Backpack, Jacket, Surfboard: My Journey Across America, Then and Now

by Graham Broyd

In 1980, Graham Broyd did something outrageous—he sold his scholarship ticket to Washington, DC, bought a one-way flight to Los Angeles, and set off to hitchhike across America. Armed with a red backpack, a surfboard, and a knack for finding himself in both incredible and ridiculous situations, he bummed rides, crashed on beaches, and stumbled into experiences that would shape him forever. From rolling the dice in Vegas to interviewing senators in Congress, from the open roads of the West to the neon chaos of New York City, every mile brought a new story.

Forty years later, Graham returns to retrace his steps, revisiting the landscapes, people, and memories that defined his youth. What has changed? What remains? And how does time shift our understanding of the roads we once traveled?

Backpack, Jacket, Surfboard is a raw and humorous adventure memoir, a time capsule of 1980s America, and an unfiltered reflection on risk, nostalgia, and the unexpected turns that shape a life. It’s for anyone who has ever dreamed of throwing away the map, saying yes to the unknown, or looking back at a wild decision and thinking, “I’d do it all over again.”

For fans of Bill Bryson, Paul Theroux, and anyone who knows that the best stories come from the roads we didn’t plan to take.

Genres: Travel, Nonfiction

305 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 12, 2025

Reviews

[Blaine DeSantis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Graham Broyd has written a marvelous memoir in which he relates his first cross country trip in the US as well as his return trip 40 years later. Filled with humor and insights about the people and places in America, he made me examine my own life story that had many parallels and yet nothing can compare with the stories he tell and those marvelous experiences he lived. A wonderful look at America as it was and as it has become!!
Top Notch, Graham!!!

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

I won this book through a Goodreads giveaway in exchange for an honest review. Thanks to Advantage | The Authority Company for choosing me.

While unconventional, Graham Boyd has written an easy, well written book. I followed him on his journey through America in the 80s and realized that our country back then was more open and definitely gentler than it is now. I felt like I was walking beside him as he recounts his adventures. I think anyone looking for an escape can find it here within the pages of his book. It definitely left me filled with a sense of wanderlust.

[Sherrie Howey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book that must be read, for both the details of his amazing hitchhiking experience across the US and the history and wisdom imparted by the author. It was so engaging that I could have read it in one sitting but I wanted to savor the stories so I read it in 2 days.
I loved each quote at the start of each chapter. The quote at the beginning of Chapter 2 is “Oh the places you”ll go” by Dr. Seuss. This quote really resonated as one of the main themes in that book is resilience and perseverance. Graham epitomized both resilience and perseverance in his hitchhiking journey across America.
What also struck me deeply was the kindness of total strangers toward Graham throughout his travels. ( the invitation to a family breakfast, the men he met on the subway who offered him an apartment to stay in and Jake, the journalist who relentlessly encouraged him to call Senator Howard Baker.) These goodwill gestures shown to Graham were so meaningful and I appreciated them so much as I know Graham must have at the time. We should all try to be more kind, either in random acts or in our daily interactions.
I want to extend my most sincere thank you to the author for writing this book, it’s a book that will amaze and inspire readers.

[Gianfranco F. · Rating 5 out of 5]

How daring and exciting!

I think what I liked most about this book was that it takes you back to the past, to some spectacular times. As a reader, it stirred memories of my twenties and reminded me of many adventures.

The book has a very compelling story, as it starts with a decision that very few would dare to make: to let go of the reins and let yourself be carried away by the road and life.

I loved how that journey shaped Graham in many ways into who he is today, and that's why returning to those places gives new meaning to his identity. It's not just the changes that each place has undergone, but the way he has changed since he was in each of those places.

[Ellie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can relate to this book in a big way!! I was invited in 1981 to cook on a sailboat from Florida to Spain. The night before I left, my father took me to JC Penny’s and bought me a 29.00 jacket. Other than the owner, I was the only crew member of 7 to be able to get into yacht clubs with the owner of the boat because I had a dinner jacket. Mr. Brody’s memories of traveling across the US are reflective of someone who had a great experience!! The icing on this cake was his meeting Senator Baker who allowed him to finish his studies…this is a terrific read and a wonderful travel document!

[Margarita Garcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book that will inspire you to travel. ‘’Backpack, Jacket, Surfboard’’ is Graham Broyd's autobiography and the adventures he never imagined he would have. I really enjoyed reading about your experiences traveling around the United States, especially your beginnings in California. This book will give you an emotional connection and a different perspective on life.

