Did you ever dream of where a passion for adventure could take you?
“A thrilling book of real-life adventure”
- David Canford, Author of The Throwback
I have been drawn to adventure, cultural discovery, and dreams of far-flung places since I was a child.
The story of Dancing with Death was my most epic expedition.
Lucky to have survived the adventure, I’m here to share how I transformed that dream into a vivid, breathtaking, and often life-threatening reality.
I'd like to invite you to be part of this grand voyage by reading Dancing With Death.
“Thrilling adventure, soulful insights and crisp, fast-paced writing combine to make Jean-Philippe Soulé's DANCING WITH DEATH a great read.”
— IndieReader
“illuminating and powerful.”
— Readers' Favorite
Two men, three years, seven countries, 3000 miles…
The Central American Sea Kayak Expedition 2000 is an inspiring journey of exploration, endurance, and self-discovery that takes Jean-Philippe Soulé and his traveling partner Luke Shullenberger from Baja California all the way to Panama.
During this unfathomably grueling expedition, they face every manner of threat, from sharks, crocodiles, and bandits to stormy seas, malaria, and their own mortality—all in search of a deeper connection to Mother Nature and the indigenous people who revere her most.
This riveting memoir of physical and emotional endurance will leave you breathless as you experience their victories, misfortunes and sacrifices.
An evocative, gripping narrative coupled with award-winning photographs that is a must-read for those who love travel, outdoor adventure, and cultural exploration—and for the dreamers who've been told they can't, but stubbornly refuse to listen.
Dancing with Death will take you on the ride of a lifetime. It’s a rollercoaster of resilience, rare encounters, and moments that will leave you on the edge of your seat, as well as a fascinating account of adventure, passion, and an insight into our very own lives.
I hope reading this book will inspire you to pursue your passions and dreams.
— Jean-Philippe Soulé
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“. . . a journey of dreams, sacrifice, endurance and triumph . . . You will laugh, you will cry, you will shudder in horror, gasp in terror and you will thoroughly enjoy this true story of a journey that many would only dream of and few would dare to undertake.”
— Readers' Favorite
Dancing With Death: An epic and inspiring travel adventure
The Central America Sea Kayak Expedition (CASKE2000) is a three year adventure that took me, my travel partner, and our sea kayaks from the wild Baja California coast all the way to rarely explored indigenous territories in Panama. This journey of resilience and rare encounters enabled me to document and share the lifestyles of Latin America's indigenous people.
It’s an undertaking that had never before been attempted. It's an achievement that remains unmatched today, and one which sets the bar for any adventurers who choose to follow.
Dancing With Death will take you on the ride of a lifetime. It's a rollercoaster of resilience, rare encounters, and moments that will leave you on the edge of your seat, as well as a fascinating account of adventure, passion, and an insight into our very own lives.
I'd like to invite you to be part of this grand voyage by reading Dancing With Death.
“The book covers in exquisite detail the cultures they find… The honest portrayal of experiencing difficulties with the endeavour is refreshing and bold.”
— Emily Thompson, Reedsy Discovery
Reader Reviews:
“A noble mission loaded with adventure, drama and intrigue!”
— Patti Todd
“ ‘A paddle into the past with an eye to the future' . . .
In this inviting style of writing the three-year rigorous but enlightening journey unfolds, combining the style once the sole property of writer Richard Halliburton with the skills of thriller novels. . . an enlightening book that tempts/stimulates the reader to forge ahead with dreams. First class book!“
— Grady Harp, Amazon Hall of Fame, Amazon Top 100 reviewer
“Through all the pain, discomfort, and struggle, their story inspires and delights. After all, the relationships we develop and the love we give and receive from the lives we touch is what we are here for. An amazing story!”
— Paleopat
"Excellent read, not only from the adventure standpoint but from the human side, struggles and emotions. Fantastic idealism turned into actions."
— Francisco Colorado
“A great story about an adventure very few are still able or brave enough to undertake. A well written book. The story is an inspiration to all of us.”
