For over a year, Falling Uphill has been in Amazon's Top 100 best-selling travel memoirs.

Scott Stoll’s cycling journey around the world raises countless questions about life in our time and answers quite a few of them. He is at once charming, innocent, fearless, and wise in his search for the world and himself. What does he find? Joy, tranquility, no end of personal challenges, and a whole lot more. ~ Larry Habegger, Executive Editor, Travelers’ Tales Books

Scott Stoll lives a life the rest of us only dream of. With a keen eye and an open heart, he expresses the joys and aggravations of traveling the world on two wheels.
~ Michael Berry, Bay Area book critic

[Stoll] did something most of us would not do: He decided to ride his bicycle around the world. His impulse isn’t as strange as it might sound. Humans have always sought answers to life’s perplexing questions by undertaking long and arduous journeys. ~ San Francisco Chronicle

It was an exhausting yet exhilarating trip filled with both human kindness and treachery, with nature’s beauty, challenge and danger. ~ Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Stoll has some harrowing and heart-warming tales to tell. ~ San Diego Tribune

See! There’s something else for us out there, we just have to dream a little bit. ~ WGN TV

The book is fascinating to read. ~ Showcase Minnesota

A bad day turned into an incredible adventure. ~ KION News

They are fascinating books. And, I'm telling you—I really enjoyed reading about your experiences. ~ Larry Meiller. Wisconsin Public Radio.

Stoll’s attitude and observations verge on Paul Theroux, which I love.... BTW, [his] column on GJ was one of our most popular of the summer. ~ Stephen Regenold, the Gear Junkie

This is one of the most entertaining and thought-provoking book I've read. Scott's re-telling of his adventures and his personal reflections are exciting, humorous, profound, and genuine. His honesty is very refreshing, and at times a little uncomfortable -- he shares with us the sides of himself that we, as people, generally like to hide away. Scott's accomplishments and struggles reveal the beautiful and ugly sides of human nature, and his story gives us hope that we can all follow our dreams, no matter how foolish or impossible they seem. ~ Kate M., University of California

A masterpiece on humanity. Thanks for not quitting so we can read about it and at the same time enrich our own lives. ~ Dick and Ingrid A.

It should be a primer for every child and on every home bookcase as ready relief for all adults. ~ Charles L.

If I had more money I would buy books for every library. The world needs people like Scott to show us what is possible, if you try. ~ Tony G.

A book that makes me itch to get on the road again.... What surprised me was the style; not just another travelogue from A to B, but a whole philosophy of life and cycling. The best read since I read “Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance” over 10 years ago! ~ Andy G.

The more I read, the more I remember my own journeys, my own stories, my own difficulties struggling with great questions. ~ Patrick M.

I recognize the struggles you described, not so much because I traveled as far or as rough as you, but the struggle a lot of us have to be more appreciative of our lot in life, and to see the world with new eyes everyday. ~ Chris D.

I found it very enlightening and profound. Through the author’s words and experiences, I’ve had many self-realizations— See! He did make a difference.~ Gerald H.

I’ve found an author whose book sucked me in and made me contemplate brushing off the old passport and booking the first cheap flight anywhere. ~ Beth Irwin

Scott almost dies, falls in love, finds "God" and discovers the meaning of life — what more from a story could you ask for? ~ Pete S.

Not only does your story inspire people to live out their dreams, it helps others to realize they're already living them! ~ Kathleen D.

Falling Uphill: Reviewed by Leith Johnson

There's a saying amongst travel enthusiasts and New Age revivalists alike: "It's the journey, not the destination." But breathtaking landscapes or spiritual enlightenment aside, we're repeatedly told the opposite in modern American society: that the destination is everything, indeed -- whether it involves the perfect career, the perfect mate, or simply purchasing the latest, greatest, "how-can-I-ever-manage-to-live-without-it" iGadget. Hence that other (and more familiar) saying: "Congratulations, you've arrived!"

But what if, along the way from point A to B, life suddenly presents an unexpected detour that not only interrupts your itinerary, but gives cause to throw out society’s roadmap altogether?

That's what happened to Scott Stoll, author of Falling Uphill, when in a single week he lost not only his job, but also his girlfriend and, subsequently, his confidence to boot. For Stoll, what followed was a four-year personal odyssey in search of life's answers, peddling a bicycle over 25,000 miles across six different continents -- and vowing not to stop until he had found happiness at long last.

