As the title suggests, Waypoints is a rewarding mix of markers, both personal as he reflects on his life and geographical as he leads the reader along the West Highland Way’– The Scotsman Sam Heughan (of “Outlander” fame) has penned a part memoir, part Scottish travelogue that is similar to his previous work (published with “Outlander” co-star Graham McTavish), “Clanlands” but it is also very different. But while on that topic, Sam's particular journey I find to be really moving. He definitely paid his dues and struggled. Now knowing this side of him, I definitely respect him a lot more and appreciate his depiction of Jamie Fraser on a whole other level. I feel like we just scratched the surface on the amount of layers that make up Jamie's character. That little sliver is enough to make my head spin. I never realized the complexity of bringing a character to life on the screen. Especially one who is established in a series of books where fans could study the character and rip apart an actors portrayal of said character. Kudos to Sam. I honestly do not think any other person could accurately give us the most authentic version of such a beloved character. To celebrate the publication of his first full memoir, Waypoints, Sam will be live in conversation, exploring his Scottish heritage and reflecting on the personal waypoints that define him. Touching on his career in theatre, television, and film, Sam will consider his life of fascinating contrasts: a Hollywood star with deep roots in rural Scotland, who is both outgoing and content in his own company. Thankfully, his resilience/belief in himself paid off eventually, securing the role of a certain charismatic Highlander, a role that couldn’t have been more tailor-made. Sam is Jamie Fraser and has won the hearts of many women across the globe, including me 🫠 I especially enjoyed the photos and the Outlander content, although I wished there had been more, not just because I’m a fan but because it was just so satisfying to witness him realise his dream.

Intimate, thoughtful and fascinating, don’t miss the opportunity to join Sam as he presentsadeeply personallove letter to the wild Scottish landscape that means so much tohim. This promises to be acharming,funny, wise (well, to a degree),and searching insightinto the world through his eyes. Whether you’re already a fan or new to Heughan and his work, there will be something for everyone to relate to on this special journey through the Highlands of Scotland. I always thought I never wanted to be like him, never have a family, never leave a family like he did,” he said at a New York launch event with the non-profit 92 nd St. Y, per SheKnows. He elaborated in an October 18 interview with WBUR public radio’s Here & Now. Sam alternates between stories of his walk last fall along the 96 mile West Highland Way and to the top of Ben Nevis and memories about his life from childhood till now. Along the way, there are many ups and downs but one thing’s for sure - I could never be an actor. Such a pride swallowing, cutthroat industry. The pressure to look/act a certain way, years of juggling part time jobs/auditions, countless rejections, contract negotiations, projects falling through, the self-doubt, living hand to mouth, renting crappy bedsits/relying on the hospitality of others; whilst friends are finally beginning to settle and put down roots, Sam’s living out of a suitcase, existing on a shoestring, still dreaming of that elusive big break. It’s exhausting. If only he could have just been himself a bit more. First off, I want to point out that this was not at all what I was expecting. After reading Clanlands and the Almanac, I guess I was under the impression that this would be more about genealogy and personal history, rather than a journey to gain perspective. I am definitely glad that I was wrong.This is something that could appeal to most people. Whether you are a diehard Outlander fan, interested in hiking or acting, or simply in the mood to split your soul in half and question your entire outlook on life. Just about everyone can find something to gain from reading this.

In this time to myself, once I’d learned to enjoy the walk with no pressure to see what was over the next hill, I have come to find a new appreciation of the world around me. It doesn’t take much for me to realize that perhaps I should apply the same approach to relationships. I’m also mindful that I am the son of a man who disappeared. Journey deep into the Scottish Highlands in the first memoir by #1 New York Times bestselling author and award-winning star of Outlander, Sam Heughan—exploring his life and reflecting on the waypoints that define him The mushrooms!! Him and the mushrooms!! Oh, and the midges! 😂 😂 Even after watching all the episodes of Men in Kilts, I never saw any hint of Sam’s little obsession with the mushrooms! The midges – most definitely! But now, I’ll never think the same of the mushrooms. I am now well aware that they are always watching us. 😂 🍄 One of the best parts of the book is the self-deprecating humor with which Heughan tells stories from his past. Like the time he found himself wearing a Stetson hat, in an attempt to stand out in Los Angeles. Deflated after a bad meeting with an executive, Heughan walked down the Hollywood Walk of Fame in his Stetson and caught sight of his reflection in a window and realized how “ridiculous” he looked. To make matters worse, the only restaurant around was a cowboy-themed restaurant. He says people probably assumed he was there for his shift. Then his cell phone beeped, he hoped it would be good news about an audition. Instead, it was a notification that his bank account was in the red. He cried. Feeling like a failure, he returned to London, questioning whether he should be an actor at all. After an intense period filming “Outlander”, Heughan is between roles and has a week to rest and relax. But Heughan being Heughan, he decides to walk all ninety-six miles of the West Highland Trail, which is a popular walking/hiking trail through some of the most beautiful (and treacherous) landscapes in the Highlands region of Scotland. As an avid fitness buff and marathon runner, Heughan has never been an avid hiker, so “Waypoints” will definitely cause more than a few laughs. It, too, will teach you about the acting business, Heughan’s lifetime experiences from childhood and beyond that defined him as a person, and of course, the gorgeous landscapes of Scotland and their historical importance.

Heughan has spent the last few weeks promoting the book, and in a couple of recent interviews, he teased the raw, and often emotional stories readers will find inside— including that of his upbringing without a father. Some of the best parts of the book are when he runs into random strangers in the wild and then they suffer, er… enjoy, walking together through miserable weather elements, shin splints and aching Achilles. A traveler named Graeme recognizes Heughan right away. He says, “I saw your movie, it was shit.” And a beautiful friendship was born. Having worked together for almost 9 years, the costars have a say on set. Now, executive producers of a show they both love, Heughan and Balfe not only lead on set, but get to have creative input behind the scenes too. No longer naïve young actors, they now are role models to the younger cast. Sophie Skelton, Richard Rankin, Lauren Lyle, John Bell, and Caitlin O’Ryan have all spoken about this. A deeply personal and warmly entertaining memoir that fans of Sam - and Scotland - will have a joyful time devouring' - Heat

In this intimate journey of self-discovery, Sam sets out along Scotland's rugged ninety-six-mile West Highland Way to map out the moments that shaped his views on dreams and ambition, family, friendship, love, and life. The result is a love letter to the wild landscape that means so much to him, full of charming, funny, wise, and searching insights into the world through his eyes. I actually appreciate that he doesn’t try to invent trauma or drama where it doesn’t exist and is honest about his life. His Father did a run-out when he was young but he never missed what he didn’t know because his Mom was so loving and supportive and responsible.Throughout the evening, as Sam charts his journeythrough the stunning Highland wilderness,he’ll also map outthe moments thatshaped his views,dreams and ambition, family, friendships, love,and life.