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A Widow's Walk Off-Grid to Self-Reliance: An Inspiring, True Story of Courage and Determination
The inspiring, true story of Anne Dodds. When her husband passed away after a long, trying illness, Annie Dodds was forced to sell almost everything to settle his estate. Homeless, with little money, she wondered if it might be time to pursue a decades-old dream of living a quiet, self-sufficient life alone, off-grid. One day, when her son told her he knew of an old house on fifty acres, she knew it was time. Feeling empowered and prepared by having read so much over the years, she loaded her belongings into the back of her pickup truck. But as she pulled into the driveway that first day, she could not imagine the challenges she would face, the obstacles she would overcome, the self-doubts she would master, and the soul-strengthening peace and contentment she would find living in a rundown old home on fifty acres of country heaven. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- March, 2014: Thank you to all who pointed out some embarrassing editing oversights in the book. We're pleased to report those issues have been fixed. Those readers who own copies with the errors now have collector's items, of a sort. Thanks again. ~Mason Marshall Press
257 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 12, 2014
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January 10, 2024
A Widow’s Walk Off-Grid to Self-Reliance: An inspiring, true story of courage and determination by Annie Dodds (2014, 1st edition), paperback, 194 pages.
SETTING: Bedias, Texas
UPDATE 2024 REVIEW - I first read this memoir six years ago, in 2017. One of the best I’ve ever read on survival off-grid. I was fascinated with her story. Annie Dobbs took care of her husband for two years before he finally succumbed to kidney failure due to a combination of drugs for treating his cancer. Her life would drastically change as she would soon discover he had cancelled his life insurance because he couldn’t afford it. That was the drugs working on his brain. She packed her bags and moved into an old, run-down, rent free farm house that her son had found for her, located on 50 acres in Bedias, Texas. Here, she would start her life over from scratch, learning survival skills along the way. Not always the best way, but it worked for her for 10 years until the owner of the property showed up at her door and gave her a one week notice to move out. He now had other plans for the property, and Annie would return to civilization near her kids and their families, where her life literallly went downhill from there.
I wanted to RE-read this story for inspiration. But, what I found is I now read this with completely new eyes. I was surprised with all the similarities between me and this author. Annie was in her 50’s and had been married to this second husband for 9 years when he died, and she went off-grid to find herself. I am 59. My husband was killed instantly in an automobile accident. We had been married for 36 years. There is that difference. Ben also had not cancelled his life insurance policy. So, I was and am still able to focus on other matters besides immediate survival issues.
But, how crazy that the last gift Annie wanted for her birthday before her husband died was a subscription to Backwoods Home Magazine, and the first thing I did after Ben died was subscribe to both Backwoods Home Magazine and Self-Reliance Magazine. Don’t get me wrong. I sure don’t plan on going off-grid at all. But, I do feel like I need to learn more skills now to be more self-sufficient.
Annie’s mother died 10 days after her 59th birthday. Guess what? My mother died 48 days after my 59th birthday. Annie and her mother were never close, but she loved her just the same. Me and my mother were never close either. In fact, a few years ago I prayed and cried to God to please forgive her because “I FORGAVE HER”. And if I forgave her, He had no right to judge her on some things when her day comes. Well, her day did come November 17, 2022. And I tried so hard to connect with her, but it just never happened. I grieved what we didn’t have for 10 long months…until my husband died. I will tell you, this is a whole new level of grieving.
Annie had gone through all the emotions that I, myself, have gone through, and continue to go through. From simply going through daily motions and staying busy to get through the day, some days just sitting in my recliner staring at pictures across the room and barely breathing, remembering, crying, picturing his death over and over in my mind, remembering our last conversations, and praying to God to please have his soul…please, please, please. A couple of times I had a maniacal melt-down, pissed at him. I screamed and hollered and cussed him out and beat up some things. Some days the fear of isolation and aloneness just completely envelops me and I begin to doubt myself, my ability to even handle this life. My insecurities bubble over the top.
