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Wayfinding #2

Wayfinding Part 2: Hell and Heaven

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In part one of this series, we looked at a series of experiments that called into question the concept of free will. Here, we confront that idea more directly, and the exploration reveals a path whereby we might gain more control over our lives.

At the same time, the adventure with Billy continues as the boat breaks down and Douglas and I find ourselves marooned on a strange island in the middle of nowhere.

25 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 2, 2015

16 people are currently reading
98 people want to read

About the author

Hugh Howey

147 books57.4k followers
I'm the author of WOOL, a top 5 science fiction book on Amazon. I also wrote the Molly Fyde saga, a tale of a teenager from the 25th century who is repeatedly told that girls can't do certain things -- and then does them anyway.

A theme in my books is the celebration of overcoming odds and of not allowing the cruelty of the universe to change who you are in the process. Most of them are classified as science fiction, since they often take place in the future, but if you love great stories and memorable characters, you'll dig what you find here. I promise.

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5 stars
94 (36%)
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99 (38%)
3 stars
48 (18%)
2 stars
10 (3%)
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4 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
Profile Image for Jeff Koeppen.
680 reviews48 followers
April 6, 2022
This is the second installment in Hugh Howey's eight-part Wayfinding series in which he talks about maritime experiences with a bit of amateur psychology thrown in for good measure.

Howey talks a lot about free will in this one, and I'm kind of all free-willed out after reading excellent books by Dan Barker and Sam Harrison the subject. It's a fascinating idea to take a deep dive into but I've already heard all I need to hear.

The parts dealing with Howey's boating adventures was fun. In this installment, Howey and his companion are forced to make an unexpected stop at the tropical Providencia Island (owned by Columbia) in the Caribbean to repair their boat's engine. They end up enjoying their stay very much and Howey comes up with a plan to become a citizen, only to be thwarted at the last minute. Good stuff. I would've loved to hear more about life and times on the island while they were there.

Profile Image for Trent.
421 reviews48 followers
March 14, 2024
Another great entry into this short nonfiction series from Hugh Howey.

In this part, Hugh examines the concept of Free Will, and why he has come to believe it does not exist. It's a fascinating thought experiment from one of the most interesting and empathetic thinkers around.
Profile Image for Susan.
412 reviews24 followers
August 20, 2015
Cool! Loved the adventures! And...the humor. Interpreted for me: Gain control in order to lose control and experience a life you may not have ever considered. What richness that can bring to your life if you appreciate every moment, every experience. Long ago, a college roommate and I traveled to France to live with families as au pairs and then travel together across Europe as two fair-haired 20 year-old young women. Life changing experience neither of us will ever forget and...we learned so much about people, life and ourselves. Totally relate to Hugh's experience and learnings however I didn't run around asking "Veux-tu m'epouser?"
4 reviews
January 26, 2017
A bit of a digression, but good overall

A neat perspective, but a bit too much emphasis on the argument of free will, almost bordering on metaphysical preaching. I don't mind the argument, but it didn't necessarily belong as a foundational piece since it isn't an integral proof or even supporting evidence of that "human condition we all have that will try it's damndest to stunt your long term happiness". I felt this was a pretty solid core message with a great anecdotal story with vivid imagery.
Basically Hugh is the man. Love his writing and appreciate what he's trying to do here, but the whole free will discussion made this chapter a bit of a rough ride
Profile Image for Carin Camen.
Author 27 books41 followers
December 27, 2019
Hugh Howey's Wayfinding series isn't his highest seller, which in my opinion is a loss to every reader who enjoys this author. It is in this series that you get to know the author on a deeper level. Hugh shares his innermost thoughts of his introspective journey as he sails around the world. I recommend that you read the entire series.

We often look at what Hugh shares online and think it's all fun and games. The Wayfinding series, shares the reality of sailing and the daily struggles one goes through physically and emotionally. It is in his journey around the world, that Hugh gives you access to his fears, insecurities and struggles. He is known for showing the world who he is, Wayfinding takes that concept and expands introspectively.

Some of his philosophies may challenge you to think about your own. Whether you agree with him or not, isn't what's important. It's all about embracing the journey that he invites you to participate in.

Wayfinding Part 1: Rats and Rafts
Wayfinding Part 2: Hell and Heaven
Wayfinding Part 3: Hot & Cold
Wayfinding Part 4: Old World & New
Wayfinding Part 5: Consciousness and Subconsciousness
Wayfinding Part 6: Highs and Lows
Wayfinding Part 7: In-Grouping and Out-Grouping
Wayfinding - Food and Fitness

Thank you Hugh for letting us be a part of your travels around the world. Your willingness to share personal insight and struggles in your Wayfinding journey helps to give hope in overcoming the storms of life, when the waves comes crashing down around you.

While I enjoyed reading this series, I would thoroughly enjoy having this series undergo a rewrite with retrospective thoughts as you conclude your travels.
Profile Image for Adrienne.
94 reviews3 followers
October 9, 2015
Loved this one

How can a man go from science fiction to spirituality without batting an eyelash? I don't know, but I'm surely going to keep reading to find out. Many things in this book resonate with me, and it's funny that I'm seeing someone else ponder free will but come up with a conclusion. I suspect this series will be just what I need.
Profile Image for Matthew p Parker.
2 reviews
July 4, 2015
Great Read in under an hour.....

Able to read this in less than an hour. Also was under a $1 to buy. Enjoy reading these short installments about sailing and his insights on life. Thanks again Hugh.
Profile Image for Kenneth Buff.
Author 25 books63 followers
July 10, 2015
So in this chapter of the book Hugh discusses free will. I didn't find this section to be as engaging as the previous or as the following chapter. It's still good information, and sort of essential to read for the parts to come, but it just wasn't as fun as the others.
3 reviews
July 12, 2015
Fine art

Worthwhile art will provoke conversation with your inner muse as will good writing. Hugh Howey's adventure cajoles you into your own inner adventure. How can you not like that? Thoughtful and provoking. I really like his work.
2 reviews
August 4, 2015
Simple and Powerful

These are not complicated ideas that are presented in this series, but when think about it life is really not that complex. I have gained more control with this thinking. I have found the holes in my own ship by telling myself that I'm sinking.
Profile Image for Chad Schuitema.
94 reviews3 followers
August 14, 2015
Really interesting

I'm digging this series. The first book had me intrigued and I'm still not sure I agree with everything he is saying, but I'm withholding judgment and trying it on. Oh, and his stories are awesome. Wish I lived this life!
Profile Image for Alexandria.
43 reviews
August 20, 2015
Not as succinct as the first

More repetitive and didn't have me convinced with his free will theory. Left out a lot that could have been included in a discussion on free will and had a narrow idea of it in the long run. The story of his travels was great though
Profile Image for Tom Hailand.
158 reviews3 followers
July 9, 2015
Thanks Hugh!

Beautiful book. If I had free will I'd give this book a 6 star rating, but I am unfortunately constrained by a 5 star system. Paradox rocks?!
Profile Image for Debbie.
355 reviews10 followers
August 30, 2015
The continuing discussion of free will is intriguing. Hugh's real life adventures, though, are better than fiction. For this installment, at least, I enjoyed reading the second part better.
Profile Image for Josh.
43 reviews3 followers
April 9, 2016
Currently wayfinding myself
Profile Image for Courtney .
51 reviews
April 19, 2017
The Wayfinding series is Hugh Howey's foray into non-fiction via brief expositions on the human experience and Wayfinding or, as Howey defines it, "being aware of our environment and our responses to outside stimuli."

He writes in a way that is clear and accessible to many, beginning each (thus far) part of the Wayfinding Series with discussions on human behavior and Psychological research and phenomena. He works his way from there into stories of his own life and his own struggles with or understanding of these phenomena he has already discussed. Howey's writing is well researched, thought out, and thought provoking.

Part 2 involves discussions of free will, paradox, and Howey's experience on Isla Providencia after a storm forces a boat he was traveling on off of its path in his mid 20s.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews

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