The Good Girl’s Guide to Getting Lost, by Rachel Friedman

Ever felt the urge to break free from the mold you've carefully crafted? Rachel Friedman's The Good Girls' Guide to Getting Lost is a refreshing tale that might just inspire you to take that leap.

Friedman, the quintessential "good girl," shocks herself and everyone around her when she decides to throw caution to the wind and jet off to Ireland on a whim. What starts as a brief adventure quickly snowballs into a year-long journey across three continents, pushing Friedman far beyond her comfort zone.

The heart of this story lies in its relatability. Friedman's voice is that of a young woman on the cusp of adulthood, grappling with her identity and place in the world. Her encounters, particularly with a free-spirited Australian, serve as catalysts for personal growth and self-discovery.

While the narrative may not delve into profound philosophical depths, it doesn't need to. The charm of The Good Girls' Guide to Getting Lost is in its honesty and simplicity. Friedman's experiences remind us of the transformative power of travel, the thrill of living in the moment, and the importance of stepping outside our carefully constructed boundaries.

This book is a delightful reminder that sometimes, the best way to find yourself is to get a little lost first.

What happens when we lose the things that anchor us? What if, instead of grasping at something to hold on to, we pull up our roots and walk away? Instead of trying to find the way back, we walk deeper and deeper into the woods, willing ourselves to get lost. In this place where nothing is recognizable. not the people or the language or the food, we are truly on our own. Eventually, we find ourselves unencumbered by the past or the future. Here is a fleeting glimpse of our truest self, our self in the present moment.
— Rachel Friedman, The Good Girl's Guide to Getting Lost

Interesting Facts & Links:

  • Rachel Friedman is an American author and travel writer based in New York City. She holds an MFA in Creative Writing from Sarah Lawrence College and has taught writing at various institutions, including New York University and Yale University. Friedman's work has been featured in notable publications such as The New York Times, National Geographic Traveler, and New York Magazine. In addition to her writing career, she has worked as a bartender in Ireland and as a whitewater rafting guide in Costa Rica, experiences which have informed her perspective on travel and personal growth. Friedman is also known for her public speaking engagements, where she discusses topics related to travel, writing, and finding one's path in life.

  • Travel Belles is a quality blog that focuses on travel for women, and we like their review on The Good Girl's Guide to Getting Lost.  Click here to read it.

  • Also check out this interview on Worldhum with Rachel Friedman where she opens up about letting go, female friendship, and her current relationship to music. Or finally, click here to find out more about the author at her own website.

Recommendations for Those Who Liked This Book

Recommendations for Those Who Liked This Book

Book image links to go Amazon. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission.