Backpack, Jacket, Surfboard

“Grab a cup of coffee, settle into a comfortable spot, and let Graham’s words transport you to places familiar and fantastical. This is more than just a book: it’s an experience, a conversation with an old friend, and a journey through the very fabric of life itself.” – Arthur Spector Former chairman, The Rosenbach Museum and Library, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

“A masterpiece of storytelling. Graham’s unique voice shines through every chapter, making it impossible to put the book down. This is one of those rare finds that you want to share with everyone.” – Kelly Calway Lieutenant colonel, US Army, Military Intelligence, Langley, Virginia

“A rollercoaster of emotions from start to finish. Graham’s stories are not just entertaining, but thought-provoking. A must read for anyone looking for a meaningful escape.” – Jack Allen National Masters running champion, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

“Reading this book felt like a warm embrace from an old friend. Graham’s ability to blend humor with poignant memories is a rare gift. I unreservedly recommend this to anyone looking for a heartfelt literary journey.” – Harry Toukalas Founder and CEO of Swarm Dynamics, Melbourne, Australia

“A brilliant collection of tales that resonate deeply with both the young and the old. Graham’s ability to weave humor and wisdom into every story is unparalleled. Highly recommend!” – Betsy Bush Chairwoman of the New Choral Society of Westchester, Scarsdale, New York

“Backpack, Jacket, Surfboard is a truly remarkable series of adventures. Graham has a voice that needs to be heard and those that do hear it will be all the better for it.” – Blair Robertson Managing director, MUFG Bank, Oxford, England

“Each tale is a gem, polished to perfection with Graham’s wit and insight. The stories linger in your mind long after you’ve turned the last page. I found myself rereading passages just to savor the magic again.” – Bart Hamlin Architect and coffee connoisseur, Mount Tom, Connecticut

“An absolute page-turner! Graham’s vivid descriptions and relatable characters made me feel I was part of each story. I laughed, I cried, and I reflected deeply. This book is a treasure.” – Annabelle Plotkin Former global head of risk, Colombia Threadneedle, Brooklyn, New York

“I think it’s brilliant. I think Graham’s stories create vivid images in the mind of the reader. I love the detail, the additional history too; this makes it come alive. I felt as if I journeyed across America with Graham, shared his adventures, and it deepened my connection with places I had previously visited myself.” – Nick Brown Former chairman, Hampstead Cricket Club, St. Johns Wood, London

GRAHAM BROYD is a British-American businessman, writer, and athlete. Born in Dorking, England, he attended school in Bedford and then Liverpool before taking two gap years working and hitchhiking around Europe. In 1978, he went to Birmingham University to study International Relations.

After graduation, Graham started a career in international banking, with his primary purposes being to travel and earn some money—in that order of priority. His first assignments were to New York and the Republic of Panama. Graham spent almost forty years in banking, his time mostly split between New York and London, before retiring in 2024. He was a CEO of the North American businesses of the Royal Bank of Scotland and Mr. Fix-It when the bank encountered existential problems after the global financial crisis in 2008. Graham published his first book, The Panama Canal Treaties: The diplomacy and economics behind the treaty that changed the international order, in 2024.

After his retirement, Graham found his writing voice. A lifetime storyteller, Graham wanted to write down the twenty hitchhiking stories he had told for more than forty years from his original trip to America in 1980. On hearing the stories, friends had always encouraged him to write his story. And so he did.

This item is eligible for free returns within 30 days of delivery. See our returns policy for further details.