Hitching for Hope is a recently published, inspiring and enlightening book by Irish author and social campaigner, Ruairí McKiernan.
It's a journey through the heart of Ireland, revealing the deep-rooted soul of an ancient, welcoming and kind people.
This week I'm delighted to host a giveaway for a copy of Hitching for Hope, for one lucky reader to win.
But first let's go hitching around Ireland, together with Ruairí, on his quest to find hope. (Ruairí is ronounced Roo-Ree, and is the Irish form of the name Rory.)
Table of Contents
Introducing Hitching For Hope
In the pages of this book, you'll hear a chorus of voices from Ireland, not the words of illustrious celebrities or politicians, but the true voices of the ordinary folk, who call Ireland home.
These people are the backbone of our communities, the helpers, the workers, and above all those who love, hope and believe in Ireland and the world.
The observations shared in this book are gleaned through the astute and open eye of Ruairí McKiernan, a proud dreamer and believer in the power of hope and the goodness of humanity.
It comprises heartfelt reflections on what it means to be Irish and hopeful, living on a small island in a global economy.
This book a worthy #1 Irish Times bestseller.
Here's the introduction from the book's cover and website:
"A modern travel tale—part personal pilgrimage, part political quest—that captures the power of human resilience."
Following the collapse of Ireland’s Celtic Tiger 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, Hitching for Hope is a testimony to the spirit of Ireland. It is an inspirational manifesto for hope and healing in troubled times."
You can listen to a short excerpt from the book here....
Cheslsea Green Publishing - The Spirit of Hitching
A Future of Hope
Ruairí's message of hope is infectious. He delves into many important aspects of Irish society and helps us understand it through the power of his hitch hiking stories.
He weaves together a fabric of hope, by showing the interconnections between culture, history, economics, politics, legends, and myths.
He paints a picture of an Irish community where, no matter what twists and turns life brings, humor and kindness continue to flourish.
I love when he says:
"Listening is a radical act."
And as Ruairí travels the length and breadth of Ireland in the company of strangers, he becomes a radical listener.
His traveling companions and gracious helpers along the way, confirm his belief that most people are kind and decent and caring.
He tells us that it's not easy to have hope sometimes, but he firmly believes that community is a medicine that will heal us.
By connecting with one another, and sharing our stories and experiences, the world can become a better place. But this involves the important act of remembering.
"What becomes dismembered, needs to become remembered."
Hats off to Ruairí for that little gem of advice.
About Ruairí McKiernan
Ruairí McKiernan is a renowned Irish social campaigner, Fulbright scholar, former Presidential appointee to Ireland’s Council of State, and European Director of the American nonprofit Narrative 4.
He is also the host of the popular Love and Courage podcast, founder of the pioneering SpunOut.ie, a national youth charity, and a founding member of the Uplift organization.
In 2017, the global social entrepreneur foundation, Ashoka, named McKiernan one of the top ten people leading social change in Ireland.
Here's Ruairí giving an inspirational TED talk:
Connect with Ruairí McKiernan
Here are some links to help you learn more about Ruairí and his work:
- The Love and Courage Podcast on Facebook
- The Love and Courage Podcast
- Ruairí McKiernan on Twitter
- Ruairí McKiernan on Instagram
- Ruairí’s Website
Praise for Hitching For Hope
Here are some wonderful reviews for this worthy book:
‘In Hitching for Hope, 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.’
—Colum McCann, author of Let the Great World Spin; co-founder of Narrative 4
‘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.’
—Bill McKibben, author of Wandering Home
‘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 Canterbury Tales for the twenty-first century. Hitching for Hope is a package of hope itself, full of kindness, political observations and of course the craic. Irish at its core and international in its search for optimism and communal involvement, it’s an easy and uplifting read.’
—Peggy Seeger, singer-songwriter; author of First Time Ever
The Giveaway
One luck reader will win a copy of Hitching for Hope by Ruairí McKiernan.
To enter simply leave a comment on this blog post by noon Eastern Time on Saturday, July 25th, 2020.
Any comment will do. What you write does not affect your chance of winning, but if you need inspiration why not tell us if you have ever gone hitch hiking in Ireland, or anywhere in the world.
A winning comment will be chosen randomly. Remember to leave your e-mail so that I can contact you should you win. Your e-mail won’t be published, just used to contact our lucky contestant for mailing of the prize.
The winner will be announced on Saturday, July 25th, 2020, at the bottom of this blog post.
You may check out Irish American Mom’s complete terms and conditions for sweepstakes’ entries by clicking here.
Many thanks to everyone for stopping by to follow these hitch hiking adventures around Ireland. And a big thank you to Chelsea Green Publishing for sharing this book with us today.
Update – Winner Chosen
Our winner has been randomly chosen using the Pick Giveaway Winner Plug-in for WordPress.
And the lucky reader is ….
