Finding Hildasay by Christian Lewis, a NetGalley review. Christian Lewis is suffering from severe depression and anxiety so much so he would often shut himself in his room for weeks. Then Chris makes a somewhat impulsive decision to challenge himself to a walk the entire coastline of the uk. With very little equipment and money he sets off on his challenge and challenging at times it is, for many reasons. I instantly fell in love with this book and Chris. My husband had for many years suffered from anxiety and depression and often jokes that he would like to live on a man island with just me and our daughter away from it all and actually moving to Cornwall was the closest to doing this and this is what Chris kind of did.I felt like I had an instant connection with this book, I loved the tone in which it was written, Chris was continuously open and honest in this book and wow what he went through on his journey, many would have given up and gone home. The weather, equipment failing and breaking and health issues, Chris tackled face on, often achieving what others had been unable to do before him. It’s without a doubt that Chris is an inspiration, the walk may have been a spontaneous decision but I have no doubt that it wasn’t a easy decision, especially leaving his daughter but inevitably and in the long term it was the best decision he could have ever made. Chris is honest, courageous , kind and selfless and a true inspiration and he did what was right for him and stayed true to himself. I can’t wait to read the next book. This book brought every emotion forward, I wanted to cry in parts, there were those moments of shock when something happened and I wondered how Chris would carry on, there were parts where my heart filled with love at the kindness of people he met along the way and also at the kindness that Chris showed others, a great example with already doing this huge walk, then adding in a dog to that mix. I will be recommending this book a lot l, I loved every page, it will be I book I remember and Chris is a man I will remember reading about and without a doubt up there as one of the best books this year. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This was a wonderful book of self-discovery. The author's life before this journey was rather shocking I really felt for him. This book will certainly take you on a roller coaster story with lots of ups and downs. I loved how he even walked around the islands in Scotland. His whole journey was done without any money. He even walked around Northern Ireland. It was beautiful reading just how humble the author was. It made for interesting reading and learning how he was treated by people. It really gave me faith in humanity. It was a very emotional read. I loved learning about all those who helped the author on his journey. It was such an amazing journey that I couldn't put it down. I just had to read this book in one sitting so I had to stay up very late to finish it but it was certainly worth it. I loved reading about the interactions with jet it really put a smile on my face. I could feel the bond through the author's words. I couldn't believe how long it took to walk around the UK coastline. I really didn't want this book to end. When he finished I felt like shouting I think you need to walk around another country just so I could read it all again. I really can't recommend this book enough it is a must-read for all those who love beautifully written stories. 

Only the highest of praise goes out to the author and publishers for bringing us this fantastic book. I only hope this author decides to travel again so I can read more.
The above review has already been placed on goodreads, waterstones, Google books, Barnes&noble, kobo, amazon UK where found and my blog https://ladyreading365.wixsite.com/website/post/finding-hildasay-by-christian-lewis-pan-macmillian-5-stars under my name ladyreading365

This is the story or Chris and his remarkable journey along the coastline of the UK, raising money for the SSAFA. Having followed Chris on social media I was looking forward to reading more about this massive undertaking and how it all happened.

This starts right at the beginning and the many struggles that Chris has faced in his life. Although it is quite a devastating story the book feels uplifting and hearing about all the wonderful people who helped Chris on his way is truly heartwarming.

I love the meaning behind the title and I think it ended nicely. Looking forward to reading about the next adventure with Kate and Magnus.

Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read this in advance.

I'm one of the 100,000 or so people who follows Chris's walk on social media, but like many others, I'd started following Chris when he was a year or two into the journey. When I heard he was writing a book about the journey (up to lockdown!), I was really keen to get a copy and read about what I'd missed.

Given I'd started following when Chris was gaining a bit more publicity and help, I believe I'd seen the easier side of the walk and (like Chris!) I wasn't fully prepared for the full realities of the early parts of the walk and some of the Scottish Islands, and found these fascinating. Together with his descriptions of the troubles and challenges in his life that led to the walk, I found this an honest and raw account that Chris has done a great jon putting to page.

The hard work, dedication, and determination that has led him to 'finding himself' is an inspiration. To know it's only half the story makes it even better.

As well as that, it's kept me Googling remote beaches on Scottish islands and working out if I can persuade my family that a holiday miles away from anywhere will be fun!!

Finding Hildasay by Christian Lewis

Wow just wow ! What a journey / life experience this man had by taking on such a journey at a very bad time in his life.
Ex-paratrooper Christian Lewis had hit rock bottom, suffering with depression so severe he would shut himself in his bedroom for weeks. Then while surfing – his only respite – he cast his eyes along the coastline and realized it was the only place he really wanted to be.

Making an impulsive decision to set himself a challenge – walk the entire coastline of the UK – Chris gave himself a few days to rustle up a tent and walking boots, then left for good with just a tenner in his pocket and two days’ worth of food. Little did he know at the time just how long it would take to cross the finish line – and the encounters that lay ahead that would turn his life around.
I feel almost like I have taken the journey with him by the way he has wrote the book. A truly heart warming take of how a man has learnt to heal himself.
Awe inspiring.