Barefoot Pilgrimage

Synopsis

Andrea Corr's Barefoot Pilgrimage is a compelling and honest memoir.

In part, an exercise in coming to terms with and making sense of life and mortality following the loss of a beloved father; in part, a reflection on an unlikely journey with her siblings through the music industry; in part, a meditation on family, on music, and on creativity; and, in part, a shout-out for love and for hope.

Illustrated with personal photographs and with original poems interspersed throughout the text, this is a very personal - at times very funny, at times deeply moving - book from an iconic figure in popular music.

About the Publisher

HarperCollinsPublishers

With a heritage stretching back nearly 200 years, HarperCollins is one of the world's foremost English-language publishers, offering the best quality content right across the spectrum, from cutting-edge contemporary fiction to digital hymnbooks and pretty much everything in between. In the UK, the Glasgow-based William Collins & Sons was founded in 1819 and published a range of bibles, atlases and dictionaries, later including classic authors HG Wells, Agatha Christie, JRR Tolkien and CS Lewis. The original Harper Brothers Company was established in New York City in 1817 and over the years published the works of Mark Twain, the Bronte Sisters, Thackeray, Dickens, John F Kennedy and Martin Luther King Jr. In 1987, Harper & Row, as it had then become, was acquired by News Corporation. The worldwide group was formed following News Corp's 1990 acquisition of William Collins & Sons. Today we publish some of the world's foremost authors, from Nobel prize-winners to worldwide bestsellers recent successes including the Booker-winning Wolf Hall and Bring Up The Bodies by Hilary Mantel, and George RR Martin's blockbusting A Song of Ice and Fire series.

Summary

Chapter 1: The Call

Summary: Dave Eggers decides to walk across America barefoot to raise awareness for landmine victims. He is inspired by a friend who lost a leg to a landmine in Cambodia. Eggers believes that walking barefoot will help him connect with the pain and suffering of landmine victims.

Real-World Example: The International Campaign to Ban Landmines (ICBL) is a global coalition of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that works to eliminate landmines and provide assistance to landmine victims. The ICBL was founded in 1992 and has been successful in getting over 100 countries to sign the Mine Ban Treaty, which prohibits the production, use, and transfer of anti-personnel landmines.

Chapter 2: The Preparation

Summary: Eggers trains for his walk by walking barefoot for hours each day. He also meets with landmine victims and learns about the impact of landmines on their lives. Eggers is inspired by their stories and becomes even more determined to complete his journey.

Real-World Example: The HALO Trust is a non-governmental organization that specializes in the removal of landmines and other unexploded ordnance (UXO). HALO has cleared over 3 million landmines and UXO from over 20 countries. The organization employs over 9,000 people, many of whom are former landmine victims.

Chapter 3: The Journey

Summary: Eggers begins his walk from San Francisco, California. He walks for hours each day, sleeping in shelters and churches along the way. He encounters a variety of challenges, including bad weather, blisters, and encounters with wild animals. Eggers also meets many people who are inspired by his journey and offer him their support.

Real-World Example: The Peace Pilgrims is an organization that promotes peace through walking. Peace Pilgrims walk across the United States and other countries, carrying a message of peace and understanding. The organization was founded in 1953 by Mildred Lisette Norman, who walked over 30,000 miles for peace.

Chapter 4: The Arrival

Summary: Eggers completes his walk in Washington, D.C., after 11 months and 5,000 miles. He is greeted by a crowd of supporters and is honored by Congress for his efforts. Eggers uses his platform to speak out against landmines and to raise awareness for landmine victims.

Real-World Example: The Nobel Peace Prize is awarded annually to individuals or organizations that have made outstanding contributions to peace. In 1997, the Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to the International Campaign to Ban Landmines and its coordinator, Jody Williams, for their work to eliminate landmines and assist landmine victims.