More than a travel memoir, this volume is a heartfelt tribute to the family of man, to the "extreme" travelers who courageously aspire to visit every country in the world, and to the legacy of the author's healing journey through the fog of personal loss and grief. Barry Hoffner, a former investment banker, and his wife, Jackie, a social media manager for an animal aid organization, enjoyed a life peppered with international living and travel, both solo and as a couple/family. A tragic accident in Botswana in 2017 prematurely claimed Jackie's life early one morning when she was scheduled to rendezvous with Hoffner in Kenya. Nearly crushed by losing the love of his life, whom he colorfully fell in love with on a visit to the Taj Mahal, Hoffner chose instead to channel his profound grief in honor of his lively, remarkable spouse, inspiring an evocative personal transformation.

The life- and love-affirming chapters offer a glimpse into dozens of countries and cultures, many of which are necessarily short and to the point. Hoffner's initial doubt, growing optimism, sincere love for humanity, and keen observations shine through these narratives. Hoffner's status as one of a few hundred living people who have visited every country in the world (minus North Korea, in most cases) cannot be overstated as a unique, adventurous endeavor that far surpasses any theoretical attempt at creating friendship and community through both planned and random encounters with people in widely contrasting situations and societies. If readers choose only one travelogue to peruse, this is the one that will break one's heart open to the universal connections shared by all human beings on this small blue planet.

RECOMMENDED by the US Review

Return to USR Home