Lessons of the Lost

by Scott C. Hammond

The wilderness can be unforgiving and dangerous, yet fill our souls with awe and wonder. It can overwhelm us with beauty and stun us with fear, lift our spirits to the highest highs and send us crashing to the floor of creation. The wilderness is a classroom where we learn to survive, thrive and sometimes die. At some point in our lives, we have all been lost in a wilderness of some kind—whether literal or metaphorical—without any direction on how to find our way back home. Some have faced survival decisions in community disasters or personal trauma. Some have been lost in work, wandered in careers and professions. Some have been lost in relationships, crippling addictions, health challenges, or grief. Scott Hammond, a volunteer search and rescuer, knows that people who have been lost—in the wilderness, in the workplace, or in life—can teach us how to go beyond survival and thrive, regardless of the nature of our personal wildernesses. Through his experience rescuing others and real-life stories, Hammond provides valuable lessons designed to help those who are lost. These narratives communicate that small things matter, that no one is ever lost alone, and that movement creates opportunity. Being lost is not a geographic problem, but a mental and spiritual problem. Lost people may be deprived of the basics of food, water, and shelter, but they are first deprived of meaning. Restoring that meaning is the first step toward hope, and hope is the beacon that leads you home.

Genres: Nonfiction, Psychology

238 pages, Paperback

First published June 20, 2013

Reviews

[Valerie Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

The wilderness and search and rescue parts of this book were interesting. But I quickly lost interest when the author tried to extend the lost in the wilderness metaphor to real life, turning this into a rather shallow self-help book.

[Sidreis Agla · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this book. As an addict in recovery I could relate, on some level, to each story that was told. I found hope in the search efforts that were made for each of the lost, and I found wisdom and guidance in the lessons learned and shared from all parties; both the rescuer and the rescued.

I appreciate Dr. Hammond's personal approach as he shared of his own experience with being lost, as well as the experiences of close family members; my very own family members. I'm so blessed to know them.

Anyone who reads this book will not be able to put it down, however, it is also not a book to be read in one sitting. It is packed so full of goodness that one must read a portion, chew, swallow, digest and absorb the nutrients before reading anymore.

I am appreciative of the willingness of all those who participated in this project to share their stories. Bravo!

Sidreis
www.bythelightofgrace.com

[Kylee Boyter · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite self help, self-discovery, and personal development books out there. Learn from others' experiences in real-life situations where they were tested not only mentally, but physically in the wilderness. We are all lost in some aspects, and this book can help you find yourself.

Highly recommend to anyone in need of some self discovery.

[Terry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great perspective, wonderful insights. Definitely worth the read.

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book but I wish that the proofreader would have done a better job.

[Elisa Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book. Scott is a great storyteller. The book includes many stories of people who were lost, some who lived to tell about it and others who didn't. It is an interesting perspective of the vastness of the world and how easy it is to become lost and how many are willing to step-up to help those who are lost to become found again.

[Trenton Bennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read

Very inspiring, I think we all know or are someone who is lost in one way or
Another. Must read!

[Kent White · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really great book. Having been lost at times myself, it was wonderful to see the psychology of mental state at the time. The stories are terrific and well told.

[Kitty · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lots of interesting information, but he couldn't decide if he was writing something clinical or just story telling to show what he was trying to teach.

[D. Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book to help one take a look at your current and specific situations. Survival is a state of mind and a willingness to assess and take reasonable actions.