Author:
Barry Hoffner
Book Title:
Belonging to the World: A Journey from Grief to Connection in Every Country on Earth
Publishing Information:
Girl Friday Books, 2026
Link to Purchase Book:
Synopsis:
Some journeys we choose. Others choose us.
In the aftermath of tragedy, Barry Hoffner wanted to feel the pulse of the world again. The whole world.
When Barry Hoffner lost his wife and travel partner, Jackie, in a sudden tragedy, his grief was a black hole that consumed everything. But amid the quiet wreckage of loss, some- thing unexpected stirred: the call to move, to reconnect, and to live fully again.
What began as a reluctant return to the road became an audacious mission to visit all 193 countries on Earth, something less than an estimated 500 people in the world have accomplished. His aim was not to escape his pain, but to transform it. Along the way, Barry discovered a world with far more depth and complexity than headlines suggest—one full of unexpected joy, even amid hardship and struggle. From war zones to mountaintops, refugee camps to ancient ruins, he found people whose kindness and openness brought him back to life.
Belonging to the World is a deeply felt memoir of healing from grief, finding resilience, and forging human connection across the globe.
100% of sales will fund scholarships for young women in West Africa in Jackie’s name.
Author Bio:
Barry Hoffner is the founder of Caravan to Class, a foundation that brings access to education for youth in West Africa. The foundation’s anchor program, Bourse Jackie scholarships for young women, is named in honor of his late wife. After earning his MBA from Columbia University, Hoffner worked in investment banking across the globe. A midcareer sabbatical transformed him, as he fell in love, traveled the world, and started a family. After losing his wife in 2017, Barry devoted himself to a new chapter-traveling to every country in the world. He lives in Sausalito, California, and is the proud father of two adult sons, Benjamin and Daniel. https://belongingtotheworld.com/
Testimonials:
“A joy-filled reminder of our shared humanity.”
— Julia Roberts, Eat, Pray, Love
“A moving reminder of human connection and the power of reimagining life through grief.”
— Luke Russert, NY Times best-selling author, Look for me There
“A rare memoir blending emotional honesty with sweeping adventure—less a travelogue than a meditation”.
— San Francisco Book Review
“The memoir hones a crisp, clear set of observations and wide-ranging contrasts that are rare even in the world of adventure travel literature, placing Belonging to the World in a class of its own.”
— Midwest Book Review
“A uniquely compelling travel memoir marked by profound vulnerability and expansive emotional range.”
— SPR Review
“Belonging to the World is an uplifting celebration of life and travel.”
— IndieReader
“A memoir of loss that becomes a chronicle of awe.”
—Literary Titan
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