This coffee table book by Randy Hamilton features 24 single shoes: flip flops, sandals and boots left behind on highways, streets, beaches, shores, near dunes, in a canyon and parking lots, even on the edge of a cliff, all across nine states in America!

Back in 2004, the photographer lived with his wife Sharon and two dogs, Jack and Jinger, in a Pensacola Beach house. Then along came hurricane Ivan that devastated their home, but eventually initiated their 5,784-mile road trip over 268 days.

Maybe it started out as a quest for shoes, but it’s also about the couple taking the time to enjoy their travels with their dogs in a CruiseMaster. Who knew Abita Springs near New Orleans has great beer and biscuits? How about a natural spring in the desert that spouts 300 million gallons of water every hour? (Balmorhea State Park in Texas.) It’s funny too. I’ve ridden horses in many countries, but never one that passed a lot of gas as Sharon’s did climbing the mountains around Rancho Oso in California!

A total of 153 shoes were photographed and represents some of Hamilton’s best work as the couple fulfilled their dream of a cross-country tour. And readers get more than a glimpse of them in the book, there’s a double pager near the end filled with many of the fond memories they shared together.

Available in soft cover ($24.99) and hard cover ($39.99.)

Check out www.oneshoediaries.com to watch the book feature on CNN Headline News segment, News to Me, and for more information on the photographer and his book.

- PamelaAnn Campbell