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If Your Dream Doesn't Scare You, It Isn't Big Enough: A Solo Journey Around the World
In honor of her 40th birthday, Kristine K. Stevens sold her house, quit her job and traveled solo around the world.
Carrying a backpack and the naïve belief that the trip was nothing more than a six-month-long vacation, she hit the road. As her journey moved on and off the beaten tourist path, she braved a monsoon in Zanzibar, a safari in Kenya, trekking in Nepal, kayaking in Thailand, caves in Laos, red plaid fish and lava in Hawaii, and grizzly bears in Alaska.
Little did Kristine know that she was completing a pilgrimage that would change her life forever. She gained self-confidence with every mile and relearned how to trust her instincts.
Told with wonder, humor and suspense, with historical facts woven into the tale, "If Your Dream Doesn’t Scare You, It Isn’t Big Enough" captures the twisted, unpredictable nature of global travel.
Find entertainment and inspiration through Kristine's adventure.
Kirkus Book Review: "... Stevens makes a friendly, relatable narrator ... plenty of colorful stories to make this an enjoyable, inspiring read ... An often sweet memoir about finding oneself in many different places."
Carrying a backpack and the naïve belief that the trip was nothing more than a six-month-long vacation, she hit the road. As her journey moved on and off the beaten tourist path, she braved a monsoon in Zanzibar, a safari in Kenya, trekking in Nepal, kayaking in Thailand, caves in Laos, red plaid fish and lava in Hawaii, and grizzly bears in Alaska.
Little did Kristine know that she was completing a pilgrimage that would change her life forever. She gained self-confidence with every mile and relearned how to trust her instincts.
Told with wonder, humor and suspense, with historical facts woven into the tale, "If Your Dream Doesn’t Scare You, It Isn’t Big Enough" captures the twisted, unpredictable nature of global travel.
Find entertainment and inspiration through Kristine's adventure.
Kirkus Book Review: "... Stevens makes a friendly, relatable narrator ... plenty of colorful stories to make this an enjoyable, inspiring read ... An often sweet memoir about finding oneself in many different places."
272 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 2013
84 people are currently reading
1471 people want to read
About the author
Kristine K. Stevens
1 book27 followersI'm leisurely swimming in the global pool of travel opportunities.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
August 9, 2014
Let's just say not everyone who travels needs to write a book about it.
February 29, 2016
I went back and forth many times with this book. I loved the opening, when the almost 40-year-old author sells her house, quits her job, and embarks on a journey around the world. (Well, an abbreviated journey of a scant handful of countries that took only six months and of which a large portion is the U.S.)
Then she landed in East Africa, and her harsh critique and fear of the people there made my stomach turn. I love that region of the world and its people, and she seemed to deliberately focus on the warnings she received and stories she heard about other people's bad experiences. When two African men rushed to help her friend and she realizes that not all Africans are bad or out to rob her, I nearly screamed. This portion really tested my patience, and I felt a strong dislike for the author.
Thankfully, the passages set in Nepal and Asia were much less hateful and mostly interesting. It was a fast read until the last portion of Laos and portions set in Hawaii and Alaska, when it becomes a history textbook with dry passages full of facts. In a travel memoir, I'm more interested in personal experiences and impressions.
Oddly enough, Stevens' struggle to adjust after her trip and how she finds her place in the world was some of the most interesting writing. In the end, I decided to forgive her narrow-minded view of Africa and give the book three stars. While she mostly hopped from friend's house to friend's house (not exactly the solitary journey she claims), and her ego grated on me, she still did something courageous and bold that few people will ever dare.
Then she landed in East Africa, and her harsh critique and fear of the people there made my stomach turn. I love that region of the world and its people, and she seemed to deliberately focus on the warnings she received and stories she heard about other people's bad experiences. When two African men rushed to help her friend and she realizes that not all Africans are bad or out to rob her, I nearly screamed. This portion really tested my patience, and I felt a strong dislike for the author.
Thankfully, the passages set in Nepal and Asia were much less hateful and mostly interesting. It was a fast read until the last portion of Laos and portions set in Hawaii and Alaska, when it becomes a history textbook with dry passages full of facts. In a travel memoir, I'm more interested in personal experiences and impressions.
