FREEDOM AND ADVENTURE: HITCHHIKING SOLO 4,400 MILES TO THE PANAMA CANAL - 1961 Paperback – April 16, 2023

The book was not only a well written and interesting account of the author’s journey, but also about what was going on in America and Central America at the time. I found it very relatable since I have travelled alone both in the US and abroad often with less than a cursory than a cursory knowledge of the local language. I loved how he incorporated not only the politics of the day but his good humored self reflections about being raised Catholic. His descriptions if riding as a passenger with a driver he did not know, through the mountains on unpaved and narrow roads, brought flashbacks of my own experiences. Great read.

If you are looking for an engaging narrative about the growth and development of an eager, smart, observant young adult, who eventually becomes a successful banker and attorney, this is the book for you. The author, Denis Forster, is funny, sentimental and accurate while describing his journey to Central America, immersing himself in the country's Spanish language, beauty, culture, and people.I love how refreshingly honest Denis is about his family, and friends (old and new), the impact of Catholicism in his life and in the lives of the people of the underdeveloped countries he visited. It is also a walk down memory lane as the story opens in 1961 in the USA--a very different America from the one we live in today.This is a lively, fun-filled memoir worth your attention. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!Christine, Denver, CO

In addition to being a superb story, I found this book to be professional and first-rate in every respect with lots of attention to detail, maybe a result of the author’s lawyer training. In reading the entire manuscript, I did not find a single error, grammatical or otherwise. This is very unusual. The cover, book description, and author bio are all top quality. There is a good, detailed table of contents, which is uncommon. I particularly liked the interior layout with bright, white paper, easy-to-read font, and the design with helpful subheadings, which are set out and identified in bold. The inclusion of several maps and photographs is a huge, helpful contribution to being able to follow and understand the trip. Importantly, the writing style, alternating between serious and humorous, is smooth and engaging and the subject matter is fascinating. All this combines to produce a superb, unique, exceptional book.

“Freedom and Adventure” Hitchhiking SoloA wonderful read of a “golden age” (1961) long ago and far away that author Denis Forster successfully brings to life in a first-hand re-telling of his adventure.A point the author makes and develops is that the most interesting thing in the world is another person and that easily the best way to really access that individual is with in-person, interactive communication. In other words, talking face-to-face. Hitchhiking, in this era, compelled someone to take the initiative and do that – and develop those skills. This was before emails, text messages, social media, etc. This book shows the numerous benefits of being able to communicate directly person-to-person – getting to know people, forming relationships, learning and experiencing. Remarkable here is that the author had to do this while trying to learn Spanish – and it worked.

I thought this book was very uplifting and inspirational. Taking a risky but carefully planned solo adventure trip can have a tremendous impact on one's life, like it had on the author's. In addition to reading about the amazing adventures Denis had meeting people, learning Spanish and visiting places that few Americans dared to venture, it inspired me to value the benefits of going on adventures and taking some risks in life as a pathway to learning and broadening one’s horizons.I especially enjoyed his commentary on how that period was unique in our history, reflecting a time of relative innocence given all the wars, political upheaval and technological development that ensued. I recommend the book to anyone interested in the early 1960's Americas and the adventurous spirit of a young man embarking on a life changing trip.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. I too had used hitchhiking extensively when I attended high school so this piqued my interest. The stories were very entertaining and moving. The historical references were exceptionally helpful. Those were days, we thought they never end – unfortunately they ended but the memories are wonderful. This is a remarkable book.

This trip through America, then through Mexico and Central America down to Panama with all his experiences on the road is amazing. Nobody I knew ever hitchhiked into Mexico or beyond but many (including myself) did hitch in the US and have fond memories. It was always exciting; never knew what would happen next. For those who never had the chance to hitch, this book provides a good insight into the excitement and adventure of doing so. GREAT BOOK.

Thankfully this author got around to writing this book. The chapter “The Golden Age of Hitchhiking” is particularly fascinating with its detail and description of life at that time on the road from someone who was actually there and did it. Not sure there is any other book out there or has ever been written that provides this kind of information. A real contribution. A unique book about a unique time in history. People may well be reading this book decades from now. This could be a first edition worth hanging onto.