Go Big Or Go F*CK Yourself is available on Kindle, Paperback and Hardcover at Amazon.

"GO BIG OR GO F*CK YOURSELF* by Kevin Ladd is one of those rare books that grabs you by the collar, makes you laugh out loud, blindsides you with emotion, and leaves you thinking about your own life long after you close the cover. And that cover — Kevin on a gorgeous motorcycle, radiating grit and joy — perfectly sets the tone for what’s inside.

This is a personal growth story told with honesty, humor, and zero pretense. Kevin grew up in a small mill town in Waterville, Maine, and you can feel every ounce of that upbringing in his voice — the toughness, the humility, the work ethic, the stubborn spark of individuality. He’s incredibly smart, wildly talented (music, painting, woodwork, carpentry, welding — the man is basically a one‑person arts department), and deeply human in the way he shares his missteps, his triumphs, and all the messy in‑between moments.

What moved me most was the evolution of his relationship with his parents, especially his father. Kevin wasn’t the kid who fit neatly into expectations, and he paid for that in friction and misunderstanding. But as he grew older, he also grew into gratitude — recognizing the values his parents instilled, even if the path there wasn’t smooth. That honesty hit me hard.

I also love the way Kevin writes about choosing a life without children. Not because he doesn’t love kids, but because he and his wife knew their joy lived in growing themselves, adventuring together, and experiencing the world side by side. I’ve always believed that having children is a privilege, not an obligation — and choosing not to have them can be just as intentional, just as meaningful. Kevin captures that beautifully.

And then there’s the adventure. The travel. The motorcycles. The weather, the terrain, the grit, the joy. You can feel the wind, the rain, the freedom. You can feel the passion for life, love, and all the glorious screwups along the way.

One of my favorite parts is how Kevin has poured so much of himself into helping young adults navigate the college and scholarship process. It’s not ironic at all — it’s exactly who he is. He finds joy in helping others step into their next chapter, the same way a parent might. It’s generous, it’s heartfelt, and it’s so very Kevin.

I loved this book so much that I kept running to my 18‑year‑old son to read him paragraphs. This is a book I’ll read again. I’ll bookmark pages. I’ll highlight passages. I’ll carry pieces of it with me.

And on a personal note — I grew up next door to Kevin. He and I shared many adventures in our youth. I’m grateful to say he’s my friend.

Highly, wholeheartedly recommended."

-Karen Grenier

"Real and personal. The book inspires the reader to be true to themselves and take some risks on the way."

- Jen

"Kevin's book is revealing about his belief in himself and trying new things when he didn't know whether he would succeed, but kept trying until he did. He tried many different challenges, and he succeeded with a number of types of physical labor as well as technical challenges, especially computer challenges. He showed compassion with younger, less experienced workers, remembering his own challenges when he was trying to learn new skill. I was very impressed with his giving great credit to all the people who helped him in succeeding in so many areas. Great book. I hope he continues writing. I read the book in about two weeks, hating to put it down."


- An Old Friend

"Perfect easy reading for your next flight or relaxing weekend.

Often times we do not know the inner thoughts of our acquaintances or even those who are closest to us. In GBOGFY, the author, Kevin, pulls back the curtain and takes us on a meandering, thoughtful retrospective on his life experiences that we can all relate to on some level. With colorful story telling and witty commentary Kevin is not only sharing his innermost thoughts but also helping us understand ourselves better along the way.

Order up a copy for your next read. You will not be disappointed.

- Dan Walowski