“With honesty and grace, Michael Yang weaves together stories of motorcycle roads, immigrant challenges, and Korean heritage into a powerful meditation on resilience and renewal. Coming Alive on the Ride is more than a memoir—it’s an invitation to rediscover the adventure within our own lives, and a reminder that our deepest growth often comes from embracing uncertainty. Michael’s sweeping journey across continents and through identity stayed with me long after I finished.” —Yul Kwon, VP at Google and winner of Survivor: Cook Islands

“Michael’s life is a testament to the truth that adventure is not a destination, but a way of being. It doesn’t wait for holidays or perfect plans—it whispers from Arctic backroads and echoes through Silicon Valley boardrooms. It lives in the hearts of those bold enough to say, simply, ‘Let’s do this.’” —Chad Horton, creator of Two Wheels and Three Sheets YouTube channel

“In this full-hearted memoir, Yang blends his life experiences growing up Korean and American with his passion for motorcycles, the open road and deal-making, and weaves them together in vivid colors. Filled with risk-taking, persistence and above all, a love of adventure, he invites you to take the journey with him. A wonderful read!”—Jane Hyun, global leadership strategist, author of Breaking the Bamboo Ceiling and Leadership Toolkit for Asians, coauthor of Flex

“Told with intriguing detail, this is the story of five worlds. Michael Yang takes you through a rollercoaster of a life that is full of challenge, determination, success, laughter and motorcycle travel. Filled with surprises, Coming Alive on the Ride is written with an honesty which allows the stories of these worlds to come alive with depth and meaning. It's a real page turner.” —Sam Manicom, motorcycle traveler and author

"Coming Alive on the Ride by Michael Yang is a memoir of Yang’s life, beginning with his childhood in postwar South Korea and continuing through immigration, family life, and a career in Silicon Valley. The book alternates between extended motorcycle journeys across North America and formative chapters, framing a journey that revisits his early hardship, cultural inheritance, and the changing meanings of home. Long rides prompt recollections of his parents’ experiences during the Korean War, the weight of displacement, and the slow process of finding a footing in the United States. As the narrative unfolds, readers follow Yang on cross-country trips to Newfoundland, solo rides to Alaska, and reflective pauses in deserts, forests, and small towns. These journeys parallel professional milestones, including the rise of a technology startup and the later decision to step back and reassess his priorities. Michael Yang’s writing is measured, clear, and reflective, favoring steady observation over dramatic flourish. The pacing mirrors the rhythm of long rides, moving through scenery, recollections, and conversations without rushing transitions. Chapters often close with quiet insight rather than emphasis, allowing the meaning to accumulate gradually. His descriptive passages balance external detail with interior reflection, especially when landscapes trigger memories of his family or earlier stages of life. Readers who enjoy memoirs rooted in place, travel narratives grounded in lived experience, or stories that blend cultural history with personal movement won’t want to miss Coming Alive on the Ride. Motorcycle enthusiasts will appreciate the specificity of routes, gear, and road conditions, while general readers can follow the journeys without technical knowledge." -Readers' Favorite