Wild Happy, by Ryan Casseau, is the riveting true story of his experiences in Papua New Guinea (PNG). Casseau went to PNG to collect plants that were special to that region, and instead came back with a newfound outlook on life.

The story begins with Casseau explaining how he came to be in PNG. PNG isn’t known to most, and those who have heard of it, have only heard of the violence and atrocities there. Casseau went to PNG for a funded research project that entailed collecting species of plants that he would later study intensively. The beginning of the story also describes a time when Casseau is in a dark and wet atmosphere unable to recall what he is going through, he then pieces together that he is suffering from malaria. The entire journey, even the trials he faced, made him understand and appreciate his life and purpose. Throughout his experience Casseau gained a new language, experienced a new culture, suffered from Malaria, and found purpose outside of science. All of these events are shared in vivid and emotional detail that conveys that provides reader with a fish-out-of-water story in an exotic land.

This is a personal book and it has that authentic feel throughout the story. It’s very well written, ensuring readers are able to easily focus on the story. Casseau writes about his own experiences and then reflects on his time in PNG, providing readers with the same insights he gained. The friendships he formed, and the sense of family created there was interesting to read. The language was also a large part of the book, and I believe that helped to immerse the reader in his story.

Wild Happy by Ryan Casseau is a compelling travel story, conveying the authors profound experiences in the jungle of Papua New Guinea. I would recommend this engrossing memoir to anyone who enjoys hidden truths, culture, language, and exploring new places.

Pages: 260 | ASIN: B099J5RMSV