{"product_id":"hitching-for-hope-a-journey-into-the-heart-and-soul-of-ireland-9781603589574","title":"Hitching for Hope: A Journey into the Heart and","description":"\u003cb\u003eBook Synopsis\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e#1 \u003cem\u003eIrish Times\u003c\/em\u003e Bestseller!\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e  \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eA book about hope when the world was collapsing\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cem\u003e Irish Times\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e  \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eA modern travel tale, part personal pilgrimage, part political quest that captures the power of human resilience\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e  \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\"McKiernan sticks his thumb out, and somehow a healthy dose of humanity manages to roll up alongside him. . . . This book is a paean to nuance, decency and possibility.\"\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cem\u003e—\u003c\/em\u003eColum McCann, National Book Award winner and \u003cem\u003eNew York Times\u003c\/em\u003e bestselling author of \u003cem\u003eLet the Great World Spin\u003c\/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eApeirogon\u003c\/em\u003e. \u003c\/p\u003e  \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePerfect for fans of Bill Bryson\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e  \u003cp\u003eFollowing the collapse of Ireland’s economy, social activist Ruairí McKiernan questions whether he should join the mounting number of emigrants searching for greater opportunity elsewhere. McKiernan embarks on a hitchhiking odyssey with no money, no itinerary and no idea where he might end up each night. His mission: to give voice to those emerging from one of the most painful periods of economic and social turmoil in Ireland’s history. Engaging, provocative and sincere, \u003cem\u003eHitching for Hope\u003c\/em\u003e is a testimony to the spirit of Ireland. It is an inspirational manifesto for hope and healing in troubled times.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eTrade Review\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003e“A timely comfort read.”\u003cstrong\u003e–\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Sunday Times\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eLibrary Journal\u003c\/em\u003e—\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e  \u003cp\u003e“An uplifting account of McKiernan’s journey and the stories shared with him along the way. Will appeal to lovers of memoirs and patrons who enjoy reading about those who effect and inspire change.”\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003e‘In \u003cem\u003eHitching for Hope\u003c\/em\u003e, Ruairí McKiernan sets out on a pilgrimage to capture truth and to hear stories that deserve to be heard. He sticks his thumb out, and somehow a healthy dose of humanity manages to roll up alongside him. McKiernan is a writer who finds home in the elsewhere. This book is a paean to nuance, decency and possibility.’\u003cstrong\u003e—Colum McCann, author of \u003cem\u003eLet the Great World Spin\u003c\/em\u003e; cofounder of Narrative 4\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003e‘Ruairí’s tale of his journey comes as a breath of fresh air, awakening us to the adventures in store when we embark beyond well-trod routines into new encounters. It reminds me of my own hitchhiking trip in the UK seventy years ago—full of spunk, resilience, and zest for discovery. Whether “hitching for hope” or working together in a neighbourhood garden, we can link arms for the sake of the Great Turning to a life-sustaining future.’\u003cstrong\u003e—Joanna Macy, author of \u003cem\u003eComing Back to Life\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003e‘Ruairí McKiernan takes time to look behind the stone walls of Ireland. Travelling from pillar to post, he takes note of what many of us sometimes fail to see. Always revealing, always caring and compassionate.’\u003cstrong\u003e—Christy Moore, singer-songwriter\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e  \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003e‘The act of hitchhiking demands spontaneous interaction—a subversive moment of community between strangers that is increasingly lost or avoided in lives dictated by algorithms and automated route planners. The insights Ruairí McKiernan shares from people he meets on these freewheeling journeys somehow defy cynicism. The many voices in this book, from undocumented immigrants to young farmers, capture Ireland at a time of deep crisis but also radical change.’\u003cstrong\u003e—Caelainn Hogan, author of \u003cem\u003eRepublic of Shame\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003e‘Ireland went through its Celtic Tiger phase, all consumerism and growth. And then it crashed. In the aftermath, Ruairí McKiernan found that, like humans everywhere, what people really yearned for was community and connection, even if they’d almost forgotten how any of that worked. This is a tale that will resonate all over the world.’