Anne Herridge
I’ll send Anne an email to arrange mailing of her prize. A big thank you to everyone for supporting this giveaway by leaving comments. And many thanks to Ruairí, for sharing his book and hitch hiking adventures with us.
If you're interested in other books set in Ireland, here are a few more recommendations to check out...
Thanks for following my recipes and ramblings.
Slán agus beannacht,
(Goodbye and blessings)
Mairéad -Irish American Mom
Pronunciation - slawn ah-gus ban-ock-th
Mairéad - rhymes with parade
Disclosure: I received a free, electronic copy of this book for review purposes. This post reflects my honest and unbiased thoughts about this work.
Text copyright 2020 by Ruairi McKiernan.
Excerpts and photos reproduced with permission of the publisher, Chelsea Green Publishing.
Here are some more recipes ramblings you might enjoy…
Joan
Would love to win this book about Ireland.
Joan
Irish American Mom
Hi Joan - Thanks for taking the time to check out this new book about Ireland.
All the best,
Mairéad
Marilyn
Anything about Ireland is a winner to me.
Marilyn
Irish American Mom
Hi Marilyn - This book is definitely a winner, especially because it celebrates a great sense of hope expressed by the ordinary people of Ireland.
All the best,
Mairéad
Marion
Reading about Ireland is a must for me.
Marion
Irish American Mom
Hi Marion - It sounds like this book would be a perfect fit for you.
All the best,
Mairéad
Anne Herridge
This book sounds wonderful!
Irish American Mom
Hi Anne - Thanks for stopping by this week to support this giveaway.
All the best,
Mairéad
Jean Mahoney
Sounds like an excellent read. Thanks
Irish American Mom
Hi Jean - I'm always delighted to introduce new books about Ireland. Thanks for stopping by.
All the best,
Mairéad
Sue R
Sounds like a great read!
Irish American Mom
Hi Sue - Thanks for supporting this giveaway.
All the best,
Mairéad
Eleanor Hester
This sounds so interesting!
Irish American Mom
Hi Eleanor - This book provides some wonderful insights into the Irish pysche.
Thanks for following.
All the best,
Mairéad
Maureen Doyle Nelson
I could listen to him talk all day! So interesting, and would love to win it. My parents took all 8 kids on a trip to Ireland in a big van in 1978. I was the oldest. Then 1984 I went with my mom and we picked up three different hitchhikers, mostly older men. Was a little worried but had nice conversations with all of them. It was sort of a magical trip each time, encountering people along the way. Past due for a trip back so hope the world gets back on track and healed soon.
Irish American Mom
Hi Maureen - Ruairi has a wonderful Irish lilt, and is so easy to listen to. Your trip to Ireland in 1978 sounds wonderful, and lovely to learn that both of your trips to Ireland felt magical. I think meeting people, chatting with locals and experiencing the real Ireland, beyond the well worn tourist track, is what makes vacations to Ireland so memorable. Community and connection is what creates that magic. I hope you make it back to Ireland, when things return to normal sometime in the not too distant future.
All the best,
Mairéad
Celeste Watt
Years ago when I was young, I hitchhiked in Ireland during 3 months I spent there. I met many friendly Irish and had interesting conversations. My heritage is Irish and I love Ireland.
Irish American Mom
Hi Celeste - When I was younger I hitch hiked quite a bit in Cork and Galway. It was always so interesting to listen to stories told by drivers who kindly stopped to ferry me and my friends to our destination. Lovely to hear you too experienced the joy of conversing with friendly strangers.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
Kristina
Up Mayo! Sounds like a book that will intrigue every reader.
Irish American Mom
Hi Kristina - Thanks for also checking out my other new blog post this week about County Mayo. This book is a very entertaining and inspirational read.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
Mary
I’ve never hitch hiked in my life, but this book is definitely going on my Christmas wish list. If I win the book, then I’ll read it and regift it to someone else for Christmas! Have a great day and thank you for bringing us so many options for good Irish reads! Mary
Irish American Mom
Hi Mary - It's wonderful when a publisher contacts me to let me know about a good new Irish book. Often, these wonderful books do not get the publicity they deserve, so I'm glad to help spread the word about books with an Irish or Irish American theme. This one will be a perfect Christmas gift. Best of luck in our giveaway. I love your idea of regifting the book should you win. Books are the gift that should just keep on giving and giving, by being passed around between friends and family.
Take care and thanks for stopping by.
Mairéad
Deidre
This sounds like a book to enjoy especially in these times. Thank you for sharing.
Irish American Mom
Hi Deidre - This definitely is a great book for these difficult times, when we all need a little hope and inspiration.
All the best,
Mairéad
Maureen Koebel
I am writing down the title of this book and am anxious to read it. In 1971 myself and three girlfriends hitchhiked around Ireland for a month. We never told our parents how we were really getting around. Our adventure was incredible and one I will never forget. I have been back a few times but that trip certainly stands out in my memory.