Oddly enough, Stevens' struggle to adjust after her trip and how she finds her place in the world was some of the most interesting writing. In the end, I decided to forgive her narrow-minded view of Africa and give the book three stars. While she mostly hopped from friend's house to friend's house (not exactly the solitary journey she claims), and her ego grated on me, she still did something courageous and bold that few people will ever dare.
October 31, 2014
Honest depiction of her travels to Africa, Thailand, Laos, Nepal and several places in the US. I found each place as engaging as the rest. Probably doesn't hurt that I'm spending a year abroad as I read it, but I really enjoyed her frank discussions of how she felt with each new experience and encounter. Especially when she ate 38 mini snickers while being detained in the airport - totally something I would do.
November 23, 2014
This book had no message, no theme, no direction, no big idea. It is just a long description of what happens to her on her trip, without anything more. Maybe it's because I've travelled far more than she has, but I just found it boring and significantly lacking in depth.
December 10, 2013
I received a copy of this book as part of a First Reads giveaway.
Having been bit by the travel bug myself, I was really looking forward to diving into this book. I have to say though, that unfortunately I was a little disappointed. Now, maybe the fault is mine: I don't read tons of non-fiction, so maybe that affected by reading. I also have a young baby at home, and can no longer devote entire uninterrupted afternoons to reading in the summertime sun. However, despite all the exciting places the author visited, I was a little bored at times. There were days when I couldn't make myself read more than a few pages, and barely retained anything I read on those pages. Other times I skipped whole parts completely because I couldn't get into it. On the other hand, there were certain adventures that I raced through - such as the author's time in Nepal for instance - which is why I wonder if maybe I'm just not appreciating the author's story. In either case, I think the author was incredibly brave to leave behind all the comforts she knew to undertake this adventure, and she was courageous enough to put pen to paper and share her story with the world.
Having been bit by the travel bug myself, I was really looking forward to diving into this book. I have to say though, that unfortunately I was a little disappointed. Now, maybe the fault is mine: I don't read tons of non-fiction, so maybe that affected by reading. I also have a young baby at home, and can no longer devote entire uninterrupted afternoons to reading in the summertime sun. However, despite all the exciting places the author visited, I was a little bored at times. There were days when I couldn't make myself read more than a few pages, and barely retained anything I read on those pages. Other times I skipped whole parts completely because I couldn't get into it. On the other hand, there were certain adventures that I raced through - such as the author's time in Nepal for instance - which is why I wonder if maybe I'm just not appreciating the author's story. In either case, I think the author was incredibly brave to leave behind all the comforts she knew to undertake this adventure, and she was courageous enough to put pen to paper and share her story with the world.
August 16, 2013
Amazing book that is very-well written and adventurous and ambitious from start to finish. The author is truly talented and it's evident on each and every page due to how perfectly refined and executed the scenes are, the story made me want to jump right on a plane right after I had finished the book and experience some traveling adventures for myself. One of the major things that I admire about the writing style is the way that humor is cleverly incorporated into some of the scenes and how much detail is expressed throughout the book, the author does a good job of emphasizing the most important parts of her travels with some very unique observations - giving the reader the same experience she had through words.
Overall it's a great book, written very well and in a way that stays captivating from front to back. I highly recommend it
Overall it's a great book, written very well and in a way that stays captivating from front to back. I highly recommend it
October 16, 2013
This is the first non-fiction book I have ever read. Well, of my own accord anyway.
I wasn't sure if I was going to like it. I mean, traveling is awesome, but reading about someone else traveling? I had a hard time believing that it could be worth reading.
Well, as it turns out I couldn't have been more pleasantly surprised. The author described her adventures in such a way that you felt like you were really there.
I really enjoyed it and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys the genre. Also, anyone who is looking for something different to read should absolutely take a chance on this book. You won't be disappointed.
I wasn't sure if I was going to like it. I mean, traveling is awesome, but reading about someone else traveling? I had a hard time believing that it could be worth reading.
Well, as it turns out I couldn't have been more pleasantly surprised. The author described her adventures in such a way that you felt like you were really there.
I really enjoyed it and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys the genre. Also, anyone who is looking for something different to read should absolutely take a chance on this book. You won't be disappointed.
November 12, 2013
I love travel books and I have read quite a few. This is hands down one of the best.
The author is very talented at drawing pictures in your mind. She does have pictures from her trip on her personal blog, and I am sure one day I will look at them. However, while I was reading the book I found it unnecessary and enjoyed imagining the scenery from the descriptions on the page.
