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Evil on the Roof of the World: A Cycling Trip that Ended in Terror
On a bleak highway in the mountains of Tajikistan known as "the roof of the world", in July of 2018, Lauren Geoghegan and Jay Austin along with two other cyclists, were brutally murdered by five ISIS terrorists.
They were both Georgetown University graduates who had quit their well-paying Washington, D.C. jobs to pursue a bike trip around the world, looking for a different kind of American Dream. Pieced together from Jay and Lauren's Simply Cycling travel blog and social media posts, interviews with their friends and family, and media coverage of their murder, author William Elliott Hazelgrove creates a complete, narrative retelling of Jay and Lauren's story. Evil on the Roof of the World combines biking and travel adventure with true crime elements, sensitively presenting the trajectory of Jay and Lauren's hopeful beginnings; the difficulties and meaningful experiences they found on their journey; the foreshadowing leading up to the attack; and the way they, their loved ones, the media, and the perpetrators made sense of this violent encounter. Like Jon Krakauer's Into The Wild, this is a story of a couple who went off the grid to find the great adventure of life.
They were both Georgetown University graduates who had quit their well-paying Washington, D.C. jobs to pursue a bike trip around the world, looking for a different kind of American Dream. Pieced together from Jay and Lauren's Simply Cycling travel blog and social media posts, interviews with their friends and family, and media coverage of their murder, author William Elliott Hazelgrove creates a complete, narrative retelling of Jay and Lauren's story. Evil on the Roof of the World combines biking and travel adventure with true crime elements, sensitively presenting the trajectory of Jay and Lauren's hopeful beginnings; the difficulties and meaningful experiences they found on their journey; the foreshadowing leading up to the attack; and the way they, their loved ones, the media, and the perpetrators made sense of this violent encounter. Like Jon Krakauer's Into The Wild, this is a story of a couple who went off the grid to find the great adventure of life.
248 pages, Hardcover
Published November 13, 2025
3 people are currently reading
3585 people want to read
About the author
William Elliott Hazelgrove
26 books16 followersWilliam Elliott Hazelgrove is the national bestselling author of ten novels and fourteen narrative nonfiction titles, including Dead Air: The Night That Orson Welles Terrified America (Rowman & Littlefield, 2024), Greed in the Gilded Age: The Brilliant Con of Cassie Chadwick (Rowman & Littlefield, 2024), and Al Capone and the 1933 World's Fair: The End of the Gangster Era in Chicago (Rowman & Littlefield, 2017). His books have received starred reviews in Publishers Weekly Kirkus, Booklist, Book of the Month Selections, ALA Editor's Choice Awards Junior Library Guild Selections, Literary Guild Selections, History Book Club Selections, and optioned for movies. He was the Ernest Hemingway Writer in Residence. He has written articles and reviews for USA Today, The Smithsonian Magazine, Daily Mail, and other publications, and has been featured on NPR's All Things Considered. The New York Times, LA Times, Chicago Tribune, CSPAN, and USA Today have all covered his books with features.
source: Amazon
source: Amazon
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
July 6, 2025
ARC for review. To be published November 13, 2025.
4 stars
On July 29, 2018, American cyclists Lauren Geoghagen and Jay Austin were murdered along with two other cyclists by five ISID terrorists in the mountains of Tajikistan. This book tells the story of the two 29 year old Georgetown graduates who decided to quit their jobs and cycle around the world (which sounds pretty miserable, even pre-death.)
This ARC was riddled with misspellings and errors (including reference to “Keith” Ledger) which made it a bit frustrating to read…I know these aren’t meant to be perfect, and so font expect that, but, Geez. It was also a bit repetitive, biting to same statistics multiple times. However, since either I missed this story in 2028 or have completely forgotten about it, this was incredibly interesting to me. So, despite the errors and assuming all is cleared up for publication, strong four stars.
4 stars
On July 29, 2018, American cyclists Lauren Geoghagen and Jay Austin were murdered along with two other cyclists by five ISID terrorists in the mountains of Tajikistan. This book tells the story of the two 29 year old Georgetown graduates who decided to quit their jobs and cycle around the world (which sounds pretty miserable, even pre-death.)
This ARC was riddled with misspellings and errors (including reference to “Keith” Ledger) which made it a bit frustrating to read…I know these aren’t meant to be perfect, and so font expect that, but, Geez. It was also a bit repetitive, biting to same statistics multiple times. However, since either I missed this story in 2028 or have completely forgotten about it, this was incredibly interesting to me. So, despite the errors and assuming all is cleared up for publication, strong four stars.
November 13, 2025
This very moving book deals with the ISIS terror attack in Tajikistan that claimed 4 victims ( I have to admit having not been aware of this attack ) 2 of them,Lauren and Jay are the books main focus
The author leads up to the day of the attack via chapters on their cycling journey around the world,who they were, their ambitions, hopes and dreams and their decision to leave America and all their home comforts to ‘see the world via cycling’, we visit many Countries and get to know the couple, this is all possible via Insta and blog posts and from interviews with family, friends and fellow travellers, the author had maximum cooperation from those closest to them to help with this book
The author also writes in alternating chapters about other travellers who through the Centuries have done similar things and how the journey (s) went, I guess this was not necessary for the book but did add a lot of info and stories
The book, inevitably does lead to that day and there is no getting past that, the attack is NOT scaled down for the reader but brutal in it’s horrific honesty and detail and have to say upsetting but then that’s what it was, I found myself wanting the narrative to change as the attack became nearer ( the terrorists followed them in prior days and on the day the lead man approached them chatting in a garage ) it was chilling
I found it even sadder that both didn’t seem to be having the wonderful time they envisaged and quite a lot of the writing quotes their disappointment and frustrations with cycling and how tired they are, illness is also prevalent throughout
It was quite shocking to see the worlds reaction to the attack with much made of them being ‘entitled’ and ‘what did they expect’ and worse, as humans we can be cruel and this showed
Also much was made of the 2 as people and everyone seems to have an opinion on that
The story of their lives and how it ended will stay with me and the author has done a more than successful job in keeping their memories alive and reaching a wide audience
The author leads up to the day of the attack via chapters on their cycling journey around the world,who they were, their ambitions, hopes and dreams and their decision to leave America and all their home comforts to ‘see the world via cycling’, we visit many Countries and get to know the couple, this is all possible via Insta and blog posts and from interviews with family, friends and fellow travellers, the author had maximum cooperation from those closest to them to help with this book
The author also writes in alternating chapters about other travellers who through the Centuries have done similar things and how the journey (s) went, I guess this was not necessary for the book but did add a lot of info and stories
The book, inevitably does lead to that day and there is no getting past that, the attack is NOT scaled down for the reader but brutal in it’s horrific honesty and detail and have to say upsetting but then that’s what it was, I found myself wanting the narrative to change as the attack became nearer ( the terrorists followed them in prior days and on the day the lead man approached them chatting in a garage ) it was chilling
I found it even sadder that both didn’t seem to be having the wonderful time they envisaged and quite a lot of the writing quotes their disappointment and frustrations with cycling and how tired they are, illness is also prevalent throughout
It was quite shocking to see the worlds reaction to the attack with much made of them being ‘entitled’ and ‘what did they expect’ and worse, as humans we can be cruel and this showed
Also much was made of the 2 as people and everyone seems to have an opinion on that
The story of their lives and how it ended will stay with me and the author has done a more than successful job in keeping their memories alive and reaching a wide audience
December 28, 2025
I'm giving this book 2 stars and feel I need to explain. The telling of the tragedy of Lauren and Jay has great potential but this version just doesn't deliver. There is so much filler and chapters repeat the same information. There are more references to Chris McCandless, that it almost feels like a plug for Into the Wild (amazing book, terrible trajedy). I am not one to DNF a book so I read this book cover to cover and in my honest opinion it could have been a lot shorter and definitely had more proofreading. There were numerous spelling and grammatical errors throughout. I love the author's intentions to share Jay and Lauren's life and tragic, abrupt, end, but, this is not the book I'd recommend.
August 2, 2025
Book Review: Evil on the Roof of the World: A Cycling Trip that Ended in Terror by William Elliott Hazelgrove
Rating: 4.5/5
William Elliott Hazelgrove’s Evil on the Roof of the World is a haunting and meticulously researched narrative that blends adventure, idealism, and tragedy into a gripping true-crime story. The book chronicles the journey of Jay Austen and Lauren Geoghegan, two young professionals who abandoned conventional careers to embark on a global cycling expedition—only to meet a horrifying end at the hands of ISIS militants in Tajikistan. Hazelgrove’s approach is both journalistic and deeply human, making this more than just a recounting of events; it’s an exploration of risk, idealism, and the unpredictable darkness that can lurk even in the most awe-inspiring places.
