by Ben Hatke
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Content: There is some swearing and talk of grief. It’s in the Graphic Novel section of the bookstore.

I have been following Ben Hatke’s work (and socials) for a long time, and so I remember when he left on the trip that would become this book. I knew then – two years ago – that I would be buying and reading this book. What I didn’t know was just how beautiful it would be, both the art – which is mostly line drawings and watercolors in shades of brown and gray – and the story itself. Hatke is open about the grief he has over the sudden death of his then-youngest daughter, Ida (she was four), and how he hoped this journey would help with that. He’s open about his fears and his trials, and it makes the book that much better.

I adore a travel book, and I loved the stories and images that this book offers. Hatke’s got friends and connections all over the world, but he’s also helped by the kindness of strangers. There were ups and downs with his travel plans; there were hard things and revelations about other cultures. It’s a thoughtful, interesting, beautiful book, and one that I thoroughly loved.