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The Backpack Years: Two Memoirs, One Story
"Its journey through alcohol, angst, love, and learning carries readers, via a streetwise voice and experiences, far from the beaten path of tired travelogues." -D. Donovan, Senior Reviewer, Midwest Book Review
Stef and James couldn’t get it all together—aside from clothes and toiletries to stuff in a backpack. To these adventurous, incident-prone 21-year-olds, carrying their lives with them felt like freedom, and they traveled not just to explore, but to escape. James’s father and his job pushed him out of England, and Stef left her old personality and anxieties back in America. What followed was a transcontinental journey of bad choices spanning six years and thirteen countries.
When their paths eventually crossed at an Irish pub in Sydney’s red light district, they found the one thing they’d stay put for, but had few options for their international relationship. Attempts at immigration failed until one solution remained—get married so they could keep dating. What was supposed to be the end of their problems was just the beginning, and the time had come to decide whether to keep trying or pack up.
The Backpack Years is more than a dual-narrative travelogue. It begins with Steph and James's experiences before they met—starting the chain of events that led them to the pub and beyond, through the highs and lows of wandering and the attempts at stability in-between. It's a memoir about the doubts of new adulthood and discovering who, where, and with whom you're meant to be.
Stef and James couldn’t get it all together—aside from clothes and toiletries to stuff in a backpack. To these adventurous, incident-prone 21-year-olds, carrying their lives with them felt like freedom, and they traveled not just to explore, but to escape. James’s father and his job pushed him out of England, and Stef left her old personality and anxieties back in America. What followed was a transcontinental journey of bad choices spanning six years and thirteen countries.
When their paths eventually crossed at an Irish pub in Sydney’s red light district, they found the one thing they’d stay put for, but had few options for their international relationship. Attempts at immigration failed until one solution remained—get married so they could keep dating. What was supposed to be the end of their problems was just the beginning, and the time had come to decide whether to keep trying or pack up.
The Backpack Years is more than a dual-narrative travelogue. It begins with Steph and James's experiences before they met—starting the chain of events that led them to the pub and beyond, through the highs and lows of wandering and the attempts at stability in-between. It's a memoir about the doubts of new adulthood and discovering who, where, and with whom you're meant to be.
- GenresTravelNonfictionMemoir
360 pages, Paperback
First published June 7, 2022
3 people are currently reading
2064 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
June 6, 2022
Rating:⭐⭐⭐⭐✨
“My brain fixated on money and jobs while my heart overflowed with love and longing. Then there she was. The best souvenir from my trip.”
The Back Pack Years By Stefanie & James Wilson
~~~
Two memoirs that converges into one story as we follow Steph and James try to live life fully despite challenges, follow their dreams and fall in love with not only life but each other (again). They're both honest with their truths and appreciated this much.
Spanning thirteen countries and four continents, The Backpack Years is a story about how far we’re willing to go to be with the one we love. Can the two navigate their way through red-tape, relocation, miscommunication, and a last ditch, make-or-break trip to try to save their relationship, or will this be their last adventure as a couple?
The tale is told from two point of views in an easy to swallow writing and this made it quite interesting glimpsing into each other.
They delved deep into the beginning and growth of their romantic relationship to the point of marriage: they were so sweet, cheesy and real, I simply rooted for them from the word go.
The adventure and scenes are vividly descriptive, immersive,fun even, hilarious and just beautiful, to be honest. From America to New Zealand, Spain to Thailand... Stef and James bombarded me with real life adventure that I too wanted to join them.
I loved the friendships they fostered along who were also hilarious and added spice to the book.
It made me sad, though, reading about how they struggled in their relationship and settling down given James is British and Stef American. But given its a real life tale it was an awesome reminder that these things happen in relationships and that two can overcome them.
Their story gives hope to those going through tough times financially and relationshipwise.
I simply didn't want to put down the book: I didn't expect to enjoy this book as much as I did. I can't seem to consume non fiction like I do fiction but with this book tables changed.
If you enjoyed Wild by Cheryl Strayed you gonna love The Back Pack Years so much more. I can attest to this.
I dared to take this back pack journey with Steph and James like they did do dare to defy the odds, get married and travel together, so I dare you to read this book.
“For two people with a history of running away from problems, we knew that even through the worst of times, we'd never, ever, run away from each other.”
“My brain fixated on money and jobs while my heart overflowed with love and longing. Then there she was. The best souvenir from my trip.”
The Back Pack Years By Stefanie & James Wilson
~~~
Two memoirs that converges into one story as we follow Steph and James try to live life fully despite challenges, follow their dreams and fall in love with not only life but each other (again). They're both honest with their truths and appreciated this much.
Spanning thirteen countries and four continents, The Backpack Years is a story about how far we’re willing to go to be with the one we love. Can the two navigate their way through red-tape, relocation, miscommunication, and a last ditch, make-or-break trip to try to save their relationship, or will this be their last adventure as a couple?
The tale is told from two point of views in an easy to swallow writing and this made it quite interesting glimpsing into each other.
They delved deep into the beginning and growth of their romantic relationship to the point of marriage: they were so sweet, cheesy and real, I simply rooted for them from the word go.
The adventure and scenes are vividly descriptive, immersive,fun even, hilarious and just beautiful, to be honest. From America to New Zealand, Spain to Thailand... Stef and James bombarded me with real life adventure that I too wanted to join them.
I loved the friendships they fostered along who were also hilarious and added spice to the book.
It made me sad, though, reading about how they struggled in their relationship and settling down given James is British and Stef American. But given its a real life tale it was an awesome reminder that these things happen in relationships and that two can overcome them.
Their story gives hope to those going through tough times financially and relationshipwise.
I simply didn't want to put down the book: I didn't expect to enjoy this book as much as I did. I can't seem to consume non fiction like I do fiction but with this book tables changed.
If you enjoyed Wild by Cheryl Strayed you gonna love The Back Pack Years so much more. I can attest to this.
I dared to take this back pack journey with Steph and James like they did do dare to defy the odds, get married and travel together, so I dare you to read this book.
“For two people with a history of running away from problems, we knew that even through the worst of times, we'd never, ever, run away from each other.”
