The book Vagabonding traveled with me around the globe for 18 months.
This post is a dream come true.
Starting in college, I’ve fantasized about somehow driving fantastic but under-appreciated books into the limelight. I have a soft spot for out-of-print tomes and niche publications.
Flash forward, nearly 15 years later…
After three #1 bestsellers, I’ve finally pulled the trigger. For the last several months, I’ve been quietly buying audiobook and e-book rights to books that have changed my life, and producing audiobooks in professional studios.
Fun!
This post launches the Tim Ferriss Book Club, and the first book is incredible: Vagabonding.
Why a Book Club?
There are several reasons…
- I was greatly influenced by books recommended by Oprah Winfrey’s Book Club (e.g. Love in the Time of Cholera), despite the fact that I wasn’t her demographic.
- I could never find a book club for 20-40-year old males, or a curator for that demo. I’m now in a position to give it a shot myself (and extend it to women, of course).
- Based on recent experiments (BitTorrent and elsewhere), I think I can at least double an author’s print sales with my marketing of their audio/e-book. I like helping good writers.
- This blog’s community is incredible…and we like books (see comparison to TV and NYT Op-Ed impact). The idea of having thousands of people read the same book each month, all interacting with one another and the book’s author, is thrilling to me. And, last but not least…
- You’ve asked me to start a book club for years!
The time has come.
This leads us to Rolf Potts and a little tome with a huge impact…
Why Vagabonding?
“Vagabonding packs a serious philosophical punch and has a cult-like following among independent travelers…”
— The Oregonian
“This book will become a travel classic, and belongs in all travel collections.”
— Library Journal
Starting in 2004, I traveled the world for roughly 18 months. The lessons learned formed the basis for much of The 4-Hour Workweek.
On my journey — from the back alleys of Berlin to the hidden lakes of Patagonia — I had next to nothing: one suitcase, one backpack, and only two books. One of those books was Walden by Henry David Thoreau (naturally), and the other was Vagabonding: An Uncommon Guide to the Art of Long-Term World Travel, written by Rolf Potts.
Since 2005, I’ve continued to read 1-3 books per week on average, or 50-150+ books a year.
Vagabonding easily remains in my top-10 list for life-changing books. Why? Because one incredible trip, especially a long-term trip, can change your life forever. And Vagabonding teaches you how to travel (and think), not for one trip, but for the rest of your life. Tim Cahill, founding editor of Outside magazine and a brilliant travel writer himself, has said of Vagabonding, “I think this is the most sensible book of travel related advice ever written.”
In my own dog-eared copy of Vagabonding, I have notes, underlines, and highlights on practically every page, ranging from the tactical (how to pack intelligently, what to bring, what not to bring, where to go, etc.) to the philosophical (the Upanishads, how to slow down after a lifetime of rushing and caffeine, etc.). I also have a wish list of dream destinations on the inside cover, including places like Stockholm, Prague, Paris, Munich, Berlin, and Amsterdam. The list goes on and on.
Using the Rolf’s tips, the same tips you can learn in Vagabonding, I checked them all off. I was able to explore many of them for 2-3 months at a time at my own pace, unrushed and unworried. It was a dream come true.
Everything in Vagabonding works. This book changed my life completely, and I wish the same for you.
Enjoy the adventures. May you have many of them.
Here is Chapter One from the brand-new audiobook, which includes new case studies and a Preface by yours truly:
[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/119580988″ width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]
From there, each chapter is better than the last. Click here for the full audiobook.
If you’re an author, agent, or publisher who’d like to talk about including your book in the Tim Ferriss Book Club, please tell me here.
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Still on this page? Let’s keep going, then.
Here’s the jacket description of Vagabonding:
“Vagabonding” is about taking time off from your normal life — from six weeks, to four months, to two years — to discover and experience the world on your own terms. Veteran shoestring traveler Rolf Potts shows how anyone armed with an independent spirit can achieve the dream of extended overseas travel, once thought to be the sole province of students, counterculture dropouts, and the idle rich. Potts gives the necessary information on:
Financing your travel time
Determining your destination
Adjusting to life on the road
Working and volunteering overseas
Handling travel adversity
and re-assimilating into ordinary life
Not just a plan of action, vagabonding is an outlook on life that emphasizes creativity, discovery and the growth of the spirit.
