2022 Readers' Favorite award winner 2022 Best Book Awards Finalist Edited by Barbara Noe Kennedy – Former Senior Editor with National Geographic Travel Books. Cover design by Jonathan Sainsbury – designer of Pulitzer Prize Finalist, Empire of the Summer Moon. "A well-written account about a young man's mistake and the threat of dire consequences. Our verdict: Get it." Kirkus Reviews "Loved it! Along the lines of 'On the Road' and less depressing than 'Into the Wild'. Gorman's writing is clear and honest!" -- Victoria Irwin - Discovery Seattle, 1969: A snowstorm rages as 19-year-old Paul Gorman stuffs $300 into his pocket and thumbs his way into the unknown—chasing a girl in Germany, outrunning a suffocating father, and dodging the Vietnam draft kicking at his heels. What starts as a reckless leap for freedom becomes a wild ride across continents, landing him on the sun-drenched shores of Spain’s Canary Islands. But paradise has a dark edge. Seduced by cheap thrills and sandy escapes, Gorman slips into a grifter’s game—until one desperate move slams him behind bars in Franco’s repressive regime. With six years in the notorious Prison de Barranco Seco looming for a minor infraction, and the U.S. consulate nowhere in sight, his fate teeters on a razor’s edge. In steps the U.S. with a cryptic rescue plan—salvation or a deeper trap? Blending vivid prose, Into Trouble weaves an intoxicating tapestry of youthful defiance, gut-wrenching suspense, and hard-won wisdom, evoking Into the Wild and Midnight Express . Paul Gorman’s journey isn’t just a memoir—it’s a pulse-pounding passport to a world where every choice could be the last. "An utterly engrossing travel account that doubles as a remarkable coming-of-age story... Fabulous...This is a stunner!" -- The Prairies Book Review "A well-written account about a young man's mistake and the threat of dire consequences. Our verdict: Get it." -- Kirkus Reviews "This expertly crafted memoir captures the spirit of youth, adventure, and redemption. It is a must-read for fans of memoirs involving travel and youthfulness." -- Foluso Falaye for Readers' Favorite "It's honest and authentic, and quite simply an amazing story!" Barbara Noe Kennedy, former Senior Editor -- National Geographic Travel Books "A fascinating story about something most teenagers dream about doing but he actually did it. A book you will find hard to put down. And it is all true." -- Lawrence Kaylor - Amazon "This biographical coming-of-age tale of a naïve young American's troubled journey to Europe is diligently told by Paul Gorman. I've been irrevocably affected by Gorman's change and would suggest this book to all readers." -- Trevor Otieno for Readers' Favorite "Loved it! Along the lines of 'On the Road' and less depressing than 'Into the Wild'. Gorman's writing is clear and honest!" -- Victoria Irwin - Discovery Paul Gorman is a writer and filmmaker. His plays have appeared on stage in Seattle and his films at film festivals in North America and Europe. His documentary film, Ride the Sky spent two years streaming on ROKU's DocsNow Plus. In addition to pursuing his creative side, he spent 30 years working in the tech industry as a design manager. Paul is a life-long resident of the Seattle area where he lives with his wife and dog. He enjoys hiking, cycling, brewing beer and hanging out with his wife and three grandchildren.