Strengths and Emotional Impact
Hazelgrove’s narrative is compelling and immersive, weaving together Jay and Lauren’s blog entries, social media posts, and interviews with loved ones to paint a vivid portrait of their journey. The contrast between their optimistic, free-spirited worldview and the brutal reality of their fate is gut-wrenching. As a reader, I found myself emotionally invested in their story—admiring their courage while grappling with the senselessness of their deaths. The book’s structure, which intersperses their travels with broader reflections on adventure and danger, adds depth and keeps the pacing engaging.
Comparisons to Jon Krakauer’s Into the Wild are apt—Hazelgrove similarly examines the allure of risk and the fine line between living fully and courting disaster. The sections detailing their cycling routes through Africa, Europe, and Central Asia are particularly evocative, making their eventual tragedy feel even more jarring.
Constructive Criticism
While the book excels in storytelling, some sections feel overly detailed, slowing the momentum. The frequent shifts between timelines and locations, though effective in building context, occasionally disrupt the narrative flow. Additionally, while Hazelgrove provides thorough background on the perpetrators and geopolitical tensions in Tajikistan, a deeper analysis of how such attacks could be prevented for future travelers would have added further value.
Summary Takeaways:
-A heartbreaking and riveting tale of adventure, idealism, and the fragility of life—Hazelgrove masterfully captures the light and darkness of the human spirit.
-Like Into the Wild meets true crime—this book will make you question the price of chasing dreams in an unpredictable world.
-A haunting reminder that evil can find even the most hopeful souls. Unputdownable and profoundly moving.
Final Thoughts
Evil on the Roof of the World is a powerful, thought-provoking read that lingers long after the last page. It’s a tribute to Jay and Lauren’s spirit, a cautionary tale about the risks of global travel, and a sobering reflection on how idealism collides with reality. Hazelgrove handles the subject with sensitivity, ensuring their story is remembered not just for its tragic end, but for the vibrant lives that preceded it.
Thank you to the publisher Bloomsbury Academic and Edelweiss for the free review copy. This book earns a 4.5/5—losing half a point only for occasional pacing issues, but ultimately standing as a must-read for fans of adventure narratives and true crime alike.
Rating: 4.5/5
William Elliott Hazelgrove’s Evil on the Roof of the World is a haunting and meticulously researched narrative that blends adventure, idealism, and tragedy into a gripping true-crime story. The book chronicles the journey of Jay Austen and Lauren Geoghegan, two young professionals who abandoned conventional careers to embark on a global cycling expedition—only to meet a horrifying end at the hands of ISIS militants in Tajikistan. Hazelgrove’s approach is both journalistic and deeply human, making this more than just a recounting of events; it’s an exploration of risk, idealism, and the unpredictable darkness that can lurk even in the most awe-inspiring places.
Strengths and Emotional Impact
Hazelgrove’s narrative is compelling and immersive, weaving together Jay and Lauren’s blog entries, social media posts, and interviews with loved ones to paint a vivid portrait of their journey. The contrast between their optimistic, free-spirited worldview and the brutal reality of their fate is gut-wrenching. As a reader, I found myself emotionally invested in their story—admiring their courage while grappling with the senselessness of their deaths. The book’s structure, which intersperses their travels with broader reflections on adventure and danger, adds depth and keeps the pacing engaging.
Comparisons to Jon Krakauer’s Into the Wild are apt—Hazelgrove similarly examines the allure of risk and the fine line between living fully and courting disaster. The sections detailing their cycling routes through Africa, Europe, and Central Asia are particularly evocative, making their eventual tragedy feel even more jarring.
Constructive Criticism
While the book excels in storytelling, some sections feel overly detailed, slowing the momentum. The frequent shifts between timelines and locations, though effective in building context, occasionally disrupt the narrative flow. Additionally, while Hazelgrove provides thorough background on the perpetrators and geopolitical tensions in Tajikistan, a deeper analysis of how such attacks could be prevented for future travelers would have added further value.
Summary Takeaways:
-A heartbreaking and riveting tale of adventure, idealism, and the fragility of life—Hazelgrove masterfully captures the light and darkness of the human spirit.
