Will to Wild: Adventures Great and Small to Change Your Life

by Shelby Stanger

Embrace adventures both big and small and pursue your wild ideas with this “profoundly inspiring and laugh-out-loud funny” (Jaimal Yogis, author of The Fear Project ) guidebook from seasoned adventurer and podcaster Shelby Stranger.

Will to Wild is an instruction manual to adventure. Your enthusiastic outdoorswoman Shelby Stranger. Shelby has been teaching folks how to leap into the unknown since she taught her first surf class over twenty years ago. Over the years, she watched many of her students quit their jobs, end dysfunctional relationships, and move across the country for a healthier work-life balance—all after spending a bit of time in nature. Shelby marveled at the phenomenon. Being outside was changing the lives of her students, her peers, and herself. Shelby was so intrigued, she began to tell their stories, first as a writer and journalist, then as a podcast host for Wild Ideas Worth Living , REI Co-op Studio’s flagship podcast.

With her first book, Will to Wild , Shelby shares all she’s witnessed and learned in her years covering adventurers. It’s the book she wishes she’d had when she’d first felt the urge to leap from familiar to wild terrain. The one that takes you step-by-step from the first inkling of inspiration for your own wild idea through fear and self-doubt and on to the finish line.

In these pages, discover stories with practical tips and tactics from world-famous rock climbers and ultra-runners to longtime thru-hikers, surfers, and desk jockeys who’ve figured out how to get off the clock, and even a suburban mom who started teaching women to scale frozen waterfalls in her mid-fifties. Along with Shelby’s stories, they show you how to get unstuck, how to pay attention to “trail signs” that point you toward your adventure, how to face your fears, and what to do when everything goes haywire (which will likely never happen, never fear!). With Shelby’s characteristic strength and vulnerability, Will to Wild “is the ultimate guide for anyone looking to try something new” (Captain Liz Clark, author of Swell ) and encourages you to break out of your comfort zones, get out into nature, and bring your own wild ideas to life. Whether you’re already an adventure junkie or someone who’s never set up a tent, there’s something inside these pages for you.

Genres: Nonfiction, Travel, Self Help, Adventure, Memoir, Nature, Outdoors

288 pages, Hardcover

Published June 6, 2023

Reviews

[Melissa P. · Rating 4 out of 5]

⛰️ Won in a giveaway 🌄

I enjoyed all the short stories about peoples' adventures in the wilderness. I, myself, love the outdoors. I push myself to go for walks, hikes, etc. even when I'm exhausted from work or anything else. Being outside is so refreshing and good for the soul. Even if you don't want to, try being outside at least 30 minutes a day. It helps. The book encourages you to go on adventures, take risks and challenge yourself. Some of the people featured in this book I've heard of, like Cheryl Strayed (from the book and movie "Wild"). This book also talks about when people had mishaps on their adventures and how they solved them or learned from them. If you love the outdoors or are maybe in a rut and want to read some inspiring stories (it may encourage you!), I recommend this book. Thank you to the author, Shelby Stanger, Simon & Schuster Inc. And Goodreads for my ARE copy of this book. Happy reading!! 🐻🦢🐬🏕

[Rebecca Gregory · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. At first I didn't think it would be relevant to me. I'm 72. An outdoor enthusiast. Hiker, kayaker. However I'm well, old. The stories made me pretty proud of my 3 trips through the Grand Canyon, the most recent at the age of 70. Also my week long paddling trips.

This book helped me focus on a dream that I hope to execute in the next couple of years.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Shelby’s love of storytelling really shines through(just like it does in her podcast, which I’m a huge fan of!). Reading all of the adventures is nothing short of inspirational and really makes you think about living with more intention on a daily basis.

[Nelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wild ideas worth living. Shelby‘s podcast got me through 2020 and I will be forever grateful to her for sharing stories from around the world.