Stoll's narrative is inspired. Falling Uphill documents the 30-something's journey around the world in three separate sections: the first one centers on the physical toll of his arduous trek; the second provides an accounting of its emotional wear and tear; and the third, spiritual meanderings along the road less traveled. Rather than a chronological rehash of events, each chapter begins with a question, until the full adventure unfolds and Stoll, along with the reader, arrives once more on American shore -- leaving just one more question to answer: "Did you find what you were looking for?" ~ Leith Johnson

More acclaim for the book and journey

I read and loved your book. Once I started it, I couldn't put it down. Thanks ~ AnnaMay Cory

I gave your book to my 12 year old nephew, who was really thrilled to get it and then to watch your video. At some point down the line, you may hear from him. I think you may have inspired another dream put in motion for a young boy who does dream of a larger world out there. What a wonderful legacy you create!! ~ Walter Smalling

Scott’s courage is a tremendous inspiration to would-be adventurers everywhere! ~ Michelle H.

What a great way to see the earth and its people. What a gift to share. ~ Bruce L.

Thanks for the chance to peek at the world through your eyes. ~ Jan P.

I just finished your book. Great read, worth taking the time. I like the way you write and the insightful thoughts. I would like to thank you for this effort and hope it reaches wide readership. It should be a primer for every child and on every home book case as ready relief for all adults. I liked the last part too with the conversations with Buddha. I wonder why the NEW York best seller list does not have it listed... They are missing so much as is Oprah... There are places in the book that are all about you but then they are totally appropriate. There are parts that preach to the reader but then the reader needs preaching to. There is some self serving sections that could only be seen by the reader as proof of why they would want to read this book in the first place. In short "Good on ya mate". ~ Charles L.

You have some deep insights. I have pondered many of the same questions you have encountered on my own journeys. I am still in search of happiness. I think we all are.... I feel I will always be a traveler. I will always have that desire that strange urge to experience new things, to see, to do something more-to search. Before and after I am always in doubt and unhappy, only during the journey it seems do I feel fulfilled. I admire your journey. The more I read, the more I remember my own journeys, my own stories, my own difficulties struggling with great questions. I think the format of your book is fantastic-a great idea.... You make me want to get out the bike again. But alas, my knees hurt too much, hiking the entire Appalachian trail did them in, and your chapter about eating tripe in Africa and then your chapter about getting poison ivy going to the bathroom made me remember I don't want to do the hard core traveling anymore. I have done that. I have had enough of sleeping in dumps, the bad food, getting nearly killed in crashes- the anger and the shield you have to put up to protect yourself from swindlers. And then there is the hardest part about travel and you hit it on the head is the loneliness. ~ A fellow traveler, Patrick M.

Loved the book. A great accomplishment, both the adventure and the book. I definitely asked some of the pessimistic questions like "Were you ever robbed?" but i think i also asked some of the better ones. I recognize the struggles you described since being home, not so much because I traveled as far or as rough as you, but the struggle alot of us have to be more appreciative of our lot in life. And to see the world with new eyes every day. I find myself quite often fighting the daydream that there is a place and if i go there i will find happiness.Cape town, patagonia, thailand. Of course maybe there is, but i try harder to find beauty wherever i am (a definite challenge at times). Anyways as you can see your book both brought back some great memories of my own and made me think. ~ Chris D.

I found it very enlightening and profound. Through your words and experiences, I have learned a lot about myself, had many self-realizations and observed where I am and what I'm looking for or not looking for. See so you have made a difference. Our path and thinking are similar, but to find myself I must journey on a similar quest. I'm not sure still if I'm running away or running to something. I guess I'll soon discover this. The last part of the book with Budda was very thought provoking, well thought out and humorous. I especially liked the part where you rode past the lions (not actually seeing them but they were there) thinking positive and being non-threatening. I believe they can sense if you are a danger or threat to them. This applies to any situation time or place -- a lesson well learned. I think that took a lot of courage to venture through their domain. Thanks again good luck lecturing across the country your story needs to be told. We here in the US and Canada have it good. And happiness is not about wealth and material things -- as you discovered. Hey I'll be leaving in the new year of 2010 if you want to do it again. LOL ~ Gerald H.

I absolutely loved your book and was quite sad when I'd finished it. I think that you showed great insights and I loved your courage to say things that I think about but never talk about. All the inner talk that goes on, but one never voices. I felt that I was on the journey with you, because the book took me on a journey with my self. I got to see a lot about myself, by you revealing yourself. I loved the structure of the book. It was not just a travellogue, it has great stories, and always an interesting point to make. So, I was entertained, I learnt a lot and got an insight into other peoples lives in a way that travel magazines and books never show. ~ Jane M.

