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Lakeside Wooden Cottages

A RESTLESS JOURNEY

EMBRACING BEWILDERMENT.
 

A restless journey through Iceland, Scotland, Europe, and Southeast Asia.

Embracing Bewilderment is a collection of adventures and reflections spanning Iceland, England, Southeast Asia, and entrepren
Illustration representing adventure, travel, cycling, and storytelling by Cory Mortensen

228

DAYS

Illustration representing adventure, travel, cycling, and storytelling by Cory Mortensen

COUNTLESS

STORIES

Illustration representing adventure, travel, cycling, and storytelling by Cory Mortensen

2

CONTINENTS

Illustration representing adventure, travel, cycling, and storytelling by Cory Mortensen

ICELAND

TO SE ASIA

Illustration representing adventure, travel, cycling, and storytelling by Cory Mortensen

18

COUNTRIES

ABOUT THE BOOK

A (VERY) FLEXIBLE PLAN, A LUST FOR ADVENTURE, AND A ZEAL FOR EXPLORATION

CORY MORTENSEN shares his wanderlust with his readers as he embarks on a new voyage, starting this adventure among the unique and diverse landscapes of Iceland. He explores the historic and amazing off-the-beaten-path wonders of different cultures and beautiful vistas throughout Europe, making friends, facing unexpected dangers, and gaining perspective among Europe’s many hidden surprises.

When a quick call home results in a detour to Hong Kong to help his uncle with a business deal, it led to a diversion to Southeast Asia and the Philippines. From wise fortune tellers to huge killer bees to automatic weapons to magnificent foods and customs, this part of the journey was among the most unfamiliar and curious of the foreign lands.

Wonder â–  Humor â–  Adventure â–  Gratitude â–  Acceptance

Navigating between supreme adventure and unwanted obligations, straddling the surreal and the real, Cory chose his own adventure. All he needed was his passport, a 70-lb pack crammed with all his worldly possessions, a very flexible schedule, and the insatiable desire to roam freely.

AWARDS

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  • Kirkus Reviews Featured Review

  • BookFest

  • Literary Titan

  • Firebird

  • Readers' Favorite

  • Pencraft

  • Global Ebook

  • NYC Big Book

  • Best Indie Book Award (BIBA)

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"A well-written, absorbing journey through Europe and East Asia."

— Kirkus Reviews

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"The book's enthusiasm for exploration is contagious."

— Foreword Reviews

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"A loving ode to past travel experiences."
— Foreword Reviews

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"Filled with interesting information that will compel readers to pack their bags."
— IndieReader

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"An awe-inspiring book."
— Readers' Favorite

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"It is like taking a mini vacation without having to leave home."
— Readers' Favorite

WHAT READERS ARE SAYING

An incredible story about the life experience of the author, who, leaving everything, went on a two-year trip to Southeast Asia, passing through some European countries. The most amazing thing for me is the author's ability to leave everything and embark on a new adventure, which of course is not only unplanned but goes with open arms into the unknown, making it something not only positive but sometimes much more than that. I was amazed at how he travels and lives and also at how he tells it. Excellent read where you learn from the author's perspective common and uncommon things in real life.

Quire

Quintessential Cory - an intriguing idea, a rough plan, a desire to travel, and interesting discoveries about the world and the people in it as he adapts to the curveballs thrown his way. Keep traveling and writing Cory, I’m definitely looking forward to reading about your next adventure(s)!

AJ

Embracing Bewilderment: A Reluctant Entrepreneur’s Journey is a fascinating trip that Cory Mortensen takes us on. The descriptions of the landscapes are described perfectly and the adventure just keeps going and going. As someone who has started to travel a bit more, I can appreciate the beauty of nature and the unexpected events along the way. Great story and definitely recommended.

Peps2020

That was quite the adventure with many pitfalls and close escapes. I think above all else it shows how someone, lacking direction, can make it in this world. Thanks Cory but to be honest I could have done less with the drinking part of the story.

SuperiorShores

This was my third book by Cory, and I love all of them. What makes reading his adventures so enjoyable for me is that I Google all the places he mentions. I get to see the world through his eyes, and I see things I know I'll never get to see in person. He's opened my eyes to the beauty of this world, and he teaches me so many things. I'm already looking forward to his next book!

Bonnie Combs

In "Embracing Bewilderment," Cory Mortensen takes readers on an amazing voyage around Europe and Southeast Asia, where adventure and exploration are intertwined with unexpected diversions and fascinating interactions. From the beautiful landscapes of Iceland to the varied cultures of Europe, Mortensen's story captures the essence of wanderlust and the excitement of discovery. With a mix of wonder, comedy, and thankfulness, he navigates the foreign environment, experiencing both hardships and fortunate moments. Readers are transported to a world of adventure, acceptance, and the excitement of facing the unknown as a result of his experiences. Highly recommended.

Pairas

book clubs & resources

Everything you need for your reading group.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Illustration representing adventure, travel, cycling, and storytelling by Cory Mortensen

Thought-provoking questions for meaningful conversations.

Illustration representing adventure, travel, cycling, and storytelling by Cory Mortensen

JOURNEY NOTES

Route details, historical context, and behind the scenes stories.

Illustration representing adventure, travel, cycling, and storytelling by Cory Mortensen

AUTHOR Q&A

Frequently asked questions about the book and the journey.

Illustration representing adventure, travel, cycling, and storytelling by Cory Mortensen

COMPANION READING GUIDE

A guide for deeper exploration of themes and takeaways.

EMBRACING BEWILDERMENT
Illustration representing adventure, travel, cycling, and storytelling by Cory Mortensen

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CORY MORTENSEN

AUTHOR • CYCLIST • WANDERER

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© 2026 Cory Mortensen Author.  All rights reserved. Website by Cory Mortensen​​

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