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Adventure Revolution

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For the past twenty-five years, Belinda Kirk's professional life has revolved around adventure. She's seen it change people first hand: turning the timid into the confident, the addicted into the recovering, and the lost into the intentionally wandering. As a force for change, adventure can be powerful like few others.

This book is about this transformational power, and the first to explore why adventure is essential to our wellbeing. From managing anxiety and overcoming fear, to finding self- worth and building interpersonal connections, to being happier, healthier, and more playful, Adventure Revolution draws lessons from more than two decades of experience leading groups into the wilderness around the globe. Illuminated with Belinda's personal narrative, her own research with modern hunter-gatherers, and the latest findings in neuroscience and behaviour, Adventure Revolution presents a compelling case for ditching the living room in favour of a longer, happier, and more adventurous life.

256 pages, Paperback

Published August 5, 2021

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842 people want to read

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Belinda Kirk

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
Profile Image for Josh.
149 reviews31 followers
August 3, 2023
Adventure Revolution by Belinda Kirk is a powerful and inspiring book that argues that adventure is essential to our wellbeing. Kirk, who has led adventure expeditions for over 25 years, shares her own experiences and the stories of others to show how adventure can transform lives.

The book is divided into three parts. The first part, "The Case for Adventure," explores the benefits of adventure for our physical and mental health, our relationships, and our sense of purpose. Kirk cites research that shows that adventure can help us to manage anxiety and depression, boost our self-esteem, build stronger relationships, and find a deeper sense of meaning in life.

The second part of the book, "The Adventure Toolkit," provides practical advice on how to get started with adventure. Kirk covers everything from choosing the right activities to overcoming fear and staying safe. She also includes a number of inspiring stories from people who have transformed their lives through adventure.

The third part of the book, "The Adventure Revolution," calls for a cultural shift towards a more adventurous society. Kirk argues that we need to break down the barriers that prevent people from experiencing adventure, and she offers a number of suggestions for how to do this.

Adventure Revolution is a well-written and engaging book that is full of practical advice and inspiring stories. Kirk's passion for adventure is contagious, and she makes a convincing case for the importance of adventure in our lives.

One of the most inspiring parts of the book is the stories of people who have overcome adversity through adventure. For example, Kirk tells the story of Ade Adepitan, a man who crawled to the summit, after leaving his wheelchair behind, of Concepción volcano in Nicaragua. He was paralyzed from the waist down in a car accident, but he refused to let that stop him from achieving his dream of climbing a volcano. This story shows how adventure can help us to achieve what we never thought possible, even when we face challenges.

Overall, Adventure Revolution is a fantastic book that will inspire you to get out there and have some adventures. If you're looking for a book that will challenge you to live a more adventurous life, then this is the book for you.
4 reviews
January 23, 2022
This book was really a great disappointment, despite going in strongly biased in favor of the arguments I knew it would be making.

The outdoor adventure world has long had a strong literary tradition - think Gwen Moffat, Gaston Rebuffat, Peter Boardman, Joe Tasker, Jon Krakauer, Peter Matthiessen. In many ways, adventuring and adventure writing are natural siblings, as the hyperawareness and decluttering of the mind that naturally result from adventuring also make it easier to recall the facts of those adventures in a detailed and descriptive way later on.

Separately, it is perfectly possible to write a popular psychology book that mixes third-person stories, first-person narrative, and explanations of scientific research in a compelling and readable way, as shown in, for example, Michael Pollan’s recent work, How to Change Your Mind.

Unfortunately, despite her obvious passion and experience, Belinda Kirk fails on both counts. The adventure writing, though conveying obviously harrowing and life-changing journeys, fails to inspire, lacking in both narrative structure and detail. Kirk somewhat awkwardly discusses the literary concept of the ‘Hero’s Journey’ as a way of explaining why adventure is important and how it changes us. However, forgetting to implement any such narrative arc in her own writing, the stories tend to fall flat.

When mentioning scientific research on the mental health effects of adventuring or being outdoors, Kirk seems to see no value in explaining the research or even interviewing the researchers, instead peppering the book with brief mentions of different studies as a way of lending credence to her own arguments, which tend to be poorly made. It’s difficult for me to say this, as I actually agree with the points the author is making, but I don’t think she makes them very well at all.