[Camilo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing Book

This book really caught my attention. Reading it feels like living an adventure thanks to the descriptive language used by the author, which allows the reader to easily dive into the story and experience each event in a unique way. It is a perfect book to relax the mind, let your imagination flow, and enjoy an entertaining and pleasant moment.

[Daniel M · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful book.

This is a beautiful book. It captures the excitement of having adventures and discovering new things. This book is about a person who, without much in his backpack, decides to explore the United States in the 1980s. Throughout this journey, there are moments of fun, danger, and, above all, a wealth of discovery.

[Cari Starosta · Rating 2 out of 5]

This memoir is probably more interesting to Graham's family than to the general public. It's a bit too rambling for me. If I ever run out of reading material, I might pick it up again.

[Jane H. · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had expected more of an entertaining book along the lines of Bill Bryson's travel books, so I was disappointed, but I still enjoyed this easy read. The book does give a foreigner's insight into how the US was viewed in 1980, and it highlights some of the best places to see in the US, so that is helpful to anyone who has never been to our country.

[Renae Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

There was no secret about what this book would be about, as the cover sums it up well. It is the account of a man named Graham Broyd from the UK who was given a unique opportunity. Within that opportunity, he found the chance to pursue a dream. The path he ended up on was not the one he originally intended, but he did not waste time when opportunities presented themselves. He forged fearlessly ahead and refused to wait any longer to fulfill his dream of surfing at Malibu.

The book reads like a journal, making it feel as though we are traveling alongside the author or sitting across from him as he shares this extraordinary adventure. He gives readers a play-by-play account of the journey, including what was planned and the moments that unfolded unexpectedly. Along with the details of each stop, he invites us into his inner thoughts, revealing the mindset, emotions, and reflections that shaped the experience.

As I read, my jaw slowly dropped several times and my eyes widened because I could not imagine doing something to that extent. Fortunate and brave were the two words that kept coming to mind the further I read.

Growing up in the 1980s, I especially enjoyed the nostalgia woven throughout his recollections. His journey is filled with mentions of objects, world events, and other details from that period that brought back memories.
The author is a wayfarer, an adventurer, and a dreamer. He models the kind of courage and willingness to act on impulse that is sometimes necessary to fulfill a dream.

This is an amazing account, and it is always a pleasure to see what success looks like through someone else’s eyes. The habits, choices, and beliefs that shaped Graham Broyd’s journey can also resonate with readers who may have no connection to him beyond being dreamers themselves.

[Pamela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Goodreads and the author for the ARC. All opinions are my own

I picked up this book with no expectations, and I'm so glad I did. This well-written nonfiction account follows the author's personal journey in a way that feels both intimate and universal.

What struck me most was the author's storytelling prowess. They seamlessly weave between past and present, allowing readers to experience pivotal moments through their eyes while reflecting on how those experiences shaped who they've become. The narrative flows naturally, never feeling forced or overwrought.

The three titular items—backpack, jacket, surfboard—serve as more than objects; they're portals into different chapters of the author's life. Each represents freedom, adventure, and self-discovery in meaningful ways that resonate throughout the book.

The author's voice is authentic and engaging. Whether describing sun-soaked beaches or introspective moments, their prose captures genuine emotion without sentimentality. The balance between nostalgia and present-day wisdom creates a satisfying read.

My only reason for four stars rather than five: occasionally the pacing lags in the middle sections, though it recovers well.

**Highly recommended for anyone seeking an inspiring, beautifully told story of personal growth and adventure.**

[Shell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Backpack, Jacket, Surfboard by Graham Boyd is an interesting and reflective travel memoir that follows the author's hitchhiking journey across the United States in 1980 as a young British traveler. What stood out most to me was the picture it painted of America at that time—a nation that seemed kinder, gentler, and more trusting than the one we know today.

The book alternates between Boyd's original journey and a later trip in which he retraces his route, reflecting on both the changes in the country and the changes in himself. I enjoyed the comparisons between the two experiences and the perspective that comes with looking back decades later.

Readers looking for a dramatic climax or major adventure may not find it here. This is less a story with a central conflict and resolution and more a collection of observations, encounters, and memories from the road. The appeal lies in the journey itself and the people met along the way.

Overall, I found it to be an enjoyable and thoughtful travel memoir that offers an interesting snapshot of America through the eyes of an outsider, both then and now. # GoodreadsGiveaway

[AMR CAMI · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intresting book.