More goodies:
– Reader and media praise for Vagabonding
– Vagabonding BitTorrent Bundle
– Vagabonding excerpt on YouTube (Part II – “Someday” is a disease)
Any special requests for this book club? Ideas or suggestions? Please let me know in the comments.
We’ll have some special reader-only events with Rolf soon, so be sure to listen to the book! It’s also available on iTunes, but it helps both Rolf and me more if you download the book through Audible.
I hope you benefit from this book as much as I have over the years. If you pay attention, it can change your life.
The Tim Ferriss Show is one of the most popular podcasts in the world with over 500 million downloads. It has been selected for "Best of Apple Podcasts" three times, it is often the #1 interview podcast across all of Apple Podcasts, and it's been ranked #1 out of 400,000+ podcasts on many occasions. To listen to any of the past episodes for free, check out this page.
Another smile brought to me by Tim Ferriss. I will listen to the book {I have credits already in my queue} on my 3 hour drive today. Thanks, Tim! Best wishes for another fabulous adventure and thanks for sharing with the rest of us.
Honoree, this article gave me a TRIPLE smile!
1. I adored “Vagabonding” and I’ve met Rolf Potts, who is a easy going guy. Great selection!
2. The book inspired me to start vagabonding in 2006. I haven’t stopped since. I’m now on a 4-year trip to all 54 African countries. Thank you Rolf!
3. I love that Tim is starting a book club aimed at an overlooked demographic. As an avid reader, Tim should share his favorite picks.
QUESTION: How does one get considered for the book club? I’d think my two books, which have their inspiration in “Vagabonding”, would appeal to Tim and his book club.
Book Club Submission
https://4hb.wufoo.com/forms/tim-ferriss-publishing-book-submission-form/
Instabuy!
All over this like a bad rash! Vagabonding has been on my “to read” list for a while now.
Mine too! I’m buying 3 copies for myself and my brothers for Christmas. Happy reading!
Sweet! i’ve read this one already, thanks to you … looking forward to more. Good luck with the new venture, Tim!
wow, i am facing a cross road in my life right now and this is perfect timing with this first book
Thanks Tim!
I´ll definitely buy it when you publish it as an e-book. Looking forward to that.
It’s a classic for years now! My copy is full with highlights as well. Thumbs up!
– The $100 Startup
– Escape from Cubicle Nation
– Purple Cow
I got a whole list here…including the 4 hr work week: http://sprng.me/ftbsu
Tim,
vagabonding is pretty much the definition of freedom for me.
It only works if you can spend time doing things you love, being location independent and not worrying about money.
I’ll start listen to this book as soon as I finish my current book 🙂
Thanks,
Jan
Consider “No Place but UP!” by Lance Fox
Sign me up! I am an avid reader!… And a vagabond gypsy! Thanks Tim!
A Tim Ferriss book club? My day just became a little bit better! *starts mailing room on my bookshelves*
Thanks Tim, you couldn’t have picked a better book for the launch of the book club. I’ve read this one and watched every one of Rolf’s YouTube videos. It’s been such an inspiration that I’m about to begin my own vagabond in March….three months traveling, camping, kite boarding and blogging across Australia. For those reading this, Rolf’s ‘No Baggage Challenge’ is worth checking out.
This book has been on my to-read list for a while…still working my way down the list of books recommended by you Tim. Nothing like a book club and Audible.com to push it straight to the top. Thanks for helping us all grow!
Can’t wait to get a copy and start reading it! I had a question about your bittorrent bundle with the audio book. Has the unlocked portion of the full audio book been sent out? Because I have still not received it. And if there’s one book I would recommend that really changed my way of thinking and it really ties in with your M.E.D. it would be Jeff Olson’s “The Slight Edge”.
Thanks Tim!
Thanks, Cameron! You should have had access to the full 4HC as soon as you passed the email gate, but let me ping BitTorrent to ask. Happy to email them.
All the best,
Tim
Thank you Tim! I got the confirmation email for unlocking it but nothing followed.
Love the slight edge!
Tim this is just amazing !!! Truly inspiring story and I’m can’t wait to see what other books you had in mind.