-Like Into the Wild meets true crime—this book will make you question the price of chasing dreams in an unpredictable world.
-A haunting reminder that evil can find even the most hopeful souls. Unputdownable and profoundly moving.
Final Thoughts
Evil on the Roof of the World is a powerful, thought-provoking read that lingers long after the last page. It’s a tribute to Jay and Lauren’s spirit, a cautionary tale about the risks of global travel, and a sobering reflection on how idealism collides with reality. Hazelgrove handles the subject with sensitivity, ensuring their story is remembered not just for its tragic end, but for the vibrant lives that preceded it.
Thank you to the publisher Bloomsbury Academic and Edelweiss for the free review copy. This book earns a 4.5/5—losing half a point only for occasional pacing issues, but ultimately standing as a must-read for fans of adventure narratives and true crime alike.
November 14, 2025
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Evil on the Roof of the World: A Cycling Trip that Ended in Terror by William Elliott Hazelgrove is a short biography/travelogue of Lauren Geoghagen and Jay Austin’s biking around the world trip. The two Georgetown graduates were murdered in the mountains of Tajikistan by ISIS terrorists, along with other bikers.
I found this book interesting and moving, Lauren and Jay’s journey is certainly book-worthy. Their short lives should be remembered by more than just family and friends.
I have backpacked before in countries I’ve never been to, but I always knew where I was going to stay at night and the dangers I might encounter. I can’t imagine biking hundreds of thousands of miles and not knowing where you’re going to sleep or even having a plan for emergencies. Like Jay, I believed that good people were around and I was sure I’d find someone who would help if I’m in trouble. The difference was that I didn’t count on Internet service to find a couchsurfing host on short notice.
Evil on the Roof of the World by William Elliott Hazelgrove leads up to the day of the terror attack by writing about Lauren and Jay’s trip, their hopes, dreams and ambitions. He makes them human instead of victims, people instead of botched bodies. He goes through their blogs, interviews family, friends, and even people they met along the way.
The author doesn’t sugarcoat their struggles, physical, mental, or emotional. This once in a lifetime trip, even just reading about it, seemed unnecessarily difficult, frustrating and disappointing.
Along the way, he writes about other travelers who encountered dangers during their trip. From Thomas Stevens cycled around the world from 1884 to 1886 (and wrote a best-seller on his trip) on a larger-wheeled bike, to Cheryl Strayed who wrote a best-selling memoir, Wild, of her trip (which was later made into a movie). I guess these side stories were meant to show us that Lauren and Jay’s difficulties were not unique and were an interesting read but didn’t add anything to the story itself.
Mr. Hazelgrove doesn’t sugarcoat their murder either. That chapter dealing with it is brutal and honest in horrific and upsetting details. But it would be an injustice for the victims to gloss over it or make it palatable.
Towards the end, I couldn’t shake the feeling that this book is written as a response to the thousands of Internet trolls who filled the reports of their murder with vitriol. Trolls aside, this book keeps alive the memory of those murdered in a brutal terror attack.
Evil on the Roof of the World: A Cycling Trip that Ended in Terror by William Elliott Hazelgrove is a short biography/travelogue of Lauren Geoghagen and Jay Austin’s biking around the world trip. The two Georgetown graduates were murdered in the mountains of Tajikistan by ISIS terrorists, along with other bikers.
I found this book interesting and moving, Lauren and Jay’s journey is certainly book-worthy. Their short lives should be remembered by more than just family and friends.
I have backpacked before in countries I’ve never been to, but I always knew where I was going to stay at night and the dangers I might encounter. I can’t imagine biking hundreds of thousands of miles and not knowing where you’re going to sleep or even having a plan for emergencies. Like Jay, I believed that good people were around and I was sure I’d find someone who would help if I’m in trouble. The difference was that I didn’t count on Internet service to find a couchsurfing host on short notice.
Evil on the Roof of the World by William Elliott Hazelgrove leads up to the day of the terror attack by writing about Lauren and Jay’s trip, their hopes, dreams and ambitions. He makes them human instead of victims, people instead of botched bodies. He goes through their blogs, interviews family, friends, and even people they met along the way.
The author doesn’t sugarcoat their struggles, physical, mental, or emotional. This once in a lifetime trip, even just reading about it, seemed unnecessarily difficult, frustrating and disappointing.
