The Story
Readers' Choice Book Awards Bronze Winner, Adult Nonfiction
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.
Author: Barry Hoffner
Publisher: GFB
Published: 04/07/2026
Pages: 344
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 1.39lbs
Size: 9.00h x 6.00w x 0.94d
ISBN: 9781967510450
Review Citation(s):
Foreword 12/11/2025
About the Author
Hoffner, Barry: - Barry Hoffner is the founder 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. After earning his MBA from Columbia University, Hoffner worked in investment banking across the globe. A midcareer sabbatical transformed him, as he fell in love, traveled the world, and started a family. After losing his wife in 2017, Barry devoted himself to a new chapter-traveling to every country in the world. He lives in Sausalito, California, and is the proud father of two adult sons, Benjamin and Daniel.
Description
Readers' Choice Book Awards Bronze Winner, Adult Nonfiction
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.
Author: Barry Hoffner
Publisher: GFB
Published: 04/07/2026
Pages: 344
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 1.39lbs
Size: 9.00h x 6.00w x 0.94d
ISBN: 9781967510450
Review Citation(s):
Foreword 12/11/2025
About the Author
Hoffner, Barry: - Barry Hoffner is the founder 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. After earning his MBA from Columbia University, Hoffner worked in investment banking across the globe. A midcareer sabbatical transformed him, as he fell in love, traveled the world, and started a family. After losing his wife in 2017, Barry devoted himself to a new chapter-traveling to every country in the world. He lives in Sausalito, California, and is the proud father of two adult sons, Benjamin and Daniel.
