowns over 2020-21. I particularly like these mini adventures not only in far off lands but also in the UK. Making it real, that you can take yourself off on your own mini adventures whenever you like. All you need is a little bit of naivety because let’s face it everyone can believe that they can and excitement. After a year of going nowhere surely we have some of the latter!
July 22, 2025
A beautiful collection of short stories that really stoke that adventure fire! Fun and accessible, Anna urges us all to get outdoors and embrace all things nature. Her final quote about staying in reading stories or getting out and creating them sums up the tone of the book perfectly. Love her writing style, her zest for life and the creative way she chooses to see the world. Read this and be inspired.
May 6, 2021
I thoroughly enjoyed this book of planned adventures, unplanned adventures and planned unplanned adventures! Anna writes with such enthusiasm that you race through each short story with her - discovering new places to explore whether it be on her doorstep around London or in the deep crisp and silent snowy Canada. (Seeing a fogbow up a mountain is now on my bucket list). After a year of staying local I need to put on my walking boots or dust off my bike and get going.
February 9, 2022
A great read, humourous and motivational
September 9, 2023
This was an entertaining read for bedtime routine, but these adventures weren't totally my cup of tea. I don't recommend if your are looking to read adventures more a long the lines of Krakauer, Wild, or Alastair Humphreys.
May 11, 2021
As someone who has read all of Anna’s other books and also had the privilege of hearing her speak live on a couple of occasions, I had high hopes for this book. Anna did not disappoint with 8 short stories detailing different adventures she has been on. I love the way Anna’s writes, where she takes you right into the story detailing the high, lows, comedy moments plus her true love of chocolate milk to keep her going. I am in awe of how she finds adventure both on her local doorstep and across the world. I enjoy meeting the people who have given Anna a warm meal and a bed for the night, so much that I’d quite like to stay there myself but also the way she is equally happy bedding down in her bivvy just off the side of a road or at the top of a mountain. These stories are great if you just want a short read just before bed or you only have 10 minutes to enjoy with a cup of tea and a biscuit (I’m sure Anna would approve of this!) A great read and almost makes me want to head out of the door and off on an adventure of my own right now!
May 12, 2021
There is something about Anna and her books that are incredibly fulfilling and motivational while they take you on a whole rollercoaster of fun adventures with her. Her new book has not disappointed as we as readers are taken on exciting and comical journeys as she runs, rollerblades and cycles through various places over the globe.
I am extremely jealous that having being quite late to the McNuff party, that I would have had the opportunity to go on one of her midweek campouts we read about. However, the more I read of her delectable books, I find myself getting to know her on a personable level - pancakes and Choco milkshakes are a must have on adventures hey Anna?! I love how writers can be honest and open, it makes books so much better to read...and McNuffs style of writing is perfect!
As a cyclist, Annas books continue to inspire me to get out there and explore . So get wrapped up in a blanket, pick up this book and be ready to be an adult wanting to get out there and explore just like McNuff.
I am extremely jealous that having being quite late to the McNuff party, that I would have had the opportunity to go on one of her midweek campouts we read about. However, the more I read of her delectable books, I find myself getting to know her on a personable level - pancakes and Choco milkshakes are a must have on adventures hey Anna?! I love how writers can be honest and open, it makes books so much better to read...and McNuffs style of writing is perfect!
As a cyclist, Annas books continue to inspire me to get out there and explore . So get wrapped up in a blanket, pick up this book and be ready to be an adult wanting to get out there and explore just like McNuff.
May 11, 2021
Whenever I read an Anna McNuff book or article or social media post, I am never failed to be energised by her enthusiasm.
This collection of adventure stories are targetted at bedtime, but I can confirm you can read them at any time! She is inspirational and relatable. We have all had those moments where we thought we could rollerblade 100miles around Amsterdam, cross New Zealand by bike, feet and kayak - haven't we? If you have, but not had the organisational skills to put such efforts into place, have a read of Anna's adventure stories and you will either be booking your flight or buying a bivvy bag!
This collection of adventure stories are targetted at bedtime, but I can confirm you can read them at any time! She is inspirational and relatable. We have all had those moments where we thought we could rollerblade 100miles around Amsterdam, cross New Zealand by bike, feet and kayak - haven't we? If you have, but not had the organisational skills to put such efforts into place, have a read of Anna's adventure stories and you will either be booking your flight or buying a bivvy bag!
May 7, 2021
Another incredible book by Anna McNuff. Love hearing more of her amazing adventures
August 7, 2024
The big takeaway from this book was to never trust the Goodreads rating system
May 13, 2021
I was lucky enough to get an advanced reader copy of this and enjoyed it so much that I bought the hardback version for the beautiful cover illustration by Cai Burton (you can even see the pants of perspective hanging on a clothes line.)
If you have read any of anna's other books then getting hold of a copy of this is an absolute no brainer. It has her usual frank and open style of writing with plenty of humour but the stories are much shorter than we are used to from her which is fantastic. I found myself standing in queues reading stories on my phone and any time I had a spare 20 minutes or so (the average reading time for each adventure for me.)