Just a small question: is there any chance you’ll be able to release the updated versions of the book in ebook format? I personally don’t really like to listen to books. Thanks !!!
This book recommendation could not have come at a better time. I’m nearing the end of a year out my normal life. I finally at the age of 44 took the GAP year that never happened in my 20s. I live by the sea so I moved high up a mountain. I’m hoping that this book will help me process the year that I’ve had.
Yes! Love the book club idea and I’m glad you’re choosing up and coming authors as your niche. Very excited to get started!
Bought Vagabonding after reading this guest post on your blog:
http://www.fourhourworkweek.com/blog/2010/08/20/travel-with-no-baggage/
…AWESOME book. Doubt anyone will be disappointed!
Very cool. This is my short list. I’m sure there are many others. These are what stick out in my mind: http://allentucker.com/books/
Marcus Aurelius and et all would make a good audio series as well, though I’m sure that’s already on the agenda.
I started a nonfiction book discussion group at my local library because the sponsored groups seemed to be mostly fiction. It turns out that the regular attendees are all men (I’m not).
One book we all enjoyed very much was “How to Live, or A Life of Montaigne, in one question and twenty attempts at an answer”.
Another which we have not yet got to, but which I always give to anyone in hospital, is “My Family and Other Animals”, Gerald Durrell’s memoir of his happy childhood on the island of Corfu.
Your first and second book changed my life…
Your book club is going to give me more direction..
Awesome experiences with Tim Ferriss!
Tim, can we somehow join the bookclub and elect to get books in kindle edition? As I’m sure you know, you can’t really speed read an audio book.
Nice. I was thinking about getting this one for a long time already as well as thinking about joining Audible, so that’s a perfect opportunity. Audiobook is perfect, as my Kindle is already stuffed. So, thank you, I guess 😉
It’s about time you started a book club! I’m really looking forward to starting this next month, considering I’ve already read this book. Still looking forward to participating in the discussions
Just ordered the book in paperback and it will be here Wednesday. I can’t
wait to start reading it. Thanks so much for your book club. This is exciting!
Hello Tim,
Your desire to help your followers never stops amazing and inspiring me. Since learning of who you were a few years ago I have actively used you and your friends as references for all the books that fill my shelves. This Book Club is a fantastic idea and I look forward to see which books I may have missed.
Thanks for being a mentor and life changing inspiration.
Great! I can imagine that book sales will hugely benefit from an endorsement by Tim Ferriss. I’ll keep an eye open for your endorsements in future as I’m part of your target group but not part of your demographic (50+).
What we want in life is something that makes us feel great. It’s rewarding helping others. See stories and ideas in the book and ebook, “101 Awesome Things to Do for Someone Who’s Sick.”
“I don’t know what your destiny will be, but one thing I know:
the only ones among you who will be really happy are those
who will have sought and found how to serve.”
—Albert Schweitzer
Love this idea. Derek Sivers has done something similar on his website, although in a much more low-key manner – a small summary of books are available, along with a rating and a link to a full summary.
Hi Tim
I read the 4HWW multiple times.
One of the advices there was “don’t read too much”.
What about the 1-3 books per week since 2005?
An additional question here would be, how much time do you average for processing 100 pages (as you probably take more notes from some books than others and also change reading speed depending on material)
I feel lied to… the successful man reads, and then tells others to read much, much less.
This gives me motivation to start writing the book I always wanted to write!
What a marvellous idea – thanks so much for sharing this Tim xx
Hi Tim
Great idea – I’m in. Resurrected my old Audible account as a consequence of this..
Quick pointer. When I clicked on the link to audible it took me to the correct page. However, when I clicked to buy, safari returned a can’t open page.
I assume this is because I’m UK based and the affiliate link somehow messed up (if you’re not using affiliate links then a) I’m surprised! (and its ok BTW, its a great little muse) ; b) I have no idea what actually went wrong).
Audible UK runs an affiliate program too, so you may want to add a link for those of us the other side of the pond?
