Tim Cahill is a real adventurer. This book takes the reader everywhere – from undiscovered ancient South American ruins to the 1980 eruption of Mount Saint Helens, and lots of other amazing trips in between.

The book is basically a collection of articles that Cahill wrote for Outside magazine, so it’s painless to read. Each chapter is 10 pages or less, and written in that punchy, accessible magazine style.

It sort of made me wistful to read this book. I’m not a hardcore adventurer like Cahill – he gets lost, goes hang-gliding, swims with sharks, rapells, drinks disgusting and potent fermented beverages with villagers all over the world. I like to travel, but I like to be comfortable, know where I’m going, and stay physically safe. I wish I were a true adventurer – I think I’m just a tourist after all. But I’m glad Cahill wrote about all these places and experiences so I could get the vicarious thrills.

Nice sense of humor, too. Quite a hoot, this book.