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Book Review: THE WILD WOMAN’S GUIDE TO TRAVELING THE WORLD By Kristin Rockaway

I was excited to receive my advanced copy of Kristin Rockaway’s debut novel, The Wild Woman’s Guide to Traveling the World, eager to step into the shoes of a fearless traveler, and explore parts of the globe, which I have only dreamed about. While the title may lead readers to believe it is a non-fiction “guide” covering international travel, it most certainly serves as a guide, but not in this way.

Sophie, our “Wild Woman” seems to be anything but that: she’s an organized, highly paid, traveling IT consultant with a serious five year plan, a pricey Manhattan apartment, and a strong will not to let anything or anyone get in the way. But on an excursion to Hong Kong, she meets Carson, a nomadic traveler with only a sketchpad, a “Carpe Diem” tattoo, and a dreamy approach to life. Sophie begins to question not only her carefully planned and thought out travel itinerary, but her meticulous plans for the rest of her life.

There are many things I liked about this book: the smart writing style that quickly draws the reader in, the interesting main character – who is real and believable, while sympathetic and true, and the important message that many of us side-step or completely ignore as we travel through our days: it’s time to live in the NOW. 

Carson reminds Sophie that when you are constantly focusing on your future, you cannot possibly be living in the moment. And by planning and thinking about what is up next, you are not paying attention to how you feel now.

You can miss life that way.


I would recommend this book to anyone who needs a quick escape, and especially to anyone who needs reminding to live in the present – and to find joy.

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