Catherine DeVrye: 'Beyond Timbuktu' - Brisbane Square Library

What if the world was far kinder and more connected than headlines lead us to believe?

About the book

Beyond Timbuktu takes readers on an inspiring A-to-Z journey through 150 countries, sharing vivid stories of courage, kindness, and shared humanity. From skiing in Lebanon, cycling through Lithuania and swimming in Yemen to dining with royalty in Bahrain, Catherine highlights moments of unity that transcend borders and stereotypes.

Through vignettes and surprising moments of shared humanity, she shows us that more unites us than divides us, revealing universal hopes, dreams, love and laughter.

This isn’t a guidebook or tell-all memoir—it’s a rich mosaic of adventures, observations and encounters.

What others are saying

‘Catherine may set out to go everywhere but her explorations prove that with an open mind, anywhere is as friendly as home’ Tony Wheeler- Founder of Lonely Planet

‘Breathtaking in scope, rich in observations and deep in wisdom, it’s a gripping adventure that challenges our stereotypes and prejudices about other people and places.’ Hugh Mackay, AO, author Kindness Revolution

‘The world needs hope, like never before. This wonderful book provides pathways to it and encouragement to flourish in life.’ Rev Tim Costello, AO, former CEO World Vision

‘Each chapter of this armchair journey reminds us that goodness is the dominant force of our human spirit.’ Greg Mortimer, OAM, first Australian to summit Mount Everest

About the author

A natural storyteller who has travelled to both the literal and metaphorical ends of the earth, Catherine DeVrye offers fresh, relevant and deeply human stories.

Bestselling author of nine books and twice named Australian Keynote Speaker of the Year; Catherine shares true, uplifting stories that entertain and stay with you. She has kept a daily journal for over 50 years, never imagining those handwritten reflections would one day morph into books translated into over a dozen languages.

Born in a Canadian orphanage and expelled from English class, the accidental author arrived in Australia with a backpack, $200 and a one-way ticket after the death of her parents soon after graduating in the USA.

Following a global career with IBM, Catherine has presented in more than 30 countries and travelled through over 150.

A cancer survivor, Olympic torch bearer, and volunteer with Vietnamese street kids, she’s swum with sharks in Madagascar, trekked beyond Everest Base Camp—and voyaged to Timbuktu.

Her previous books include Hope Happens!, Hot Lemon & Honey, Who Says I Can’t, Hope as My Compass.

Books will be available for purchase, or bring your copy from home to be signed.

Presented as part of the Lord Mayor’s Writers in Residence series.