The Kindness Diaries: One Man's Quest to Ignite Goodwill and Transform Lives Around the World

Inspired by the film The Motorcycle Diaries and intent on "revolt[ing] against the predetermined structures" of his life, Logothetis (Amazing Adventures of a Nobody) embarked on a journey around the world with a yellow motorcycle and no money. He recounts his excursion in this easy-to-digest and passionate memoir. The goal for the trip was to rely solely on the kindness of strangers for food, lodging, and gas. "The act of giving and receiving," he says, "is where the real magic of human connection occurs." The central conceit of the project was to return the kindness he received: Logothetis would return the favor by surprising each good samaritan with gifts: a cow for a family in Montenegro; a water purifier, books, and sports equipment for an orphanage in Calcutta. He finds that everyone can and should follow their dreams, that "freedom is ours for the taking." The underlying message%E2%80%94much like the book itself%E2%80%94is simple and heartfelt. Logothetis glosses over the social and political realities of the places he visits, instead choosing to stay focused on the nature of his interactions. The result will please readers seeking light hearted and inspiring book. (Jan.)