Bright Side Bookshop is excited to host Kristen Jokinen on Monday, September 18th at 5:30 PM.

Join nationally acclaimed author Kristen Jokinen for a presentation, discussion, and signing of her book, Joy Ride: A Bike Odyssey from Alaska to Argentina (May 2023). There will be a presentation where Kristen will share stories, read from 'Joy Ride,' show a short film and have plenty of time for Q&A. Come join in the discussion and get your book signed.

SUMMARY: Explorers Kristen and Ville Jokinen met and fell in love while scuba diving in Vietnam. Ville then left his native Finland to join Kristen in Oregon and together they embarked on a life-changing two-year cycling adventure covering 18,000 miles from Prudhoe Bay, Alaska, to Ushuaia, Argentina. Despite never having cycled further than around the block, they persevered unrelenting, punishing rain and wind, altitude sickness, dog attacks, bike accidents, and countless flat tires to cycle between the ends of the earth. Kristen and Ville believe that kindness connects us to our shared humanity. They held babies, attended quinceaneras, drank pulque, played soccer, and visited schools. People in Mexico, Central America, and South America invited them into their hearts and homes, allowed them to camp in their fields and farms, and acted as personal tour guides. Kristen and Ville are love on wheels, and who doesn't need a little more love in their lives?