Planetwalker: 22 Years of Walking. 17 Years of Silence.

4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars | 188 ratings

Price: 21.88

Last update: 10-11-2024


About this item

When the struggle to save oil-soaked birds and restore blackened beaches left him feeling frustrated and helpless, John Francis decided to take a more fundamental and personal stand: He stopped using all forms of motorized transportation. Soon after embarking on this quest that would span two decades and two continents, the young man took a vow of silence that endured for 17 years. It began as a silent environmental protest, but as a young African-American man, walking across the country in the early 1970s, his idea of the environment expanded beyond concern about pollution and loss of habitat to include how we humans treat each other and how we can better communicate and work together to benefit the Earth.

Through his silence and walking, he learned to listen and, along the way, earned college and graduate degrees in science and environmental studies. The United Nations appointed him goodwill ambassador to the world's grassroots communities, and the US government recruited him to help address the Exxon Valdez disaster.

Was he crazy? How did he live and earn all those degrees without talking? An amazing human-interest story with a vital message, Planetwalker is also a deeply personal and engaging coming-of-age odyssey.


Top reviews from the United States

LJF
5.0 out of 5 stars a silent pilgrimage addresses environmental stewardship
Reviewed in the United States on March 19, 2015
John Francis' Planetwalker, along with his The Ragged Edge of Silence are quietly thoughtful, inspiring and important little known books about individual responses to environmental concerns. When I heard an in depth Sunday morning radio interview by Bob Edwards I sent for both books right away. Planetwalker includes the authors' pen and ink sketches made as he walked across northern USA, sailed to the Carribbean, and then walked the length of South America in silence. It was seeing a California oil spill that prompted him to walk, without speaking and to give up riding in vehicles. A beautiful pilgrimage journal for environmentalists, geography-lovers, world travellers, cultural students, and caring, mindful citizens. I was thrilled that Amazon made both books easily available.
butter_k
5.0 out of 5 stars John Francis Planet Walker
Reviewed in the United States on October 4, 2010
This product was in like-new condition, just like the seller said it would be. I got it used, for a penny! This is a great book to read out-loud on a roadtrip with friends, so I've found. I had the privilege of meeting John Francis, and he tells stories in the same fashion out loud as he does in his text. It's a very captivating, and motivating book!
Rick Isotalo
5.0 out of 5 stars Book is great, and I very much liked the personal note ...
Reviewed in the United States on June 24, 2017
Book is great, and I very much liked the personal note from the seller in it! I absolutely am enjoying it. Plan to pass it on to someone once I'm finished. A book like this needs to travel just like the content inspires one to.
Kindle Customer
4.0 out of 5 stars A good sort about meeting people along a pathway
Reviewed in the United States on August 22, 2022
Dr. Francis takes a long journey involving intense energy and discipline. Why he decides to travel by walking makes sense but he probably could have saved his body simply by taking a train or plain. I wonder about dr. Francis. He seems to have friends all over the place. They invite him in to stay for what seems like months. It was hard to tell where he got funds for his travels and schooling. It would be nice if everyone were given such opportunities.
Grandma Jay C
5.0 out of 5 stars Great
Reviewed in the United States on August 26, 2023
Heard him speak on the radio. Bought the book,loved the journey!
SIGRID TRASSERT- ERMOLD
5.0 out of 5 stars great book
Reviewed in the United States on September 26, 2018
Frist of all he sat next to me on a flight, what a gentleman he told me about his book and journey and he also playes music he was on a trip to play in a band with his friends
Jessica B. Baker
3.0 out of 5 stars Somethings Missing
Reviewed in the United States on April 27, 2011
I am on the fence about this memoir. John Francis has lived this really unique life. Meeting people from all over the world, getting a phd, learning to build boats, and more all without speaking. I would have loved to learn more about these experiences but I feel like this memoir often focuses on mundane details like camp sites and water drop strategies. It's almost as if it was pieced together years after the walk with the help of a travel journal. Losing many of the personal details to the tides of time.
Lesley N.
5.0 out of 5 stars Love the nature journal aesthetic!
Reviewed in the United States on July 4, 2021
This book relates Francis's adventures with sketches, prose, and transcripts of his interactions along his path. The medium is a huge plus as it provides a wonderful example of journal come to life.

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