Backpack, Jacked, Surfboard is a fun, adventure-filled read that is pumping with energy, rhythm, and imagery. Based upon three symbols - a backpack, a jacked body, and a surfboard - the book explores independence, self-expression, and the pursuit of freedom. Broyd's whip-smart and punchy writing style makes it easy for readers to get lost in surfing, travel, and the transitory lifestyles of the culture of surf life.
Underneath its playful surface, the book also grapples with identity, inclusion, and feelings of time and urgency by straddling the lines between "being" and "seeking" moments of meaning. While the author is audibly aware of the writing style often associated with youthfulness, there is mindful thoughtfulness articulated and story.
This is an unconventional and captivating book that will resonate with readers interested in surf culture, adventure, and poetic narrative forms. I think this book will leave you feeling you just had a dose of salt air, freedom of movement, and open horizons.

[Maria Paula Castellanos Monroy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very Good!

This book feels like a long chat with friends you haven't seen in a long time and who have the best stories to tell! The author in this case has impeccable storytelling skills, a fine sense of humor, and an impressive ability to captivate you. The author tells his story of hitchhiking a few (many) years ago and all the adventures that came his way.

I love books based on real stories, especially when told by the person who lived them! It's magnificent, and not everyone dares to tell their story in such an entertaining way. I also feel that, without realizing it and in the midst of the jokes, the author invites you to venture out and travel, as it is an experience you will NEVER regret. But in the end, it also ends up being a book that makes you reflect on the experiences you invest your life and time in and how you find happiness by exploring the world and exploring yourself through travel! Great book!

[Kristin]

Full disclaimer: Graham Broyd is my godfather. He and my dad became close while they were both working in Panama - Broyd with Bank of Scotland and my Dad with Coca-Cola.

I truly enjoyed this book, and that is saying a lot because my day job is editing other people's memoirs. I have read a lot of uninteresting, navel gazing manuscripts. This is not one of them. It was an unexpected love letter to the United States from a Brit recounting the 7 whirlwind weeks in which he became smitten with the country.

Graham Broyd seems to be one of the luckiest men alive. The situations he describes are simultaneously hilarious and miraculous. I found myself recounting certain vignettes to my children, because the coincidences and opportunities Broyd encounters are so incredible.

Broyd writes the way he talks. He's charming, funny and able to draw the listener into the story through cadence, contrast and a little twinkle in his eye.

I look forward to his forthcoming books.

[CarlitasFox · Rating 5 out of 5]

A captivating memoir
“Backpack, Jacket, Surfboard” is a captivating memoir that tells Graham Broyd’s experiences. If you are into books of stories related to rediscovery, travel, and resilience, then this one is a good option.
Graham has a bunch of anecdotes about his journey across America from his early years to the present. Some places where he has been changed, but he still remembers the way they were. In a way, this piece of writing shows how his perceptions changed over the years and how he feels about that at present.
I liked Graham's writing style because he allows readers to visualise the different places and empathise with his nostalgic feelings about some situations. It’s a read that shares a bit of everything in a person’s life. I found it very engaging and entertaining.

[D. Thrush · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this memoir, Graham Broyd wins a scholarship in Britain in 1980 to study the Panama Canal treaties at the Library of Congress in Washington, DC for 6 weeks. He cashes in his ticket to head to Malibu to surf and figures he’ll hitchhike back across the country and still have time to complete his studies. It’s interesting to see an outsider’s view of the US. His enthusiasm and appreciation of this country came across on every page. The kindness and generosity of strangers helped him achieve his goals and more, with some close calls such as being stranded in Death Valley. Only someone so young would embark on such a journey with the faith that it would all turn out. Luckily, it did for Broyd. Forty years later, now as a US citizen, he attempts to find some of these pivotal spots again and contemplates how these adventures changed his life. I enjoyed Graham’s stories.

[Almiria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Backpack, Jacket, Surfboard by Graham Broyd is an entertaining and engrossing travel memoir, full of unexpected characters, funny incidents, and nostalgia. Graham Broyd traded conventional success for the adventure of a lifetime, hitchhiking across the USA with his backpack and surfboard. After forty years, he recreated his trip, comparing the similarities and differences between the 80s and the present. Anyone who enjoys biographies and travel memoirs will find plenty to smile about in this book. It is also an interesting reflection on changing times and shifts in society and politics. I recommend this to fans of travel fiction and I am giving this book a well-deserved five out of five stars.

[Mariana · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an amazing book! I recommend it to anyone because for me it is one of the greatest, it has an incredible story, many adventures and what's more important, it has so many meaningful messages that made me value my life and my present. In this read you will find the author's adventure of when he was young, traveling around the United States finding himself in different scenarios that defines what he would become in the future. Is amazing to read this adventure and all he experienced at that time, but what really made it spectacular was to also read his perspective in the book when he's an older man who can see pretty differently all his life. Is so amazing that you have to read it, a great story and a great author.

