The Catch Me If You Can: One Woman's Journey to Every Country in the World - book cover
Community & Culture
  • Publisher : National Geographic
  • Published : 14 Jun 2022
  • Pages : 416
  • ISBN-10 : 1426222262
  • ISBN-13 : 9781426222269
  • Language : English

The Catch Me If You Can: One Woman's Journey to Every Country in the World


In this inspiring travelogue, celebrated traveler and photographer Jessica Nabongo―the first Black woman on record to visit all 195 countries in the world―shares her journey around the globe with fascinating stories of adventure, culture, travel musts, and human connections.

It was a daunting task, but Jessica Nabongo, the beloved voice behind the popular website The Catch Me if You Can, made it happen, completing her journey to all 195 UN-recognized countries in the world in October 2019. Now, in this one-of-a-kind memoir, she reveals her top 100 destinations from her global adventure.
Beautifully illustrated with many of Nabongo's own photographs, the book documents her remarkable experiences in each country, including:

A harrowing scooter accident in Nauru, the world's least visited country,Seeing the life and community swarming around the Hazrat Ali Mazar mosque in Afghanistan, Horseback riding and learning to lasso with Black cowboys in Oklahoma, Playing dominoes with men on the streets of Havana, Learning to make traditional takoyaki (octopus balls) from locals in Japan, Dog sledding in Norway and swimming with humpback whales in Tonga, A late night adventure with strangers to cross a border in Guinea Bissau, And sunbathing on the sandy shores of Los Roques in Venezuela.
Along with beloved destinations like Peru and South Africa, you'll also find tales from far-flung corners and seldom visited destinations, including Tuvalu, North Korea, South Sudan, and the Central African Republic. Nabongo's stories are love letters to diversity, beauty, and culture―and most of all, to the people she meets along the way. Throughout, she offers bucket-list experiences for other travel-lovers looking to follow in her footsteps.

For armchair travelers or readers planning a trip around the globe, this arresting collection will awe and inspire!

Readers Top Reviews

Pam CAnthonyMille
Jessica has given us a tremendous gift: to see the world from our homes, but hopefully, inspired to get out and see it! Experience other cultures, eat the food, take in the smells...I am honored to own this book and will definitely be giving it as gifts for friends and family!
Meg WattPam CAnth
This book is iconic! National Geogrphic has done it again. Go on a journey all around the world, meet so many different and amazingly kind people, and restore your faith in the idea that most people are good. I love how Jessica opens her life to us and shares such personal accounts of her experiences. I can't wait for the next book(s) to continue on this exploration. I am inspired to continue traveling all over the world and I hope to see many many more women join the list of those who have traveled to every country in the world!
Katie YoheMeg Wat
Been following Jessica for years on Instagram. I’ve loved following along with her travels and watching a badass achieve her goal. Getting my hands on this book was like being right there with her on every adventure. This book is entertaining, fun, enlightening, art, inspiring, and just what I was hoping it would be… and then some.
Kristina K JonesK
I pre-ordered this book and have been looking forward to getting my hands on it. Not only is it a beautiful read but it is such a beautiful book filled with phenomenal photos. A truly inspirational read. The stories and tips will make you want to grab your passport!
StephanieKristina
I have followed Jessica for about 45 years now and this book is a beautiful representation of her travels. Jessica brings you along and shows you every country from her perspective. It just makes me want to travel there even more. UniqueUnique just like her you need to buy the book

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