\u003cstrong\u003e—Bill McKibben, author of \u003cem\u003eWandering Home\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003e‘Making a reader stop and think is something we should all want to achieve, and Ruairí McKiernan succeeds. Ordinary people and their lived experiences are at the heart of this book. \u003cem\u003eHitching for Hope\u003c\/em\u003e demonstrates that, despite a diversity of backgrounds, we all want the same things: to find peace, to flourish and to help our families and communities thrive.’\u003cstrong\u003e—Lynn Ruane, Independent Senator; activist; author of \u003cem\u003ePeople Like Me\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003e‘After travelling around Ireland and listening rather than speaking, McKiernan has produced a personal diary, a guided tour of his native country and an Irish \u003cem\u003eCanterbury Tales\u003c\/em\u003e for the twenty-first century. \u003cem\u003eHitching for Hope \u003c\/em\u003eis a package of hope itself, full of kindness, political observations and of course the \u003cem\u003ecraic. \u003c\/em\u003eIrish at its core and international in its search for optimism and communal involvement, it’s an easy and uplifting read.’\u003cstrong\u003e—Peggy Seeger, singer-songwriter; author of \u003cem\u003eFirst Time Ever\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e  \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003e‘Hitchhiking is the ultimate act of surrender and vulnerability where one must depend on the kindness of strangers and one’s own inner patience. At a time of social and ecological transition, McKiernan opens himself to the road, offering up a moving window into the fears, dreams, and possibilities of the Irish land and people. More transporting than a travelogue, \u003cem\u003eHitching for Hope \u003c\/em\u003eis a tale full of serendipitous encounters and the spirit of Ireland’s byways.’\u003cstrong\u003e—Chuck Collins, Institute for Policy Studies; author of \u003cem\u003eBorn on Third Base\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003e‘In this pilgrimage around modern Ireland, Ruairí takes us to the people—to the nation’s beating heart. At times we glimpse the light that, since the old Dark Ages, has been Ireland’s gift to a hungry world.’\u003cstrong\u003e—Alastair McIntosh, author of \u003cem\u003eSoil and Soul \u003c\/em\u003eand \u003cem\u003ePoacher’s Pilgrimage\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003e‘Listening requires focus, attention, and awareness—skills that Ruairí has perfected. He listens to so many different perspectives without reacting or debating, and opens his mind and heart to each of them. I highly recommend this book. I guarantee that you will not be able to put it down.’\u003cstrong\u003e—Frances Black, Independent Senator; singer; founder of RISE Foundation\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003e‘Funny, philosophical, and moving, this book illuminates a lesser-seen map of a better and kinder humanity. In an age of cynicism and despair, the stories and insights Ruairí unveils are exactly the medicine we need to wake up and remember who we really are. Whether or not it persuades you to hitchhike to your next business meeting, this book will certainly remind you that people—and the future—may not be as scary as you thought.’\u003cstrong\u003e—Amanda Palmer, singer-songwriter; author of \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Art of Asking\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e  \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003e \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003e‘Ruairí McKiernan hitchhikes through Ireland’s soul—its heartbeat—to bring us an authentic and utterly compelling narrative. Think \u003cem\u003eMcCarthy’s Bar\u003c\/em\u003e for the socially conscious. An important and enjoyable read from a trusted voice.’\u003cstrong\u003e—Brian O’Connell, journalist; author of \u003cem\u003eThe Personals\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003e‘An epic journey into the hearts and minds of Ireland. Powerful and insightful.’\u003cstrong\u003e—Damien Dempsey, folk singer\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003e‘Burnt out from his work as a community organizer, Ruairí McKiernan decided to hit the road. He stuck out his thumb—and his neck, too—hoping to learn something about himself and his country. A wholehearted testament to the power of deep listening and a beautiful glimpse into the Irish spirit, \u003cem\u003eHitching for Hope \u003c\/em\u003etells the story of his journey. There is cause for hope in these dark times, and Ruairí found it in the people.’\u003cstrong\u003e—Andrew Forsthoefel, author of \u003cem\u003eWalking to Listen\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Chelsea Green Publishing Co","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51041599488343,"sku":"9781603589574","price":14.24,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0817\/1739\/5799\/files\/9781603589574.jpg?v=1750950942","url":"https:\/\/bookcurl.com\/products\/hitching-for-hope-a-journey-into-the-heart-and-soul-of-ireland-9781603589574","provider":"Book Curl","version":"1.0","type":"link"}