Member Reviews

Through a series of short stories, Fitz Cahall takes readers on a journey to where the wild, untamed outdoors become the backdrop for personal discovery. States of Adventure is an exciting and inspiring book that shows how getting lost is one of the best ways to find yourself.

Immerse yourself in thirty stories that will inspire you to pack a bag, head outside, and push yourself to new heights. You’ll journey across mountains and woods, through snow, over rapids, and up rock faces. From completing the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route in a wheelchair bike to swapping the city for van life in Yosemite, States of Adventure promises a host of real-world adventures stronger than any fictional tale.

Cahall mixes adventure with the challenges of everyday life making it relatable, whether you’re feeling lost in thought, dealing with a difficult time, or trying to figure out who you hope to become. This book highlights the idea that, sometimes, stepping outside of your comfort zone and embracing the unknown is exactly what you need to grow. Cahall’s writing is full of vivid descriptions that pull you into his experiences, so you feel like you’re right there with him, tackling the wild world head-on.

It’s not just about the thrill of adventure. This book also reminds us that getting lost can sometimes be a good thing—when you learn from your mistakes, find that inner courage, and gain clarity from the world around you. Cahall’s stories are full of aha moments and life lessons that will undoubtedly inspire kids (and parents) alike. For outdoor enthusiasts, States of Adventure is the perfect pick, weaving together a spirit of rugged adventure and man’s desire for personal growth.

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If you are the reader who's intimidated by heights (think mountains), has not much physical endurance (think long treks on trails spanning from Alaska to Argentina), love the sight of the powdery white stuff (snow) dotting the landscape but not the chill, this is the book for you.

This book gives the reader a chance to metaphorically walk away from it all and join these intrepid travelers. Expected stories of adventure from the blurb but reading about a young kayaker braving the rapids, hearing about a team of individuals using adaptive device to climb, the legacy of adventure in multiple generations (father to son, father to daughter) and the uniqueness of burro racing was something altogether unexpected. The photographs only added to the thrill of reading their adventures.

This ARC was provided by the publisher, DK, via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

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In States of Adventure, Cahall tells the stories of both his adventures and those of many other outdoor lovers. The stories were very inspiring and the photographs were absolutely stunning. I love nature and being outdoors, but am not a true adventurer. I loved living vicariously through others as they developed their climbing skills to achieve a goal, hiked alone for extended distances, and enjoyed a host of other exhilarating accomplishments. I loved that this book is in the style of a coffee table book with many pictures throughout, but gave each story the depth that it deserved.

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Loved this book to pieces! I have no real notes to add except that all the pictures and stories left me massively seething with jealousy.

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States of Adventure, Stories About Finding Yourself by Getting Lost by Fitz Cahall is an excellent book to lose yourself in. Yes, the point emphasizes finding yourself, and I love how the background is set up to do this. When you are in the wilds of nature and you push yourself past what you believe to be your limit, then you truly find yourself. Maybe you prefer to live vicariously through others, or you just need some new inspiration, this is a great book! The pictures are stunning, and the stories are truly motivational and inspirational. There are activities, traditional and non-traditional from all over the world and covering all seasons, so there really is no excuse not to take a peek and try it out. I especially enjoyed the perspective of the people being interviewed as it provided great insight into the how and why for some of the selections.
I received a copy from the publisher via NetGalley and all opinions expressed are solely my own, freely given.

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This isn't what I expected and at first I was disappointed, and then I was really pleased and excited. The stories are like snapshots, so some of them aren't as complete, but each one describes a big adventure. Every one is impressive in its own way, and I cried after reading the story of the brave lady who borrowed a dog to make an impressive snow trek and then got to adopt the dog. I highly recommend this, for the stories, for the pictures, and for the sense of adventure. Read this and then make your own dreams come true! Thanks to NetGalley for letting me read this.

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States of Adventure is a wonderful and adventurous book. It will cause you to start planning your next adventure. Better than the stories are the fantastic photos.

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