travel memoir

Diving into Dreams: Navigating Life’s Deepest Waters to Discover the Secret of Having Enough by Szilvia Gogh is a deeply reflective and surprisingly grounded memoir that blends high adventure with introspective wisdom. I was initially drawn to the book because the author, like my grandparents, is Hungarian, a connection that piqued my curiosity more than the diving aspect. I can say that while I still have no personal desire to dive beneath the ocean’s surface, I found myself completely immersed in Gogh’s world.

Her descriptions of the underwater realm are vivid and captivating, rich in sensory detail and emotional depth. She doesn’t romanticize her profession; rather, she presents both the beauty and the grueling realities of underwater work. From Hollywood film sets to remote dive sites, she takes readers on a global journey that’s as much about internal discovery as it is about external adventure.

What sets this memoir apart from many travel and adventure books is its maturity. Gogh isn’t just chasing thrills for the sake of them. She examines the cost of ambition, the drive to achieve, and the fine line between passion and restlessness. I’ve read numerous travel memoirs, and too often they focus on self-indulgence or youthful recklessness. Gogh’s story, by contrast, reflects hard-won wisdom and self-awareness. She questions herself constantly about why she keeps pushing for one more challenge, one more journey, or one more success.

Her evolution from a daring, risk-taking young woman to someone who understands the meaning of “enough” is moving and relatable. It’s an emotional deep dive into identity, satisfaction, and balance. Her achievements are remarkable and include building a unique career as an underwater stunt performer, designing jewelry inspired by her experiences, surviving cancer, and creating a balanced family life. Yet the true treasure of the book lies in her realization that fulfillment doesn’t come from what we do or own, but from who we become.

My favorite line captures the essence perfectly: “True happiness is not acquisition or accomplishment, but alignment—knowing that the life I’m living reflects who I actually am, not who I thought I should become.”

This memoir will resonate with anyone searching for peace after years of striving, or with readers who crave authenticity in an age of endless achievement. Inspiring, honest, and beautifully written, Diving into Dreams is a book to savor.

I received an ARC from Reedsy Discovery. You can find my review here.

Pick up a copy today

Having read numerous travel memoirs, I’ve encountered a variety of narratives. Some were marred by a sense of entitlement, others by self-absorption, and a few by a destination addiction. Delightfully, Kait Melendy’s Wanderlust Healing defied these all-too-common stereotypes found in this genre. It was a refreshing account of a thoughtful, albeit initially confused and searching, adult. This unique perspective made the book a compelling read.

This narrative is a testament to the transformative power of self-discovery. Kait’s journey, which begins and ends with an Ayahuasca ceremony, is a profound exploration of her inner self. Her path, spanning Central America, South America, and Europe, echoes the transformative journey of Elizabeth Gilbert’s Eat, Pray, Love.

I believe that more than would-be nomads will enjoy this book. Kait’s search for purpose, which began on a suburban porch and took her to Costa Rica, Panama, Argentina, Columbia, Ecuador, and several European countries, can be interpreted as a metaphor for each individual’s search for meaning. Perhaps we won’t need to travel so far in miles, as long as we keep an eye on the depths of our inner journey.

I loved witnessing Kait’s transformation as she moved from seeking external validation through her career, home ownership, certification courses, and even a psychic medium experience, to embracing the journey she was meant to travel. Despite the road not always making sense to her or others, she learned to trust in her journey.

Sometimes the author’s journey brought her in contact with others. For instance, she volunteered at an agency dedicated to helping the thousands of displaced men, women, and children, known as “los caminantes,” who were fleeing poverty, violence, and starvation. She also traveled with a buddy whenever their paths aligned and parted ways when they didn’t. Additionally, she altered her travel plans to spend more time with a love interest she met by chance.

Sometimes the author traveled alone, like during her Ayahuasca journey. Whether alone or with others, each experience contributed to her ultimate transformation into a woman not entirely sure of her destination, but confident in her path.

One aspect that troubled me was that either the author was incredibly lucky, or she downplayed many of the negative aspects of world travel. Despite the numerous potential challenges that travelers often face, such as health issues, financial constraints, and safety concerns, Kait managed to avoid them all. Sure, she was inconvenienced a time or two, but no lasting harm befell her, which certainly is not the case for every traveler.

So, in conclusion, if you love a good travel memoir, you’ll adore Wanderlust Healing: A Journey Back to Self by Kait Melendy. Each chapter offers a heartfelt glimpse into her encounters and experiences, highlighting her growth and self-discovery. Kait’s story is a testament to the power of embracing the unknown and finding one’s purpose.

I received an ARC from Reedsy Discovery for this review. You can find my review on Reedsy HERE. Want to get in on the reading fun? APPLY NOW to become a Reedsy Reviewer.