Waypoints: My Scottish Journey by Sam Heughan
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Web ID: 15276062An enjoyable, worthwhile adventure/memoir
Sam's journey takes us back and forth between his early childhood upbringing; his father leaving him and his family when Sam was only eighteen months old, his mum having to raise him and his older brother Cirdan on her own, how he discovered his love of theater and desire to pursue acting, to the grueling process of auditions, lots of rejections, living out of a suitcase to small and big roles on the stage, (like Batman Live), early film and television work (even on a soap opera) to much later when finally getting his big break on the hit television show Outlander, to the present with his challenging and ambitious undertaking of hiking the West Highland Way in Scotland. I give him a lot of credit to set out on such an arduous journey, braving the harsh Scottish weather and the ups and downs of it but also slightly envious to experience such an amazing adventure. A memoir that's candid, deeply personal and sometimes even humorous, I found it to be both intriguing and fascinating. I learned so much I didn't know about Sam, and in addition to being a fantastic actor, Sam is also a wonderful, natural born storyteller. But the road leading up to success and stardom wasn't an easy one, far from it; acting is a very competitive industry. Having been to so many auditions, Sam had lost count in the hopes to try and build his career as an actor. In spite of the long hard road, of self-doubt and even questioning what he was doing, he never gave up on his dream, stating that "he couldn't abandon his ambitions altogether, and that with determination and conviction that it will happen." By the time I'd at last gotten to the chapter of him getting that defining part of the fiery red-headed Highlander named Jamie Fraser in Outlander, I was in happy tears; he'd finally gotten the dream role he'd been chasing after for so very long. I found it awesome that in spite of his success after Outlander, that fame hadn't changed him a bit, and he doesn't take any of it for granted and is still the same lovely and humble man, even giving back with various charitable work. What's even more extraordinary, is how after he completed the West Highland Way, Sam trekked to the summit of Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the UK. Needless to say, it was a really interesting book that I thoroughly loved. I definitely recommend reading this wonderful memoir; if you're a fan of Sam, Outlander, or even just looking for something different to read, this is an enjoyable and worthwhile adventure.
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
A Beacon of Hope
Waypoints is a mix of Sam Heughan's journey on the West Highland Way and the twists and turns his life took before reaching where he is today as an actor. The book starts off a bit chaotic. It jumps between present moments to several flashbacks, some of which are interwoven together, making it difficult for me to follow. Additionally, Sam's rush to take on the West Highland Way made me nervous. Particularly the fact he left without telling anyone where he was going and how long he was planning to be gone. Having my own experiences in the field (as a wildlife biologist), I know how dangerous being on one's own in the wilderness can be. Which is why I was grateful when Sam met Graeme and the fact that he took the time to text his friends on his second day. As Sam continued along the West Highland Way, I noticed the passages about the present and past were becoming more organized. Almost as if the hike were clearing Sam's mind. Though, there were still a few places that were hard for me to follow. As for Sam's life journey toward becoming the actor he is today, I empathized or sympathized with many of the challenges he faced throughout his life. Sometimes I empathized or sympathized so deeply with his story, I had to take a moment and process my own emotions before I could continue. I also could relate to Sam in a lot of ways, particularly the need to be more in the present, his passion, his feelings about relationships, and his wild imagination. Overall, for someone going through their own personal journey during a time of uncertainty, reading Waypoints provided a beacon of hope. I did not want this book to end, and when it did, it felt as if I was parting with an old friend (though, I'm sure I will be reading this book again). However, I will take the lessons Sam has shared in his book, and apply some to my own life, like trying to focus on the process rather than the outcome.
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
The West Highland Way
This is the story of actor Sam Heughan's hike on the West Highland Way intertwined with his memories of his life to this point. In addition to being entertaining and thought-provoking, the book provides detailed descriptions of the beautiful Scottish countryside. I liked the way the story had sections on the hike and then as that was getting a bit too long would insert a personal story from Sam's life. By switching between the two, the story was given some variety. However, I do have to question the editing of this book since Caitriona's name was spelled incorrectly.
Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
Really Enjoyable Audiobook
Calling all Outlander fans! Star of the hit series, Sam Heughan takes readers behind the scenes of his life while bringing us on a ninety-six mile hike along Scotland's West Highland Way. As Sam treks the challenging terrain he shares stories of his early life, years in and out of audition rooms, projects that are passionate to him as well as glimpses of the early days of Outlander casting. The audiobook version is narrated by Heughan himself and adds just that little bit more to the story to hear him tell these tales himself as well as getting to hear some recordings that he made on his phone while on his journey. I found this to be a really enjoyable read and highly recommend adding this to your TBR list for all fans of Heughan...and Jamie Fraser. Also, if you missed Sam's other book give "Clanlands" a try to learn all about Scotland, its history and culture mixed in with great banter from Sam and Graham McTavish.
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
Fantastic Read!!
Sam Heughan's Waypoints Writing Style: 5/5 Subject: 5/5 Candidness 5/5 Relevance: 5/5 Entertainment Quotient: 5/5 I believe every person has a series of walls guarding their innermost self. In Waypoints, Sam Heughan gives us a very small glimpse behind one wall. This is not just a book about who Sam Heughan is now, this is a book about an incredible peak he accomplished (walking the West Highland Way) and a reflection of how he became who he is. I found Sam's choice of writing style interesting. Going back and forth between his childhood, his relationship with his Father, his rise to fame and his late October walk along the West Highland Way. By the way, who walks the WHW in late October? Sam does. He appreciates a good challenge and that was relatable to me. Reading this book made me feel like I was on a hike with one of my pals. There are parallels to things in my own (much less glamorous) life that I could identify with. These things certainly put into perspective the fact that Sam is just a remarkably normal guy with a high profile job. His hiking experience was pure joy to read. He even made an awful day amusing in the way he seems to approach everything, with humor. I have always fully believed that the universe helps us when we need it. It was refreshing to read a book that proved that theory. When Sam wrote about some traveling companions he met along the way, it made me smile. These strangers were there when he needed them to be. I truly enjoyed hearing him talk about walking with them. Learning that he dropped a bit of his guard to talk and hike along with them was a positive. Sam's proclivity to talk to mushrooms along the way made me laugh. I've had encounters with mushrooms and the conversations were always pretty trippy. Sam's humor is definitely one of the things that makes him so endearing. In Waypoints, Sam talks about his struggles before and with fame. It was compelling to hear a celebrity talk about being broke before his big break in such a candid way. He talks about the unsettling parts of fame as well. It made me appreciate some of the darker things he deals with from some of his fans and opened my eyes to the huge price he pays for his level of fame. I also have a new appreciation for his hard fought attempts to keep his personal life private. We all know fandom “detectives” can be a wee bit over the top, but that could be a whole other book on it's own. Sam recounts how his charities, such as MPC, and his whisky business, Sassenach Spirits got started. When he writes about these things, he writes with an intense passion. It becomes obvious that he puts one hundred percent into each endeavor he undertakes. I admire that about him. His candor is impressive and I understand why he may have been nervous for this book to come out. He opens himself up just a wee bit and for a self-professed introvert, that is a very difficult thing to do. I thoroughly enjoyed reading Waypoints and I highly recommend it. I took my time and read it assiduously. To be completely frank and honest, I finished the book feeling like I still don't know who Sam Heughan truly is and I don't think he knows either. I believe we all feel like that in some way and that's perfectly okay. Every book teaches us something. This reaffirmed to me that we are ever evolving humans and Sam Heughan is just one of us.
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
Did not disappoint!
Sam communicates in his writing as well as he does on stage and screen. Waypoints is an insightful and endearing peek into the soul of this actor. His humanity, humor and humility distinguish him as the person you would want as a friend. His drive and focus are to be admired. Sam Heughan has my respect and admiration.
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
Slainte!
Just like Clanlands, Waypoints is an extremely entertaining book. There may be nothing better than a book about Sam Heughan in the Highlands in Scotland, to be honest. But if that doesn't convince you to read this, know that Heughan's memoir is a lovely reflection on his life interspersed with his time hiking the West Highland Way. His wit and charm is on every page and I really really enjoyed this book.
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
Great read!
Sam Heughan has written a very personal memoir about his life and career to date. It is touching, heart felt and humorous but also talks about loss and sadness and struggle. I was very impressed by how well written this is and how honestly it is written.
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com