Time and again Anna shows you that the adventure that you set out to have is not the adventure that you end up having but that doesn't mean that you failed, just that you adapted and had a different kind of adventure. The book also makes you realise that there are many adventures to be had on your own doorstep and you don't have to travel half way around the world to run or cycle the whole length of a country.
Anybody who is even remotely interested in getting outside and out of your comfort zone should get a copy of this book for a huge dose of inspiration.
If you have read any of anna's other books then getting hold of a copy of this is an absolute no brainer. It has her usual frank and open style of writing with plenty of humour but the stories are much shorter than we are used to from her which is fantastic. I found myself standing in queues reading stories on my phone and any time I had a spare 20 minutes or so (the average reading time for each adventure for me.)
Time and again Anna shows you that the adventure that you set out to have is not the adventure that you end up having but that doesn't mean that you failed, just that you adapted and had a different kind of adventure. The book also makes you realise that there are many adventures to be had on your own doorstep and you don't have to travel half way around the world to run or cycle the whole length of a country.
Anybody who is even remotely interested in getting outside and out of your comfort zone should get a copy of this book for a huge dose of inspiration.
May 13, 2021
I was lucky enough to get an advanced reader copy of this and enjoyed it so much that I bought the hardback version for the beautiful cover illustration by Cai Burton (you can even see the pants of perspective hanging on a clothes line.)
If you have read any of anna's other books then getting hold of a copy of this is an absolute no brainer. It has her usual frank and open style of writing with plenty of humour but the stories are much shorter than we are used to from her which is fantastic. I found myself standing in queues reading stories on my phone and any time I had a spare 20 minutes or so (the average reading time for each adventure for me.)
Time and again Anna shows you that the adventure that you set out to have is not the adventure that you end up having but that doesn't mean that you failed, just that you adapted and had a different kind of adventure. The book also makes you realise that there are many adventures to be had on your own doorstep and you don't have to travel half way around the world to run or cycle the whole length of a country.
Anybody who is even remotely interested in getting outside and out of your comfort zone should get a copy of this book for a huge dose of inspiration.
If you have read any of anna's other books then getting hold of a copy of this is an absolute no brainer. It has her usual frank and open style of writing with plenty of humour but the stories are much shorter than we are used to from her which is fantastic. I found myself standing in queues reading stories on my phone and any time I had a spare 20 minutes or so (the average reading time for each adventure for me.)
Time and again Anna shows you that the adventure that you set out to have is not the adventure that you end up having but that doesn't mean that you failed, just that you adapted and had a different kind of adventure. The book also makes you realise that there are many adventures to be had on your own doorstep and you don't have to travel half way around the world to run or cycle the whole length of a country.
Anybody who is even remotely interested in getting outside and out of your comfort zone should get a copy of this book for a huge dose of inspiration.
May 12, 2021
I loved everything about this book!
The adventures Anna has chosen to share are so real - she shares her clumsiness, forgetfulness and there's also lots of silliness! She takes on seriously daring adventures but shows that she is a total down to earth human. She writes in such a style that you actually feel you could tag along on one of her trips in real life.
From cycling, to running, camping and a little bit of walking - there's a great variety of her past trips covered. I'm so glad she chose to share these with us. I've read her other 3 adventure books (purely by chance - I just loved the covers) and now I can't stop checking in with what she's up to. She's got an inspirational attitude to life and this comes out in floods through her books.
I would highly recommend this series of short stories - it's a great gift for an adventurous friend or relative and as the chapters are only 15-20mins long, perfect for a bit of bedtime reading or on that boring commute to work.
I can't wait to join her for her instagram live tomorrow evening and see what adventures she gets up to next.
The adventures Anna has chosen to share are so real - she shares her clumsiness, forgetfulness and there's also lots of silliness! She takes on seriously daring adventures but shows that she is a total down to earth human. She writes in such a style that you actually feel you could tag along on one of her trips in real life.
From cycling, to running, camping and a little bit of walking - there's a great variety of her past trips covered. I'm so glad she chose to share these with us. I've read her other 3 adventure books (purely by chance - I just loved the covers) and now I can't stop checking in with what she's up to. She's got an inspirational attitude to life and this comes out in floods through her books.
I would highly recommend this series of short stories - it's a great gift for an adventurous friend or relative and as the chapters are only 15-20mins long, perfect for a bit of bedtime reading or on that boring commute to work.
I can't wait to join her for her instagram live tomorrow evening and see what adventures she gets up to next.
May 12, 2021
I received an ARC of this book and it couldn't have arrived at a better time. It has been a full on week at work and this was the perfect book for what I termed as a "book break". Just 10 mins out with this book when my brain was beginning to turn to mush was all that was needed to restore equilibrium and give me a wee boost of positivity and energy. I loved the short story format and could honestly picture myself standing in the snow in Canda or sleeping in a bivvy bag under the stars in a field. It has reignited the flame for wee mini adventures and indeed I have already done my first sea swim this week which was more than amazing and was partially encouraged by Anna's words. I chuckled at the Welsh pub visit and I liked the honesty when adventures didn't always go to plan. I am now going to purchase a beautiful hardback copy for my bookshelf as these are stories I know I will return to.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 194 reviews