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

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.

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.

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.

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.

Integrity

We should aspire to his ethics, curiosity, self examination , and humanity. He should have been governor of Oregon

Stellar

This is a beautifully written book packed with fun reminiscing for the over 55 crowd, and insight and wisdom for all readers. Kudos to Kristof for a masterful and meaningful memoir.

Chasing Hope

This is an incredibly informative and inspirational book that describes in great detail the depth of knowledge, the incredible dedication, and the exceptional ethic-based courage displayed by this author during his career as in New York Times journalist.
It also described the challenges he faced while finding ways to successfully blend the professional and personal aspects of his life.
At the end of the book, this author continues to surprise and intrigue his readers by describing the fascinating and unique challenges and perspectives he faces after making the decision to run for a political office.
All I can say to this author is
a soul-deep and one hundred percent sincere, “Thank you so very much for your most valuable service. The survival and long success of our democracy rests on the strong shoulders, intellect, ethic, courage, and steadfast courage of citizens and role models like you,”
I suspect that reading this book can energize its readers to strap on their working boots and get busy finding ways big and small, to make our world a better place for all of its inhabitants.

A Really Great Book

This is an excellent book. My only knowledge of Nicholas Kristof before listening to this book was when he ran for governor of Oregon but was denied running by the state due to some residency questions. I was hooked by the end of the first chapter. He has had a fascinating life as a reporter and it was very interesting to hear about his quest to report the news and make people aware of many of the horrible things happening in the world. I am now a fan of Nicholas D. Kristof and make it a point to search out and read his stories today that are published in the Times.

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.