Journey deep into the Scottish Highlands in the first memoir by #1 New York Times bestselling author and award-winning star of Outlander, Sam Heughan—exploring his life and reflecting on the waypoints that define him If you are a fan of memoirs (especially celebrity memoirs) - I cannot recommend the audiobook version of this enough 5/5! Heughan has spent the last few weeks promoting the book, and in a couple of recent interviews, he teased the raw, and often emotional stories readers will find inside— including that of his upbringing without a father. I read a lot of books in the above genres. This one was a little different though. The author, Sam a.k.a Jamie Fraser, told his story in two parts and then mixed them together. He told of a gruelling hike he was on by himself and then he mixed in stories of his childhood, his schooling, the way he got into acting and how he landed the part of Jamie Fraser in the Outlander series.

Journey deep into the Highlands in the first memoir by bestselling author and actor, Sam Heughan – exploring his life and reflecting on the waypoints that define him. Intimate, thoughtful and fascinating, don’t miss the opportunity to join Sam as he presentsadeeply personallove letter to the wild Scottish landscape that means so much tohim. This promises to be acharming,funny, wise (well, to a degree),and searching insightinto the world through his eyes. Whether you’re already a fan or new to Heughan and his work, there will be something for everyone to relate to on this special journey through the Highlands of Scotland.

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This is something that could appeal to most people. Whether you are a diehard Outlander fan, interested in hiking or acting, or simply in the mood to split your soul in half and question your entire outlook on life. Just about everyone can find something to gain from reading this. In this journey of self-discovery, Sam Heughan sets out along the West Highland Way to explore his heritage and reflect on the personal waypoints that define him. The result is a love letter to the wild Scottish landscape that means so much to Sam, and a charming, funny, wise and searching insight to the world through his eyes.

I loved the sections about his walk, what he learned from the other hikers he met like Graeme and Lucy, and what he learned from being alone, without his busy schedule filling every minute. He talks about learning not to feel rushed and to stay in the moment instead of the future or the past. He is so honest about how this affected past relationships and his hope that the lessons he’s learned during the walk will change that. One of the things that fascinates me about Outlander is how the fans are drawn to the story and the actors. I’m not typically a fan girl and it seems lots of other people are the same. But with Outlander, the books and the show, they have been pulled in just like I am. I think a lot of it is from Diana Gabaldon’s amazing writing skills, and that the cast has brought her books to life so perfectly. But the big draw is how well Sam Heughan and Caitriona Balfe portray Jamie and Claire. I loved it when he described their audition together and how everything fell into place. I don’t think any of us can imagine anyone being better as Jamie and Claire. The mushrooms!! Him and the mushrooms!! Oh, and the midges! 😂 😂 Even after watching all the episodes of Men in Kilts, I never saw any hint of Sam’s little obsession with the mushrooms! The midges – most definitely! But now, I’ll never think the same of the mushrooms. I am now well aware that they are always watching us. 😂 🍄

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From the touching foreward / poignant prologue, I didn’t want to put this down. I didn’t think I could admire Sam Heughan any more than I already did, but I was wrong. He hasn’t had it easy, sometimes he’s been his own worst enemy, but thankfully he gets there in the end. What strikes me most though, is that no matter how wonderful a job, his single mother accomplished in raising two young boys, his late father has a lot to answer for. His actions have had a profound effect. Sam’s earliest memory taunts him still, not to mention the protective mechanisms he’s put in place. It’s just a sad chapter of his life, period. In this intimate journey of self-discovery, Sam sets out along Scotland's rugged ninety-six-mile West Highland Way to map out the moments that shaped his views on dreams and ambition, family, friendship, love, and life. The result is a love letter to the wild landscape that means so much to him, full of charming, funny, wise, and searching insights into the world through his eyes.

One of the best parts of the book is the self-deprecating humor with which Heughan tells stories from his past. Like the time he found himself wearing a Stetson hat, in an attempt to stand out in Los Angeles. Deflated after a bad meeting with an executive, Heughan walked down the Hollywood Walk of Fame in his Stetson and caught sight of his reflection in a window and realized how “ridiculous” he looked. To make matters worse, the only restaurant around was a cowboy-themed restaurant. He says people probably assumed he was there for his shift. Then his cell phone beeped, he hoped it would be good news about an audition. Instead, it was a notification that his bank account was in the red. He cried. Feeling like a failure, he returned to London, questioning whether he should be an actor at all.The male lead of the TV series Outlander takes us on a long Scottish hike while recounting the travails of stage and screen. To celebrate the publication of his first full memoir, Waypoints,Sam will be live in conversation, exploringhis Scottish heritageandreflecting on thepersonal waypoints that define him.Touching onhiscareer in theatre, television, and film, Sam will consider his life of fascinating contrasts:a Hollywood star with deep roots in rural Scotland,who isboth outgoing and content in hisown company. Having only read this one memoir, I don’t have anything to compare it to. I think in an effort to protect others, it’s not as revealing or as in-depth as one might expect, but he’s also quite candid at times too. Occasionally, it felt a bit repetitive, but overall, I really enjoyed the journey. I can’t imagine any fan not liking it!

Searching for the Sassenach!! I loved this part. How they went through actresses, but landed on this blue eyed Irish woman who hadn’t acted, but her talent was undeniable. Their chemistry test had to be broken up because they were literally wrapped up in each other and intertwined.🥵 that’s some chemistry right there. Their friendship and trust that grew through S1. What you see between them is the real deal. He felt he had to protect her and that he did. She is one of his most trusted friends. I love how he said the whole cast was super close and that he bonded with Graham Mactavish also. What a gift Sam has given himself and his fans. I loved the flow of the book going from present situation to reflecting on the past. Having a few days free is a rarity for Sam and on a whim, he decides to walk the West Highland Highway, a mere 96 miles starting in the lowlands of Glasgow, all the way to Fort William, and if that wasn’t enough of a challenge, climbing Ben Nevis at the end too 😅 Reliving this journey of self discovery, whilst sharing some amusing anecdotes/reflections of his personal/professional life, Sam’s quest for solitude is mostly achieved, if you discount mushrooms (don’t ask 😂) and fellow hikers, Graeme and Lucy. Sam’s love of nature definitely comes across and it’s inspired me to perhaps attempt this myself one day to take in the sights! I actually appreciate that he doesn’t try to invent trauma or drama where it doesn’t exist and is honest about his life. His Father did a run-out when he was young but he never missed what he didn’t know because his Mom was so loving and supportive and responsible.But while on that topic, Sam's particular journey I find to be really moving. He definitely paid his dues and struggled. Now knowing this side of him, I definitely respect him a lot more and appreciate his depiction of Jamie Fraser on a whole other level. I feel like we just scratched the surface on the amount of layers that make up Jamie's character. That little sliver is enough to make my head spin. I never realized the complexity of bringing a character to life on the screen. Especially one who is established in a series of books where fans could study the character and rip apart an actors portrayal of said character. Kudos to Sam. I honestly do not think any other person could accurately give us the most authentic version of such a beloved character. Having worked together for almost 9 years, the costars have a say on set. Now, executive producers of a show they both love, Heughan and Balfe not only lead on set, but get to have creative input behind the scenes too. No longer naïve young actors, they now are role models to the younger cast. Sophie Skelton, Richard Rankin, Lauren Lyle, John Bell, and Caitlin O’Ryan have all spoken about this.