Peace Pilgrim: walking her talk against hate

by Merry Brennan

Imagine giving up everything you own and walking across the country… for 28 years?
Meet Peace Pilgrim (1908-1981), a New Jersey farm girl and roaring 20's flapper, who changed her life completely, including her name, to promote peace. With only the clothes on her back and no money, she zigzagged across the U.S. on foot seven times, spreading her message of non-violence. She lived off the land and the kindness of those she met. She slept outdoors, in bus stations, in parked cars and, once, on the front seat of a fire engine in Tombstone, Arizona. Whenever she ran into trouble – physical or verbal – her sole response was love. She touched tens of thousands of lives, one step at a time. Never heard of her? Read the book and you’ll never forget her! Aimed at 'tweens and teens -- and those who teach them -- hers is a story that will inspire readers of all ages. This biographical novel includes photos, a glossary & reader's guide for classrooms/book clubs.

This is a work of biographical fiction. Some events in Peace Pilgrim's life were removed, changed, or added to help tell her story. (For example, the character 'Mary' was the author's own creation.)

168 pages, Paperback

First published February 10, 2013

About the author

Merry Brennan loves to explore the world through words, images, and joyful footsteps. In her writing, art, ceremonies and workshops, she invites others to savor nature, embrace inner peace, and compassionately care for each other on this gem we all call home.
As a kid, she dreamed of a grown-up life writing books and making art. She got sidetracked for years – as a journalist, activist, columnist, naturalist, communications consultant, adjunct professor, and elected official. Now, she weaves all those experiences into her creative roots and couldn't be Merrier!.
Her latest book, Mystery Scars, is a contemporary young adult novel offering hope and healing for those affected by today’s epidemic of teen anxiety, depression, and suicide. Her info-packed travel memoir, Eye Rolls and Awe: A National Park Road Trip with Teens, offers a front-row seat to the treasures of family and nature; and her middle-grade historical novel, Peace Pilgrim: Walking Her Talk Against Hate, introduces readers to the remarkable woman who walked across the U.S. for 28 years with only the clothes on her back to spread a message of peace.
Merry’s photographic and digital creations (www.EarthwaysArt.com) have been featured in many shows, shops, and publications. She’s also created a growing collection of “Photoplay” - a flavoring of words on images.
The long-time Jersey Shore resident is always up for a good hike, sail or paddle; never turns down time with family; and looks forward to full moon meditations. She and her musician husband, Tom, have three terrific children, Ciarán, Aislínn and Seán.

Reviews

[Greg Locascio · Rating 3 out of 5]

Before reading this book, I'd assumed that Grandma Gatewood was the first woman to thru hike the Appalachian Trail. This is not true. While Gatewood is the first female solo thru-hiker, Mildred Norman (Peace Pilgrim) was the first woman to thru hike it, though it's less publicized because she hiked with a man, in 1950s America, who was not her husband. Also, she never did much to publicize her feat. While this book is entertaining enough, glossing over milestone moments in Peace Pilgrim's life and distilling her essential message into poignant vignettes, I thought the writing lacked descriptive detail and didn't make Peace Pilgrim come alive to me other than chronicling her political views and walking feats. I didn't get a deeper sense of who she actually was. Also, especially early on, the chapters ended in cliffhanger style, often in a hackneyed, stilted way. Still, for all of its stylistic and content shortcomings, this is an enjoyable fictional treatment of a fascinating woman who lived on the margins of society and spread a message of love and joy that still needs to be heard today.

[Karthik Sundaram · Rating 4 out of 5]

A moving biography of a great soul

I had, as a little school kid in India, got introduced to Peace Pilgrim through a pamphlet that was distributed post our morning prayers. Peace was a foreigner to an Indian like me but there was something about that pamphlet and her portrait on the highway that made an impact. It took me 15 long years to finally get to know the details of this remarkable woman. In an age where we are high on technology and low on happiness, Peace's message is more relevant than ever before. Selfless, loving and compassionate - this was the Peace that I had come to know. Her message took me back in time and has made me realise that inner peace is the only way for blissful living..that is a realisation that transcends yesterday, today and the day after. Thank you Merry for this wonderful read.

[Monty · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an amazing book to ready because of the main character, Peace Pilgrim. In all of my 79 years I had never heard of this woman who walked thousands with no possessions carrying the message of peace and love wherever she went. This was a short book well worth reading https://www.peacepilgrim.org

[Peggy Riley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Don't miss this

Interesting and inspirational! Powerful story of love and sacrifice we could all learn from. I recommend this book to anyone who longs for peace.

[Ken Luball · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent story

I loved the story of Peace Pilgrim. It truly shows how one person can bring change to a world in desperate need of peace

[Peni Renner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Peace Pilgrim is my hero. I read this book in hopes of learning new anecdotes of her wanderings but I had read them all before in previous publications.