[Anna L · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got an ARC via GoodReads giveaway but it took me a while to finish it - mainly because life got in the way. I am not big on advice books, but this one was a good one - not a lot of novel ideas and no science behind them, but good old fashioned common sense and a lot of personal stories. It highlighted importance of being out in nature, getting out of your comfort zone and remembering that life is about a journey, not a destination. I was reading it on and off as I was going through some pretty difficult periods this year and it helped me keep a level head. Overall, a good book and probably not one to read in its entirety all at once but read it when it feels right.

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fantastic read. Something I may revisit in a few years for a reboot in my motivation. Shelby uses true stories from her podcast guests to inspire and educate you on how to have your own adventures and live life to the fullest. If you have felt like you’re in a funk but don’t like typical “self help” books — check this one out. You’ll certainly relate to some aspect of it, especially if you’ve ever loved doing anything outdoorsy. If you haven’t ever loved doing outdoorsy stuff (or anything hard and outside your comfort zone), this will inspire and teach you that you can and you should! For so many deep and life-changing reasons. Read this book!

[Johnny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Want to live a more wild life? Want to learn how to get started, find your way, overcome obstacles, have some fun, learn how to handle it all? Shelby Stanger covers all of this and much more. You will learn how adventures, including Shelby, have done it and keep doing it. There are countless life and adventure lessons in the book. There are many inspirational stories that will make you want to get after it. Are you gonna go? Read it and find out. I did and it has made my life better already.

[Kailee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspiring read to encourage wild ideas or dreams. I can relate to accomplishing a wild dream, and the book only makes me wonder what else I can do. The stories throughout this book are extreme, I didn't realize how many have pushed their limits to do the things they've done. It was very empowering to read. I love how Shelby mentioned the mental and physical exhaustion after a wild adventure or extreme activities. The crash of dopamine levels is real and should definitely be voiced more often.

[Matthew Corritore · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this wonderful book in two days. It reinvigorated my love of nature.

[Caroline Garcia · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book felt a bit like a long blog post. The author hosts a podcast and recounts the wild adventure stories of several of her guests. I would have appreciated fewer stories with more dedicated length and detail. I do appreciate the message of this book that we all need to get outside and do something we thought we couldn’t do before. It’s inspiring me as I’m nervous to hike in the Dolomites!

Some of the adventures are straight up foolish - like the married couple who decide to ski in remote Antarctica for months while they have a young child at home. That’s putting another life at risk to chase something for yourself.

The last two chapters were some of my favorites after several mediocre ones. I like how the author addressed how the end of a journey can be anticlimactic, the dopamine rush coming to an end. The skier who ate a burger alone after conquering a world record felt so real. A lesson that with adventure also comes a need to slow down.

[Chris Fagan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I highly recommend reading Will to Wild by adventurer and podcaster Shelby Stanger. Shelby has interviewed hundreds of interesting people on her popular podcast: Wild Ideas Worth Living (from REI). In her book, she shares amazing adventure stories, blended with her own personal experiences. Shelby synthesizes all she’s learned to help you leap into your own wild adventure. I mean it, read this book -- it will fill you with wonder and awe, and just might make you leap!

[Ellie Hankin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this. Words to live by and will reflect on this daily

[Dorothee Graham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everyone should read this book, whether you have had outdoor adventures in the past, or are just getting started. A huge inspiration, loved it!

[Jennifer Silva Redmond · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inspiring, uplifting and empowering

If you're someone who has dreamed of getting outside more in life, or has dreamed of taking a big chance on yourself in order to fulfill an unusual goal (which might even be labeled "crazy") or any sort of "wild idea" in life, then this book is for you. The author has woven dozens of true stories in with her own inspiring life story into an addictively readable book. Keep it by your favorite chair-- or in your glove compartment or backpack!

[Maggie Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed the short stories and the quotes in the book. Also enjoyed all the resources the author provided to keep going after the book is finished.

