"While I Walk: Solo Adventuring In The Vast, Beautiful World" by Rachel Durchslag

About the Author: Rachel Durchslag is an avid hiker who has spent the last five years trekking the world’s most magnificent mountain ranges. When not traveling, Rachel is a healer, providing alternative therapies to help people recover from internalized trauma. Previously, she founded and served as the Executive Director of the Chicago Alliance Against Sexual Exploitation, a nonprofit dedicated to ending the harm of sex trafficking and sexual assault. Rachel has so far traveled to 67 countries, and is excited for all the places left she has to explore. 

About the Book: Thoughtful and authentic, this powerful memoir explores not only who we are in the world but what the world longs to teach us. Join explorer Rachel Durchslag as she travels and hikes in Nepal, Chile, Japan and beyond. Beautifully blending memoir and travel logistics, "While I Walk" is an invitation to explore the most stunning trails across the globe. Honest and vulnerable, this book captures the transformation of hiking alone in the unknown. "While I Walk" explores the life lessons learned on and off the trail, from getting through devastating injuries, falling in love, asking for help, to creating connections with others across the globe. With hand-drawn illustrations of each trail map, firsthand travel advice, and even a vegan recipe from each region, the chapters conclude with the logistical information needed to get on a plane and hike these trails. Aspirational travelers, first-time and long-term hikers, and memoir enthusiasts alike will find fresh appreciation in this enjoyable travel guide meets memoir.