September 3, 2022
* I read this book in an author exchange for an honest review. But all opinions are my own*
When I first read the preview of this book I was pretty interested, because why not it had duo Pov, it was over a course of six years, and it was about two people traveling.
This story was written very well, I really liked how it was very descriptive, when you're reading it's like your there with them watching the events play out.
I really liked the duo Pov narrating because well first, you got to read both of their stories before they meet, which was probably one of my favorite things about the book, more books need that. Most books start the story right when the characters meet which is fine but it's nice to have a bit of back story before they meet.
And second when you're reading it, you know what both people are thinking/feeling.
I liked that the book is about the authors, it gives the book more of a personal feeling and it just adds t0 the sweetness of the story.
The Plot * May Contain Small Spoilers *
This book is about two people Stefanie and James.
Stefanie is an American going to school in Spain to get her teaching degree so she can travel during the summer when schools out. But what she doesn't know is
James is from England and is in a ton of dept and he thinks going to Australia will help him get away from it. (News flash dept follows you everywhere).
Then boom Stef and James meet and go out a few times then starts dating knowing that in a few weeks that they're both leaving.
So, they do what every couple does, they find a way to be together. (Well not every couple but couples in love)
I'm not going to spoil anymore if you want to find out what happens go read the book. It's really worth it!
Final Thoughts
I really thought this book was good, but I liked Stef Pov much more then James. I don't know why I guess I just connected more with Stef; James just didn't have much emotion. And he cussed alot which is fine it was funny at first then I was just a little much sometimes but He's from England so...
One thing I learned from this book is I have no interest in traveling to other countries (maybe I would go to England). (No offense to world travelers it's just not my cup of tea lol).
This book was very realistic no sugar coating or fluff which I liked it really had all the ups and downs, pros and cons about traveling, life and dating.
If you made it all the way to the end of this review, give yourself a pat on the back because this is a long one (sorry not sorry).
Age Rating: 16 and up. There was some language
(But I mean what do you expect, people from England cuss A LOT lol
I want to say huge thank you to Stefanie Wilson for sending me this book to review thank you SOOO MUCH!!!
When I first read the preview of this book I was pretty interested, because why not it had duo Pov, it was over a course of six years, and it was about two people traveling.
This story was written very well, I really liked how it was very descriptive, when you're reading it's like your there with them watching the events play out.
I really liked the duo Pov narrating because well first, you got to read both of their stories before they meet, which was probably one of my favorite things about the book, more books need that. Most books start the story right when the characters meet which is fine but it's nice to have a bit of back story before they meet.
And second when you're reading it, you know what both people are thinking/feeling.
I liked that the book is about the authors, it gives the book more of a personal feeling and it just adds t0 the sweetness of the story.
The Plot * May Contain Small Spoilers *
This book is about two people Stefanie and James.
Stefanie is an American going to school in Spain to get her teaching degree so she can travel during the summer when schools out. But what she doesn't know is
James is from England and is in a ton of dept and he thinks going to Australia will help him get away from it. (News flash dept follows you everywhere).
Then boom Stef and James meet and go out a few times then starts dating knowing that in a few weeks that they're both leaving.
So, they do what every couple does, they find a way to be together. (Well not every couple but couples in love)
I'm not going to spoil anymore if you want to find out what happens go read the book. It's really worth it!
Final Thoughts
I really thought this book was good, but I liked Stef Pov much more then James. I don't know why I guess I just connected more with Stef; James just didn't have much emotion. And he cussed alot which is fine it was funny at first then I was just a little much sometimes but He's from England so...
One thing I learned from this book is I have no interest in traveling to other countries (maybe I would go to England). (No offense to world travelers it's just not my cup of tea lol).
This book was very realistic no sugar coating or fluff which I liked it really had all the ups and downs, pros and cons about traveling, life and dating.
If you made it all the way to the end of this review, give yourself a pat on the back because this is a long one (sorry not sorry).
Age Rating: 16 and up. There was some language
(But I mean what do you expect, people from England cuss A LOT lol
I want to say huge thank you to Stefanie Wilson for sending me this book to review thank you SOOO MUCH!!!
April 9, 2022
The Backpack Years: Two memoirs, One story by Stephanie Wilson and James Wilson 📚
The Backpack Years was a part memoir, part travelogue which delved into the life of a 2 nomads. Being a backpacker is not always fun and it is a lifestyle that some people enjoy. It's more about the experiences than the places they visit. I felt like I took a tour along with James and Stephanie as I was reading the book.
The narration had two point's of views and the chapters were divided between James and Stephanie. The whole book was divided into 4 parts- A world apart, Falling Down Under, Across the Pond and The Way Home. Each part focused on a distinct period of their life and I loved reading about it. The writing style was articulate and witty.
James was British and Stephanie was American. I could feel the difference in writing style in each of their chapters and it added an extra flair to the book. The book traversed across different continents and it also talked about the difficulties of keeping a relationship fresh. Apart from showing me around the world, they also taught me about the intricacies of making a relationship work.
There was a lot of faith and hope involved and it made me feel energized reading the ending. It was beautiful, informative, true story to read. I would recommend this book if you love to read travel memoirs with a bit of romance in it.
Rating- ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Afreen Khalil
The Backpack Years was a part memoir, part travelogue which delved into the life of a 2 nomads. Being a backpacker is not always fun and it is a lifestyle that some people enjoy. It's more about the experiences than the places they visit. I felt like I took a tour along with James and Stephanie as I was reading the book.
The narration had two point's of views and the chapters were divided between James and Stephanie. The whole book was divided into 4 parts- A world apart, Falling Down Under, Across the Pond and The Way Home. Each part focused on a distinct period of their life and I loved reading about it. The writing style was articulate and witty.
James was British and Stephanie was American. I could feel the difference in writing style in each of their chapters and it added an extra flair to the book. The book traversed across different continents and it also talked about the difficulties of keeping a relationship fresh. Apart from showing me around the world, they also taught me about the intricacies of making a relationship work.
There was a lot of faith and hope involved and it made me feel energized reading the ending. It was beautiful, informative, true story to read. I would recommend this book if you love to read travel memoirs with a bit of romance in it.
