Lauren Klarfeld, a writer and hostel manager with a passion for solo travel, has spent over a decade collecting handwritten quotes from strangers across the globe. Her project, Last Words for the Road, explores the transformative power of connection and what she calls “serendipitous courage”—small moments of bravery that lead to unexpected, meaningful encounters. The book blends high-resolution scanned quotes—appearing almost as if they were glued into its pages—with illustrations and essays on a generation of nomads who, like Klarfeld, decided to explore the world to better understand themselves. Through this unique combination, Klarfeld invites readers to embrace vulnerability, step outside their comfort zones, and discover the beauty of humanity in the serendipity of everyday connections.