Cheers
Rob
Here’s the holiday reading I was looking for, thanks Tim
Ordered! I value your tips, especially since you do not promote everything under the sun to your list:-)
I will follow your Book Club with great interest:)
Tim, ever since i read the 4HWW I was a member of your book club… i cannot wait to read Vegabonding
Brent
Vagabonding is definitely the most life changing book I have read. The information on its pages helped me get over all of the roadblocks and fears I was experiencing regarding extended travel. As a result of reading the book I spent five wonderful years roaming all over the world living the vagabonding life. This is a great first book for your book club. I can’t wait to see what else is on the list – Thank you!
Congrats, Keith! I agree. Vagabonding can have a hell of an impact. Adventure on!
Hi Tim,
What great news to start my week … your 4HWW totally changed how I think and live – the book club idea will only continue to challenge conventionally thinking #loveit.
I don’t want to shamelessly self pitch so am I able to find out where I can submit my book ‘Frazzled to Focused’ ( 4HWW for Moms) for consideration ?
Best, Rivka
I’m amazed by your keen entrepreneurial instinct. Once again you’ve come up with a system that enables you to make money from doing what you love and exert positive influence on the world. But what really floors me is your business model. Acquiring audio and e-book rights to already published but overlooked gems and give them a proper marketing campaign? Of course! It’s so obvious! When YOU do it. Sometimes I wonder why I bother getting a business degree at all. It might be more useful and time efficient to just study your career.
Just came across the blog and reading through these comments. Is there a LIKE button …. cuz I so agree with Liobov’s comment!
“The Power of Perception” would be a good fit for this demographic.
Who is the author? Amazon has a few authors with that title.
Several years back I bought eight copies of “Vagabonding” and gave them to my friends. Great book.
Awesome!
So looking forward to this adventure.
Is there any chance you’ll be leveraging your relationship with Amazon to give discounts on the hard copies of these books? Don’t get me wrong, I love audiobooks and listen to them almost constantly, but lately I’ve realized that I’d like to keep a bookshelf full of copies of the important or life changing books I’ve read, if only to lend to others.
Thanks!
Hi Tim,
When will you be posting the results of who won your mentorship program?
Hi Travis!
We’ve selected the student. I’m hoping to do more along these lines, so keep an eye on this blog. Thank you for asking… and participating.
All the best,
Tim
Perfect timing. Will be going on a 6mos off-the-communication-grid sabbatical starting February, and will be traveling the whole time. No email or phone calls. No twitter or facebooking or other contact. Period. A bit of a scary thing to do after building my company for the last 18 years (now 900 people, and one heckuva lot of tasty beer).
Sara and I will read / listen to the book with interest!
Cheers,
Greg Koch
So excited about the book club Tim! I think it’s a great idea! Can’t wait to read all the books you recommend!
Hi Tim,
LOVE that you are starting a book club! I just finished a great book somewhat in the same vein called, All Roads Lead West about a guy who is fed up with his corporate life and cuts ties to embark into the unknown.
I think its only in ebook though. Anyway, thanks for sharing, can’t wait to read!
Tori
This is great Tim! I have been on an intense book diet these past few weeks so count me in!
I (semi)-tried this idea this past summer in Vietnam and Malaysia. The problem with semi-trying and bringing your family is that they can often keep you behind and alter the itinerary. I’m not saying that bringing your family on an adventure isn’t recommended, I’m saying all parties must be willingly open to the idea. Or else you might get stuck in one place for too long, killing the very description of travel.
Excellent! A book club for my demographic and interests. Tim, you have my utmost gratitude for yet another great thing you’re doing!
I read this book around 5 years ago and yes its a good book and you recommended it in the 4HWW. Thank you for that. I read it before traveling the last few years.
As for Walden, i’ve been trying to read it for the last year but can’t seem to get into it. The english is hard for me to follow and understand. I feel I need a translator.
Any tips on starting a local book club? Potential post? I wanna burn a 100+ books off the list within 6-12 months. Thinking a book club may amplify motivation. Or should I just go Joseph Campbell rambo and make it a full time job?
Tim you are a true polymath, with every new venture you surprise me!
Hi Tim,
Very cool. Im sure you got butterflies!
I look forward to a post about stories on purchasing rights and cutting deals with publishers.
Ahmed
Vagabonding is one of my absolute favorites. I read this twice: once after reading 4HWW, while I dreamt about vagabonding; and the second time after I left my corporate job and was actually DOING it.