Rating- ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Afreen Khalil
June 6, 2022
The Backpack Years chronicles authors Stefanie and James’ early solo travels, ultimately meeting a third of the way through the book. Their mutual love of traveling inspires them to change their plans and find ways to travel and stay together. This leads to a whirlwind marriage followed by several life obstacles that impede their traveling for a time. When their wanderlust begins to put a strain on their marriage, they realize that the only thing that can remedy it is another trip, and they set about making that desire a reality.
The Backpack Years is a captivating travel memoir that alternates between each author’s individual perspectives as they start out as solo travelers and ultimately become each other’s ideal travel partner. Their story shows all of the thrills and pitfalls of world travel including the budgetary obstacles, illnesses, and literal danger that can come with the territory. But it also defines their personalities and relationship and ultimately makes it a worthwhile endeavor that provides a book’s worth of adventurous stories to share with their readers.
You can read my full review here: https://laurasbooksandblogs.com/the-b...
The Backpack Years is a captivating travel memoir that alternates between each author’s individual perspectives as they start out as solo travelers and ultimately become each other’s ideal travel partner. Their story shows all of the thrills and pitfalls of world travel including the budgetary obstacles, illnesses, and literal danger that can come with the territory. But it also defines their personalities and relationship and ultimately makes it a worthwhile endeavor that provides a book’s worth of adventurous stories to share with their readers.
You can read my full review here: https://laurasbooksandblogs.com/the-b...
June 28, 2022
The Backpack Years, is part travelogue, part memoir and part romance novel by a team of husband and wife who have jotted down six years of their life experiences, that are definitely full of adventure.
Overburdened by debt, James fled to Australia. Stef moved from America to Spain for studies, or to make up for missing in action earlier. They talk about their lives seperately, for each chapter in the book is in alternate voices for James and Stef. How these people that are two worlds apart meet at an Irish pub in Sydney, leading up to becoming travel partners and then life partners, is a wonderful adventure that they take us along on, in this book.
Travelling is amazing when the company is great. It makes me crave for travelling with the people I love.
Their mutual love for travel spans thirteen countries and four continents in this book, it is a story about how far we’re willing to go to be with the one we love. The book is easy to read, beautifully written in two voices magically weaving together all their love and adventure.
With not even one percent boring parts, the book spans 360 pages of brilliant writing, taking the readers along while travelling across continents and depicting the dynamics of a relationship in an endearing way. It's a delightful experience reading this novel.
Overburdened by debt, James fled to Australia. Stef moved from America to Spain for studies, or to make up for missing in action earlier. They talk about their lives seperately, for each chapter in the book is in alternate voices for James and Stef. How these people that are two worlds apart meet at an Irish pub in Sydney, leading up to becoming travel partners and then life partners, is a wonderful adventure that they take us along on, in this book.
Travelling is amazing when the company is great. It makes me crave for travelling with the people I love.
Their mutual love for travel spans thirteen countries and four continents in this book, it is a story about how far we’re willing to go to be with the one we love. The book is easy to read, beautifully written in two voices magically weaving together all their love and adventure.
With not even one percent boring parts, the book spans 360 pages of brilliant writing, taking the readers along while travelling across continents and depicting the dynamics of a relationship in an endearing way. It's a delightful experience reading this novel.
June 29, 2022
I give this book a 4.5/5 stars. This book really made me want to travel the world. It was a truly beautiful story about the love between two backpackers and their love of travelling and each other. The authors really showed the good and the difficult of relationships and visas and immigration. I loved that they showed how long it takes to get a visa and the strict rules behind it. The long process which they went through really made their relationship make or break.
I really liked to see the families reactions to their relationship and them growing together with the opinions of their families in the back of their minds.
This book really made me want to book a flight to a foreign country and go with the flow of the vacation and meet new people and live new experiences. I was sad when it ended cuz I didn't want it to! I wanted to continue reading about this beautiful journey between two strangers who happen to cross each other's paths. Highly recommend if you're looking for a fun love story. Beware though, this book will make you want to drop everything and book a flight!!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I really liked to see the families reactions to their relationship and them growing together with the opinions of their families in the back of their minds.
This book really made me want to book a flight to a foreign country and go with the flow of the vacation and meet new people and live new experiences. I was sad when it ended cuz I didn't want it to! I wanted to continue reading about this beautiful journey between two strangers who happen to cross each other's paths. Highly recommend if you're looking for a fun love story. Beware though, this book will make you want to drop everything and book a flight!!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 1, 2022
This book is what I'd call, powerful.
•The Backpack Years is simply a beautiful memoir told from the point of view of two wholesome characters, Stef and James.
•James is British, #1 reason to fall in love with him along with the hundred or so others.
•Stef is just AMAZING. I don't even know where to begin describing her.
• While the book had a gazillion quotes worthy of marking there is this specific one stuck in my head.
'..And then there she was, the best souvenir of my life.'
•Like dude please this was so awesome.
•People who love traveling will dig this one. I am sure of it.
•A part of me was skeptical at starting because I was unsure if I'd understand the almost poetic description of all the 14 or so countries described in the book. But nah, they're done well. Perfect might I say.
•Y'all need to read this soon.
•The Backpack Years is simply a beautiful memoir told from the point of view of two wholesome characters, Stef and James.
•James is British, #1 reason to fall in love with him along with the hundred or so others.
•Stef is just AMAZING. I don't even know where to begin describing her.
• While the book had a gazillion quotes worthy of marking there is this specific one stuck in my head.
'..And then there she was, the best souvenir of my life.'
•Like dude please this was so awesome.
•People who love traveling will dig this one. I am sure of it.
•A part of me was skeptical at starting because I was unsure if I'd understand the almost poetic description of all the 14 or so countries described in the book. But nah, they're done well. Perfect might I say.
•Y'all need to read this soon.
July 2, 2022
The Backpack Years like the tittle of this book itself tell us, it’s a story with two memoirs: the Stef's one and the James' one written in the same book.
.
Each chapter is a different character point of view during 6 years.
.
As the tittle tell us too, James and Steph are backpackers, both with failed lifes in their original original plan, but they started to travel around the world searching a better place to live.
