The Hitchhike

by Mark Paul Smith

In 1972, an officer in the U.S. Air Force hitchhiked around the world and came back a conscientious objector. Along the way, he met John Lennon, traversed the Iron Curtain, smoked opium in Iran, smuggled turquoise over the Khyber Pass into Pakistan, and found his soul in the music of Afghanistan. He faced death in a storm at sea, battled with a bout of dysentery, and escaped the clutches of a dagger-wielding Argentinian lover in India. Through the characters he encounters, the officer is shaped and ultimately transformed. This rationale for peace and understanding between all cultures is his true story, and it is a fascinating look back at a time of self-examination by the United States and its young people.

318 pages, Paperback

First published March 14, 2013

Reviews

[Donna Figurski · Rating 5 out of 5]

I traveled from Portugal to India. I passed through Spain and Italy, trekked through Greece, Turkey, and Iran, and visited Afghanistan and Pakistan before I ended up at the Taj Mahal in India. I slept under the stars and sailed across wild seas. I met other wanderers––all looking for meaning in life. And I met the natives who shared their homes, their beliefs, and their cultures.

But … I never left my home. I simply opened the book, "The Hitchhike" by Mark Paul Smith and traveled with Mark. And you can too!

I urge you to read "The Hitchhike" and journey with Mark through all of these magical places. You will get lost in the world while you find yourself. Oh, what fun! Don’t miss out on this journey.

donna o'donnell figurski - author

[Mallory Folk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing true story about a man from my hometown. Just the sort of adventure story that makes me want to run in a good way. This book can restore your faith in the unity of humanity if you allow it to.

[Cathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was motivated to read this book because the author lives in my hometown. In fact, I've been in his home because it is the Castle Art Gallery.

Throughout the book there are reference to Fort Wayne and the newspapers, which are still in print.

This memoire was interesting. Having lived through the sixties, I could well remember the events Smith recounted. I wondered if those who don't have the historical perspective could grasp the depth of the division in the country from the book's account.

I was pleased the legal process took only a small portion of the book. 90% of the text was about Smith's travels and his struggle with his own military future.

[Laurie Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mark Paul Smith offers a courageous memoir that combines the audacity of youth in the 1970’s with the timeless wisdom that comes to those willing to consider the world from a new point of view. Smith’s epic tale invites readers to remove blinders and rose-colored glasses alike in order to see beyond our comfort zones.

[Francie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great trip down a lane of time that needs to be remembered. Thank you Mr. Smith for the slice of life that, for some, can only be imagined.