[Katie Green · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t think I’ve ever enjoyed taking notes on a book before. It was just interesting, informative and inspiring and I really didn’t want to miss a thing. I loved hearing about the grand adventures but i really appreciated the emphasis on exploring what’s available in your own backyard! Made this book really accessible. Highly recommend.

[Barney Mann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Be inspired—A great nudge to be your best self:
In Will to Wild, author Shelby Stanger through her own tale and those of many others prods, goads, and entices us to listen to and follow our own dreams. ”Hearing stories of other people going for it has given me the courage to go for it too.” Stanger’s book is an engaging deep dive into her life as if we were her best friend. Shelby also takes into the lives of many others, who like her, also dared to live out their dream. Maybe you will, too.

[Elizabeth Edwards · Rating 4 out of 5]

out June 6, 2023. it was a Goodreads giveaway for me. outdoor instructional guides. hiking & camping instructional guides. happiness. i got a paperback copy not a HARD BACK copy like this is saying but PAPERBACK is not an option here on Goodreads??! i will say that i would give bits and pieces but this is a PROOF and that means it is not a real official book that it is not it is final stage of book life ...so what the real book will look like might change ... hope that makes sense??! so, i would advise you to get all the research (the more you know the better, don't just run out without doing some training and research) you can ...take notes, be prepared, know your instincts, know your abilities, never assume you know it all, have help, know where you can find more help, let some1 know always where you will be, how long you figure you will be out and about. good shoes, good outfits, take layers depending on where you are. know the weather, like if you are in the desert know the temperature, they change throughout the day ... proper hiking shoes/boots. take notes, have resources, keep learning. maybe take a hiking trip with others, group hiking. i would never go alone. thunderstorms, flash flooding, whatever kind of weather can and does happen. always take food, water. if you take it in ...take it out ...leaving trash is a BIG NO NO!! for the reason of being a proof book ...i don't feel comfortable and okay with giving it a 5-star rating ... i would need an official final form book 2 do that. thank you for the win ... enjoyable learning and fun read.

[Amy Reeves · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have felt like I was in a rut in a job that I just don't feel fulfilled any longer. Sitting at a desk 8 hours a day is not my thing anymore. I spend so much time in the outdoors and I have been wanting to pursue something... anything to get me outdoors as a career. I was trying to find another book online that I had heard of, but in the suggested books from Google, Will to Wild came up. The word "adventure" is what grabbed my attention. This book was, what Shelby refers to as, a "trail sign" for what I wanted in my life. She has become one of my "trail angels". The stories throughout the book of many different people's adventures have motivated me to pursue my dreams. I normally get bored with books and set them aside to read later, and never do. I did not put this one down. I even listened to 4 chapters while on a trail run in the Utah mountains. It motivated me so much on my run that once I reached the summit, I took my phone and began journaling the adventure so that I could start a new blog. I now plan to journal my adventures, small and large. Because of this book I have already written a "vision board" of goals to further my education in the outdoors, take time to make preparations for grand outdoor adventures, and a long list of adventures to start training for. I have started the design of a blog, which will hopefully progress into something else, and I've been reaching out to volunteer with local youth groups to help with outdoor adventures, as she suggested. I have done all of this within just a couple weeks because of how motivating this book has been.
As much as I loved listening to her jolly and upbeat voice sharing hers, and others stories, I definitely plan to pick up a book so that I can highlight and underline specific stories and quotes that have motivated me. In the audio version you get to really hear the excitement she has, which definitely contributed to my motivation and desire to continue listening. The great thing about this book is that it doesn't only apply to just pursuing outdoor adventures, but any adventure in life. There's so much great content that can be applied to anything in life regarding working toward goals in life.
I don't believe in coincidences. I was confused and stuck doing something I don't enjoy as a career and I know I was meant to find her book at this specific time in my life because I was ready to take action and this is what pushed me to do so, and it gave me a lot of direction in how to start pursuing my passion. I recently opened a bottle of soda and the bottom of it said "Things Are Going to Change." Then I came across this book a few days later and things are changing. I highly recommend this book! It has, and will continue to change my life! My new mantras in life have been ones that I have had in front of my eyes on my laptop. It reads "live the life you love", and one that I tell myself on the trail, "just one more mile."

