Two summers ago, my family of four set out on an adventure of a lifetime. We drove from Virginia to California and back on a mission to see as much of America’s preserved wilderness as possible. All together we visited 14 National Parks in a mere six weeks! It was an incredible trip that made us thirsty for more. Since then, we have found our way to two or there more National Parks on the East Coast. However, nothing quite gives you the goose bumps like Yosemite, Yellowstone, or Arches and Zion.  Because of our trip, I felt a kinship with Roger W. Thompson, author of We Stood Upon Stars.  I knew I had to read this book, for no other reason but to feel like I had a friend who has the fever for adventure.

We Stood Upon Stars is a collection of essays about Thompson’s mostly west coast adventures. He writes about many of the places I have traveled in a light but meaningful way. I love his conversational style and random musings. I also love that he includes illustrations with tips and recommendations for those who might venture out. Once you have seen a giant Sequoia or walked through Yosemite Valley…you know the next thing you must do is go back and do it again.

Thompson’s description of the Badlands is just how I remember them:  untamable, broken, and beautiful. While words could never describe Yosemite…Thompson does a much better job than I could ever do.  He says it feels like a fantasy…and it absolutely does. I feel like this book is for anyone who has experienced the amazingness that is the landscape of the United States…or for the person who has never seen any of it.  I loved reading it. If We Stood Upon Stars doesn’t make you want to get out and have an adventure, nothing will.  I received a complimentary copy of this book by Blogging for Books. I was not required to give it a positive review. All opinions are my own.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

ROGER W. THOMPSON is a successful entrepreneur, collaborator, adventurer, and writer. He’s spent his career building innovative businesses and nonprofit organizations. In addition to creating the first mission tourism resort in Haiti with the Hands and Feet Project, he’s produced surf films, built skate parks, and outfitted adventure trips. Alongside his wife, he travels, surfs, snowboards, and fly-fishes—and is teaching his two young sons to do the same.