Author Celeste Gauthier Johnson Releases Memoir Recounting the Wild Hitchhiking Journey of the Summer of 1972

Celeste Gauthier Johnson and Bobby Young recount a cross-country odyssey of danger, discovery, and the vanished era when trust ruled the open road.

NEW YORK CITY, NY, UNITED STATES — In An Odyssey of Becoming: That Summer of ’72, authors Celeste Gauthier Johnson and Bobby Young transport readers back to a bygone moment in American history—when two young men set out with grit, curiosity, and $100 each to see the world with nothing but their thumbs and a sense of adventure. What began as a simple summertime plan for 19-year-old Barry Johnson and 20-year-old Bobby Young quickly evolved into a journey that would define them for the rest of their lives.

The memoir has already earned notable recognition, including The BookFest Award in April and selection as a Finalist in the 2025 IAN Book of the Year Awards—honors that highlight its compelling storytelling and cultural resonance.

Their story unfolds across nearly 4,000 miles of shifting landscapes, unpredictable encounters, and the fleeting magic of a time when hitchhiking was not only accepted, but celebrated. After their first U.S. attempt fails, the pair reroute to Montreal, traveling west along the Trans-Canada Highway and relying on the kindness of strangers, the camaraderie of hostels, and the breathtaking beauty of mountains, forests, and oceanic vistas. Along the way, they forge unexpected friendships and witness the magnificence of North America in its most raw and expansive form.

Johnson and Young were inspired to revisit their journey not just to share a thrilling adventure, but to preserve a cultural moment that is now lost to time. As the mid-1970s brought rising violence and public fear, hitchhiking’s golden age faded—replaced by caution, cautionary tales, and a long-gone innocence. Their goal in writing this memoir was to honor that era, capture its freedom, and reflect on how the road shaped their lives long after the summer ended.

An Odyssey of Becoming is perfect for fans of real-life adventure narratives, travel memoirs, coming-of-age stories, and true accounts that balance humor, danger, and deep reflection. Readers drawn to tales of resilience, wanderlust, and human connection will find themselves captivated by the highs, lows, and unforgettable near-misses, including arrests, brushes with disaster, and encounters with violent strangers. Early readers have praised the book for its vivid storytelling, emotional honesty, and its ability to bring a lost cultural landscape back to life.
Its recent awards further affirm the memoir’s power, authenticity, and enduring emotional impact on readers.

Celeste Gauthier Johnson and Bobby Young are storytellers committed to preserving true accounts of adventure, friendship, and transformation. Their writing captures the courage and curiosity of youth, offering a window into a historical era defined by open roads, chance encounters, and the timeless search for meaning.

The book is now available — secure your copy here: https://a.co/d/4JsCPgu

For review copies, interview requests, or additional information, please contact:

Celeste Gauthier Johnson
BrightKey PR
celeste982000@yahoo.com