Gold From Iron Book Review: The Book to Take With You on Your Next Travel Adventure

Every adventure is a chance to challenge yourself, reflect, and reset.  Having the right book to guide your mindset matters.

Headed out for winter break with 6 hours of travel time gave us the perfect opportunity to catch up with our reading.  At the top of the list  was Gold From Iron, the story of the Olympic Gold Medalist from Michigan, Nick Baumgartner.

To start, if you're not from Michigan, or don't know the Upper Peninsula, Nick hails from Iron County, where iron mines fueled the American industry at one time.  The play on words draws readers immediately into Nick's world. 

The book is written in Nick's voice, light hearted and easy to follow.  He takes the reader through his life, sharing the highs and lows he endured as he set his sites on achieving one of the highest honors of an athlete.  As he does so, he mixes in small moments and favorite things along the way (like Riverside Pizzeria in Iron River!)

As the reader, it's easy to get drawn into your own life reflection throughout the book.  Nick's ability to challenge status quo, live simply, and stay connected to small town humble roots, gives readers the ability to look within.  What goals are you setting?  Where did you come from?  Where do you want to go?  And above all, you are never too old to start or achieve the goal you set before you.  

As our flights took off, and we begin the next chapter in navigating the world of teaching travel online, the book asks one question that resonated deeply. 

What would you do if you could not fail?

​That hit home.

The older we get the more we may feel there's a can't or shouldn't in front of choices we make.  Society puts expectational norms on decisions as we age, creating invisible barriers we sometimes don't even realize are there.  Nick pushes the reader to break through those barriers.  He continuously demonstrates and asks the reader to get outside of what "should be" and think about what "could be".  He recognizes the sacrifice this requires yet teaches throughout the book that the sacrifice makes the goal that much more worth it. 

As the book ended, and our trip came to a close, we couldn't help but reflect on what could be.  How continuing to move life forward, continuing to travel and teach, and  continuing to live just outside expectations and norms can make the all difference in this life.  

The book is well worth the read and highly recommended.   Find your copy in the link below!

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Purchase Here: Gold From Iron