Chasing Hope

A Reporter's Life

By: Nicholas D. Kristof

Narrated by: Nicholas D. Kristof

From New York Times columnist, Pulitzer Prize winner, and best-selling author Nicholas D. Kristof, an intimate and gripping memoir about a life in journalism

“Nick Kristof takes us behind the scenes as he risks his life to shine a light on the world’s most pressing problems and blaze a trail to a better future. In a time when trust in journalism is in jeopardy, his honesty, humility, and humanity are rays of hope.”—Adam Grant, author of Hidden Potential

Since 1984, Nicholas Kristof has worked almost continuously for The New York Times as a reporter, foreign correspondent, bureau chief, and now columnist, becoming one of the foremost reporters of his generation. Here, he recounts his event-filled path from a small-town farm in Oregon to every corner of the world.

Reporting from Hong Kong, Beijing, and Tokyo, while traveling far afield to India, Africa, and Europe, Kristof witnessed and wrote about century-defining events: the Tiananmen Square protests and massacre, the Yemeni civil war, the Darfur genocide in Sudan, and the wave of addiction and despair that swept through his hometown and a broad swath of working-class America. Fully aware that coverage of atrocities generates considerably fewer page views than the coverage of politics, he nevertheless continued to weaponize his pen against regimes and groups violating basic human rights, raising the cost of oppression and torture. Some of the risks he took while doing so make for hair-raising accounts.

Kristof writes about some of the great members of his profession and introduces us to extraordinary people he has met, such as the dissident whom he helped escape from China and a Catholic nun who browbeat a warlord into releasing schoolgirls he had kidnapped. These are the people, the heroes, who have allowed Kristof to remain optimistic. Side by side with the worst of humanity, you always see the best.

This is a candid memoir of vulnerability and courage, humility and purpose, mistakes and learning—a singular tale of the trials, tribulations, and hope to be found in a life dedicated to the pursuit of truth.

©2024 Nicholas D. Kristof (P)2024 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

"Malaria, warlords, death threats, bombs, riots, plane crashes, scorpions, flak jackets, mobs, machetes, and deadlines—that's the price of truth-seeking and Kristof takes it on with conviction, courage, and humility. This is the kind of memoir that changes the world. Read it."—Bonnie Garmus, author of Lessons in Chemistry

"Delightful and inspiring, Chasing Hope is an illuminating and, at times, hilarious read, about an American farm boy who grew into a brave international correspondent and discovered truths that made a vast difference in the world. May this book be read by every budding journalist, and even experienced ones, and indeed by anyone who hopes for the future of humanity."—Ann Curry, journalist

"In these dark, swirly times, Nick’s reporting and this page-turner offer us a sharp light of a hope that will not be shuttered. Doors are not exactly kicked open, but bullets are dodged, bad luck too. It's a thriller, a chronicle and a set of keys to our most undervalued resource—hope. Nick’s not just chasing hope, he is it… a most reasoned, polite, persistent, insistent finger in the eye of injustice."—Bono, author of Surrender

The remarkable career of a great writer and remarkable journalist

The authors remarkable success deciding to publish for the New York Times and his unbelievable travel make for a delightful book.

Amazing life and stories

Humbly extraordinary. He has many stories to tell which surely kept me thinking. I am so grateful this book caught my attention. I appreciate his honesty and work to present balance. Well done and exceptional.

Excellent walk through history

I thoroughly enjoyed hearing this inspirational reporter’s story filled with intrigue, eye-witness accounts, and captivating stories. Read by the author, he made me care even more about so many issues I’ve also witnessed in my 20 years living abroad. As a literature and writing teacher, I have even more respect for the harrowing role journalists play in shaping our global perspectives of the world and thank you for all the sacrifices you make in order to bring these important stories to us. Thank you for this glimpse into your personal journey and I loved the positive, solutions-focus attitude of the writing throughout. Highly recommend!

Worldly Perspective

Such a fine journey. So many twists and turns. TV interview on straight talk compelled an order. Finished it quickly due to high interest. PDX has been our home for over 50 years. We hoped a new governor would help. Sadly still many issues. Compassion for humanity rings throughout the chapters. Had no idea of the many adventures. Please continue to badger Oregon issues. So good. So very good!

A Must Read For Everyone

In his book, Kristoff sheds light on the struggles and triumphs of individuals across the globe, illustrating the universal desires for dignity, safety, and opportunity. Through his compassionate and insightful storytelling, he challenges us to see beyond partisan divides and recognize our shared humanity. Whether you agree with his perspectives or not, Kristoff’s work is a poignant reminder that at the heart of every political debate are real people with real lives, deserving of our attention and empathy. This book not only informs but also inspires us to engage with the world more thoughtfully and humanely.

inspirational

This was well written. I couldn't put it down. help me gain insight as to when an international reporter goes through, including a lot of the nuances. It's a pity that he couldn't have been Governor of Oregon.

Sadness Incapsulated

If there was a trigger warning at the beginning I missed it. I don’t know where to begin… but I can tell u the aftermath. I can tell you the feelings I am left with. This book left me searching for joy… searching for a book that is a mental pallet cleansers. This book shedded light on the most darkest scenes in modern human history. I finished listening over a week ago and I am still sad. I know he built a solid family that maybe insulated him from the sadness he reported on. But man oh man… this book was too heavy for a person that does not have that family support system. This book made me question why humanity exists… how could human be so cruel. Why are cruel people thriving?

Excellent...couldn't stop listening

I've been a fan of Nicholas' writings but didn't know his personal story. I found the book so fascinating. His career journey was so interesting and full of compassion for those that helped him get the story. Kudos on a great book.

Incredible detail's of encounters in foreign countries.

Current views of USA as seen through applications in foreign countries. Incredible details of encounters leaving the reader in awe of what reporters must do foe their story. Lengthy but worth every moment!

Ink Runs In My Veins

Wow! Wowie wow! I am a longtime fan of Nicholas Kristoff and his wife Cheryl and the work they do bringing us stories from around the globe and what we can do to help others. Chasing Hope is a great example of how we as humans can be here and support each other during troubling and peaceful times. Great work!