Lost in the Valley of Death by Harley Rustad

Lost in the Valley of Death: A Story of Obsession and Danger in the Himalayas by Harley Rustad is a nonfiction book that explores the life and mysterious disappearance of Justin Alexander Shetler, an American traveler and Instagram influencer. Shetler, a former tech worker turned modern-day adventurer, was drawn to extreme experiences, spiritual quests, and remote locations. His journey led him to India, where he sought enlightenment and meaning in the Parvati Valley, a region known for its stunning beauty but also for disappearances and dangers.

In 2016, after embarking on a trek with a local sadhu (holy man), Shetler vanished without a trace. Rustad’s book investigates his life, motivations, and the circumstances of his disappearance, blending biography, travel writing, and investigative journalism. It also examines the allure of spiritual seeking, the risks of adventure tourism, and the dark history of the Parvati Valley as a place where many travelers have gone missing.

The book raises questions about the fine line between self-discovery and self-destruction, the dangers of seeking enlightenment in unfamiliar places, and the cost of an adventurous life. Rustad presents a haunting portrait of Shetler and the perils of chasing an idealized version of freedom.

This book offered interesting discussion for our group. Many of us also enjoy traveling and self-discovery, and we saw parts of ourselves in Justin's yearning for connection, exploration, and understanding of the meaning of life. We discussed whether Justin would ever be truly satisfied in his pursuits.

Questions we contemplated were:

• How did we like the book having the mix of historical background of India and investigative journalism?

• Was he on a quest that could never be completed?

• Did his active involvement on social media clash with his message of freedom?

• Was he truly a down-to-earth guy or did he secretly seek fandom?

• The big one: what do we believe happened to him? Is he still out there?

• What is the Sadhu's involvement? Was there foul play involved?

• What is the meaning of life?

Overall, it was a tough book for many, mostly because of the lengthy historical information discussed about India and the Parvati Valley. It read slow at times, and it felt like it tried to be Into the Wild. A good mystery, but generally a hard book to get through.

Group mean rating: 4.6/10