Travel Book Review: Truck It!: The Drive Around the World That Saved My Life by Bobby Bolton

By Dirk Ebener

Every once in a while, a book comes along that reminds you why travel stories matter. Bobby Bolton’s Truck It!: The Drive Around the World That Saved My Life stands out—equal parts hilarious adventure, personal transformation, and uniquely Northern in voice. More than just a record of an around-the-world drive, it’s a testament to survival, rediscovery, and the road’s power to heal—an experience that proves why we venture beyond the familiar.

Travel books like Truck It! strike a chord with me, echoing the spirit of my own adventures. Over the years, I’ve juggled the thrill of personal journeys with the demands of business travel, each trip subtly reshaping how I see the world.

Too often, I’ve landed in a new city, weary from endless meetings, tempted to retreat into the familiar cocoon of a hotel or airport lounge. I’ve hesitated at the threshold of possibility—wondering if I should spark a conversation, share a meal, or wander into a neighborhood where the language is foreign. That hesitation, I’ve learned, is usually just fear of stepping outside my comfort zone.

Yet time and again, taking that leap has gifted me my most treasured memories. A casual chat with a stranger on a rattling train blossomed into an unexpected friendship. A meal in a tucked-away eatery I almost overlooked became the story I still tell. These moments remind me that travel is not just about crossing borders—it is about forging connections that linger long after the journey ends.

Books like Bobby Bolton’s capture a core message: the courage to embrace the unknown is what travel gives us, blending personal and business journeys into a shared narrative of growth. These stories confirm that discomfort unlocks opportunity, mistakes create humor and meaning, and openness leads to life-changing connections. This is the underlying lesson: stay curious, connect, and let every journey shape you.

A Compelling Story of Grit and Adventure

At its heart, Truck It! is about what unfolds when you pare life down to the barest essentials: a sturdy truck, a crumpled map, and the guts to chase the horizon. After hitting rock bottom, Bobby Bolton didn’t simply escape for a vacation—he launched himself into a worldwide odyssey that tested every emotion, every obstacle, and every burst of unexpected joy.

The book takes you through muddy roads, mechanical breakdowns, strange meals in roadside cafés, and spontaneous friendships with locals who often had little in common with him—except for the universal language of food, laughter, and humanity. What makes the book shine is its unapologetic honesty. Bobby doesn’t sugarcoat the struggles: the loneliness of the road, the uncertainty of what comes next, the doubts that creep in when the tank runs low. But he also captures the pure joy of small victories—finding a perfect roadside meal, fixing the truck with whatever tools were on hand, or stumbling into a village festival where strangers welcomed him like family.

Reading Truck It! is like climbing into the passenger seat beside Bobby: you peer out through dust-streaked windows, feel the engine’s steady rumble beneath you, and savor the improvised meals that flavor every mile of the adventure.

Why This Book Resonates With Food and Travel Lovers

For those of us who love traveling with a culinary lens, Truck It! has a subtle but powerful message: food is often the first bridge between strangers. Whether it’s a steaming bowl of soup handed to him in the middle of nowhere, or a makeshift campfire meal shared with fellow travelers, Bobby highlights how meals ground us in a sense of belonging—even when we’re far from home.

It also reminds us that adventure rarely follows a script. Often, the most unforgettable flavors spring from the most unexpected places: a humble truck stop sandwich, a jubilant village feast, or the quiet ritual of brewing tea on a roadside stove after hours behind the wheel.

Actionable Takeaways for Travelers

Here are a few lessons I walked away with from Truck It!—all of which are just as useful on your next food-driven adventure:

1. Say yes to the unexpected. Some of Bobby’s best memories happened when he followed an unmarked road or joined a stranger’s meal. As a traveler, don’t cling too tightly to itineraries—leave space for surprises.

2. Learn to love simplicity. A good meal doesn’t need a Michelin star. A roadside stew or fresh bread can be as meaningful as any five-star dining experience if it’s shared with good company.

3. Adventure is therapy. If life feels overwhelming, sometimes the answer isn’t retreat—it’s movement. The road, like food, has a way of healing and bringing perspective.

4. Tell your story. Bobby turned his drive into a book and a YouTube channel. Your own stories—whether written, filmed, or shared over dinner—might inspire someone else to take a leap.

5. Build community through food. No matter where you are, food opens doors. Learn local dishes, share your own recipes, and never underestimate the power of a shared plate.

The YouTube Connection: One Life Truck It

If the book leaves you wanting more, Bobby Bolton’s One Life Truck It  YouTube channel is the perfect companion. It brings his adventures to life in a raw, visual way. Watching him navigate border crossings, cook meals in the wild, or laugh through unexpected detours adds another layer of intimacy to the story. It’s like seeing the book in motion—proof that the journey wasn’t just words on a page but a lived, ongoing adventure.

Final Thoughts

Truck It!: The Drive Around the World That Saved My Life is more than a travel memoir. It is a stirring call to adventure, urging us to embrace risk, seek joy in the face of adversity, and rediscover how food, connection, and the open road can bring meaning and renewal to our lives.

Bobby Bolton’s voice rings with authenticity, boldness, and warmth. He welcomes you not just into his truck, but into his very heart, revealing the magic that unfolds when you choose to live bravely. Whether you crave the open road, savor culinary adventures, or simply seek a spark of inspiration, this book belongs on your shelf. And when the final page turns, let One Life Truck It on YouTube keep your sense of adventure rolling.

Because sometimes, the road really does give us back our reason to live.

Dirk Ebener is the founder and creator behind the Food Blogger Journey website, drawing on over 40 years of international travel across more than 60 countries. His global adventures have deepened his understanding of regional cuisines, local customs, and the powerful connection between food and culture. From bustling street markets in Asia to quiet vineyard dinners in Europe, Dirk captures authentic culinary experiences through immersive storytelling. Through Food Blogger Journey, he invites readers to explore the world one dish at a time.

© 2025 Food Blogger Journey. All rights reserved. The experiences, opinions, and photos this blog shares are based on personal travel and culinary exploration. Reproduction or distribution of content without written permission is prohibited.

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