books.
travel memoirs by Cory Mortensen
Cory Mortensen is an award-winning travel memoir author, cyclist, filmmaker, and entrepreneur. His books chronicle extraordinary journeys by bicycle, on foot, and by backpack across America, South America, Europe, and beyond. Through humor, insight, and vivid storytelling, Cory's books explore adventure, self-discovery, culture, and the transformative power of travel.
Whether he's cycling across the United States, hitchhiking through Europe, or volunteering in South America, Cory's stories inspire readers to stop outside their comfort zones and embrace the unknown.
Inspired by his father, an amateur photographer who introduced him to the magic of film and the darkroom, Cory Mortensen's Photographic Editions celebrate the landscapes, roads, rivers, mountains, and hidden places encountered throughout a lifetime of travel. Presented in striking black-and-white imagery, these collections offer a visual journey through the places that shaped the stories, preserving moments that words alone cannot fully capture.
travel memoirs: photographic editions by Cory Mortensen
photographic editions
the buddha and the bee
The photographic edition
coming soon
south of hoover
The photographic edition
coming soon
view all books
between rain and fire
The photographic edition
coming soon
middle miles
The photographic edition
coming soon
book clubs & resources
Everything you need for your reading group.
about my books
Each book is a true story of adventure, challenge, and personal transformation. From cycling across the United States to backpacking through South America and hitchhiking across Europe, these books are perfect for fans of adventure travel, bicycle touring, backpacking, and inspirational memoirs.
frequently asked questions
What type of books does Cory Mortensen write? Cory Mortensen writes award-winning travel memoirs, adventure narratives, and photographic travel books. His stories are based on real journeys by bicycle, on foot, and by backpack across America, South America, Europe, and beyond. His books blend travel, humor, history, personal growth, and cultural discovery to explore how movement through the world can change the way we see ourselves.
Are Cory Mortensen's books based on true stories? Yes. Every book by Cory Mortensen is based on real-life experiences and actual journeys. From cycling across the United States to traveling through South America and trekking remote landscapes around the world, each story is drawn from firsthand adventures, authentic encounters, and personal reflection. While names or minor details may occasionally be adjusted for privacy, the journeys themselves are true.
What book should I start with? That depends on the kind of adventure you're looking for: The Buddha and the Bee – A cross-country bicycle journey from Minnesota to California. Perfect for readers who enjoy long-distance cycling, personal transformation, and life on the open road. UNLOST – A solo backpacking adventure through Central and South America ending in Antarctica. Ideal for readers who love immersive travel and international exploration. Embracing Bewilderment – A collection of journeys across Iceland, the United Kingdom, and Southeast Asia. Best for readers interested in culture, curiosity, and stepping outside their comfort zone. Middle Miles – A bicycle ride down the entire Pacific Coast from Canada to Mexico. Recommended for readers who enjoy endurance challenges, coastal landscapes, and the lessons found in life's messy middle chapters. Many readers begin with The Buddha and the Bee or Middle Miles, but there is no wrong place to start.
perfect for readers who love
Travel memoirs and true adventure stories
Bicycle touring and long-distance cycling
Backpacking and backpacker travel
Stories of self-discovery and personal growth
Inspiring, humorous, and heartfelt storytelling
Where can I buy Cory Mortensen's books? Cory Mortensen's books are available through major online retailers, including Amazon, as well as select independent bookstores. Signed copies, book information, reviews, awards, discussion guides, and additional resources can also be found throughout this website.
AWARDS
The Buddha and the Bee
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Eric Hoffer First Horizon Award
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American BookFest
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The BookFest Awards
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Pencraft Best Book Awards
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Best Indie Book Award (BIBA)
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Pinnacle Book Achievement Award
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Readers' Favorite
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The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
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Kindle Book Award
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NYC Big Book Award
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Firebird Book Awards
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Global Ebook Awards
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Chanticleer Hearten Award
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Literary Titan Book Award
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Independent Author Network (IAN)
UNLOST
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Best Indie Book Award (BIBA)
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International Book Awards
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Readers' Favorite
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NYC Big Book Award
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The BookFest
Embracing Bewilderment
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Kirkus Reviews Featured Review
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BookFest
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Literary Titan
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Firebird
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Readers' Favorite
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Pencraft
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Global Ebook
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NYC Big Book
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Best Indie Book Award (BIBA)
STAY IN THE LOOP
New books. Travel stories. Films. Behind-the-scenes notes from the road.
One email once in a while.