Along the way, he writes about other travelers who encountered dangers during their trip. From Thomas Stevens cycled around the world from 1884 to 1886 (and wrote a best-seller on his trip) on a larger-wheeled bike, to Cheryl Strayed who wrote a best-selling memoir, Wild, of her trip (which was later made into a movie). I guess these side stories were meant to show us that Lauren and Jay’s difficulties were not unique and were an interesting read but didn’t add anything to the story itself.
Mr. Hazelgrove doesn’t sugarcoat their murder either. That chapter dealing with it is brutal and honest in horrific and upsetting details. But it would be an injustice for the victims to gloss over it or make it palatable.
Towards the end, I couldn’t shake the feeling that this book is written as a response to the thousands of Internet trolls who filled the reports of their murder with vitriol. Trolls aside, this book keeps alive the memory of those murdered in a brutal terror attack.
July 14, 2025
I thought this book was really sensitively written while still being informative and doing the story justice. It’s something quite different for me so I really enjoyed the way the author took you on the journey with Lauren and Jay through the various countries, gave a brief overview of the political nature of the countries, dangers, culture etc. so you really got a feel for the trip in both good and bad aspects.
The author was also honest about Jay and Lauren and doesn’t paint them to be perfect which I appreciate. Speaking about their personal difficulties, relationship conflicts and imperfections is what makes them human and you feel like you really get to know them.
The book is well researched with various sources corroborating each other so you have confidence it’s an accurate description of events. Hours of interviews, trawling social media and footage has gone into this so overall it’s a quality book.
I do wish the author had delved more into the strange things that happened for the couple of days prior. I do think this was only briefly spoken about but it would be good to have more details of the strange things that happened and how the cyclists were feeling safety wise.
There was some repetition and sometimes the anecdotes from other adventurers didn’t always feel overly relevant but I definitely will recommend this book to people. I can’t believe I’d never heard of this, especially with how Lauren and Jay blogged.
Easily a 4.5 rounded up to a 5 because 4 just doesn’t do it justice for me. Thanks so much to net gallery, the publisher and author for my advanced copy.
The author was also honest about Jay and Lauren and doesn’t paint them to be perfect which I appreciate. Speaking about their personal difficulties, relationship conflicts and imperfections is what makes them human and you feel like you really get to know them.
The book is well researched with various sources corroborating each other so you have confidence it’s an accurate description of events. Hours of interviews, trawling social media and footage has gone into this so overall it’s a quality book.
I do wish the author had delved more into the strange things that happened for the couple of days prior. I do think this was only briefly spoken about but it would be good to have more details of the strange things that happened and how the cyclists were feeling safety wise.
There was some repetition and sometimes the anecdotes from other adventurers didn’t always feel overly relevant but I definitely will recommend this book to people. I can’t believe I’d never heard of this, especially with how Lauren and Jay blogged.
Easily a 4.5 rounded up to a 5 because 4 just doesn’t do it justice for me. Thanks so much to net gallery, the publisher and author for my advanced copy.
October 7, 2025
I received an ARC of from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
This is a tough read for many reasons, not least because you know the story ends in tragedy. But the ending in tragedy makes the story even more important to tell - Jay and Lauren's stories deserve to be heard and this book ensures that happens.
As is said in the begining, they lifted an entire lifetime in two short years. It is a heavy read and I would recommend reading in chunks to dip in and out as it is heavy and very sad but significant, important and inspiring in many ways.
I don't remember hearing about this story in 2018 which made it more important for me to read but like I said it is a hard read and heavy so best read in chunks. My only major drawback is that it drags out massively by time skipping to details that are either repeated or drawn out more than necessary. Jay and Lauren's story speaks for itself so these random time skips to add information only distract from the main story itself.
Evil on the roof of the world is a thought provoking, and that is the best description I can offer - it provokes your thoughts on a variety of themes, from the fast paced life Jay and Lauren left behind, to the catastrophic impact of worlds colliding and the consequences this can have as well as how the world we are in is shaped less by good people - the likes of Jay and Lauren who wanted to go out and see the world, and more by the evil acts that we witness and experience.
This is a tough read for many reasons, not least because you know the story ends in tragedy. But the ending in tragedy makes the story even more important to tell - Jay and Lauren's stories deserve to be heard and this book ensures that happens.
As is said in the begining, they lifted an entire lifetime in two short years. It is a heavy read and I would recommend reading in chunks to dip in and out as it is heavy and very sad but significant, important and inspiring in many ways.
I don't remember hearing about this story in 2018 which made it more important for me to read but like I said it is a hard read and heavy so best read in chunks. My only major drawback is that it drags out massively by time skipping to details that are either repeated or drawn out more than necessary. Jay and Lauren's story speaks for itself so these random time skips to add information only distract from the main story itself.
Evil on the roof of the world is a thought provoking, and that is the best description I can offer - it provokes your thoughts on a variety of themes, from the fast paced life Jay and Lauren left behind, to the catastrophic impact of worlds colliding and the consequences this can have as well as how the world we are in is shaped less by good people - the likes of Jay and Lauren who wanted to go out and see the world, and more by the evil acts that we witness and experience.
November 17, 2025
On 29th July 2018 four cyclists, including Lauren Geoghegan & Jay Austin, were murdered by ISIS terrorists whilst cycling in the mountains of Tajikistan. Lauren & Jay were a couple who had quit their jobs & embarked on the trip of a lifetime to see the world. Pieced together from social media blog & posts & interviews with friends & family, this book tells the story of their journey.
This was a poignant read due to knowing how the trip ended. It was well-researched using the social media posts & interviews, & it seemed like the author had a handle on who Jay & Lauren were. Jay especially comes across as someone who 'marched to the beat of his own drum' as they say - he didn't want to live life in the usual way, & both of them were active in their communities & workplaces in trying to make the world a better place. Yes they did, in fact, meet some lovely people who gave of their time, their homes, & their food free of charge, but to me it just brought home the point that you only have to encounter the wrong person at the wrong time once & it's all over. It's an interesting read that deals honestly with the brutal violence of that last day without sensationalising it.
My thanks to NetGalley & publishers, Bloomsbury Academic, for the opportunity to read an ARC.
This was a poignant read due to knowing how the trip ended. It was well-researched using the social media posts & interviews, & it seemed like the author had a handle on who Jay & Lauren were. Jay especially comes across as someone who 'marched to the beat of his own drum' as they say - he didn't want to live life in the usual way, & both of them were active in their communities & workplaces in trying to make the world a better place. Yes they did, in fact, meet some lovely people who gave of their time, their homes, & their food free of charge, but to me it just brought home the point that you only have to encounter the wrong person at the wrong time once & it's all over. It's an interesting read that deals honestly with the brutal violence of that last day without sensationalising it.
My thanks to NetGalley & publishers, Bloomsbury Academic, for the opportunity to read an ARC.
October 18, 2025
I remember hearing about this years ago when it happened. Finding out all the details and getting to know the people it happened to is heartbreaking. This book follows the 2 Americans. The author talks to the families and friends of the victims. It doesn't sugarcoat the mistakes that were made along their journey. Lauren Geoghegan and Jay Austin decide to leave their jobs in DC and bike the world. They and 4 other bikers will be attacked in Tajikistan, otherwise known as "the roof of the world." 4 will lose their lives, and 2 will be witnesses to the tragedy. I found the story interesting, but there are other stories thrown into the mix for comparison. I think those could have been left out.
Thank you to NetGalley, Bloomsbury Academic, and William Elliott Hazelgrove for the opportunity to read this book.
Thank you to NetGalley, Bloomsbury Academic, and William Elliott Hazelgrove for the opportunity to read this book.
June 27, 2025
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. I had never even heard of this event before reading this book. Now not only do I know what happened but I learned about who Jay and Lauren were before the tragic events took place. The book as so well written especially how the timeline was laid out. I felt like I really got to know a lot about jay and Lauren and would have really admired them as friends in real life had I known them that way. This book did a great job of honoring their legacy.
August 9, 2025
It’s hard to write a review about a story when there’s so much to unpack. Jay and Lauren were humans and were depicted as such, which I think adds to the depth of their story. I didn’t want to just read about all of the fun adventures they had cycling the world, but also their hardships and personal perspectives, which this book does a great job of doing. Learning a bit about Tajikistan was also helpful to understand the background and paint a better picture for me as a reader.
November 27, 2025
This book brings to life Jay and Lauren's story in a way that individual news stories can't. You feel like you are traveling with Jay and Lauren across the varying landscapes and cultures they encountered. It shows their fearlessness and also just how hard and dangerous this type of journey can be. Highly recommend!
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews