Overland to Kathmandu

Michael Sawyer, twenty-one, is the only child of dysfunctional parents—a doting mother and a highly critical father. Throughout his home life, in an ongoing atmosphere of bickering and stony silences, Michael learns not to voice his opinions. He's dissatisfied with his job in a career chosen for him by his history teacher, doubling as careers advisor. Having no idea how to spend his working life, and insufficient academic qualifications, Michael accepted his teacher's suggestion. Despite having no interest in the catering profession, Michael successfully completed a two year technical college course training to become a chef.
His heart is broken after being rejected by his first love, a relationship that lasted a few months, and Michael feels lost and desperate to change his life. On a grey March morning, as he flicks through a newspaper, Michael sees an advert in the classified section: Overland to Kathmandu. Without understanding why, Michael feels a sense of excitement, and the following day he responds to the advert.
In the early summer, with eleven other people, all strangers, Michael sets off from London, in a Land Rover on a journey that will last months. Across Europe and Asia, and culminating in Nepal, every day is an adventure. Michael is confronted with challenges from nature and people, and over time becomes determined and decisive. He learns to accept what he can't change, and adapt to those within his power. Michael discovers by accident and endurance how to become the person he feels most comfortable being. His newfound optimism teaches Michael to make the best of whatever comes his way.