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book cover for Belonging to the World

Belonging to the World

A Journey from Grief to Connection in Every Country on Earth

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Pub Date Mar 03 2026 | Archive Date Jan 21 2026

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Description

Some journeys we choose. Others choose us.

In the aftermath of tragedy, Barry Hoffner wanted to feel the pulse of the world again. The whole world.

When Barry Hoffner lost his wife and travel partner, Jackie, in a sudden tragedy, his grief was a black hole that consumed everything. But amid the quiet wreckage of loss, something unexpected stirred: the call to move, to reconnect, and to live fully again.

What began as a reluctant return to the road became an audacious mission to visit all 193 countries on Earth—not to escape his pain, but to transform it. Along the way, Barry discovered a world with far more depth and complexity than headlines suggest—one full of unexpected joy, even amid hardship and struggle. From war zones to mountaintops, refugee camps to ancient ruins, he found people whose kindness and openness brought him back to life.

Belonging to the World is a deeply felt memoir of healing from grief, finding resilience, and forging human connection across the globe.

Some journeys we choose. Others choose us.

In the aftermath of tragedy, Barry Hoffner wanted to feel the pulse of the world again. The whole world.

When Barry Hoffner lost his wife and travel partner...


A Note From the Publisher

Barry Hoffner is the founder and executive director of Caravan to Class, a foundation that brings access to education for youth in West Africa. The foundation’s anchor program, Bourse Jackie scholarships for young women, is named in honor of his late wife. Hoffner lives in Sausalito, California, and is the proud father of two adult sons, Benjamin and Daniel.

All proceeds from the sale of Belonging to the World will go to Bourse Jackie scholarships for young women in West Africa provided by the Caravan to Class Foundation.

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Barry Hoffner is the founder and executive director of Caravan to Class, a foundation that brings access to education for youth in West Africa. The foundation’s anchor program, Bourse Jackie...


Advance Praise

“In Belonging to the World, Barry’s ability to put into words the overwhelming emotions that come with immense grief will capture your heart and leave you wondering how it is possible to heal from such pain. But as his journey evolves, his random connections from around the world turn into moments of healing. It is rare to find people in life—like Barry—who are searching for a bigger meaning, purpose, and feeling. His willingness to embark on this journey, often completely lost, transforms directionless wandering into a pointed and intentional path toward a new chapter in his life.” —Renee Bruns, Guinness World Record holder and world traveler


“Visiting every country in the world is an extraordinary accomplishment—achieved by only about five hundred people out of eight billion. In Belonging to the World, Barry Hoffner charts an even more remarkable course within our community of global travelers. His altruistic work in Mali and across West Africa has not only enriched his own journeys but is also transforming the lives of a new generation of West African youth. Beyond his charitable endeavors, Barry has faced and overcome profound personal tragedy, adding depth and resilience to his story. His is not merely a voice among many, but a voice to learn from.” —Ric Gazarian, Counting Countries podcast host; cofounder, Extraordinary Travel Festival

“In Belonging to the World, Barry’s ability to put into words the overwhelming emotions that come with immense grief will capture your heart and leave you wondering how it is possible to heal from...


Marketing Plan

  • Amazon A+ content
  • 3-month roll out calendar
  • Regular one-on-one consultations
  • Targeted eblast on NetGalley
  • Three prepublication reviews
  • Ingram Reviews Program
  • Submittal to book award contests
  • Publication day post
  • Amazon A+ content
  • 3-month roll out calendar
  • Regular one-on-one consultations
  • Targeted eblast on NetGalley
  • Three prepublication reviews
  • Ingram Reviews Program
  • Submittal to book award contests
  • Publication day...

Available Editions

EDITION Paperback
ISBN 9781964721415
PRICE $18.95 (USD)

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