You Can't Get There from Here

More about the book

Globalization is fundamentally about people and the cultural exchanges that occur when different ways of life intersect. Journalist Gayle Forman, intrigued by the world’s complexities, embarks on an unconventional global adventure with her husband, seeking connections with those on society's margins. However, she soon realizes that globalization impacts everyone, including those living on the fringes. In her journey, Forman explores diverse locations, from the mountain hideaways of Kazakhstan's Tolkien enthusiasts to the townships of South Africa's lost tribe of Israel. Along the way, she encounters a vibrant array of characters: lovelorn Tongan transvestites, charismatic Tanzanian rap stars, precocious Cambodian street kids, and out-of-work Dutch prostitutes. Through these eight interwoven stories, Forman illustrates how globalization reshapes lives, emphasizing that our shared world connects us all. She poignantly reminds us that "to forget the humanity in others is to risk forgetting one's own," highlighting the importance of recognizing our shared experiences in an ever-shrinking world.