In Wander, Ryan Benz shares the true story of how walking away from the life he built—and walking 2,000 miles on the Appalachian Trail—became the journey that brought him home to himself.

Told with honesty, humor, and heart, Wander is more than a hiking memoir. It’s a story about courage, clarity, and connection—the universal search to live a life that feels meaningful, not just impressive.

Wander has inspired thousands of readers to slow down, reconnect, and rediscover what matters most.

It’s a call to presence in a culture of distraction—and a reminder that sometimes, getting lost is the only way to find your way home.

Perfect for:

  • Anyone seeking purpose or clarity

  • Hikers, dreamers, and doers

  • Readers of Wild, The Alchemist, or Untamed

Wander is a:

  • #1 Amazon Bestseller

  • #1 Amazon New Release (in 5 categories)

  • 4x Award-Winning Book

Praise for Wander

  • “AN INSPIRATIONAL TALE OF TRANSFORMATION. The life lessons and  self-transformation described in this book do a wonderful job of encouraging the reader to take time to reflect. If you’re a fan of adventure memoirs like Wild or Eat, Pray, Love, this is the book for you.”

    — Independent Book Review

  • “WANDER OFFERS A UNIQUE PERSPECTIVE on how stepping away from societal norms can momentarily collapse mental structures, creating space for transformation.”

    — Writer’s Digest

  • “AN ENGAGING STORY OF OVERTAKING SELF-IMPOSED LIMITATIONS. Ryan’s first encounter with a bear gives us chills and makes us smile at the same time. His sense of humor is contagious, and the wisdom he shares is priceless.”

    — Readers’ Favorite

  • "A thought-provoking memoir of a man taking a break from the world and finding himself. A RED RIBBON WINNER and highly recommended!"

    — The Wishing Shelf Book Awards

Get the Book

Quick note: As an Amazon Associate, Ryan earns from qualifying purchases. So if you snag his book through this Amazon link, you’re basically buying him a cup of trail coffee. Thanks for fueling the journey!

Independent BookStores, other book retailers, and libraries—Wander is available on IngramSpark!

Title: Wander

Subtitle: A Memoir of Letting go and Walking 2,000 Miles to a Meaningful Life

Paperback ISBN: 979-8-9889976-1-0

Hardcover ISBN: 979-8-9889976-2-7

Behind the Story

Wander became the spark for Ryan’s life’s work—his speaking, workshops, and now his TEDx talk, The Quiet Rebellion of Being Yourself.

It’s more than a memoir. It’s a movement.

Learn more about Ryan's speaking