In 1971 the author hitchhiked across the United States and Europe, keeping a journal of his adventures and observations of life. Forty years later, upon discovering the journal, he realized how much that adventure changed his life. "The Summer of '71" not only looks at the author's maturation, but also examines how America and Europe have changed over the years. Major topics discussed are the Baby Boomers, Army ROTC, Vietnam, Communism, the Environment, and the social changes that have occurred during those years.