[Zibby Owens · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is not a conventional adventure guidebook. Instead, it offers something more profound: a guide to living your best life. The author, who began as a podcaster, delivers fun stories about others she interviewed alongside the more raw, vulnerable ones of her life. The book makes a compelling case for the idea that adventure, regardless of its scale, can profoundly impact our lives. It emphasizes that adventure is a deeply personal journey; even small, everyday adventures can lead to significant positive changes. Including pro tips at the end of each chapter is a practical touch that streamlines the application of the book's lessons.

What sets this book apart from other adventure books is its focus on the process of adventure itself. It doesn't merely glorify the finish line but offers insights into dealing with self-doubt, fear, and imposter syndrome. Will to Wild was beautiful! I loved that the author promoted body positivity. She provides a roadmap to a more adventurous life. Still, she clarifies there's no one-size-fits-all approach to adventure, making it accessible to anyone, regardless of their background or current circumstances. It's an eloquent exploration of the joys, challenges, and profound changes that adventure can bring. I highly recommend this book to all seeking to live more accelerated lives!

To listen to my interview with the author, go to my podcast at:
https://shows.acast.com/moms-dont-hav...

[Socraticgadfly · Rating 2 out of 5]

Probably 2.5 stars, but I bumped it down.

First, this is NOT above all and beneath the sheets, an outdoors adventure book, contra the subhed.

It's a self-help book trying to disguise itself as that.

And, while it's not as New Agey as some, it is that to a degree, and I realized that, too.

My antennae went up further just before halfway, when I looked on the back and noticed the blurbers included James Nestor, author of the loathsome "Breath" book.

It's got the "n=1" anecdotal problems of most such books, combined with the fact that most the people in this particular book are moneyed enough and White enough to be able to afford these outdoor adventures and have the sociocultural mindset to embrace them.

Beyond money and situational matters, books like this also never have room to discuss pure dumb luck. And not "luck" in a backdoor New Age metaphysical sense. Simply random chance.

And, yes, it also involves bits of podcast-dropping and other things, tho not so bad as to expect this was paid placement. There was bits of name-dropping, too, and speaking of, on Cheryl Strayed and "Wild," contra Stanger I wasn't totally enamored.

And, beyond "meh," I guess I had not created a shelf for "New Agey" before because I usually don't pick them up. "Congrats" for being the first, Stanger.

[Ashley Lukeson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading this book and all of the inspirational stories of people pursuing a life of adventure! I had never heard of Shelby Stanger’s podcast before, but will definitely check it out after reading this book. It was recommended by an influencer I follow, and I’m so glad I followed her recco. As someone who has felt “stuck” in her career, this book was such a breath of fresh air with so many ideas and prompts worth considering.

What made this even sweeter is a blurb in the book about her friend “Meli.” I’m pretty sure it’s the same person my friends and I met in Nosara after taking a stand-up paddle boarding lesson with her (now) husband Coco. I got so excited when I saw we had that connection!

I’ve also been wanting to go back to Costa Rica since our honeymoon in 2020 (that was cancelled) and this is inspiring me to try even harder to convince my husband we should take the trip 🤪

[Brandon · Rating 5 out of 5]

So often I feel myself struggling to express my passions in life and explore new adventures. Having recently just quit my job the day before I found this book and saw Shelby speak live, I have to say that this book is extremely motivating and transcending. I don't consider myself much of a reader but I knew I wanted to read this book, and I'm glad I did because Shelby dives into so many amazing ways and tips on how we can recognize our life Trail Signs to pursue our Wild Ideas. Hearing so many stories about these amazing things that all these humans have accomplished really shows that the only restrictions we put on our lives is the ones we choose to put on ourselves. I couldn't recommend this book enough especially to people around my age (24) who may be struggling with how to navigate the corporate world or our careers.

