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 reading.

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.

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.