âAfter 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, itâs an easy and uplifting read.ââPeggy Seeger, singer-songwriter; author of First Time EverâAn epic journey into the hearts and minds of Ireland. Powerful and insightful.ââDamien Dempsey, folk singerâBurnt out from his work as a community organizer, RuairĂ McKiernan decided to hit the road. He stuck out his thumbâand his neck, tooâhoping 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, Hitching for Hope tells the story of his journey. There is cause for hope in these dark times, and RuairĂ found it in the people.ââAndrew Forsthoefel, author of Walking to ListenâFunny, 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 RuairĂ 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 peopleâand the futureâmay not be as scary as you thought.ââAmanda Palmer, singer-songwriter; author of The Art of Asking âHitchhiking is the ultimate act of surrender and vulnerability where one must depend on the kindness of strangers and oneâs 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, Hitching for Hope is a tale full of serendipitous encounters and the spirit of Irelandâs byways.ââChuck Collins, Institute for Policy Studies; author of Born on Third BaseâIn Hitching for Hope, RuairĂ 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.ââColum McCann, author of Let the Great World Spin; cofounder of Narrative 4âIn this pilgrimage around modern Ireland, RuairĂ takes us to the peopleâto the nationâs beating heart. At times we glimpse the light that, since the old Dark Ages, has been Irelandâs gift to a hungry world.ââAlastair McIntosh, author of Soil and Soul and Poacherâs PilgrimageâIreland went through its Celtic Tiger phase, all consumerism and growth. And then it crashed. In the aftermath, RuairĂ McKiernan found that, like humans everywhere, what people really yearned for was community and connection, even if theyâd almost forgotten how any of that worked. This is a tale that will resonate all over the world.ââBill McKibben, author of Wandering HomeâListening requires focus, attention, and awarenessâskills that RuairĂ 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.ââFrances Black, Independent Senator; singer; founder of RISE FoundationâMaking a reader stop and think is something we should all want to achieve, and RuairĂ McKiernan succeeds. Ordinary people and their lived experiences are at the heart of this book. Hitching for Hope 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.ââLynn Ruane, Independent Senator; activist; author of People Like MeâRuairĂ McKiernan hitchhikes through Irelandâs soulâits heartbeatâto bring us an authentic and utterly compelling narrative. Think McCarthyâs Bar for the socially conscious. An important and enjoyable read from a trusted voice.ââBrian OâConnell, journalist; author of The PersonalsâRuairĂ 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.ââChristy Moore, singer-songwriterâRuairĂâs 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 agoâfull of spunk, resilience, and zest for discovery. Whether âhitching for hopeâ or working together in a neighbourhood garden, we can link arms for the sake of the Great Turning to a life-sustaining future.ââJoanna Macy, author of Coming Back to LifeâThe act of hitchhiking demands spontaneous interactionâa subversive moment of community between strangers that is increasingly lost or avoided in lives dictated by algorithms and automated route planners. The insights RuairĂ 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.ââCaelainn Hogan, author of Republic of ShameâA timely comfort read.ââThe Sunday Times âAn uplifting account of McKiernanâs 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.ââLibrary Journal