— Christian William Van Heerden
“Dancing with Death is simply a great story. It combines the easy reading style of “A Walk in the Woods” by Bill Bryson with the adventure and excitement of “Into Thin Air” by Jon Krakauer. As I read, I could clearly picture everything, which makes it seem like watching a movie. You go along for the ride as they encounter high seas in tiny kayaks, bull sharks, crocodiles, and menacing bandits. The book is not only entertaining and inspirational, but also educational as it provides a significant amount of historical and cultural information about the countries visited. It was gripping from start to finish and I would recommend this book to anyone as it transcends the genre and is just a fun read. I will be reading it again.”
— Gorge Walker
“I stumbled upon this book and couldn’t put it down. An extraordinary account of how people follow their dreams and have to face their demons as they carve a path they could never have imagined... gripping and highly recommended.”
— Nicholas Tribe
"I felt the thrills, chills, itches, fevers, stings, exhaustion, hallucinations and awe right alongside each fellow as I journeyed with them through their account of a most amazing exploration."
— Judith K. Shiffler
“Get taken along for the adventure of a lifetime!”
— Coastal Eddie
Excerpt from Dancing With Death
“… I’ve had it with this expedition. I want out. No more paddling, no more crazy seas, no more bandits, no more camping, no more beans, rice and noodles. I want out now!
I look around—surrounded by full-sized tropical trees floating up and down with the breaking swell, we could be crushed at any time—and realize, to my dismay, that to be able to quit, I have to survive this day.
In these crazy seas, we are insignificant... We are completely at the mercy of the ocean and the weather; we're Dancing with Death to the sound and rhythm of the giant breaking swell...”
Winner of Four international Book Awards:
Winner of the 2019 KBR Kindle Book Awards
Winner of the 2019 International Book Awards
Winner of the 2019 Reader's Favorite Book Award
Winner of the 2019 IAN Book of the Year Awards
and Semi-Finalist of the 2019 Chanticleer International Book Awards
“Emotional rollercoaster...
Love it. From the audaciousness of the very idea of traveling the coast of Central America in a sea kayak, to the chilling close calls with everything from sharks to armed bandits, I was totally immersed in the journey. I laughed out loud, winced more than once, and marveled at how or why anyone would endure these conditions even as I nodded and literally wept (more than once >.<) at the photographs (which are STUNNING) and descriptions of the people they met on this expedition. I want to say that, if you like adventure stories or like to travel and look through a window into other cultures, you'll probably love this book, but it's more than that. It's also a great exploration of the human spirit and relationships and how we're all connected in some intangible way. That's not to say that it isn't an exciting survival tale as well, though. From foraging and braving shark infested waters for food, and enduring swarms of black flies and mosquitoes, it truly is a study of human endurance. Think "Naked and Afraid" but with more clothes and less fear. I couldn't put it down. Five star read.”
— Acesfull
“Epic tale! What a great story of determination and grit! The authors do a fabulous job conveying all the trials and tribulations they went through to complete their journey...”
— P. Abbott
“An epic adventure…
A great story about an adventure very few are still able or brave enough to undertake. A well written book. The story is an inspiration to all of us.”
— Christian William Van Heerden
“Riveting adventure…
A well written chronicle of an amazing adventure. An odyssey of introspection and mental perseverance.”
— Fiji Jim
“Wonderful story about the human spirit.”
— Douglas L Hillary
“An incredible adventure This was one of those rare "can't put it down" books. Very well written, full of suspense and educational at the same time.”
— Bill H
“. . . [an] intelligently composed chronicle and compelling read that riled the senses with descriptive exposition and well-organized literate visions of superhuman determination, extreme traveling adventure, fraught with kayaking adventure, spine-tingling moments, exotic environments and intriguing people and cultures . . . [a] phenomenal travel super-adventure.”
— Best Sellers World
After his award-winning book
Dancing with Death,
Jean-Philippe’s new book
I, Tarzan
is coming June 8, 2021!
I, Tarzan
Against All Odds
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The Author
Jean-Philippe Soulé
If there was only one word to describe Jean-Philippe, it would be passionate. Passion for people, travel, culture, mountains, oceans, jungles, the great outdoors, and life.
After a childhood filled with life-changing experiences and the pursuit of personal achievements, driven by his desire for adventure, his quest to discover new lands and culture, and his heartfelt interest in meeting diverse people, Jean-Philippe left France to travel the world.
Inspired by Jacques Cousteau and the great explorers before him, he became the well-travelled world adventurer he longed to be.
Jean-Philippe inspires people with his true-story books
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