Title: Project VanLife
Author: Trevor DeRuise and Sierra Davies
Publication date: October 31, 2014
Summary:
Get inspired and come along on the adventure of a lifetime. Learn what
it takes to step outside of your comfort zone in order to live a life
fueled by passion. Join a 22-year-old professional mountain bike racer
and his girlfriend as they enter into the world of entrepreneurship in
order to keep their dreams and passions alive while they transition from
“college life” into the real world. Following their hearts, these two
dreamers set out to chase the largest professional mountain bike series
in North America during the summer of 2014. The epic journey has them
living out of a used van for 90 days as they drive over 15,000 miles on
an almost inexistent budget. All the while, they struggle to run several
business and philanthropic endeavors from their rolling office in order
to fulfill the vision they see for their lives. This book illustrates
the devastating heartbreak of defeat and the heavenly thrill of triumph
only available to those who dedicate their lives to a purpose greater
than themselves. Let these young adventurers motivate you as they lay it
all on the line to prove, firsthand, what VanLife is all about.
Review:
A little different from my normal reviews, this book is non-fiction and somewhat autobiographical, as well as being self-published. But stay with me here, because I have nothing but amazing things to say about this book.
While following the adventures of Sierra and Trevor as they trek across the country living out of the back of a van, I laughed, I cried, and I came out the other side feeling wholly inspired and alive. Project VanLife chronicles the stories of two seemingly everyday twenty-somethings with a thirst for adventure, and the determination to make their dreams a reality. It felt like reading an awesome novel about a summer roadtrip with great characters, but one where you're like, "This would never happen in real life..." - but that's the awesome thing about this book, is that these are two everyday REAL people just trying to get by, while carving out a meaningful existence for themselves.
This book has a little bit of everything - enthusiasm, adventure, comedy, love, and inspiration. And by the end, you'll be ready to jump off the couch and go tackle your own projects, make your own dreams a reality. In a time where it seems like all we hear about is the mountains of debt, poor economy, lack of jobs, and generally negative outlook for twenty-somethings today, this book is a refreshing reminder that with a little bit of motivation and determination, you really can do what you put your mind to. Recommended for anyone who has even an inkling of a dream inside that they want to pursue, anyone who wants a little inspiration, or anyone looking to live an amazing adventure vicariously through others ;)
