Reviewed by Danelle Petersen for Readers' Favorite

Chasing the Wind by William Isley is the story of three young men who learn the hard way that seeking happiness in the wrong places doesn’t equate to fulfillment or contentment. James, Freddy, and Bart couldn't be more different from each other, but when the three are assigned a shared dorm room, they find that their differences are what make their friendship work. Charming and charismatic, James’ easy manner and likable personality soon make him one of the most popular guys, while Bart and Freddy, although much less self-assured, manage to make an impression in their own right. When James receives the most devastating news, for the first time his easy confidence is shattered. Bart, having been neglected as a child, is relieved to finally be free of his loveless childhood home and cannot wait to prove himself to everyone, including his parents; however, his chase for wealth proves to be a problem. Freddy, having lost his mother at a young age, never got over her death and, embittered, allows his trauma to overshadow everything he does. After graduating, the three make a pact to meet again after twenty-five years. The three friends will then find out if all their efforts were futile, or if they finally reached their much-desired level of success.

Chasing the Wind is a deeply thought-provoking novel about religious beliefs, philosophical values, and the search for answers to life’s questions. I loved that William Isley followed up each philosopher's quote with one from Ecclesiastes. Philosophy is an intriguing topic, and William’s knowledge of it is impressive; I have learned a lot and have discovered a newfound interest in the subject. The novel explores life’s true meaning and also encourages self-awareness. I believe many of life’s questions are answered within its pages. No matter how far the men wandered, they always circled back to faith and religion. The themes of materialism, ego, power, and control were deeply discussed, and I could understand Freddy's and Bart’s inner turmoil and obsession with it, considering their backgrounds. I found these two characters most relatable for that reason. I greatly admire William’s views and writing style and look forward to reading more of his work. Chasing worldly pleasures, knowledge, and wealth are all fruitless if God is not at the forefront, steering the ship. I recommend Chasing the Wind to fans of philosophy and to those who, like me, have gained a newfound interest in the topic.