It was interesting to read that research has found that good relationships are the most significant factor in people's happiness. The book reiterated this point many times. It included vignettes of people who were happy in spite of their struggles because they valued their relationships. The W.I.S.E.R. tool was something suggested as a way to gracefully engage with a person who says something that may push one of our buttons. The review questions at the end helped to anchor what was covered in the summary. It was nice not to have to delve into the technicalities of the research study. I trusted the content and would recommend this book to others.

The book provided a good summary in a concise manner. As I read this book, I wondered about the author's credentials...is she a psychologist, a counselor, a researcher? When I checked her background, what I found is she is a "prolific writer" and a poet. Although I was a bit skeptical, there were several things in the book that I found to be relevant in my experience and I will use to improve my life experience. For me, more direct references to the sources would have made the book more credible.

Reading Brendyn's book felt a little voyeristic at times. He shares many intimate details about his experiences. Some stories made me laugh at the obsurdity of what he encountered on his travels and at other times, I found myself grossed out. Given my nephew has this type of lifestyle, I felt the book gave me a glimmer of what drives one to want to travel. Also, as someone who spent decades in a cubicle with limited vacation days, I cheered Brendyn on for his self-awareness and rebellion against the confines of the office. I did find the back and forth timeline approach a little confusing and there were times when a chapter felt a little jumbled. On the whole though, I enjoyed this book and would recommend it to someone who pines for travelling (not touring). Thank you Brendyn for being willing to share such intimate details.