Question for Tim: Do you plan to share your journey and process of creating audiobooks? This is something I’m starting to dive into now with the books I’m releasing, and would love to share tips/tools/advice.
Love it!! Book club is awesome. I have not yet read Vagabonding but it’s been on my list forever, will definitely dive into it. thanks Tim 🙂
Vagabonding rocks!
As for recommendations, may I suggest ‘vN’ and ‘iD’ from MadelineAshby ? Really great books!!! I’m something of a sci-fi buff and these are especially great.
AFCB!!
What about books on Brainstorming, creativity, generating and challanging ideas, as many get stuck not completing this first and important phase..
Rock on!!
awsome first chioce book!
I did a video interview with Rolf (for my ninja interview series-youtube) and he’s a really generous guy and a pleasure to chat with. Great first pick!
This is probably not is your demographic (reading it may involve sniffling and tissues) ….but check out “Dog in the Gap: Brief Explorations of Canine Care-Taking and Human Flourishing” (kindle) if you’ve ever own a pet! 15 of 15 5 starts reviews can’t be wrong! 🙂
Awesome!! I have been waiting for this for years.
Recommendation: A book which you’ve personally endorsed, Appalachian Trials (background: http://goo.gl/ub1RzT).
I am a self-published author, so no need to negotiate with soul-sucking big publishers. The book has developed a passionate cult-following despite being self-published (5-star avg. review; 94 reviews on Amazon). Although the book is aimed toward aspiring Appalachian Trail thru-hikers, the content applies to a much broader audience (as reiterated in the book’s reviews and your very kind endorsement). I’ve had several requests to turn this into an audiobook, but have buried this on my to-do list (being a part of the Tim Ferriss Book Club would instantly put it to the top). Lastly, Robert Redford is turning “A Walk in the Woods” (Bill Bryson’s story about attempting an AT thru-hike) into a movie (reference: http://goo.gl/rAvU8c). I anticipate this will put the AT under an international spotlight, similar to how “The Way” did for El Camino Santiago, and consequently, raise awareness for thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail (and all the media that surrounds it – *cough cough*).
Thanks for reading my pitch.
Happy hiking,
Zach
I hadn’t even heard of this book. Thanks for bringing this to our attention!
Timmy, my man,
You’ve become one of my idols since the day I ran into the 4HWW in a book store in South Africa. I’m 21, Digital Media student in Rio de Janeiro, Brasil (born and raised). Pretty much thanks to you I’m starting my business here in Rio. Thanks a lot for all the help.
Loved this last post, I’ve wanted to read this book since I read about it in the 4HWW. Would love to buy it, but here in Brasil its hard to find the books I want in english.
Since I wanna buy this book so bad (and am gonna buy all the next ones you indicate) could you please semd me a list of the next 5 books so I can order them in Amazon? The shipping from the US to Brasil is monumental.
Looking forward to your response!
Rock on,
Arthur Philadelpho
Any place I can buy a DRM-free copy, or is Kindle the only game in town for the e-book at this time?
Tim: Suggestion.
ZEN IN THE ART OF WRITING by Ray Bradbury. Even for those who aren’t writers, the approach to life and creativity is very helpful. For people who are writers, it will get them writing. This is what started me cranking out short stories.
Vagabonding changed my life. I took it with me on an 11-month RTW trip and have since bought 15 copies to give away to friends who were also thinking about longer trips. I optimistically reached out to Rolf to ask him for an interview, he kindly agreed to give us his time and his answers were truly wonderful: http://blog.maptia.com/posts/rolf-potts-in-paris
Here are a few of his ever-thoughtful gems:
“With any luck, my vagabonding travels will continue to not always go according to plan.”
“The experience of vagabonding is something that deepens with experience, I think, and one way to give your travels added meaning over time is to cultivate some sense of home.”
“…I’ll realize that I’m preparing myself for something I can’t quite articulate yet — a journey that won’t make sense until I show up and start to wander.”
“I don’t need to recall my earliest vagabonding days to think of misadventures, since misadventures are an ongoing byproduct of interacting with unfamiliar places. Sure, you get more experienced the more you travel, and your instincts for vagabonding life improve, but I think the moment you stop having misadventures is the moment when you’ve stopped challenging yourself as a traveler.”