Kirk desperately needed a better consulting writer or editor, as there’s a lot about this book that could have been much improved with a bit of feedback and editing.
2 reviews
January 29, 2022
It has been a real treat to discover a completely new argument. To learn so much by reading something truly unique.

Masterful.

I'm not much of an adventurer but that is already changing. I've been on several adventures since I started reading this book, adventures I would never have considered before and I'm already feeling, like the author explains, 'so alive'.

Highly recommend. Go on treat yourself.
Profile Image for Kelly Kay.
2 reviews
January 12, 2022
I found this to be a very motivating book…full of real life stories and the author’s personal experiences

Enough research given but not to much to interrupt the flow of the book.

Good examples of big and small adventures which immediately made me want to book something in the future!
Profile Image for Claire.
334 reviews3 followers
September 2, 2021
I love this book. Mix of adventure stories and the need or adventure if you life. I couldn’t put this down it so resonated with me.
Profile Image for Zoe Langley-Wathen.
53 reviews
January 18, 2025
Superb! Accessible, down-to-earth, based on scientific research, and personal and professional experience. So many sensible, healthy and exciting reasons to get yourself out for an adventure, push your boundaries and challenge yourself.

It'll make you think about where you can make time for more adventure in your life... and why you really do need to do this. Not just for fun, but for your wellbeing, your confidence, your resilience and the opportunity to turn your life around.

Adventure is never just in the moment. Belinda explains, how once you have challenged yourself in the outdoors, those skills will creep into your everyday life too.

A must-read for every age, gender, culture and disability/ability
1 review
November 18, 2021
This book is a survival manual not just for individuals, but for us as a species. Belinda weaves a web of personal stories, science research, interviews and conversations that shine a light on skills and evolutionary mechanisms that we have lost in modern times. Discovering and re-learning them would not only improve your mental health, but would create a more compassionate and equitable society with a different focus. From micro adventures to full blown extreme expeditions, the art of adventure and challenge has enormous power. Thoroughly enjoyable book which I couldn't put down and left me wanting more!
Profile Image for Adriana.
46 reviews5 followers
November 5, 2022
This book was eye opening. I discovered stuff about myself and also decided to become more adventurous. Mid-book I started some micro-adventures: running outside for the first time.
2 reviews
November 29, 2021
Why adventure? What place does adventure have for normal people like us with jobs, responsibilities and commitments?
Here Belinda Kirk explains that adventure doesn’t need to be a three month trip across the Amazon, but can be a night under the stars on top of a hill near your home.
We all need more adventure in our lives, to push ourselves mentally and physically and take ourselves out of our comfort zone.
And after we’ve all been confined due to the pandemic, we need this book more than ever. Our horizons have been narrowed and we’ve all become more timid and more anxious than ever before.
This book is the antidote to that. It’s all about how we all, as human beings, need to push ourselves, need to broaden those horizons and make life just a little bit less comfortable.
The rewards are huge. I know this first hand as I volunteer for a not for profit community encouraging women to become more adventurous.
I’ve watched women transformed by adventure. I’ve watched their confidence soar and they’ve gone on to do things they never thought they’d have the courage to do. It’s not about becoming different people, but being more `you’. The best and happiest version of yourself.
The only trouble is… once you start adventuring, you never want to stop.
Take the plunge… read this book and it will inspire you. If you’ve ever had a crazy dream to walk the mountains, cycle across Europe or sleep under the stars… then I reckon with Belinda's guidance, you might just make that dream come true.
Profile Image for Zoe Langley-Wathen.
53 reviews
January 18, 2025
A book like Adventure Revolution has been a long time coming, but finally, we have a solid argument for the NEED for adventure for many, many reasons, not least, strengthening our resilience. The pressure relief on the NHS that could be gained from more of those in policy-making positions sitting up and taking notice is staring us in the face. I believe that Belinda's book and her Adventure Revolution mission have begun to make great waves towards this.

Belinda methodically and eloquently provides evidence for exactly why everyone needs more time outside. This isn't just another spiel about getting outside every day, however - not that there's anything wrong with that. Instead, she describes, in detail, the positive impact of 'adventure' on wellbeing, mental health, and confidence. It's more about the importance of challenging ourselves and stretching comfort zones and the massive impact this will have on an individual as a result.

You can read about Belinda's first-hand, life-changing experiences, both for herself and witnessing others while working with them on expeditions. She also interviews people who have benefitted from the powerful effect of adventure.

Although Belinda draws on academic research to back up her findings, I found it's still very much an accessible read. I would 100% recommend this book and will be buying extra copies as Christmas gifts for those in my circle needing more of the adventure effect in their lives!

Let the adventure revolution begin!
Profile Image for Jenna Salvatore.
12 reviews
March 21, 2024
Thank you to the stranger who recommended this to me at the outdoor show in TO!
1 review
September 10, 2021
I absolutely loved this book. The book of the year for me!

It's a very important book but also so engaging and readable. I am already living my life differently because of it. I can't remember when a book had so much impact on me.

I can't recommend it highly enough to anyone, of any age or ability. Adventure is for everyone! Yay!
1 review
October 8, 2021
Awesome couldn’t put it down
Met Belinda recently and grabbed the book after listening to her talk. Well I could not put it down. The adventures Belinda tells in the book you can really relate to and I was so inspired I booked myself on a kayak tour around the caves in the Algarve which I would never if dreamt of doing
36 reviews
October 2, 2022
I really wanted to like this book more, I agree with the point it’s trying to make, but it just didn’t work for me.
Profile Image for Kate Moreton.
68 reviews2 followers
June 28, 2025
Encouraging lots of adventure - whatever that looks like for you. Feel inspired to try some new things - wild camping, anyone?!
Author 1 book11 followers
June 21, 2022
This book needed to be written, and I'm so glad it was. @explorerbelinda writes in such a clear way and presents her findings with such clarity. This is an absorbing read, and I've re-read several chapters a number of times to let the wisdom sink in.

The chapters build on each other helping the reader to gain a real grasp of what the author has to say. I especially appreciated how the author shows how spending time outside can help us overcome challenges, develop resilience, learn new life skills and strengthen relationships. Moreover, having an adventurous spirit can give us the skills and wisdom to enhance our own daily lives.

As a keen hiker with a fear of heights and poor sense of direction, I know how spending time in the wilderness and up mountains has helped me become more confident and value perseverance. As such, reading this book has aided me in developing more of an understanding of myself, keen to try new experiences.

This book is more than a guide to the awesome power of adventure - it's a joyous understanding of life!
Profile Image for Accalia Smith.
10 reviews
March 4, 2023
There could have been a little more science to back some of the points up, and perhaps more of a look at those people who don’t benefit from adventure, or in fact hate it. But overall it was a compelling, inspiring and well written book that’s really needed in modern times - it’s for those that feel like modern society is not giving them the connection or primal joy that we need and for those that think that the constantly high stress level that we all operate at in modern life needs to change. It’s a gorgeous book that I’d definitely want to dip into again for doses of adventure inspiration.
Profile Image for Andrew Bysterveldt.
80 reviews2 followers
July 27, 2023
I was disappointed by this book. I thought I might learn from it ways in which adventure as therapy or growth tool can be implemented. Like so many people, I already know the power of adventure. I’ve been an adventurer my whole life. I thought this book might help me learn how to share that with others. But it didn’t. The stories were totally unrelatable. Who really has the money or resources to do some of the epic adventures written about in this book? Yes, the stories were memorable and the message consistent. It’s just that the message is old and similar stories have been better told in countless adventure books. Shame really. This book had so much promise.
1 review
August 16, 2021
A timely reminder of the benefits of getting outside! Lots of helpful ideas for adventure, including microadventures that you can fit around e.g. work commitments. I've always known the benefits of adventures but this book reinforced the importance and has motivated me to get back out there as much as possible! I found myself turning over pages that resonated with me and scribbling adventure ideas in the front pages as I read. A quick but valuable read.
1 review
September 28, 2021
This is a very important book, the positive effect that having an adventurous mindset has mustn’t be underrated. Action taken from all that is outlined in this book would go a long way to healing some of the issues we face.
Brilliantly written, extremely well researched and poignant on every page. I cannot recommend that everyone reads this enough!
1 review
Read
November 5, 2021
This is an important book for anyone who is considering making an adventurous trip. It will explain just how your travels or brave actions will change your life for the better. The statistics give the book gravitas and credibility - it’s not just one woman’s travels and how brilliant they were. I’d want to see this book in every school, college and university library.
Profile Image for Lisanne.
5 reviews
January 16, 2022
Cannot rate this highly enough! Motivational, inspirational, readable and so we thought out, reasoned and explained. Brilliant use of theory and examples and steps to start introducing adventure in everyday life!
Profile Image for Emily Thompson.
53 reviews4 followers
March 13, 2022
This is a great book to provide you with an overview of the benefits of adventure. There are interesting stories of people who have used adventure to benefit their lives and improve their mental and physical health. I especially liked the chapter on fear and adventure
Profile Image for Ken.
62 reviews2 followers
January 14, 2023
I cant recommend this book enough.
I've always enjoyed and appreciated Adventure. It's been important to me personally and professionally for years. Belinda Kirk helps explain just how important Adventure is to us all and why we should get out there even more.
Profile Image for Eva.
1 review
August 7, 2021
The perfect book encouraging us to get out and explore the world around us after being trapped inside for so long! Was a joy to read would definitely recommend.
Profile Image for Bas.
231 reviews2 followers
December 17, 2022
This book is a bit disjointed, and about 75% too long. I agree with the message, but found it a bit incoherent and in need of more rigourous editing.
13 reviews
January 19, 2023
An entertaining read promoting the benefits of adventure to our mental and physical wellbeing in our 21st century lives. I enjoyed it. Belinda illustrates how adventure can help us build confidence, resilience, friendships, courage and to find meaning in our lives. It is full of stories about adventure and includes some interesting science. She makes a good case for prescribing adventure into our lives.

