Hitching for Hope

"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 and Apeirogon

“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.”—Library Journal 

"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."—Amanda Palmer, singer-songwriter; author of The Art of Asking

"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 neighborhood garden, we can link arms for the sake of the Great Turning to a life-sustaining future."—Joanna Macy, author of Coming Back to Life

"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."—Christy Moore, singer-songwriter

"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

"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. 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.’—Lynn Ruane, Independent Senator; activist; author of People Like Me

"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

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, Hitching for Hope tells the story of his journey. There is cause for hope in these dark times, and Ruairí found it in the people.’—Andrew Forsthoefel, author of Walking to Listen

Virtual Events with Irish-American Organizations in Boston, NYC, DC, and Chicago

Advance Reading Copy campaign to key Irish-American influencers

National media campaign

Library promotion

Targeted outreach to the youth climate movement 

Social media and podcast advertising

Trade Advertising

NPR campaign