Walden on Wheels

On the Open Road from Debt to Freedom

By: Ken Ilgunas

Narrated by: Nick Podehl

Length: 9 hrs and 44 mins

Publisher's summary

The story of a student who went to extraordinary lengths - including living in a van on a campus parking lot - to complete his education without sacrificing his financial future. In a frank and self-deprecating voice, memoirist Ken Ilgunas writes about the existential terror of graduating from college with $32,000 in student debt. Inspired by Thoreau, Ilgunas set himself a mission: get out of debt as soon as humanly possible. To that end, he undertook an extraordinary 3-year transcontinental journey, driving to Alaska and taking a series of low-paying jobs. Debt-free, Ilgunas then enrolled himself in a master's program at Duke University, using the last of his savings to buy himself a used Econoline, his new "dorm." The van, stationed in a campus parking lot, would be an adventure, a challenge, a test of his limits. It would be, in short, his "Walden on Wheels."Ilgunas went public in a widely read Salon article that spoke to the urgent student debt situation in America today. He offers a funny and pointed perspective on the dilemma faced by those who seek an education but who also want to, as Thoreau wrote, "live deep and suck out all the marrow of life."

©2013 Ken Ilgunas (P)2013 Brilliance Audio, Inc.

somewhat misleading title but good story.

The book doesn't actually include any steps to get out of debt, but rather follows the author's extreme measures and his own personal journey/methods that may seem excessive to some. still an interesting story though and worth the time.

Great story!

Loved everything about this story, the humour, philosophy, insight into self, And the narrator. We'll done!

Timeless Classic of An Underdog Badass

A practical and timeless account of living the simple life. Excellent story and storytelling ability to match. A modern “On the Road” complete with the angst, struggle, desire, aspiration and drive for freedom that inspires countless generations to make a better life for themselves in despite obstacles of glowering student debt, grizzly bears, subzero temperatures, inequality, social approval, video games and comfortable couches. A win for humanity that leaves you wondering, what’s next?

Something to think about

In the age of never ending need for having more possessions, we tend to forget the importance of experiences and principles. Really cool book to make you rethink what is really important in life :)

Inspiring, informative and humorous!

I had begun reading Walden, by Thoreau, again for the first time since high school, when my own desire to escape debt in a van led me to Ken's Facebook profile and his book. I paused from the older text to listen to this voice of the present day and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I am looking forward to more of Ken's books! His writing style is masterful and I highly recommend the Audible and Kindle formats, which I purchased for convenience and physical space reasons.

Loved it!!

I loved it!! Now I wanna live in a van for a couple of years!!!

Best Narration Ever

This book was very well written, vivid and personal. The author is a white man (obviously, from the writing) who labels non-white people with their race and thinks nothing of ignoring it when he knows a man is beating and almost kills his girlfriend. Other than his oblivious privileges, he is easy to identify with. Also, this narrator was amazing. I assumed it was the author reading because of the passion and humor, but it's not. The story is engrossing and I kept finding myself unable to stop listening when I needed to do something else.

Great book

This audio book was well narrated with an enjoyable story. I gleaned a lot of worthwhile insights into frugal living and the discipline it takes to pay off student loan debts. The author does get a little verbose at times, but overall this book was a great listen for me.

Whiny liberal drivel meets fiscal conservatism

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

No. l grew up and still live in Colorado, so an escape into the wilderness and a minimalist viewpoint is always familiar and welcome. I recall my childhood years in the 1970's when the "hippies" would come to our small mountain town in their VW Buses and converted school buses to "live off the land" -- until winter, of course. They were lovely and open people, non-judgemental and happy to share/recieve all knowledge.

However, in the modern political us vs. them posture, the author could not help himself. Often harping about health care, republicans, and any other political snipes he could sneak into the text. Very distracting from an otherwise well-spun tale.

What was most disappointing about Ken Ilgunas’s story?

overt political slant.

Which character – as performed by Nick Podehl – was your favorite?

While he made truck drivers seem like deviants, I really like most truck drivers that I've met. they are mostly honest and hard working people -- family folk. We often only see them when passing by at 65 mph, but most have family that they return to after long hauls. A life many folks don't understand.

Do you think Walden on Wheels needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

no! I could only imagine the political theatre this author would employ in a post Obama world.

Any additional comments?

To the Author: So much you've learned... yet 50% you missed!

An amazing story of serious life lessons.

This is a great read. There are countless students and non-students alike that will/would benefit from this "experienced/experiment" and flat out honest lifestyle.

As a former van dweller myself: Five Stars

As someone working diligently to stick to a life that matters: Five Stars.