In short—everyone ought to read/listen to Vagabonding at least once in their lives… solid first choice Tim!
Love it!
The Ultimate Vegabond Case Study:
I personally know a Vegabonder who is on the top 5 most travelled people in the world list. An incredible inspiration.
He has been in literally every single country in the world. Even the ones where it’s illegal to get into (don’t ask). In fact, he’s been to more countries than there are currently in existance. Yes, he’s been to ones that no longer exist!
Ever since getting married, he travels with his wife almost every time.
Ever since having children, he travels with them. In fact, before the 2nd birthday of their first child, they had to replace the child’s passport. Not because it was lost or stolen, but because it had so many visas and stamps it had no room left and was falling apart!
Before reaching the ripe age of 2, the kid had by far been to more countries than most people will ever visit in their lifetime.
When he got married, it just meant that now he could share his travels with someone he loves. When they had children, that was the perfect excuse to travel more: to show them the world.
It’s all about perspective. Change your perspective, change your life. Enjoy life. Enjoy the adventures.
Have you thought about a Tim Ferriss book of the month club? Whether via e-delivery or hard copy (personally I don’t think there’s much better than turning the pages of a great book and scribbling in the margins…)? I would guess quite a few of your followers, including me, would be happy to pay an annual fee to get a great ‘Ferriss recommended’ book delivered to their doorstep once a month.
Tim, your 4HWW book is Outstanding, challenging and a must if you’re not happy with your life. I’d love to give it to friends, but can’t get it in any bookstores in Mexico in Spanish. What’s going on? Would it be possible to get it soon? Gracias Amigo!
I remember whipping through this book in a few hours. It’s good but I also feel like from reading Tim’s work and other people’s, I mostly knew the stuff in this book already. I am sure it was much more revolutionary when it was first published vs. now when this material has already gone bit more mainstream (at least among people who read lifestyle blogs).
I am in!
Where do I sign up?
I will listen to the book! I would love to learn more about Vagabonding and how to do it smarter 🙂
Thanks for sharing info on this book, I’ll have to check it out.
Tim you choose a book I have bought and given away 10 times and recommended many more. Great job! Please think about showcasing Rework next. Thanks!
Submitted my book to you using the link in the article but what I missed out of the submission was my dream for my book….
I married a Philippine and that was my inspiration to write about Rice Farming and how the latest techniques could dramatically increase quality and quantity or rice produced.
My dream for my book would be for someone who has the spare cash to buy the rights (basically just to cover my expenses for producing the book – about $2k) and then be happy to blast it out either free or low cost to the people who would really benefit from the book. The person who bought the rights would ideally by a marketing master who had a huge following who could help get the info out to the end user.
As much as your books have changed me, any book that had an influence on you is on my to-be-read list. Just bought it at Audible.
Thanks for the recommendation, purchased and looking forward to the read. Love the idea of the like minded people sharing views in a book club format like this. Is it going to forum based or a separate link for the book club?
Tim,
Incredibility. Just finished it… great read. Are you a yes or no guy on the app “Viber” when traveling?
On a random note, to anybody: I just read a book called “The Family That Couldn’t Sleep.” Amazing medical story — non-fiction.
“A Walk in the Woods,” by Bill Bryson. 1984. Book Yourself Solid. Alas Babylon…the list goes on and on
Hello Mr. Ferris,
I am going to travel the world starting in summer of 2014, and let it be coincidence or not, I bought a copy of “Vagabonding” just before you launched your book club. Yes, seriously.
I hope you don’t mind when I tell you how much I admire and honor you for your achievements.
Just six month ago I picked up a copy of the 4HWW (I hesitated several days to buy it because the title sounded like completely scam to me, no offense meant).
Lo and behold, now I am on the path to freedom and what is even more fantastic is the fact, that along the way I could change other peoples lives by sharing the principles I got from your great works.
Great post Tim, Vegabonding sounds like a great book I will be definitely listening to.
