Scroll down for ordering options. Available from a variety of stores/websites and author direct.
An Irish Times No.1 Bestseller
American Book Fest Award Recipient
IrishCentral.com Book of the Month
'Engaging, provocative, and sincere, Hitching for Hope recounts a journey both deeply personal and explicitly political. A testimony to the spirit of Ireland, it is an inspirational manifesto for hope and healing in troubled times.'
Following the collapse of Ireland’s Celtic Tiger economy, 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. Available internationally in paperback, ebook, and audiobook versions. Links below to different international online retailers or order direct from author.
Order an author signed copy here or scroll down below for other retailers
Easy ordering instructions: Book available from all main booksellers and online book retailers, including paperback, ebook and audiobook. For special author signed edition direct from Ruairí you can order online at this link or email info@hitchingforhope.com with any queries, including bulk order discounts. The price is €11 + €5 postage and packaging anywhere in the world. If you to request a particular name or special mention please note this in the 'notes and instructions' part at the end of the order form.
"This is a perfect match for these unprecedented times."
- Irish Times review
"Ruairí McKiernan was depressed about austerity Ireland, particularly that those who caused the economic collapse had not only escaped unpunished but had actually been supported and enabled, while those who had suffered were abandoned. So he decided to make “a journey into the heart and soul of Ireland” by hitching around part of the country in order to listen and give voice to ordinary people, particularly to discover if they felt hopeful for the future. He heard stories of anger and disappointment at the economic disaster but also stories of hope and resilience, and he encountered numerous examples of community initiative, co-operation and self-help. Combining his own and others’ personal stories, travelogue and advocacy for change, this is a perfect match for these unprecedented times."
- Irish Times review
"Ruairí McKiernan was depressed about austerity Ireland, particularly that those who caused the economic collapse had not only escaped unpunished but had actually been supported and enabled, while those who had suffered were abandoned. So he decided to make “a journey into the heart and soul of Ireland” by hitching around part of the country in order to listen and give voice to ordinary people, particularly to discover if they felt hopeful for the future. He heard stories of anger and disappointment at the economic disaster but also stories of hope and resilience, and he encountered numerous examples of community initiative, co-operation and self-help. Combining his own and others’ personal stories, travelogue and advocacy for change, this is a perfect match for these unprecedented times."
"This book has also helped me in my own journey of understanding what's important in life and what I want to do later in life." - Eliza
"Fantastic book, I'm on my 2nd reading of it because it inspired hope within myself" - John
"Fantastic book, I'm on my 2nd reading of it because it inspired hope within myself" - John
Regular free online book conversation events.
Thanks to Culture Ireland for promotion and publicity support
Previous events
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Ruairí has signed copies of Hitching for Hope in over 30 bookshops throughout Ireland. It is available in all main bookshops and online. Scroll down for more info and links.
SAMPLE MEDIA LINKS
Order a signed author copy
Easy ordering instructions: Click this link to order. If you wish to request a special signed message, or a name on the book other than that it is being posted to, please email that info to info@hitchingforhope.com after you submit your order.
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'A modern travel tale—part personal pilgrimage, part political quest—that captures the power of human resilience.'
Where to buy
Available internationally on paperback, eBook, and audiobook.
Hitching for Hope is available in all main bookshops in Ireland and in selected bookshops internationally. Over 30 shops around Ireland now have signed copies. See list here for international shops and websites stocking the book and please get in touch if you are having any trouble sourcing it. Where possible please consider supporting local independent bookstores. Special bulk discount and signed copies are also available. ISBN: 9781603589574
Hitching for Hope is available in all main bookshops in Ireland and in selected bookshops internationally. Over 30 shops around Ireland now have signed copies. See list here for international shops and websites stocking the book and please get in touch if you are having any trouble sourcing it. Where possible please consider supporting local independent bookstores. Special bulk discount and signed copies are also available. ISBN: 9781603589574
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Sample list of global outlets below. For personalized signed copies please see above link or get in touch. Ebook and audibook versions also available. North America Amazon US Amazon Canada Bookshop.org Barnes and Noble Book Depository Chapters Chelsea Green Publishing (Use coupon CGP35) Ireland Amazon UK Kennys Easons O'Mahonys Charlie Byrnes Gutter Bookshop Book Depository |
'Tale of hitchhiking in post-recession Ireland is a timely comfort read....proves that sometimes hope and history really can rhyme.'
