What on earth would make someone decide to put their whole life up for sale... on eBay?
When Ian Usher decided that it was time to leave the past behind and move on to the next chapter of his life, that is exactly what he did. The results were surprising, entertaining and challenging.
However, the auction was only the beginning of the adventure. What does someone do when they have sold their life? Well, just about anything they like really!
Armed with a list of 100 lifetime goals, and a self-imposed timeframe of 100 weeks, Ian embarked on what could truly be described as the journey of a lifetime - a global adventure spanning six continents, two years, and almost every emotion.
From the amazing highs of achievement, happiness and love, to the terrible lows of disappointment, loneliness and despair, come along and enjoy the rollercoaster ride of life, as experienced by one traveller who is simply looking for a new start.
"A Life Sold" is proudly offered by Wider Vision Publishing. We specialise in amazing and uplifting stories in the travel/adventure/personal journey genre. This wonderful book certainly fulfils all three criteria many times over - a two-year journey filled with adrenaline-fuelled fun, and an emotional search for a fresh start, and a new home.
Ian Usher was born in 1963 in Darlington in the north-east of England. He grew up in the small northern market town of Barnard Castle, and went to college in Liverpool, gaining a teaching degree in Outdoor Education. A varied and chaotic career followed, involving many jobs, locations and businesses. From 1992 to 1996 he ran Scarborough Jet Skiing in partnership with long-time best friend Bruce. It was on the beach during this time that he met his wife-to-be. Laura and Ian married in 2000, and they moved together to Perth in Western Australia. The marriage ended five years later, and in 2008 Ian put his life up for sale on eBay! Two years of travel followed, in which he tackled a list of 100 goals, aiming to achieve them all in a period of 100 weeks. He currently lives in Whitehorse in Canada.
Most helpful customer reviews
40 of 40 people found the following review helpful.
Living every desk jockey's fantasy life
By theglobalguy
I met Ian in Nepal when he and I happened to be on the same trek to Everest Base Camp. I had a vague recollection of the story of the guy who put his entire life up on E-bay, and was amazed at the coincidence that would bring that guy into my own life. Ian was a joy to travel with, and his stories of his adventures kept me laughing and entertained through our two week journey. When he told me that he was thinking of turning the entire adventure into a book, I couldn't wait to read it. Well, now that the book is published, I'm pleased to have been able to finally read about his back story, previous adventures, and the events that followed his and my adventure together.
The book is well written, with a combination of blog entries and personnal narration. Switching between the styles is easy on the brain, and never feels disruptive to the narrative. His writing is laid back, funny, and very personal at times. This is a person who has had more than his share of personal challenges, and been able to find the good in everything. It's a great testimony to the human spirit, and the tendency of humankind to help a traveler, no matter where he hails from.
25 of 25 people found the following review helpful.
It's about the journey...
By RunsWithScissors
I sat down to read this book thinking I would just start it, but could not put it down! I read the entire book in one sitting. When I was done, I felt that I had traveled around the world with Ian, and was better for it. I cheered with him, cried with him, and relived the joy of healing from a broken heart. I was inspired. The book is framed around Ian's goals, but really it's about so much more. The very thing that catapulted Ian into action worldwide is what brought him such joy in the end, with a hell of a journey along the way.
The writing flows well, is accessible and enjoyable with just enough detail. I felt I was along for the ride, and was welcomed to join in the fun, just as Ian so freely shared his goals with so many others. The goals are interesting and enjoyable, and the people Ian meets are just as much fun as the goals. I felt I shared parts of my bucket list with Ian, and although he beat me to it, his accounts invite me to feel heroic and relaxed enough to follow. (Except, I'll never run with the bulls!) There are lots of good travel tips. The book reads in parts like a helpful TripTik, and is very informative about details that matter.
The book reminds us that life is not as much about the destination as it is about the journey, that we are all more alike than different, and that anything done with good intentions and an open heart can't be wrong. Oh, and there's a very happy ending. Expect tears again. It's a good thing.
17 of 17 people found the following review helpful.
A great read for a real life adventure!
By Sonny
Having experienced many of the same struggles as Ian, I easily identified with his unique and challenging journey through life, this world and the most difficult: Where am I going? How will I get there? Will I find the true love of my life? I HIGHLY recommend this book for so many reasons but mostly because Ian's casual attitude comes through his writing. You experience the same highs and lows that people experience when traveling. Forcing himself to trust in his fellow man and hoping for the best in total strangers can be daunting and a little scary. Ian's two year odyssey will give you much to ponder as well as practical advise for globe trotting on a budget. Pick up this book and you will have a hard time putting it down! Congrats Ian!
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