For many years, Joni Mitchell has captivated audiences with both her life story and her musical creations. As one of the most revered artists of her era, Mitchell has served as a muse for numerous musicians, ranging from contemporaries like James Taylor to successors like Prince and Brandi Carlile. Authors have also extensively analyzed her music and personal journey in their works. Despite this widespread admiration, Mitchell has maintained a certain enigmatic quality, drawing people in while simultaneously maintaining a level of distance.

Recognizing this intriguing dynamic, music critic Ann Powers pondered alternative approaches to interpreting the life and artistry of Joni Mitchell, a constantly evolving and experimental musician. In her book "Traveling," Powers embarks on a quest to unravel Mitchell's story through the lens of her various journeys. Drawing on in-depth interviews with Mitchell's peers and thorough archival research, Powers delves into the singer's early years in rural Canada, delving into her struggle with polio during childhood. She traces Mitchell's musical evolution across genres, from her roots in folk music to her forays into jazz fusion and experimentation with pop elements. The book also explores Mitchell's collaborations with other renowned artists and the romantic relationships that shaped her life, culminating in her remarkable return to music following a life-threatening aneurysm in 2015. Through "Traveling," Powers invites readers on a compelling exploration of Joni Mitchell's multifaceted life and career, offering fresh insights into the woman behind the music.