[Michelle Arredondo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I knew if I got this book then I'd have to go through an entire podcast to bring it all together. I had never heard of Wild Ideas Worth Living. I soon found out.

I enjoyed getting to know Shelby Stanger via my marathon of podcast listening and via this book. The adventures, the interesting people, the informative tidbits along the way. It was all very entertaining and I enjoyed every moment of it. I especially like that I have a lot of positive and hopeful messages for myself that I can integrate into my daily life when I get the urge to take an outdoor adventure. Not always the biggest fan of them....I feel inspired.


Thanks to the good people of Goodreads and to S&S/Simon Element for my copy of this book won via giveaway. I received. I read. I reviewed this book honestly and voluntarily.

[Sydney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shelby is inspiring. I felt motivated from beginning to end. If you’re someone who loves being outside, someone who likes adventure, or someone who has a crazy idea, you’ll love this book. If you’re a person who doesn’t like change or getting outside your comfort zone, you probably won’t like this book. But for anybody wanting some motivation to take a risk or to just enjoy the sunshine, read this book! I was inspired the whole time I was reading it, and I was even moved to tears by some of the stories in it. I’ve also listened to Shelby’s podcast, and it’s so good. I think it’s dope she made a book too. As I learned some of her background, I realized she’s pretty badass, and now I feel motivated to get outside and shake some shit up in my life. 10/10 would recommend!

[Megan Walsh · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you want to be motivated to live a big life, follow your dreams (in both big and small ways), and live genuinely, then this book is for you. I loved it so much I bought copies for my friends who are also doing their best to live wildly.
Shelby does an incredible job of story telling while also writing a guidebook on how to pursue your own wild idea/ dream. I cried tears of joy and inspiration multiple times while reading. The author is so genuine, you can’t help but relate.
As a woman, marathon runner, rock climber, backpacker, mountaineer, and world traveler, I felt seen on so many different levels. Will read this again and again.

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not only is this book full of inspirational stories, the author Shelby Stanger is such a genuine human being that instantly feels like a BFF rooting you on! As someone who is on my own path of living my own wild ideas (trading NYC corporate banking for a camera and a surfboard in Costa Rica), this book has been such a great "keep going" motivator. Getting in my own head is never a good place to be, and not only have I've read this book cover to cover 1x, I find myself returning to as it feels like Shelby and everyone she writes about is rooting me on too. Thanks Shelby for sharing your gift, stoke, and awesomeness with the world!

[Katie Queen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The stories of all the individuals and pairs interviewed to make this book become a reality are truly inspiring. When I first came across the book, I picked it up just because I was looking for something, anything to read and guessed it looked kind of interesting. I am so glad I did. I picked this book up at just the right time in my life, full of uncertainty of what’s next and big dreams and desires for a lot, this book provided encouragement and a positive outlook into doing scary and seemingly hard things that can generate a great chain reaction of events in your life. I think about this book often.

[Chris Wells · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone who has lived out a wild idea or two, I can say that Shelby Stanger’s new book “Will to Wild” is a solid guide for discovering, planning, and carrying out wild ideas. The chapters about building a community to support your wild ideas, and how to plan for what comes next after you live out your wild ideas are especially helpful.

Also be sure to check out Shelby’s podcast and recent TEDx talk. Better yet, find a quiet spot outdoors to check them out.

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

In my opinion, this book felt like it was an advertisement for REI, the author's podcast, and various other books, among other things. This was an attempt on my part to get out of my normal book comfort zone, so to speak, and I really struggled to even finish reading it. It has some great life principles more people should introduce themselves to, however, so I hope it makes it to its target demographic and does some good in the world.