- The Sunday Times
‘Ruairí takes note of what many of us sometimes fail to see.’
—Christy Moore
‘This book is a paean to nuance, decency and possibility.’
—Colum McCann
‘..an easy and uplifting read.’
—Peggy Seeger
“An epic journey…powerful and insightful."
- Damien Dempsey
—Christy Moore
‘This book is a paean to nuance, decency and possibility.’
—Colum McCann
‘..an easy and uplifting read.’
—Peggy Seeger
“An epic journey…powerful and insightful."
- Damien Dempsey
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About the author
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Ruairí McKiernan is an award-winning social innovator, campaigner, writer and speaker. In 2012 was appointed to the Council of State by President Michael D Higgins, where he served a 7-year term. A business graduate originally from County Cavan, Ruairí is a Fulbright scholar, the founder of the pioneering SpunOut.ie youth organisation, a founding member of the Uplift campaigning organisation, and part of the founding team behind Gaelic Voices For Change. He is also the host of the chart-topping Love and Courage podcast a regular contributor to the media on social justice, youth and community issues, civic leadership and wellbeing. Ruairí is married to Limerick-born singer, songwriter, musician and meditation teacher Susan Quirke and they live in Lahinch, on the west coast of County Clare. |
Virtual events - oppportunity to collaborate
Ruairí and his publisher Chelsea Green Publishing are currently collaborating with book clubs, festivals, libraries, schools, colleges, community groups and others to offer virtual conversational style virtual book events. To date these have reached thousands of viewers and participants in countries all over the world. These are generally 60-minute events. Recent partners have included Culture Ireland (Ireland Performs series), the New York Irish Center, and the Irish American Heritage Museum. The events are hosted via Zoom and Facebook live and involve a conversational style talk on the book's themes (e.g. kindness, courage, resilience, community spirit) followed by a questions and answers session with the audience. Sometimes musicians and other guests feature. The events are streamed direct from Ruairí's home in the west of Ireland and can be offered at no charge to hosts who can commit to promoting them among their network. Support is provided around marketing and media. The events are easy to organise and manage and no technical know-how is required. We can be flexible around international time zones as long as it's sometime between 8am and midnight Irish time. For more information email info@hitchingforhope.com
Ruairí and his publisher Chelsea Green Publishing are currently collaborating with book clubs, festivals, libraries, schools, colleges, community groups and others to offer virtual conversational style virtual book events. To date these have reached thousands of viewers and participants in countries all over the world. These are generally 60-minute events. Recent partners have included Culture Ireland (Ireland Performs series), the New York Irish Center, and the Irish American Heritage Museum. The events are hosted via Zoom and Facebook live and involve a conversational style talk on the book's themes (e.g. kindness, courage, resilience, community spirit) followed by a questions and answers session with the audience. Sometimes musicians and other guests feature. The events are streamed direct from Ruairí's home in the west of Ireland and can be offered at no charge to hosts who can commit to promoting them among their network. Support is provided around marketing and media. The events are easy to organise and manage and no technical know-how is required. We can be flexible around international time zones as long as it's sometime between 8am and midnight Irish time. For more information email info@hitchingforhope.com
“You will not be able to put it down.’
—Frances Black
‘Funny, philosophical, and moving”
—Amanda Palmer
‘..an authentic and utterly compelling narrative.”
—Brian O’Connell
‘Making a reader stop and think is something we should all
want to achieve, and Ruairí succeeds.'
—Lynn Ruane
‘This is a tale that will resonate all over the world.’
—Bill McKibben
‘..a breath of fresh air’
—Joanna Macy
—Frances Black
‘Funny, philosophical, and moving”
—Amanda Palmer
‘..an authentic and utterly compelling narrative.”
—Brian O’Connell
‘Making a reader stop and think is something we should all
want to achieve, and Ruairí succeeds.'
—Lynn Ruane
‘This is a tale that will resonate all over the world.’
—Bill McKibben
‘..a breath of fresh air’
—Joanna Macy