I think your book will inspire lots people to push their strength to see the world and see what's out there rather than everyday focus on material things, money or
other stuffs. ~ Melody Jong (Taiwan)

Loving your book! My husband Scot took it from me and now he is reading it, and I had been reading it for 2 hours non-stop before he took it from me! It is so well written. I am really impressed! You are a great writer Scott!!! ~ Shelley Kroggel

Very creative way of telling the story of the journey in questions, I must say. It's been a wonderful way to reminisce a little, plus to get a glimpse on how someone can take the same journey but see something in a different way. Thank you so much for articulating your experience and your perspective - and not least for sharing it! ~ Edwin Tucker (New Zealand)

Have a great time cycling the US promoting your book every school in your country should have it on their reading list. And thanks for correcting peoples blinkered view of Americans wherever you went you are proud of your nationality and you should be. After all you were one of Americas best ambassadors during Americas worst 4 years... Good travels and keep those wheels rolling. ~ Andy Ganner (Germany)

I'm half-way through your book (a great distraction from my in-laws). I just have to say how brave you are to have done that. I've always chosen the easy, safe path. I just never knew that such unimaginable things are tangible. I am a mom and a wife and a nurse, and I do have a happy life. But I do often think "what would have happened if..." Your thoughts about the forks in the road really are true. Have a great new year ~ Colleen Ulrich Beilfuss

I'm nearing the end of your book. Fantastic experiences all around. What stood out to me, though, is the monarch butterflies huddled together and weighing down tree limbs like snow in Mexico. Your friend's (it was Dennis, I think) crafty pen exchange for the baby lamb from the herder's flock is hilarious. Particularly so because it was the unintended result of a lesson that somehow wasn't quite conveyed. ~ Bryan Medlin

I'm reading your book and I love it! Just read about your trip to Nowhere. If you want to go Crazy I have directions. ~ Lara Swanson

Loved the book. ~ Bruce Tipton

It's incredible. It gives me chills. You are my hero.... But, there are things in this book that no mother should ever have to read about her son. ~ Scott's mom

And, there are things no girlfriend should ever have to read about her boyfriend either. ~ Scott's (ex) girlfriend

I’ll say one thing, you’re damn brave to be so brutally honest and I have to admire how you put it all out there. I think you are (and I am being totally serious here) the most self-reflective and spiritually enlightened person I’ve ever known.... I respect and appreciate your honesty, but those are not words a girl wants to hear! ~ Scott's potential future girlfriend

I thought your book was really really good and I'm not just saying that because I'm your sister. Every sentence was well crafted and there wasn't a bunch of extra fluff like some books. I felt inspired and hopeful by the book. The biggest impact it had on me was being able to hear about your interactions with everyone around the world. The hospitality, the friendliness, and most importantly remembering that people are really the same no matter where you go. I think it's really helpful in this day and age to get that message out. It would be a much better world if we had open minds and tried understanding each other. ~ Scott's sister

I am reading a chapter each morning. Always interesting and gives me lots to think about. ~ Susan VanKuiken

I LOVED the book. Can't wait for your next one! ~Shelley Kroggel

Finished UPHILL, loved it, thanks again!! Rock on brudda. ~ Eric Field

I am really enjoying your book and am almost finished. I'm glad you were doing the trip around the world and not me, but then you got the benefit from all the co-creations and your soul was very happy! . . . ~ Carole

Just wanted to let you know I finished "Falling Uphill" and enjoyed every minute of it! I'm in Vancouver, BC for a conference. Sat next to the Tanzanian ambassador to Canada at a pub tonight and gave him the name of your book, with my recommendation. (His question: "How many times was his bike stolen in Africa?" ~ Doug Dowis

[Falling Uphill] is FANTASTIC!!  The writing is wonderful - insightful and funny.  I am making alot of connections in my own life while reading about you. Thank you for writing the book, it is really having a wonderful affect on me.  ~ Jane M.

I read [Falling Uphill] in a time I was brooding quite a bit about the bigger questions of life. You had some very interesting points of view in your book and it felt good to know I wasn't the only one questioning many things. ~ Babette K

Now I'm in Holland, where I'm volunteering on an organic farm. Your reading has provided many hours of entertainment admist the thousand weeds I've picked. It's also sparked many conversations- lately, is happiness something you find, or something you create from within? Even people in miserable situations can choose to be happy, we decided.... Yesterday over dinner at the farm I told Herma, my host, about you biking around the world for years. She remarked how much she would love to do that... she's an avid biker herself. Then looked at her partner, Tineke, and the farm (both of which she loves immensely), and remembered our conversation about happiness earlier. "But I am already so happy here," she said, giving Tineke a kiss. Aside from being university professors, they've created a beautiful community of friends and travelers always coming and going on their small farm... they are, indeed, already living their dream. Not only does your story inspire people to live out their dreams, it helps others to realize they're already living them! Hope your book is allowing you to grow & learn as much as your bike trip did. ~ Kathleen D.