Inspired by the legacy of two family manuscripts, the author explores the landscape of her life and those who came before her. She wonders how a family of pioneers and educators, of talent and intelligence, has fallen so short of its dreams.She makes several trips from her refuge in England to stay with her father in his condo on the Arkansas-Oklahoma border. With her brother she tracks the trail her great-grandmother Grace blazed in a covered wagon with her five children across the plains of Oklahoma. The author then explores the town in the Ozarks where Grace lived with her two youngest, and follows her return to Oklahoma in the oil boom town of Ponca City. As she compares what she learns about her family with memories from her own past, a pattern of alcoholism emerges.Her story encounters the effects of drinking - sometimes humorous, sometimes devastating - on members of her family past and present. Along the way she celebrates her own spiritual journey and adventures in recovery.
ThriftBooks sells millions of used books at the lowest everyday prices. We personally assess every book's quality and offer rare, out-of-print treasures. We deliver the joy of reading in recyclable packaging with free standard shipping on US orders over $20. ThriftBooks.com. Read more. Spend less.