What’s a gal to do when she’s just finished a book, for the second time, whose ending she knows and whose author will be visiting the Cutoff when the very next day dawns?
Well. she sheds a puddle of tears for, though she knows how the story ends, it is the journey that is the protagonist in an adventure that is both funny and sad, painful and celebratory. It is the story that is both physical and personal for the author, and it reminds the reader, perhaps, of one’s own long travelled road; of memories made, bridges crossed, battles fought (some won and some lost), of lessons learned and of those lessons she keeps learning. It brings to home and to heart the value of family and friends, and of those who have cheered us on and had our back along the way.
“Not Without My Father: One Woman’s 444-Mile Walk of the Natchez Trace”, is the book and the author is none other than the remarkable and gifted Andra Watkins.
Andra’s name often appears in the comment section here on the Cutoff, for which I am grateful. Her name also sometimes appears in the body of a post, especially when one of her books is published, such as last year’s “To Live Forever: An Afterlife Journey of Meriwether Lewis”, which I wrote about here.
I was delighted when I won an advanced reading copy of Andra’s second book, “Not Without My Father: One Woman’s 444-Mile Walk of the Natchez Trace”. “Not Without My Father . . . ” is Andra’s memoir of her trek along the Natchez Trace, promoting her first book. It entails how she drafts her father to be her “wingman” on her journey – the angst and pain, frustration and hilarity that occurs along the way. Roy Lee Watkins is bigger than life, a natural storyteller, and a bit of a character, to say the least. The book is the story of her journey along the Trace, as well as their personal journey as father and daughter.
In the book, we also meet her mother, Linda, her friend, Alice, and others; from the innkeepers that provide a nest’s rest, to the National Park workers she meets along the Trace, as Roy sells her book from the trunk of his car and weaves his own tales.
It was in my second reading of Andra’s book, once it was published, that I realized I was mentioned in the acknowledgments, along with a host of other readers, for song suggestions, which are used as chapter heading in the book. What fun it was to discover.
So, in honor of Andra, who will be wending her way to the Cutoff as part of the Chicago leg of her book tour, here’s a little Ray Charles and a lot of hope that she does come back some more, some more, some more, some more . . .
I JUST finished the book!! Sharon warned me that I’d be shedding tears; she was right! What a wonderful and thought provoking book; funny and real and acknowledging. I’m grateful that Sharon shared it with me. I am very much looking forward to meeting Andra tomorrow.
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Jan, you must have finished and read this just as I was hitting “publish”. Sharon’s warning was “spot on” , as are your comments. I’m so glad that Sharon shared it and that you were able to read it before meeting Andra tomorrow. Thank you for commenting and see you soon.
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Just finished a note to Andra. This is a wonderful review of her book, Penny. It’s been interesting to read more and more reviews and learn how many other readers have found it to be such a beautiful and emotional, memory-inducing trip.
I will be on pins and needles, anticipating the tales you’ll have to tell after Andra’s visit this week. Have a wonderful time!
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Isn’t it great to read the reviews and gather other insights? It’s rather like a virtual book group discussion. 🙂
Thanks, Karen. 🙂 Wish you were here, too.
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What a wonderful story — of the book, your friendship, you finding the acknowledgement, and still shedding tears even though you know the story (Yes, I have books like that too). I love that song – we sang it in our choir last year and were encouraged to be ‘really sassy.’ Isn’t Ray Charles expressive!
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Ha! I can just imagine the amount of “real sassy” that emanated from your choir, Juliet. Ray Charles is, indeed, expressive and such a treasure. It was fun finding this older youtube version. 🙂
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Not Without My Father sounds wonderful… I love walking books. Added to which it would work for for my Southern Lit challenge wouldn’t it? (I just ordered Cold Sassy Tree which you recced if memory serves.) Plus I have the Meriwether Lewis book firmly on my radar too. Wonderful post, Penny.
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Oh, yes, indeed Cath; Not Without My Father would work beautifully for your Southern Lit challenge. So would the Meriwether Lewis book. One is a novel, the other a memoir, both will give you a most delectable taste of our South.
Thank you.
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This is another must read for me! I am so happy for you and Andra to have a visit. She is amazing and such a cherished friend. Have fun for all of us left behind this time!
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It is so much fun, Marilyn. Yesterday a gaggle of dear friends came over to meet Andra and all in attendance kept up a lively conversation. 🙂 Wish you were here.
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How nice that you were mentioned at the end of the book! This review describes the book beautifully Penny. It was so nice to meet Andra and visit your lovely home today 🙂 – and even get a glimpse of your deer!
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A fun surprise, Janet. I was so pleased that you could come and add to the hospitality and friendship greeting Andra – and yes, even glad you got a glimpse of the resident deer. Thank you. 🙂
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I loved meeting everyone today. I feel sorry for poor Penny’s ears, because I fear I’ve talked her head off. Thank you, Penny, for hosting me. I’m having a blast.
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You are the BEST, Andra, and a most delightful house guest. Fear not, my friend, for my ears are hearty and you’ve a long way to go to talk them off. It is our pleasure to have you in our home. 🙂
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Its great to read this, and then see Andra’s comment on it Penny. I’m sure you all had a brilliant time. The book sounds fascinating. Jx
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The book IS fascinating, Janice, with a little bit of Wisconsin flavor to it as well, as Andra’s husband, aka MTM, hails from your favorite state. It is fun having her here, with a few more days to add to the memories.
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The perfect song!
I loved Andra’s book. It was a delight to read. So poignant!
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I thought so as well, L. Marie. 🙂
I know. Even though I knew how ended, I was still quite touched.
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I’ve been buying the e-book for all my friends, Penny. I want everyone to read it! And I’ve been delighted to hear back from many that they’ve also felt like they’ve met a kindred soul, a good friend, in Andra. Your description of the book is absolutely wonderful. You could write book reviews professionally, m’dear!
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Good for you – and I’m sure Andra appreciates the sales. 🙂
I had a little brunch here when she arrived; book club friends and gardening friends and coffee friends – all enjoyed Andra and are enjoying the book.
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