Irish American Mom
Hi Maureen - It sounds like you made your parents believe Ireland had the most amazing public transport system in the world. Hitch hiking was very common in Ireland back in the 1970's. My grandmother was a great woman for hitch hiking around Skibbereen. She didn't drive, but neighbors would give her a lift to town all the time. I remember hitching with her as a little girl and listening to all the wonderful stories and gossip from the back seat.
Thanks for supporting this little giveaway and for sharing your story about your trip to Ireland.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
Jayne Chandler
Traveling around Ireland is my dream occupation. In the only 2 weeks I was there, I felt the same camraderie, but to an outlander like me. Ireland is in my blood, though I have never lived there. I was tracing genealogies of both my parents. I am looking forward toreading Ruairi's "Hitching for Hope". It is a thought we sorely need these days.
Irish American Mom
Hi Jayne - Being a tour guide in Ireland must be a wonderful job. Hopefully most of this little businesses will survive this unexpected downturn in business this summer. Lovely to hear you feel such a connection to Ireland and that Ireland is in your blood.
Thanks for following my ramblings.
All the best,
Mairéad
MJ
One of my favorite parts about living in Ireland was that the strangers you meet not only have the best stories, but many eventually become friends. It sounds like Ruairí experienced something similar on his hitch-hiking adventure. Looking forward to learning more about this book! Thanks very much for sponsoring this giveaway.
Irish American Mom
Hi MJ - Most Irish people love a good chat. When I was a student in Dublin, decades ago, I remember how older folk would love to chat to the younger folk on the trains and on the buses. They always shared such great stories of times gone by. Nowadays the younger generations tend to wear ear phones and stay connected to their smart phones. They don't know what they're missing out on, by not chatting with older folk on public transport.
It sounds like you met some wonderful people during your time living in Ireland.
Thanks for stopping by.
Take care,
Mairéad
Mary Ann
This sounds like a great read! The luck o the Irish to me!
Hoping your Sunday was perfect!
Irish American Mom
Hi Mary Ann - Best of luck next week when I will do the drawing. Thanks for supporting our giveaway.
Hope you too have had a great Sunday.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
Robert Hayes-McCoy
Hitching around Ireland looking at the Different styles of thatched cottages is an idyllic journey through life.
Irish American Mom
Hi Robert - I always love seeing thatched cottages and admiring their simple architecture, and the subtle differences in their designs. The Swiss Cottage in Cahir, County Tipperary is well worth a visit.
Thanks for stopping by.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
Ginger Veach
Thank you for bringing a new book about Ireland to our attention. It sounds like an interesting perspective. If I don't win your giveaway, I'll have to purchase it.
Irish American Mom
Hi Ginger - I really like this book, and the wonderful slice of Irish life it portrays. Thanks so much for stopping by to check it out.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
George Neece
Always happy to receive an e-mail from you,I like to see what you've been up to . This sounds like an intriguing and great read !
Irish American Mom
Hi George - Thanks so much for subscribing to my email updates - I really appreciate it, and I'm delighted to hear you are so happy to learn about my latest recipes and ramblings. Thanks for supporting this giveaway.
All the best,
Mairéad
Sandi
Would love to have this book!
Irish American Mom
Thanks for dropping by, Sandi, and joining in our little sweepstakes.
All the best,
Mairéad
Beth
Book sounds like a great read! Especially with local lore in it. Enjoyed your tour of County Mayo. What beautiful sites!
Irish American Mom
Hi Beth - Thanks for joining this book giveaway, and for taking a look at my photographic tour of County Mayo. I'm so glad you enjoyed it.
All the best,
Mairéad
Kathleen
Can't wait to read all about Ruairi's experiences!
Irish American Mom
Thanks for stopping by, Kathleen
Best wishes,
Mairéad
Sharon
I absolutely love the Irish people. Everyone of them I have met have been gracious, kind and have a good story to share. I enjoyed my time in Ireland immensely.
Irish American Mom
Hi Sharon - It's lovely to hear you had such a wonderful time in Ireland and that you felt so welcomed by the Irish people. I think the Irish are probably one of the friendliest people in the world. Thanks for supporting this giveaway.
All the best,
Mairéad
Jennifer
I would love to have a copy of this book. Of all the traveling I have done o have yet to go to Ireland. My maternal grandfathers family .. 5 brothers came from Donegal to America in 1786. My daughter will be completing a gap year art program in Ireland starting Sept 7th. My hope is that at some point I can go and visit her and travel through Ireland.
Irish American Mom
Hi Jennifer - It's fantastic that you can trace your family to Donegal as far back as the 18th century - such wonderful family history to treasure. I hope your daughter will have a wonderful year in Ireland - fingers crossed that all will go ahead as planned this year. And I do hope you too make it across the Atlantic to trace your ancestors footsteps.
All the best,
Mairéad