Another book I think it will be great to have on audio is ‘The Energy Equation’ by British author and coach Daniel Browne. It is a book with practical examples, exercises and breakthrough insights about how we all can utilise our energy better, make & and enjoy our free time more and tap constantly into being and living in the zone – performing with dramatically less stress and loving life! I am someone who used to be quite prone to stress and using this book I was able to seriously get into the habit of stress free and high performance days consecutively. A real treasure, and I think particularly pertinent for entrepreneurs and busy people who want to get the most out of their time.
Just wanted to leave a note saying how much I appreciate this! My boyfriend, Calvin, introduced me to the 4-Hour Body and he has since purchased the 4-Hour Workweek and the 4-Hour Chef. He admires you so much, Tim.
We are slowly making our way through the 4-Hour Workweek together, and just recently completed the 12-month Dreamline worksheet. With some self-determination and advice from awesome people like you, we’re figuring out how to make our first (big) travel-minded move which is to pack up and go live in Iceland for a year.
Coincidentally, I read Vagabonding about five years ago because my biggest dream is to travel, travel, travel — especially in Vagabond form. I saw it on the shelf at the bookstore and randomly (or not-so-randomly) picked it up. I was so excited to see that it’s the first in your Book Club!
All that to say thank you for all you do! You’re a true inspiration.
You continue to inspire me! Thank you.
Definitely going to listen to this book on the treadmill tonight.
I hope one day my inventions/gadgets will be featured on your blog.
I would LOVE for you to consider MY book, howevever I’m not sure it fits in your audience well. I do talk about the power of meditation in my book tho! Serious recommendations of books that have affected my life are ‘the Alchamist’ and ‘the magic of thinking big’…in addition to 4hww, of course 😉
Teresa
I purchased this book about a month ago and planning a 6 week trip to Thailand right after the Superbowl. I plan on blogging about the experience on a daily basis, but would like to see what people are most interested in learning about. What would be a great insight for readers to learn?
– Culture
– Costs
– Food
– People
– Comparisons
I would love some suggestions! The more obscure the better…
I would love to start a small movement about travel and living abroad on the cheap. Thanks Tim for changing my perspective!
–
Fiction, fiction, fiction please. Also, too: FICTION.
Wow Tim,
I’ve meant to write here for a long time. But this is a good chance. Your work has change my life and I’m finally on the brink of working remotely, with plans to travel for two years coming up. It’s taken awhile but I guess sometimes even great ideas must sit in our mind and percolate until our own fiendish ease-seeking instincts are finally dislodged.
Anyway, my friend, a travel blogger, just gave me this book when I saw him last. I’m in. And I look forward to the book club. Thanks for all you’ve done by the way.
Luke
I’ve had this book on my bookshelf ever since I volunteered in Thailand and found it in my travel companion’s backpack. Read the whole thing through in 4 hours on a rusty boat, and I just read it again a few days ago. How funny.
I’ve never imagined I wouldn’t take its advice. It excellently enlightens you to the fact that your travel dreams are so very possible.
Hi Tim, thanks for good tip, looks interesting I have ordered it via http://www.BookDepository.co.uk immediatelly.It is my favourite way od ordering books since I live in Czech Republic which is not so cheap via amazon. Also they are prety quick in delivery. Maybe they have some sort of affiliate for you also. My other favorable place is http://www.bookfinder.com – incredible way for sold out or other ways hardly avaliable books.
Hi Tim! I love the idea of a book club. My recommendations:
MEMEnonics: The Next Generation Economic System Hardcover
by Said Dawlabani
The Winners Bible: By Dr. Kerry Spackman (or his lesser known work some people may find interesting and others may find a bit confronting: The Ant & The Ferrari)
The Brain That Changes Itself: By Norman Doidge, M.D.
…most things on earth are targeted to 20-40 year old males. My god. Stop and acknowledge your privilege occasionally.
Love the news about the book club, Tim! Very excited to re-read “Vagabonding” and looking forward to big things in months to come!
Since you asked for suggestions, one author who should definitely be on your radar screen is Gen. Josiah Bunting:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Josiah_Bunting_III
General Bunting is the man…a well-read guy who shares your love of the classics, but also a man’s man who relishes a good physical challenge too. Basically, he’s the older and wiser version of yourself that I could see you becoming in a few decades…yet, remarkably, he’s mostly out of print and largely unknown, which is a real shame. He’s a great guy, and someone you’d love working with and getting to know.
