From a childhood on an Iowa farm, Lori Erickson grew up to become one of America’s top travel writers specializing in spiritual journeys. When she’s not on the road, she lives in Iowa City, Iowa.
Lori’s newest book is Near the Exit: Travels with the Not-So-Grim Reaper.
Hear Lori’s two recent interviews with Rick Steves:
Holy Rover (interview starts at 31:52)
Near the Exit (interview starts at 31:45)
More information on Near the Exit
Press Kit for Near the Exit
Media Coverage for Near the Exit
Silver Award for Religion Book of 2019 in the INDIES Awards from Foreword Reviews
USA Today: What You Can Learn From Traveling With the Grim Reaper
Foreword Reviews Author Interview with Lori Erickson: Death-phobia Defier
Cover Story and Excerpt in the Christian Century Magazine: We need to talk about death
Excerpt on PBS-affiliated Next Avenue: An Afternoon in a Cemetery
Frommer’s Travel Show on Radio America: Interview (starts at 11:45 at link)
Toronto Globe and Mail excerpt: Life, Death, and Meditation Among the Mayan Ruins
Iowa Public Radio Interview: Considering Death Across Cultures
Des Moines Art Center: Day of the Dead Interview
Light of Consciousness Magazine excerpt: If Buddha Came to a Nursing Home
Little Village Magazine: Erickson writes with insight and humility, with a gentle touch of humor, in a manner that disarms what could otherwise be an unsettling and sober topic.
Undertaking: The Podcast Author Interview
Episcopal Cafe: Erickson’s vocations as deacon and travel writer make her the ideal adventure guide for this topic
Presbyterian Outlook: Recommended books to read this winter
Ethical Perspectives on the News Program on KCRG-TV in Cedar Rapids, IA: End of Life Transitions
Dubuque Herald: A deeply researched and often funny genre-bending mashup of travelogue, memoir and spiritual reflection
Kenosha (WI) News: Regardless of where Erickson roams and contemplates, a sense of awe and humor prevail
Cedar Rapids Gazette: Author Lori Erickson reflects on mortality through her travels around the world
Franciscan Times: A magic carpet ride that provides a wider view of mortality
Off the Beaten Page Travel: A very readable, wise and, yes, funny book
Interview on Living Authentically Podcast with Pamela Savino
Interview with Christ Episcopal Church in Cedar Rapids, Iowa: Hope Near the Exit
More About Lori Erickson
In addition to Near the Exit, Lori is the author of the award-winning 2017 memoir Holy Rover: Journeys in Search of Mystery, Miracles, and God. Both irreverent and devout, Holy Rover explores the transformative power of travel through trips to a dozen holy sites. More information on Holy Rover
Lori has written other travel-related books and more than a thousand articles for national and regional publications. She’s also the creator of Spiritual Travels, a website featuring holy sites around the world.