[Maps R · Rating 5 out of 5]

A meaningful journey that, 40 years later, brings memories but also new experiences. There is no experience greater than another; as a traveler, a friend suggested this book to me. I often say that I don’t want to go back to the places I have already visited, but this book changed my whole perspective. I admire Graham Broyd’s journey, it is an amazing story of how traveling can shape your life and how much we discover through it. Going back is about understanding yourself; it is a time to reflect and perhaps realize things that were not so obvious in the moment. He inspires me and leaves a profound reflection for the reader. If you enjoy traveling and would like to read an amazing story, this book will captivate you as it did me.

[Marina L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found “Backpack, Jacket, Surfboard” to be a fascinating story, one that captivates you not only because of what it tells but also because of the way it's told. The book is quite enjoyable, and I found myself smiling a lot. I'm a huge admirer of people like Graham who have the courage to go against convention and take risks.

Personally, I don't know if I would dare to do something like that, which is why I found his journey so inspiring and it made me think about the value of taking the risk of living life intensely.

I highly recommend it to those looking for a read full of fun anecdotes, as well as to those who like to think back on life, choices, and time.

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very thoughtful memoir that is about chasing fun and adventure. The author shares his trip all over the US in a very raw and honest way. It also has humor and he uses it to show the exciting parts and also the risks and every surprise that he faces along the way. It is a very captivating read, through the author makes readers travel too and also take on all the reflecting and learning. Personally, I really enjoyed the way it is written, it is like hearing a friend talk about their journey and all the knowledge that came with it.

It is a good book for those readers who are into travel insights and into new experiences and taking a chance.

[Chris · Rating 2 out of 5]

'Backpack, Jacket, Surfboard' has a good premise and with that it had promise. In places this memoir was funny and at time it was interesting, I loved the section set in Tijuana, for example. However, I didn't enjoy this book nearly as much as I wanted to as there are rambling digressions that are not relevant to the main story and then really relevant and interesting aspects which are quite underdeveloped. Overall, the book is an easy read, but it was quite disappointing for me.

I received an advance copy of the book from NetGalley free, and am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Eric F · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked Backpack, Jacket, Surfboard: My Journey Across America, Then and Now - Graham Broyd because it made me think about my own life, not just the author’s trip. The story felt like a reminder to follow your heart and take risks, even when you don’t know what will happen. It made me think of moments in my life when I also made small “jump into the unknown” decisions, and how those experiences helped me grow.

The part that touched me the most was the feeling of nostalgia. When the author goes back to the same places 40 years later, I could really connect with that.

[May G. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Recommended

This book comes highly recommended for anyone who enjoys travel memoirs, stories inspired by real-life experiences, and tales that remind us that, often, the best adventures begin when we dare to take a completely unexpected turn. The narrative is relatable, engaging, and laced with a touch of humor that makes it very easy to connect with the anecdotes. More than just a travel book, it’s a reflection on freedom, the impulsive decisions that end up changing your life, and the value of stepping outside your comfort zone.

[Ale AG · Rating 5 out of 5]

great book!!

Everyone needs to travel in life, and not just because we need to rest. There's a famous saying that when you return from a trip, you're not the same person you were when you left. And it's very true. When we travel, it's a way to discover ourselves, to learn about a side of ourselves we didn't know existed. The book shows us this, and I recommend it for when you travel. Reflect on what you've learned.

[Lynn Zoia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this one! Maybe it's because the author and I are the same age, so the references ring a lot of bells. And his brave/crazy/stupid choices also resonated, though hitchhiking was never a mode of transport for me. I fluctuated between something close to admiration to my mom gene screaming "You did what now?!?"
Well written, interesting and just a good read.

[Tammy Grey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Graham Broyd takes us along on his 1980 journey hitchhiking across America from Los Angeles to Washington D.C. and his trip to retrace his steps 40 years later. Each of the stories in the book shows how much both Broyd and the United States have changed over four decades; he also makes a point of showing the reader that chance encounters can shape and reframe a person’s life.

[Julie Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

What I like about memoirs is you get a real feel for the person writing. I enjoyed this look back at 1980’s Americana and the journey this man took. I loved seeing America through a young man’s eyes who had a dissertation to research but wanted the American experience to the fullest. To see how things fell into place and how the man changed was very entertaining.