The Ride of Her Life: an enjoyable and inspirational story

The Ride of Her Life by Elizabeth Letts is the triumphant true story of a woman who rode her horse across America in the 1950s, fueled by her dying wish to see the Pacific Ocean. In 1954, 63-year-old Maine farmer Annie Wilkins lost her farm and her doctor had given 2-4 years to live. She has always longed to see the Pacific Ocean before she died. Ignoring her doctor’s advice, she buys a cast-off brown gelding named Tarzan, gathers her dog, Depeche Toi, and heads south in mid-November 1954. Annie didn’t know what to expect as she traveled, she didn’t even have a map but she had an unfailing belief that Americans would treat a stranger with kindness. As she traveled America in an age that saw the construction of modern highways, she pushed through blizzards, forded rivers and climbed mountains. She would travel more than 4,000 miles, through the biggest cities and the smallest towns. She met ordinary people and celebrities who followed her story with interest and inspiring neighborly kindness. 

I never heard of Annie Wilkins and her journey to California, so when I was offered a chance to read The Ride of Her Life, I was intrigued. The author, Ms Letts, weaves Annie’s story with the changing of 1950s America. The Ride of Her Life is an amazing and inspirational story. In a country with the growing influence of television, she didn’t own one. In the growing age of the automobile, she desired to complete her journey by horse. I don’t know if I would have had the strength and courage to travel across the nation as Annie did, even with the comfort and speed of a car, the journey is dangerous. Every step of the way, the readers are riding along Annie as she braves the new roads with cars speeding past and she trods along on horseback. There were moments of triumph and moments of tears. I eagerly turned each page, waiting and hoping that Annie survives her trip and makes it to the Pacific Ocean. I recommend The Ride of Her Life. 

The Ride of Her Life is available in hardcover, eBook and audiobook.