Congrats again on the book club, and I’ll look forward to what you’ve got in store!
Thanks for the kind words, Scott! I’ll check him out tomorrow AM. Much appreciated…
I first read Vagabonding on Kindle a few years back while living in Taiwan, but I’ve been back state side for a few years now and it’s time to recharge my wanderlust batteries and scratch my travel itch once more. Can’t wait to listen to the audio version this time around (I think a book of this nature will be even better when spoken aloud by the author and from the preview videos, Rolf totally rocked it!). Great work Tim. I can’t wait to see the next inductee in the book club. I am hoping it will be something related to languages or meta-learning, but I guess I could always just re-read The 4-Hour Chef again to tide me over. : )
Tim and Kevin’s book choices in Random Episodes have been rock-solid reads. I recommend adding:
Death Valley in ’49 by William Manly. Told by a survivor from an Epic journey. No fluff or fanfair, just the humble truth. This book has inspired adventure, leadership, diet and understanding that luck is at least 50% of every success.
So to some Random Episode recommendations and some of my own, my buddy and I curated this Squidoo lens of books for the curious. http://www.squidoo.com/top-10-book-list-for-adventurous-busy-people
Just finished reading the 4 four work week.
Amazing book, and hopefully will change my messy life. 🙂
Thank you Tim!
I have been meaning to read Vagabonding but just haven’t gotten around to it. Thanks for the extra push Tim. I can’t wait to read it. There are tons of books I have read quite awhile ago that had a big impact on me, but most recently one of the most inspiring books I have read was “The Art of Non-Conformity” by Chris Guillebeau. This one helped me start carving a path towards living my true dream.
I read this book several years ago and thought it was great. I will have to read it again.
As I begin the 4HWW for the 3rd or 4th time (i read it for inspiration, not content now) and feel a bit ‘unaccomplished’ I non-the-less start to reflect on where I was when I first discovered your book in a B&N bookstore in 2007 and where I am now at the end of 2013, I begin to smile and push forward. While I haven’t found my muse, nor have I got boat loads of cash flying into my bank account from an automated online business (yet), I am quite happy and sort of living my dream anyway…
In 2007 I;
-Began a job in the financial services industry that would soon collapse and take me with it, leading to a number of temporary and soul crushing jobs.
-Was in a dead-end relationship with someone that I loved and who would soon break my heart.
-Lived by myself, across the country from most of my friends who I rarely saw.
-Made enough money to just keep me from looking for something better.
-Had too many bills, spend 75% of my earning on them, 20% on living, and 5% savings
-Hadn’t traveled 250 miles outside of my home in years
In 2013 I:
-Moved to one of the best places on Earth (IMO), Viet Nam
-Married the best woman on Earth (IMO)
-Work part time as a English teacher at a private school with the best kids in the world (IMO) – I could work more but don’t need to.
-Have no bills to speak of.
-save 50% of my salary (Which is higher, in real dollars that I made in the US).
-In the past 6 months I’ve traveled all around the country (Ha Noi, Sapa, Central Highlands, beautiful Mui Ne) by plane, bus, car, motorbike, and train.
-Get daily greeting and hello’s from total strangers,
In short, My life is wonderful. There is an ease to it that never existed in the US. We, my wife and I, basically, do what we want (within reason).
So as I read T4HWW again, I am in a different place (mentally and physically) than when I first discovered it. Yes – I am still searching for that one idea, my muse, that will take us to the next level. I do still feel a bit unaccomplished, not like before though. The shame is gone. It’s replaced with a feeling of thankfulness, plus it has now become a challenge – A challenge to finish what I start. Not only to prove to myself that I can do it, but also to provide for my wife and family the lifestyle that can be had by running a well-designed, automated business.
I know its not that hard, really. My problem has never been coming up with ideas, but picking one and seeing it through. So, My promise to myself tonight is to just begin. And that’s where I will leave it, for now.
Thanks Tim for the inspiration,
Jeff
Jeff, thank you for this comment! Totally made my night. Your gratitude and thankfulness is something we all strive for. In many ways, the achievement is easier than appreciation, so keep up the good fight! I’m sure you’ll get where you want to go.
All the best,
Tim