Anyone who enjoys travel books will not want to miss this one!
The author is very talented at drawing pictures in your mind. She does have pictures from her trip on her personal blog, and I am sure one day I will look at them. However, while I was reading the book I found it unnecessary and enjoyed imagining the scenery from the descriptions on the page.
Anyone who enjoys travel books will not want to miss this one!
October 16, 2014
I thought it was an interesting read, though at times felt lost with what the author was trying to share. Having travelled a lot and to those similar country/places to the author I believe she could have provided a bit more colour and atmosphere to share with individuals who may not have travelled so much.
The book takes you on a journey of the authors adventures as she intends to find herself and explore the world.
The book takes you on a journey of the authors adventures as she intends to find herself and explore the world.
April 26, 2016
Kristine does a wonderful job describing all the different places she's encountered - my favorite part of the book is when she speaks so brilliantly about Nepal - definitely added to my bucketlist! Some parts of the book simply did not seem to interest me and it may just be personal taste. Would recommend this book for any wanderlust-ers out there.
July 23, 2016
Great inspirational tale, especially for woman that may be hesitant to travel the world alone. Or if you think you are too old. It is never too late and you will be fine... as long as your smart about it. Easy and entertaining read. Recommended for anyone that likes travel memoirs.
January 7, 2016
Kirkus Book Reviews: "... Stevens makes a friendly, relatable narrator ... plenty of colorful stories to make this an enjoyable, inspiring read ... An often sweet memoir about finding oneself in many different places."
December 5, 2015
Should have been a lot more exciting than it was. I didn't find the style very engaging. As with most memoirs, it felt more self-serving than anything. As someone who does not know the author, I didn't feel I learned or gained anything from reading about her journeys.
May 19, 2015
Despite the cheesy sounding title, this book wasn't preachy or corny. It was a solid, fun travel memoir, and I enjoyed reading about Stevens' experiences.
June 23, 2016
Thoughtful read.
July 5, 2017
*2.5 stars
This is a very specific sort of travel memoir that struck me as too often artificial and not particularly introspective. For example, she talks about her attempts to stick to a tight budget and also spending $500 on a one day trip to see bears in Alaska. There's also a lot of 'oh it's so scary to go off by myself' except she actually only visits places where she already knows people.
I almost put the book down in the first few chapters on Tanzania and Kenya because they were so critical - I stayed in this walled resort with lots of guns (and also a hostel, but description there not any better) - or I went on a safari and became best friends with the guide when I bought him a hotel room. It was a sort of poverty voyeurism that was harmful to all involved.
Near the end in particular, she strayed into too much history and facts and less travel stories. She also was relentlessly positive about the whole thing. And I know from my own travels that it is never an entirely positive experience, no matter how much you think so looking back. And related to that, I wanted her to engage a lot more with her privilege, her experiences, her naivete, even her self-growth.
In the end, even if it didn't make me want to travel the world the way she did, it did inspire me to visit some of the places she did. Which may not be that surprising as I do love travel.
This is a very specific sort of travel memoir that struck me as too often artificial and not particularly introspective. For example, she talks about her attempts to stick to a tight budget and also spending $500 on a one day trip to see bears in Alaska. There's also a lot of 'oh it's so scary to go off by myself' except she actually only visits places where she already knows people.
I almost put the book down in the first few chapters on Tanzania and Kenya because they were so critical - I stayed in this walled resort with lots of guns (and also a hostel, but description there not any better) - or I went on a safari and became best friends with the guide when I bought him a hotel room. It was a sort of poverty voyeurism that was harmful to all involved.
Near the end in particular, she strayed into too much history and facts and less travel stories. She also was relentlessly positive about the whole thing. And I know from my own travels that it is never an entirely positive experience, no matter how much you think so looking back. And related to that, I wanted her to engage a lot more with her privilege, her experiences, her naivete, even her self-growth.
In the end, even if it didn't make me want to travel the world the way she did, it did inspire me to visit some of the places she did. Which may not be that surprising as I do love travel.
