From Barbara Jenkins, the New York Times bestselling coauthor of The Walk West, comes the deeply personal and empowering memoir, So Long as It's Wild. This is the long-awaited account of Jenkins's remarkable walk across America—a journey that not only captivated the nation but also marked a pivotal turning point in her own life.
Born into poverty in the rugged beauty of the Ozarks, Barbara Jenkins spent her childhood longing for escape from her humble beginnings. Dreaming of adventures beyond her homemade clothes and the outdoor toilet of her youth, her life took a dramatic turn when she met Peter, a wild-eyed "viking" with dreams as big as her own. Together, they set off on foot from New Orleans in 1976, aiming for the Pacific Coast. As their unlikely expedition gained media attention, landing them on the cover of National Geographic and in countless other publications, Barbara quickly realized that her charismatic partner was not the companion she had hoped for.
So Long as It's Wild delves into the untold narrative of Jenkins's journey from an impoverished childhood to the exhilaration and aftermath of her famed walk across America. Facing daunting challenges, from hostile confrontations to a near-fatal accident and heart-wrenching betrayals, Barbara's story is one of resilience, courage, and the relentless pursuit of strength.
Despite the glare of international fame and the success of her co-authored bestsellers, Barbara Jenkins remained a shadow figure in the saga that captivated millions. She recounts, "International fame and good fortune followed until it evaporated into a trail of heartbreak, a thousand deaths, and my disappearance." Now, through So Long as It's Wild, Jenkins steps forward to share her side of the story with lyrical prose that transports readers from the bayous of Louisiana across the expanse of America to the Pacific Ocean—and into the heart of a woman rediscovering herself.
This memoir is not just the recounting of an incredible physical journey across the landscapes of America, but a profound exploration of an inner journey of self-discovery, resilience, and the indomitable spirit of a woman finding her voice and claiming her story. So Long as It's Wild invites readers on a breathtaking adventure that is as much about traversing the terrains of the human spirit as it is about walking the breadth of a nation.
Product Description
Author Barbara Jenkins
Binding Hardcover
ISBN 9781947297555
Published 2-21-2023