Belonging to the World
by Barry Hoffner
GENRE: Travel Memoir
PUBLICATION DATE: 03/03/2026
DESCRIPTION:
Belonging to the World combines a deeply personal story with an epic global adventure while exploring one of the most important themes of our time—human interconnectedness. After the sudden loss of his wife and travel partner, Barry Hoffner sets out on an extraordinary mission to visit all 193 countries on Earth, something fewer than 500 people have ever accomplished. What begins as a journey through grief becomes a powerful search for healing, purpose, and belonging.
As the journey unfolds across war zones, remote islands, ancient ruins, and vibrant cultures, the story reveals something unexpected: despite the divisions we see in the headlines, people everywhere share the same fundamental humanity. Through simple encounters with strangers across the globe, the film would show how connection, curiosity, and compassion can bridge even the widest cultural divides.
With its emotional depth, breathtaking global settings, and timely message about our shared humanity, Belonging to the World
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
After a fifteen-year career in investment banking that took him around the world, Barry transitioned into a second career farming grapes and olives. His Silverwood Ranch olive oil has earned multiple gold medals, and his wine grapes have been bottled into Francis Ford Coppola’s Archimedes wine.
Today, Barry is the founder of Caravan to Class, a nonprofit he launched in 2010 to advance girls’ education in West Africa through the Bourse Jackie program, named in honor of his late wife. His book, Belonging to the World (Girl Friday Books), chronicles his journey to every country in the world following Jackie’s tragic passing in Africa in late 2017.
REVIEWS:
A joy-filled reminder of our shared humanity
— Julia Roberts, Eat, Pray, Love
A moving reminder of human connection and the power of reimagining life through grief.
— Luke Russert, NY Times best-selling author, Look for me There
A rare memoir blending emotional honesty with sweeping adventure—less a travelogue than a
meditation.
— San Francisco Book Review
The memoir hones a crisp, clear set of observations and wide-ranging contrasts that are rare
even in the world of adventure travel literature, placing Belonging to the World in a class of its
own.
— Midwest Book Review
A uniquely compelling travel memoir marked by profound vulnerability and expansive emotional
range.
— SPR Review
Belonging to the World is an uplifting celebration of life and travel.
— IndieReader
COMPARATIVE FILM/BOOK:
people have said it is a male Eat Pray Love
CASTING:
Brad Pitt, Ben Stiller, Paul Giamatti, Mark Ruffalo
PRIMARY VENUES/LOCATIONS WITHIN THE BOOK:
so many places around the world + Sausalito (home base)
BOOK EXCERPT:
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