January 17, 2021
Since we can't travel right now because of Covid-19, I was hoping to appease my travel bug a bit with this book. Unfortunately a lot of the book just hit me wrong. It seemed to focus on the negative a bit more than the positive aspects of travel. I know that travel isn't all aspirational, but still I want to be left wanting to visit a country. The pieces sometimes chopped off abruptly too. It made me wonder about who edited this book. I also didn't like that there were 2 references to "ladyboys". Once was enough and twice made it seem like the author is transphobic. The end of the book was the best part when she actually got more real and personal about her life.
July 11, 2020
I had hopes for this book. Not high hopes, just hopes. They weren’t really met. The majority of the book is a recounting of historical/cultural facts, which is all well and good if that’s the type of reading you enjoy. I did not. The parts where the writing really shone were few and far between. It was only when she delved deeper into her personal experiences and stories between people that my interest was held.
October 22, 2019
I loved, loved, loved this book! Kristine travels to countries and states at the top of my wanderlust list: Tanzania, Kenya, Nepal, and Alaska. Kristine is inspirational, independent, and adventurous; I felt like I was traveling right alongside her. Highly recommend for traveling souls!
July 9, 2017
Itchy Feet
If you're an armchair traveler (and maybe an actual traveler) you will enjoy this. I hope I can do some traveling and journal my experiences. This is a good beach book.
If you're an armchair traveler (and maybe an actual traveler) you will enjoy this. I hope I can do some traveling and journal my experiences. This is a good beach book.
November 4, 2018
Tedious boring!!
November 23, 2018
I love this book, I highly recommend it, for people who like reality.
December 20, 2018
5 stars for the Africa section, the Asia and other parts less interesting. Overall a very raw and brave look at the world
May 1, 2019
The book started off well. The first half held my attention but later... I couldn’t finish it. :(
August 31, 2019
just because u go traveling doesnt mean you need to write a book about it. very boring with little meaning. don’t recommend
August 31, 2019
You should’ve kept this book in your journal. Not interesting and I suggest that you don’t read this book.
August 31, 2019
This book was not entertaining. It was awful I do not recommend this book at all.
January 15, 2021
Boring
October 20, 2016
Woman's round the world trip
Interesting account of a woman's trip to several countries around the world. I enjoyed her descriptions of her travels in East Africa, Nepal, and Alaska because of the people she met.
Interesting account of a woman's trip to several countries around the world. I enjoyed her descriptions of her travels in East Africa, Nepal, and Alaska because of the people she met.
January 11, 2014
This review is for the Kindle edition ebook.
Disclosure: The author requested I review this book.
Any journey starts with the first step, however, few of us will keep going for six months.
This is a journal of six months of travel around the world. It is a well documented and fun to read experience, great for those of us that will never get to fully experience the actual travel.
The naivete that the traveler has going into this is understandable. Had she known or fully investigated everything before starting, this book may never have been written. Because of the way it is written, I was able to journey with the author throughout her travels. While a touch long in some descriptions, this is an excellent book for those yearning for adventure.
Kristine Stevens did an excellent job journaling her travels in this book. It is very entertaining, at times serious, at times a bit frightening. It will certainly help those looking to travel to prepare. It should inspire some of the readers to press on with their own dreams. It will show the reader that in this age of technology, anything is still possible for those willing to dream big enough.
I really enjoyed this book. Having traveled some outside the United States, I have first hand experience with some of what the author went through. I would recommend this book to all the readers thinking about travel. It is an excellent primer for those of us with big dreams, still wondering if such a dream is even possible.
Disclosure: The author requested I review this book.
Any journey starts with the first step, however, few of us will keep going for six months.
This is a journal of six months of travel around the world. It is a well documented and fun to read experience, great for those of us that will never get to fully experience the actual travel.
The naivete that the traveler has going into this is understandable. Had she known or fully investigated everything before starting, this book may never have been written. Because of the way it is written, I was able to journey with the author throughout her travels. While a touch long in some descriptions, this is an excellent book for those yearning for adventure.
Kristine Stevens did an excellent job journaling her travels in this book. It is very entertaining, at times serious, at times a bit frightening. It will certainly help those looking to travel to prepare. It should inspire some of the readers to press on with their own dreams. It will show the reader that in this age of technology, anything is still possible for those willing to dream big enough.
I really enjoyed this book. Having traveled some outside the United States, I have first hand experience with some of what the author went through. I would recommend this book to all the readers thinking about travel. It is an excellent primer for those of us with big dreams, still wondering if such a dream is even possible.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews