Real life is lived in hardcopyvery few read quite like the remarkable journey of "e;Pelican King"e; Jim Bentley. It's rugged, colorful, and inspiring as any well-worn tome. Lighting the Passage brings Bentley's sharp and humorous reflections on the quirks of everyday living and the enduring strength of family, all delivered with his trademark acerbic wit. For the first time, Bentley opens the door to the stories he's long carried with him: his harrowing military service in the Vietnam War and his redemptive trek along the Appalachian Trail. With real honesty and grit, he shares the trials that shaped him, the people who lifted him, and the moments that taught him what truly matters in this life. This narrative invites readers to walk beside the Pelican King as he celebrates the hard-earned joy, unvarnished hardships, and wonderful madness of life! Those looking for a travel-inflected memoir that weaves personal, historical, and familial experiences across one man's life are sure to enjoy Lighting the Passage.