Allan Karl quit his job and the company he founded, sold all he owned, and traveled around the world for three years—alone on a motorcycle. After three years of traveling through thirty-five countries on five continents he returned to his home in Southern California committed to share his experiences with everyone. His around-the world-adventure has been uniquely brought to life in a new book published in the fall of 2013.

Culture. Cuisine. Connection. Karl turns to crowdfunding to help realize his vision for this book which lets readers experience the world through fascinating stories, stunning photography, and tasty food from all over the world.

Rather than compromise his vision by using traditional publishers who wanted to simplify his book, author Allan Karl decided to turn to crowdfunding for the printing of the first-edition of his new book. Allan Karl’s book, FORKS - a quest for Culture, Cuisine, and Connection has been funded by Kickstarter.

The book brings to life a three-year global adventure in a unique oversized, full-color, hardcover book. Forks has been three-years in the making and includes more than 500 color photographs, stories of extraordinary people, their culture, personal connection and 40 recipes from all over the world.

“The best way to experience the world,” says Karl, “is to see it through photographs, to feel it through stories of connection and culture, and to taste it in the real local food.” Forks incorporates original photography and food to complement and enhance Karl’s stories of adventure, discovery and human connection. “I dedicate this book to every passionate adventurer, dreamer, home chef, and motorcyclist,” he adds.

The book, along with collector-edition postcards, photographic prints, personalized coaching sessions and keynote speeches are some of the rewards that supporters can expect from pledging on Kickstarter. An intimate dinner party is another of Karl’s rewards. “I would love to travel to your home, help prepare meals from the book and shore more stories of adventure”, adds Karl. Rewards start at $10, and books can be ordered for as little as $39.

For three years Karl rode his BMW GS motorcycle more than 60,000 miles over five continents, through 35 countries. As with any adventure there were highs and lows. While in Bolivia he crashed and broke his leg, in the Colombian jungle he was escorted to a remote waterfall at gunpoint, and the governments of Syria and Sudan had to be pleaded with for passage through those countries.

Karl hopes that Forks—A Quest for Culture, Cuisine, and Connection inspires readers to be open to new experiences. “Every photograph, story, and recipe from this journey embodies the importance of connecting with people—humanity—and overcoming obstacles, and conquering our own personal fears”, says Karl. “This book presents readers an opportunity to try something new,” says Karl. “Perhaps to taste flavors of a new food, or to journey into dangerous or unknown territories. Every experience is an opportunity to connect with others.”

Copies of the book and more information can be found at ForkstheBook.com