.
They conected at an Irish pub on Sidney, Australia. And they felt that they are made for each other since a lot of experiences they live together in their travel.
.
The story is a pretty experience of love of a real couple who has to overcome obstacles together to get a better future.
.
Thanks to both authors for giving me a copy of this book 🥰
.
Each chapter is a different character point of view during 6 years.
.
As the tittle tell us too, James and Steph are backpackers, both with failed lifes in their original original plan, but they started to travel around the world searching a better place to live.
.
They conected at an Irish pub on Sidney, Australia. And they felt that they are made for each other since a lot of experiences they live together in their travel.
.
The story is a pretty experience of love of a real couple who has to overcome obstacles together to get a better future.
.
Thanks to both authors for giving me a copy of this book 🥰
June 22, 2022
Exactly as the blurb says, the book contains the memoirs of Stef and James—their separate perspectives on travel, romance, and life—that blend into one story.
It starts in 2000, spanning their travel through thirteen countries and four continents. Initially, they travel solo but meet a third of the way through the book. They change their plans so that they can travel and stay together..
This leads to a whirlwind marriage and many obstacles that prevent them from traveling for some time. When their relationship is threatened, they seek to remedy it with another trip.
Although the book has been co-written by two people with different viewpoints, it is easy to read because the change of narrator is clear. The writing is vivid, engaging, and immersive.
The authors have written quite candidly about their lives. They are honest about the great and not-so-great parts of their relationship and lifestyle. World travel, especially as backpackers, can involve budgetary restraints, illnesses, and dangers related to regional issues.
When I started reading it, the descriptions of their conditions—lack of money; sparse hygiene; abundance of sex, alcohol, and drugs; troubles with work/visa/permits; and adjusting to cultural differences—appalled me.
However, Stef and James managed to handle all that because they were resilient and had ample support from the great friends they made along the way. The Backpack Years shows how far Stef and James were willing to go to save their relationship and follow their dreams.
It is a balanced account of how challenging and rewarding travel and making a relationship work can be. Despite my initial misgivings, I found it enjoyable.
It starts in 2000, spanning their travel through thirteen countries and four continents. Initially, they travel solo but meet a third of the way through the book. They change their plans so that they can travel and stay together..
This leads to a whirlwind marriage and many obstacles that prevent them from traveling for some time. When their relationship is threatened, they seek to remedy it with another trip.
Although the book has been co-written by two people with different viewpoints, it is easy to read because the change of narrator is clear. The writing is vivid, engaging, and immersive.
The authors have written quite candidly about their lives. They are honest about the great and not-so-great parts of their relationship and lifestyle. World travel, especially as backpackers, can involve budgetary restraints, illnesses, and dangers related to regional issues.
When I started reading it, the descriptions of their conditions—lack of money; sparse hygiene; abundance of sex, alcohol, and drugs; troubles with work/visa/permits; and adjusting to cultural differences—appalled me.
However, Stef and James managed to handle all that because they were resilient and had ample support from the great friends they made along the way. The Backpack Years shows how far Stef and James were willing to go to save their relationship and follow their dreams.
It is a balanced account of how challenging and rewarding travel and making a relationship work can be. Despite my initial misgivings, I found it enjoyable.
June 7, 2022
I am always drawn to travel memoirs, being well-travelled myself and I have to say that I do like a seamy tale of backpackers, surviving on little money, little hygiene, bad diet, great amounts of alcohol, the bonhomie of their companions and their wits.
You get all of that here but also a lot more. You get the first hand experiences of people who are widely travelled and who have met a lot of people on their journeys, some good, some not so good. But in addition, you get a romance as Stefanie and James, in memoirs that run tandem, describe the circumstances that drew them together and the subsequent travels that they shared after their commitment to each other.
What struck me most about the book is how candid it is. Stefanie and James have literally laid bare their experiences but also their emotions in navigating (pun intended) not only their travels in strange, remote and sometimes unwelcoming places but also their relationship as young people who meet each other whilst travelling, who are from very different backgrounds and have differing perspectives.
As readers, we learn about their families and the traditions and cultural quirks of their home countries that separate them on occasion. We learn about the vast amount of places that they have visited, both separately and together and the difficulties associated with travelling to these places on a shoestring budget or earning-as-you-go. To the onlooker, it seems an idyllic lifestyle, liberating and carefree but Stefanie and James are keen to point out the drawbacks too and I like them for this: theirs is a balanced perspective in that they show the fun, the friendliness and the fabulous but also the threat and the strain that can come from a life without ties and familiarity.
However, whilst there are tales of a cautionary nature, they are also keen to promote the idea of how important it is to them to travel and how it builds resilience and shapes perspective; and that once it is in your blood, it is very difficult not to succumb to the urge to move again.
The narrative is easy to read and the change of narrator clearly indicated, and I found myself easily drawn into the stories of their travels, much as I would a novel, rooting for them as people as well as enjoying the view of the world they shared.
This review was first published on Reedsy Discovery where I was privileged to read it as an ARC.
You get all of that here but also a lot more. You get the first hand experiences of people who are widely travelled and who have met a lot of people on their journeys, some good, some not so good. But in addition, you get a romance as Stefanie and James, in memoirs that run tandem, describe the circumstances that drew them together and the subsequent travels that they shared after their commitment to each other.
What struck me most about the book is how candid it is. Stefanie and James have literally laid bare their experiences but also their emotions in navigating (pun intended) not only their travels in strange, remote and sometimes unwelcoming places but also their relationship as young people who meet each other whilst travelling, who are from very different backgrounds and have differing perspectives.
As readers, we learn about their families and the traditions and cultural quirks of their home countries that separate them on occasion. We learn about the vast amount of places that they have visited, both separately and together and the difficulties associated with travelling to these places on a shoestring budget or earning-as-you-go. To the onlooker, it seems an idyllic lifestyle, liberating and carefree but Stefanie and James are keen to point out the drawbacks too and I like them for this: theirs is a balanced perspective in that they show the fun, the friendliness and the fabulous but also the threat and the strain that can come from a life without ties and familiarity.
