Book Club & Availability
Join the global conversation. Jean Ramer is available for guest appearances at local book clubs and virtual events worldwide.
This memoir is ideal for readers who appreciate cross-cultural encounters and stories of resilience. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or an armchair adventurer, Jean's journey offers a unique perspective on the 1970s world. For those further afield, virtual appearances via Zoom are also available.
Perfect for Book Clubs
- Travel memoirs & cross-cultural encounters
- Women’s adventure stories & coming of age narratives
- Reflective non-fiction & stories of kindness & resilience
1975 • THE HIPPIE TRAIL • WEST ASIA • SOUTHERN ASIA • RESILIENCE • AWE • SELF-DEVELOPMENT •
11
Countries Visited
1975
Departure Year
1
Spare Pair of Jeans
10,000+
Miles Traveled
Discussion Guide
Perfect for book clubs, or readers who want to dive deeper into the themes of the journey.
01
Youth, Risk, and Naïveté
How does the author’s younger self differ from her present-day perspective? Do you think youthful naïveté is a necessary ingredient for adventure?
02
The Kindness of Strangers
Which encounter with a stranger stood out most to you? How does generosity shape the tone of the journey?
03
Travel as Transformation
In what ways does the journey change the author — or reveal who she already was? Have you ever had a trip that shifted your understanding of yourself?
04
Fear, Vulnerability, and Trust
How does travelling as two young women influence the story? What moments of danger or uncertainty resonated with you?
05
Cultural Expectations and Misconceptions
The author arrived in Afghanistan expecting danger and found warmth. How does this challenge modern assumptions about place and people? What other moments in the book subvert expectations?
06
Food, Water, and Survival
How do the practical challenges of eating and drinking shape the narrative? What does the stero-tab water say about the realities of 1970s travel?
07
Memory and Time
How does the act of rereading a decades-old journal affect the storytelling? What does it mean to revisit your younger self with compassion — and astonishment?
08
The World Then and Now
Many of the places visited have changed dramatically. How does knowing the later history (e.g., Afghanistan, Iran) affect your reading? What emotions arise when thinking about the people the author wonders about today?
09
Freedom and Uncertainty
The author describes the thrill of not knowing where she’d sleep each night. Does that kind of freedom appeal to you, or terrify you?
10
The Role of Luck
The author often mentions being “extremely lucky.” How does luck — good or bad — shape the arc of the journey?