At 18, Jake set out on the path that had been prescribed for him and countless other teenagers around the country: college. But a health issue and an internal conflict surfaced the profound questions that would radically change his life: With raw honesty and compelling insight, Jake answers these questions and others, exploring what happens when we take a leap of faith in pursuit of our dreams. From the deepest depths of the Guatemalan jungle to being stranded on the mountaintops in Nicaragua, to living in a spiritual, island community and meeting influential travelers along the way, Jake unravels the essence of what it means to be alive and awake. is a coming-of-age story that illuminates what is possible if we dare to follow our hearts and heed our intuition. This captivating memoir will not only entertain and inspire, but also motivate you to pursue the life that calls out to you. "Jake Heilbrunn has written an extraordinary book that every young person should read. It will inspire you and it will empower you to follow your heart and live the life of your dreams." - "This is a brave, beautiful book. Most of us experience periods of doubt and discontent at some point in our lives, and the way we respond to those seasons can chart the course for the rest of our lives. Jake made a bold choice to question everything. The lessons of his search, told here in Off the Beaten Trail, can help you when you arrive at your next set of crossroads." "I hated to see Off the Beaten Trail end. I wanted more. Jake Heilbrunn may be a young man but no one but an old soul could write a book that contains so much inspiration and wisdom." "Jake Heilbrunn's journey of self discovery gives hope to all who are willing to risk the unknown in the pursuit of finding oneself and one's passion. His wisdom belies his youth and his message speaks to all of us who seek clarity and purpose in our lives." "'Off the Beaten Trail' is a brutally raw memoir."