Lori Erickson – författare

"This book’s journey to spiritual places near and far is worth taking." — Library Journal, starred review  Lori Erickson travels to "grim" locations at home and abroad and explores death through the lenses of other cultures. After her brother died unexpectedly and her mother moved into a dementia-care facility, spiritual travel writer and Episcopal deacon Lori Erickson felt called to a new quest: to face death head on, with the eye of a tourist and the heart of one who is grieving and facing mortality.Blending memoir, spirituality, and travel, Near the Exit examines how different cultures past and present have confronted and still confront death, from Egypt’s Valley of the Kings and Mayan temples, to a Colorado cremation pyre and Mexico’s Day of the Dead celebrations, to Maori settlements and tourist-destination graveyards. Erickson reflects on mortality—the ways we avoid it, the ways we cope with it, and the ways life is made more precious by accepting it—in places as far away and exotic as New Zealand and as close and "mundane" as the nursing home up the street. Throughout her personal journey and her travels, Erickson helps us to see that one of the most life-affirming things we can do is to invite death along for the ride.Perfect for book clubs! Download the  FREE Reader Guide: Questions and Topics for Discussion!

"Readers may find themselves ordering their own DNA testing kit upon finishing this." —Publishers Weekly"The Soul of the Family Tree posits that a spiritual grounding in one's family history can combat 'historical amnesia' and nurture a sense of belonging." —Foreword ReviewsGrowing up in a passionately Norwegian-American Iowa town, Lori Erickson rolled her eyes at traditions like Nordic Fest and steaming pots of rømmegrøt. But like many Americans, she eventually felt drawn to genealogy, the "quintessential hobby of middle age." Her quest to know more about the Vikings and immigrants who perch in her family tree led her to visit Norse settlements and reenactments, medieval villages and modern museums, her picturesque hometown and her ancestor's farm on the fjords.Along the way, Erickson discovers how her soul has been shaped by her ancestors and finds unexpected spiritual guides among the seafaring Vikings and her hardscrabble immigrant forebears. Erickson’s far-ranging journeys and spiritual musings show us how researching family history can be a powerful tool for inner growth. Travel with Erickson in The Soul of the Family Tree to learn how the spirits of your ancestral past can guide you today.

A 2023 Indies Award Finalist"In this book, Erickson’s steps don’t lead to grand cathedrals but to the transformative, powerful elements supporting life itself. " —Foreword Reviews"Travel writer Erickson has written a travelogue about areas of the United States, including Alaska and Hawaii, that have sacred and spiritual meaning to people now and throughout history . . . Ideal for fans of Erickson’s work, curious readers, armchair travelers, and those who are compelled to take a spiritual pilgrimage." —Library JournalEmbark on a transformative journey from Ohio's Serpent Mound to Hawaii's wonders, discovering profound connections to spirituality in every corner of the United States. Globetrotting travel writer Lori Erickson has long searched for the sacred in locations and cultures far from home as well as in her beloved Iowa. But when the pandemic put both air travel and in-person worship off-limits, Lori and her husband hit the road with a camper in tow to discover spiritual sites and experiences in their own home country.From the Serpent Mound of Ohio to the Redwoods of California—and, ultimately, by air to see natural wonders in Alaska and Hawaii—Erickson uncovers deep connections both to the lands that now make up the United States and to the elements that have had sacred meaning to people throughout history and across the globe. Through her profound, informative, and witty reflections on the power of stone, water, light, fire, and more, readers will discover new destinations in North America while deepening their own spirituality. Whether exploring national parks or visiting holy sites, this book makes for the perfect spiritual companion and guide.Perfect for book clubs and group study! You can access free digital resources, which include a group study guide, book club discussion guide, a video interview with Lori Erickson, and a Spotify playlist from Lori at www.wjkbooks.com/EveryStepIsHome

Whether you’re a visitor or a local looking for something different, Iowa Off the Beaten Path shows you the Hawkeye State with new perspectives on timeless destinations and introduces you to those you never knew existed––from the best in local dining to quirky cultural tidbits to hidden attractions, unique finds, and unusual locales. So if you’ve “been there, done that” one too many times, get off the main road and venture Off the Beaten Path.

Whether you’re a visitor or a local looking for something different, Iowa Off the Beaten Path shows you the Hawkeye State with new perspectives on timeless destinations and introduces you to those you never knew existed––from the best in local dining to quirky cultural tidbits to hidden attractions, unique finds, and unusual locales. So if you’ve “been there, done that” one too many times, get off the main road and venture Off the Beaten Path.