However, whilst there are tales of a cautionary nature, they are also keen to promote the idea of how important it is to them to travel and how it builds resilience and shapes perspective; and that once it is in your blood, it is very difficult not to succumb to the urge to move again.
The narrative is easy to read and the change of narrator clearly indicated, and I found myself easily drawn into the stories of their travels, much as I would a novel, rooting for them as people as well as enjoying the view of the world they shared.
This review was first published on Reedsy Discovery where I was privileged to read it as an ARC.
June 19, 2022
Fun read!
This memoir reads like a great fiction book written by the likes of Liane Moriarty where the chapters alternate narrators. The escapades and adventures of James and Stef are funny and their quirky personalities come across well. The varying dialects of James and others in the book made them come to life. I also loved learning about so many other countries & culture while reading about their journeys to distant places. I found myself thinking about the book during the day and looking forward to getting back to it each evening after dinner in the same way I would continue watching a series that is streaming. From beginning to end, the story unfolds with humor, tears, fears, and all kinds of beautiful & dysfunctional relationships exposed. I loved it so much I have ordered copies to be delivered to three of my fellow book lovers. I highly recommend this to all readers. You won’t be disappointed.
This memoir reads like a great fiction book written by the likes of Liane Moriarty where the chapters alternate narrators. The escapades and adventures of James and Stef are funny and their quirky personalities come across well. The varying dialects of James and others in the book made them come to life. I also loved learning about so many other countries & culture while reading about their journeys to distant places. I found myself thinking about the book during the day and looking forward to getting back to it each evening after dinner in the same way I would continue watching a series that is streaming. From beginning to end, the story unfolds with humor, tears, fears, and all kinds of beautiful & dysfunctional relationships exposed. I loved it so much I have ordered copies to be delivered to three of my fellow book lovers. I highly recommend this to all readers. You won’t be disappointed.
Read
June 6, 2022The snow capped mountains loomed in the distance… their majestic stance a beautiful background. She sipped on a hot chocolate as she observed all the people around her, feeling a sense of peace that she had never experienced before.
The ocean waves crashed and splashed his feet with cool water, soothing in the unrelenting heat. The sticky fruit juice coated his lips as he enjoyed the sweet treat. This place was new and invigorating and he couldn’t imagine returning to his old life.
What these adventurers don’t know… is that their journeys will be life-changing.
The Backpack Years is a dual memoir of two people traveling around the world and their individual experiences as they explore new places. Soon their individual adventures collide and they get to experience the world together.
I loved getting to visit different countries through the eyes of Stefanie & James and getting insight to interesting history and customs. Although this book is non-fiction, it read like a wonderful fiction story.
If you’re a fan of travel then I highly recommend picking up this memoir!
*No rating for non-fiction.
TW: Anxiety/Panic Attacks, Physical Assault, Mention of Genocide.
The ocean waves crashed and splashed his feet with cool water, soothing in the unrelenting heat. The sticky fruit juice coated his lips as he enjoyed the sweet treat. This place was new and invigorating and he couldn’t imagine returning to his old life.
What these adventurers don’t know… is that their journeys will be life-changing.
The Backpack Years is a dual memoir of two people traveling around the world and their individual experiences as they explore new places. Soon their individual adventures collide and they get to experience the world together.
I loved getting to visit different countries through the eyes of Stefanie & James and getting insight to interesting history and customs. Although this book is non-fiction, it read like a wonderful fiction story.
If you’re a fan of travel then I highly recommend picking up this memoir!
*No rating for non-fiction.
TW: Anxiety/Panic Attacks, Physical Assault, Mention of Genocide.
June 9, 2022
Part memoir, part love story, part travel adventure.
The book alternates chapters written by the two co-authors with the tale told from their point of view. In the beginning they are two separate young adults, each trying to find their way, figuring out who they are and what direction they want to take their life. Then (kind-of-a-spoiler alert) they meet each other, which over time leads them to change and refine their life goals.
Whether you’re a fan of memoirs, real life love stories, or vicarious travel experiences, you’ll find something to like in this book Mixing them all together adds a few twists to the other pieces, resulting in a unique book and an entertaining read.
**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy. **
The book alternates chapters written by the two co-authors with the tale told from their point of view. In the beginning they are two separate young adults, each trying to find their way, figuring out who they are and what direction they want to take their life. Then (kind-of-a-spoiler alert) they meet each other, which over time leads them to change and refine their life goals.
Whether you’re a fan of memoirs, real life love stories, or vicarious travel experiences, you’ll find something to like in this book Mixing them all together adds a few twists to the other pieces, resulting in a unique book and an entertaining read.
**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy. **
September 25, 2023
It's been a while since I read a memoir. And, this one didn't disappoint. It's the perfect time to read this because this specific memoir is part travel and part romance; a superb read for the summer.
This is the tale of James and Stefanie, two backpackers who are trying to escape life. It is a tale narrated together and apart at the same time. On their attempt to avoid life's hardships and failures, they get to know each other while they're on their wildest adventure of their life.
I loved taking the journey with both of them. There are two different but very special voices narrating this story. Two points of views that take you with them whether you want to or not. Truly, a lovely journey that teach you to dare, to be fearless, to try, to love.
The element of romance makes this memoir even more interesting. A travel diary that teaches you the pros and cons of travelling, but also, the reality of a relationship.
Truly, I recommend reading this book. I love travelling, so this made me more fearless about it. Take it with you on the beach this summer! 5 stars from this gal here.
This is the tale of James and Stefanie, two backpackers who are trying to escape life. It is a tale narrated together and apart at the same time. On their attempt to avoid life's hardships and failures, they get to know each other while they're on their wildest adventure of their life.
I loved taking the journey with both of them. There are two different but very special voices narrating this story. Two points of views that take you with them whether you want to or not. Truly, a lovely journey that teach you to dare, to be fearless, to try, to love.
The element of romance makes this memoir even more interesting. A travel diary that teaches you the pros and cons of travelling, but also, the reality of a relationship.
Truly, I recommend reading this book. I love travelling, so this made me more fearless about it. Take it with you on the beach this summer! 5 stars from this gal here.
June 28, 2022
A huge thank you to Stefanie and James Wilson and bookstagrammers.com for a proof copy in exchange for an honest review.
If you ask me what one of my favorite nonfiction genres is - travel writing is one of my immediate answers. I truly love escaping into the nomad lifestyle, and I always have - back when I never traveled to now, where I have visited country after country and experienced the same things. It is nice to read about adventuring through the world. On top of that, especially as I have gotten older, I love when these books tackle real-life issues and trials.
In The Backpack Years, Stefanie and James Wilson detail their own individual memoirs, with their connected travels. WE follow Stef as she leaves America for Spain, fully taking advantage of a new lifestyle where no one knows her. James on the other hand has problem after problem that happens to him in England and eventually decides to escape to Australia to a start over. When these two meet in Sydney, their paths are nothing close to similar, yet at the same time, these said adventures pull them together. So much so that they end their single travels and forge a new path together. What remains is a world of red tape, miscommunication, and relocation as Stef and James try one last adventure as a couple.
This book follows 13 different countries over 4 continents. It is a great escape from the world we currently are experiencing, taking us to all different corners of the world. I truly loved this book because of how real it was. Stef and James write with such beautiful prose, providing perfect examples of imagery that, while they feel distant from us, could also be grasped in reality.
I cannot recommend this book enough! 5 stars!
If you ask me what one of my favorite nonfiction genres is - travel writing is one of my immediate answers. I truly love escaping into the nomad lifestyle, and I always have - back when I never traveled to now, where I have visited country after country and experienced the same things. It is nice to read about adventuring through the world. On top of that, especially as I have gotten older, I love when these books tackle real-life issues and trials.
In The Backpack Years, Stefanie and James Wilson detail their own individual memoirs, with their connected travels. WE follow Stef as she leaves America for Spain, fully taking advantage of a new lifestyle where no one knows her. James on the other hand has problem after problem that happens to him in England and eventually decides to escape to Australia to a start over. When these two meet in Sydney, their paths are nothing close to similar, yet at the same time, these said adventures pull them together. So much so that they end their single travels and forge a new path together. What remains is a world of red tape, miscommunication, and relocation as Stef and James try one last adventure as a couple.
This book follows 13 different countries over 4 continents. It is a great escape from the world we currently are experiencing, taking us to all different corners of the world. I truly loved this book because of how real it was. Stef and James write with such beautiful prose, providing perfect examples of imagery that, while they feel distant from us, could also be grasped in reality.
I cannot recommend this book enough! 5 stars!
May 27, 2022
"The Backpack Years" mixes two autobiographies together to tell the narrative of Stef and James' six-year journey from happily wandering to painfully settled and back. Stef left America to study in Spain, where she was able to let her hair down and fall in love with two things: a handsome local and travel. Travel was victorious. James was convinced that he had already ruined his future in England. James was pushed to Australia by debt and a deteriorating relationship with his father in quest of a better life. After language issues in France and a topless night in Tenerife, a horrendous offal job in Warrnambool, and a kidnapped manicure in Bali, Stef and James reunite at a Sydney Irish bar.
Despite the fact that their journeys take them in different directions, they decide to leave their single lives behind and form a path together. Will the two be able to save their romance despite red tape, relocation, miscommunication, and a last-ditch, make-or-break journey, or will this be their final journey together?
This book is half travelogue, half romance, and half life failure. The Backpack Years is a story that spans thirteen countries and four continents about how far we'll go to be with the one we love. The chapters were split between James and Stephanie, and the narration alternated between their perspectives. Each of the four sections focuses on a different stage of their lives, which I found fascinating to read about.Their story shows both the pleasures and the perils of international travel, including the financial obstacles, illnesses, and physical dangers that might accompany it.
The writing style was straightforward and amusing. The Backpack Years is a dual autobiography by the book's authors about their early adult years spent backpacking across Asia, Australia, and Europe. This memoir is unique in that it is both enjoyable and emotionally rich. It was a lot of fun to read. It did not bore me in the least. It immediately piques your interest and keeps it until the very end. This memoir took a different approach than most.
Despite the fact that their journeys take them in different directions, they decide to leave their single lives behind and form a path together. Will the two be able to save their romance despite red tape, relocation, miscommunication, and a last-ditch, make-or-break journey, or will this be their final journey together?
This book is half travelogue, half romance, and half life failure. The Backpack Years is a story that spans thirteen countries and four continents about how far we'll go to be with the one we love. The chapters were split between James and Stephanie, and the narration alternated between their perspectives. Each of the four sections focuses on a different stage of their lives, which I found fascinating to read about.Their story shows both the pleasures and the perils of international travel, including the financial obstacles, illnesses, and physical dangers that might accompany it.
The writing style was straightforward and amusing. The Backpack Years is a dual autobiography by the book's authors about their early adult years spent backpacking across Asia, Australia, and Europe. This memoir is unique in that it is both enjoyable and emotionally rich. It was a lot of fun to read. It did not bore me in the least. It immediately piques your interest and keeps it until the very end. This memoir took a different approach than most.
June 25, 2022
Beautifully written and engaging book. The descriptions will bring you to the scene and experience what happens to the characters. The thrill of travel and the struggle to make ends meet. I’ve never read a memoir before but I’ve read books that describes beautiful places and this is just a mix of both. Although I admit at first I had a hard time going through the book but I think that was just because I had a really bad reading slump early this month. I put it down for a week and when I picked it up again, I could never put it down anymore.
April 15, 2022
3.5 stars
The Backpack years is a dual autobiography from the authors of this book and is about their early adult years spent travelling in Asia, Australia and parts of Europe.
It begins a couple of years into the 21st century with separate accounts of how Stef and James came to be backpackers and where they met. Following chapters detail their times together and their struggles with work, relationships and travel.
The book is written in alternate chapters from Stef and James, so at times there is an overlap of a situation or a tale. These are the memoirs of two young people making their tentative steps into adulthood and all the frustrations and responsibilities that a life as a couple brings.
As a memoir about an important era in their lives, I believe that this works well and I’m sure that close family and friends may well enjoy reading this as it will fill gaps in their knowledge of the couple.
However, if you picked this up for its backpacking and travel content, do remember that events took place 15-20 years ago. I’m not sure that I was the right audience for this book, I enjoy armchair travel, but some of the things that these young people saw and took part in made me quite sad.
The Backpack years is a dual autobiography from the authors of this book and is about their early adult years spent travelling in Asia, Australia and parts of Europe.
It begins a couple of years into the 21st century with separate accounts of how Stef and James came to be backpackers and where they met. Following chapters detail their times together and their struggles with work, relationships and travel.
The book is written in alternate chapters from Stef and James, so at times there is an overlap of a situation or a tale. These are the memoirs of two young people making their tentative steps into adulthood and all the frustrations and responsibilities that a life as a couple brings.
As a memoir about an important era in their lives, I believe that this works well and I’m sure that close family and friends may well enjoy reading this as it will fill gaps in their knowledge of the couple.
However, if you picked this up for its backpacking and travel content, do remember that events took place 15-20 years ago. I’m not sure that I was the right audience for this book, I enjoy armchair travel, but some of the things that these young people saw and took part in made me quite sad.
March 9, 2023
I went into this book expecting to love it. The authors' story of how they met while backpacking and then their lives together is told in alternating chapters from each POV. I connected more with Stef's chapters, though I appreciated what felt like a very honest account of their relationship and travels overall. Descriptions of the places they traveled were done well.
I love to hear about other's travels so this seemed like a good fit. That said, this wasn't a home run for me and I struggled a bit to finish it. I realize they were both fairly young in the beginning, but they both came across as rather selfish and spoiled, expecting to always be happy and apparently have no real responsibilities. Throughout so much of their time together, I kept wondering why they stuck it out. So often if one was happy, the other was absolutely miserable. He starts traveling while ditching a mountain of debt back in England. She ditches a teaching career. this just isn't one I'll be recommending to friends.
Thanks to Tucky Buddy Books and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.
I love to hear about other's travels so this seemed like a good fit. That said, this wasn't a home run for me and I struggled a bit to finish it. I realize they were both fairly young in the beginning, but they both came across as rather selfish and spoiled, expecting to always be happy and apparently have no real responsibilities. Throughout so much of their time together, I kept wondering why they stuck it out. So often if one was happy, the other was absolutely miserable. He starts traveling while ditching a mountain of debt back in England. She ditches a teaching career. this just isn't one I'll be recommending to friends.
Thanks to Tucky Buddy Books and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.
March 10, 2024
I have a burning in my feet and an in infinite lust for travel. I also have a full time job and two kids so I don't travel nearly as close to as much as Id like, but I try to make it happen occasionally. And even though the books about travel sometimes make me ache more, a part of me just loves reading about it.
It wasn't a surprise that when I saw the synopsis of The Backpack Years, I immediately knew that I wanted to read it. Cause they were my kind of people. The wanderlusts. The dreamers. The vagabonds. We follow each of the two characters travels alone up to the point where they meet and fall in love. And I mean, Iet's talk about travel romances. I have nothing but love for those cause they are and always have been something magical to me. So yeah, I was bought.
But instead only about their travels, the book also shows a rough side of being in a long distance relationship, trying to make a living as an immigrant outside of your country of birth, dealing with all the work/visa/permits things, different cultures and trying to find a place in the world where you fit in.
It wasn't a surprise that when I saw the synopsis of The Backpack Years, I immediately knew that I wanted to read it. Cause they were my kind of people. The wanderlusts. The dreamers. The vagabonds. We follow each of the two characters travels alone up to the point where they meet and fall in love. And I mean, Iet's talk about travel romances. I have nothing but love for those cause they are and always have been something magical to me. So yeah, I was bought.
But instead only about their travels, the book also shows a rough side of being in a long distance relationship, trying to make a living as an immigrant outside of your country of birth, dealing with all the work/visa/permits things, different cultures and trying to find a place in the world where you fit in.
July 7, 2022
Two memoirs intertwining. The story of James and Stef and how they meet during their backpack trip. That’s a slight part of what The backpack years is about.
The first few chapters are a bit all over the place in my opinion. It’s quite hard to follow what’s happening, getting to know the writers and knowing where they are.
I’m not that into partying so the first part is the book wasn’t that enjoyable to read for me, though it describes the backpack life very well. Maybe it was even a bit too magical and typical…
However, the story gets more and more realistic. Life isn’t always fun, traveling isn’t always fun, love and relationships aren’t always fun. The writers grew on me and I started to empathize for their situation.
Rating: I’d give the first few chapters 2 stars but because the last part of the book was a solid 4 stars to me, a 3/5 ⭐️ it is.
(Thanks to Stefanie and James Wilson and bookstagrammers.com for the e-book in exchange for an honest review!)
The first few chapters are a bit all over the place in my opinion. It’s quite hard to follow what’s happening, getting to know the writers and knowing where they are.
I’m not that into partying so the first part is the book wasn’t that enjoyable to read for me, though it describes the backpack life very well. Maybe it was even a bit too magical and typical…
However, the story gets more and more realistic. Life isn’t always fun, traveling isn’t always fun, love and relationships aren’t always fun. The writers grew on me and I started to empathize for their situation.
Rating: I’d give the first few chapters 2 stars but because the last part of the book was a solid 4 stars to me, a 3/5 ⭐️ it is.
(Thanks to Stefanie and James Wilson and bookstagrammers.com for the e-book in exchange for an honest review!)
June 12, 2023
Maybe 3.5? I mostly enjoyed this one. I definitely liked Stefs chapters more than James. He seemed pretty negative. I just relate more to Stef, too. And I know the whole middle section is kind of necessary to the overall story but I was getting a little bored in that part. I also wished there was more about their travel around Australia together than just them getting drunk all the time. I was expecting pretty much all travel stories based on the title.
That said, I liked it enough. I really liked that it was told from alternating perspectives, that's such a fun way to write something like this! (Which also makes me understand the necessity of the whole middle part, it definitely worked well this way). I've read a lot of travel memoirs. Like, a lot, and this one falls firmly in the middle. Far from the worst I've read but not the best. I enjoyed it and am glad I read it.
Thank you for the eARC, NetGalley.
That said, I liked it enough. I really liked that it was told from alternating perspectives, that's such a fun way to write something like this! (Which also makes me understand the necessity of the whole middle part, it definitely worked well this way). I've read a lot of travel memoirs. Like, a lot, and this one falls firmly in the middle. Far from the worst I've read but not the best. I enjoyed it and am glad I read it.
Thank you for the eARC, NetGalley.
June 19, 2022
The Backpack Years: Two Memoirs, One Story by Stefanie and James Wilson is an unconventional memoir depicting the heart-touching relish tales of love and intricate ways of it.
There's a tiny pale line between non-fiction and fiction. This story is in the buffer zone neutralizing the potential conflict between the choices of bookworms.
Memoirs could be toneless if the experience can't be resonated with the readers. But the frequency of this explanation will fabricate a giant screen of colourful images in your mind.
A little thing I want to point out which might not be a problem for others but I feel annoyed with the redundancies and this script is devoid of all those making it an appropriate read.
It's the description of lifestyle, the place, the details of human behavioural actuality and lively facts to follow along while you turn pages of this a bit longer book. Yes, this is lengthy but you would like to stay for it all along without getting tired.
Stef and James will be your acquaintance during the read and readers will connect with them from their solitariness to their solidarity. I am personally more connected to the character James.
The synopsis of the book is available for you to read everywhere I just pointed out why it's More than the synopsis or just a memoir which will surely make you grab the right thing to flip through for your weekend. A highly recommended book.
There's a tiny pale line between non-fiction and fiction. This story is in the buffer zone neutralizing the potential conflict between the choices of bookworms.
Memoirs could be toneless if the experience can't be resonated with the readers. But the frequency of this explanation will fabricate a giant screen of colourful images in your mind.
A little thing I want to point out which might not be a problem for others but I feel annoyed with the redundancies and this script is devoid of all those making it an appropriate read.
It's the description of lifestyle, the place, the details of human behavioural actuality and lively facts to follow along while you turn pages of this a bit longer book. Yes, this is lengthy but you would like to stay for it all along without getting tired.
Stef and James will be your acquaintance during the read and readers will connect with them from their solitariness to their solidarity. I am personally more connected to the character James.
The synopsis of the book is available for you to read everywhere I just pointed out why it's More than the synopsis or just a memoir which will surely make you grab the right thing to flip through for your weekend. A highly recommended book.
February 8, 2023
The Backpack Years, Two Memoirs, One Story, by Stefanie & James Wilson
L.O.V.E.
The story resonates the passion of Stefanie and James and the love of a lifestyle that many can’t imagine. Both stories are perfectly matched so that you can follow these dreamers as they throw caution to the wind and take on the world.
I fell in love with both Stefanie and James. Their story is powerful and filled with many challenges. I’ve traveled to many of the places in the book, but my journey was nothing compared to the daring free spirited backpack lifestyle of these authors.
This book is a definite keeper. I highly recommend you add “The Backpack Years, Two Memoirs, One Story” to your reading list. You won’t be disappointed.
L.O.V.E.
The story resonates the passion of Stefanie and James and the love of a lifestyle that many can’t imagine. Both stories are perfectly matched so that you can follow these dreamers as they throw caution to the wind and take on the world.
I fell in love with both Stefanie and James. Their story is powerful and filled with many challenges. I’ve traveled to many of the places in the book, but my journey was nothing compared to the daring free spirited backpack lifestyle of these authors.
This book is a definite keeper. I highly recommend you add “The Backpack Years, Two Memoirs, One Story” to your reading list. You won’t be disappointed.
September 29, 2022
The Backpack years is a memoir and has a dual narrative premise where James and Stefanie both share their journey and experience together.
Their tale is filled with travel, romance, and above all, the truth about their life. It is written well and is descriptive, allowing the reader to enjoy this memoir even more. They both travel to 13 countries and four continents, providing enough content for the reader to truly learn more about the places they go.
I liked how they both decided to share their experience together. The cover design is well thought out and represents the content inside.
I recommend this book to those who like memoirs.
Their tale is filled with travel, romance, and above all, the truth about their life. It is written well and is descriptive, allowing the reader to enjoy this memoir even more. They both travel to 13 countries and four continents, providing enough content for the reader to truly learn more about the places they go.
I liked how they both decided to share their experience together. The cover design is well thought out and represents the content inside.
I recommend this book to those who like memoirs.
March 4, 2023
What a fantastic and unique book! This memoir follows two young travelers from the US and England as they bumble their way around the world learning about other cultures, other people, and themselves. The narrative is split between the couple, with each chapter adding a little bit to the story. Both voices are charming in their own way and both sets of chapters are expertly written, at times funny and at other times quite beautiful. The honesty with which The Backpack Years is written will make you feel close to the narrators (and maybe even blush), and the boldness and bravery with which they approach travel will give you fomo. Really great read, highly recommended.
January 9, 2023
I truly enjoyed every page of this book. I have always loved a good travel book, but this was much more than just that. It beautifully described the love story between the two authors, the good parts as well as the hard parts. This book made me want to not only book a flight, but beg the authors to take me on their next adventure with them. They are two gifted story tellers who wrote a book that made me laugh, cry, and appreciate love and travel and life.
December 1, 2023
Thank you #Netgalley for the copy
This was an engaging read as it was written by two individuals whose paths cross while backpacking across the world. I enjoyed learning about each of their experiences and even how certain situations were experienced so differently. The lives they live each come with their own difficulties and cultural differences. They each gave each others countries a try and continued to put effort towards their relationship. Great read!
This was an engaging read as it was written by two individuals whose paths cross while backpacking across the world. I enjoyed learning about each of their experiences and even how certain situations were experienced so differently. The lives they live each come with their own difficulties and cultural differences. They each gave each others countries a try and continued to put effort towards their relationship. Great read!
September 14, 2022
James’s life story resonated with me, as I read the words I could see the images especially when James was envisioning the dreaded “lifestyle creep” we can fall into when getting a pay rise.
The writing style and scene switching makes this such an enthralling page-turner.
The writing style and scene switching makes this such an enthralling page-turner.
January 25, 2023
The dual perspective of this memoir was exciting and I enjoyed living vicariously through Stef and James! I appreciated the romance but also the reality!
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