The book is relevant to people at any stage of life. I would recommend to anyone feeling they have lost their way or looking to find meaning in their life. Also great for those of us trying to bring up teenagers in the digital world.

The author clearly has a huge passion for adventure and for how it can help people. I liked the way she describes an adventure lifestyle. An adventure could be a climbing Everest or crossing the Artic, but it doesn’t need to be. We can feel the adventure effect by sleeping in a tent in the garden, swimming in the ocean or exploring a new trail. The book is a call to get regular people involved in adventure and has some good practical ideas to get us started. It is not just aimed at the adventure enthusiasts.

I liked Belinda’s definition of adventure being a voluntary activity that includes a mix of:
• Challenge: being outside your comfort zone;
• Adversity: having a feeling of being uncomfortable – that is when we push ourselves and grow;
• Uncertainty: uncertainty fuels your engagement and without it you have a predictable experience.

The book is packed with good examples of adventure experiences which have had positive impacts on the adventurers to climbing up Everest in a wheelchair to spending a night in a tent.

The book has opened my eyes to introducing adventure into my life and has got me thinking about how we can use adventure to bond our family.

I felt the book lost a bit of focus towards the end and became a bit of a brain dump. But it was an easy read and put forward a compelling argument for including adventure activities into your life and the life of your loved ones.

A few of my big takeaways:

- Adventure is a voluntary activity that includes a mix of challenge, adversity and uncertainty. It doesn’t need to big. Just get started with your adventure lifestyle.
- Relationships. Shared pain and adversity can build lasting bond between teammates. Go on an adventure with your family.
- Adventure can bring you into the moment and experience true joy. Get off the hedonic treadmill (the “When I get this I’ll be happy…..” mentality). You can get into the moment and experience a flow state through adventure.
- Re-entry: Be prepared for re-entry into normal life after your adventure. I thought this was a good section that is often overlooked. You will have changed. The hero’s journey.
- Stress, the evolutionary mismatch. Adventure can stimulate the brief bursts of stress that we have evolved to respond to – this is the fight or flight state. This is good for us. In our modern lives these short stress peaks and longer relief periods have been replaced by a state of constant worry and constant stress. This is not what we have evolved to handle.
1 review
November 16, 2022
Adventure Revolution is a timely addition to the debate about mental health and wellbeing in a world that can feel chaotic and overwhelming. Belinda Kirk sets out the position that adventure is fundamental to who we are (as a species) and how we need to be reconnecting to our natural capacity to thrive on challenge. It's key to resilience, empowerment, and taking control back control over our responses to the stressful world we inhabit.

The book combines a wealth of stories from Belinda's personal experiences leading expeditions round the globe, testimony to the life changing power of adventure as seen in the people she guided to remote and inhospitable places. It also discusses the burgeoning scientific evidence that strongly supports the anecdotal evidence of the positive impact adventure can have on wellbeing and driven life-purpose. Very well written, engaging, revealing, anyone can benefit from reading this. Then putting it down, packing their rucksack and going out to have a life-changing adventure of their own!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews

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