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Big Waves & Wooden Benches: A True Story

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What if you curated the perfect life, only to have it crumble?
What if in that rubble, you begin to question everything?
What if you can’t bring yourself to rebuild a life that now feels hollow?

Well, if you’re Stephanie Wilson, you sell all your possessions and set sail around the world for 115 days seeking answers. But when big adventures end with bigger questions, truly finding herself becomes the ultimate test of resilience.

From big waves on the horizon abundant with possibility, to the lonely wooden park benches of New York City, Stephanie’s journey to learn how to trust her intuition and forge forward in an unstable world will resonate with anyone who has ever had the sinking feeling that there must be more to life—along with the relentless will to find the answer.

Come for the exciting world cruise. Stay for the harrowing aftermath that leaves you amazed and inspired.


Andy Frye, write for Rolling Stone and Forbes calls it, "a conjuring of Jack Kerouac with a smarter, more feminine tone. It’s a good read for anyone who loves travel lit with a cozy and sometimes frightening look at post-modern life."

404 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 20, 2022

4 people are currently reading
503 people want to read

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Stephanie Wilson

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5 stars
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3 (11%)
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
1 review
August 9, 2022
Within 72 hours I had finished this book and was wanting more. Such an incredible story that shows even though you may accomplish your goals, what’s on the other side may not always be what you expect. Here’s to hoping there is more story to tell!
1 review
August 23, 2022
WOW WOW WOW!!! Where do I start. This book is hands down the Mack Daddy of Memoirs. The Author brings you along on her journey of life's ups and downs in a way that you experience every emotion she feels. Her determination to land on her feet when life is knocking her upside down is amazing and an inspiration to anyone who is afraid to take chances and listen to their inner voice. I have a new appreciation for the struggles I have faced and have learned so much about how to deal with adversity. I am so grateful to the author for being vulnerable enough to open up about her life in hopes of changing the lives of others. Kudos, a job well done Stephanie!! 👏
Profile Image for Kimijo.
197 reviews4 followers
August 19, 2025
Uncharted Horizons follows Stephanie Wilson as she abandons her carefully curated life and embarks on a 115-day world cruise in search of meaning. From thrilling adventures at sea to quiet, introspective moments back home, Stephanie confronts loss, uncertainty, and the challenge of trusting her own intuition. This journey of resilience and self-discovery will resonate with anyone questioning what comes after life’s upheavals, blending the excitement of travel with deep, reflective storytelling.
Profile Image for Olivia.
11 reviews
April 8, 2022
This book has you rooting for her, laughing with her, crying with her, and relishing in her bravery and honesty.
A must-read for anyone who’s never felt comfortable living a life of “I should’s”.
Profile Image for Michelle.
3 reviews
May 20, 2022
Stephanie is a great storyteller! An amazing story of perseverance, pushing through and staying true to yourself.
479 reviews2 followers
August 22, 2022
I now want to travel. This book was great. I loved how everything wasn't roses and she wrote about the hard and challenging times
232 reviews
November 26, 2022
I loved this story. Stephanie Wilson is an incredibly brave woman, going after exactly what she wants, taking risks a lot of people wouldn't. Trading security for adventure. It was a joy following her in her travels and then to a life in New York City. She does an excellent job of writing about her friends. They come to life right off the page. This is a book I will have to read again.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for LaShanda Chamberlain.
620 reviews35 followers
July 6, 2023
An Open Book!!

I enjoyed reading this one! The author shared her triumphs and pain in this one. She took the expression “an open book” to heart!!
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews

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