Annie went off-grid to find her strength and to make her way from scratch…because she had to. She had no money. I am actually living in the cheapest place I could possibly be living. My house was paid for last year after Mom & Dad’s house was sold and split between us three girls. I am literally 100% debt free…and plan to stay that way. I see now how God has shown his grace in so many ways throughout the year, all the way up until Ben’s death, preparing the way for me to live without my husband. God must know how weak I am, compared to what Annie had to go through.
But, I do have real fears to conquer. My greatest fear is going out into this world alone. It overpowers and is crippling for me. And whether God is nudging me, or I’m nudging myself because I’ve always loved hiking, when I ran across “The 365 Hiker’s Challenge” (365 miles in 365 days) on Facebook, which I have never heard of before in my life, I immediately jumped on it. This is where I have to muster up some faith, some courage. I HAVE to believe He will direct me and protect me as I start this new, uncharted journey of mine. Maybe it will be in the middle of one of these hikes, where I finally stop and say, “Okay, I’ve conquered it. I’ve had enough. I’m going home.” Or maybe this will open up more doors and repurpose my life because now, as it stands, it feels completely meaningless and devoid of purpose.
I purchased a second copy, $4.99 from Thriftbooks on 9/27/2023, after Ben’s death, to re-read. Not that I would ever consider going “off-grid”, because obviously I would never survive. But, this book is the most inspirational book for divorced or widowed women who have to now live alone and do all things and be the “be all”.
2017 REVIEW - What an amazing story! I have so much admiration for this lady. Love her writing style! Very easy reading! She seemed to fair better out on her own than when she was forced to return to civilization at the end.
SETTING: Bedias, Texas
UPDATE 2024 REVIEW - I first read this memoir six years ago, in 2017. One of the best I’ve ever read on survival off-grid. I was fascinated with her story. Annie Dobbs took care of her husband for two years before he finally succumbed to kidney failure due to a combination of drugs for treating his cancer. Her life would drastically change as she would soon discover he had cancelled his life insurance because he couldn’t afford it. That was the drugs working on his brain. She packed her bags and moved into an old, run-down, rent free farm house that her son had found for her, located on 50 acres in Bedias, Texas. Here, she would start her life over from scratch, learning survival skills along the way. Not always the best way, but it worked for her for 10 years until the owner of the property showed up at her door and gave her a one week notice to move out. He now had other plans for the property, and Annie would return to civilization near her kids and their families, where her life literallly went downhill from there.
I wanted to RE-read this story for inspiration. But, what I found is I now read this with completely new eyes. I was surprised with all the similarities between me and this author. Annie was in her 50’s and had been married to this second husband for 9 years when he died, and she went off-grid to find herself. I am 59. My husband was killed instantly in an automobile accident. We had been married for 36 years. There is that difference. Ben also had not cancelled his life insurance policy. So, I was and am still able to focus on other matters besides immediate survival issues.
But, how crazy that the last gift Annie wanted for her birthday before her husband died was a subscription to Backwoods Home Magazine, and the first thing I did after Ben died was subscribe to both Backwoods Home Magazine and Self-Reliance Magazine. Don’t get me wrong. I sure don’t plan on going off-grid at all. But, I do feel like I need to learn more skills now to be more self-sufficient.
Annie’s mother died 10 days after her 59th birthday. Guess what? My mother died 48 days after my 59th birthday. Annie and her mother were never close, but she loved her just the same. Me and my mother were never close either. In fact, a few years ago I prayed and cried to God to please forgive her because “I FORGAVE HER”. And if I forgave her, He had no right to judge her on some things when her day comes. Well, her day did come November 17, 2022. And I tried so hard to connect with her, but it just never happened. I grieved what we didn’t have for 10 long months…until my husband died. I will tell you, this is a whole new level of grieving.
Annie had gone through all the emotions that I, myself, have gone through, and continue to go through. From simply going through daily motions and staying busy to get through the day, some days just sitting in my recliner staring at pictures across the room and barely breathing, remembering, crying, picturing his death over and over in my mind, remembering our last conversations, and praying to God to please have his soul…please, please, please. A couple of times I had a maniacal melt-down, pissed at him. I screamed and hollered and cussed him out and beat up some things. Some days the fear of isolation and aloneness just completely envelops me and I begin to doubt myself, my ability to even handle this life. My insecurities bubble over the top.
Annie went off-grid to find her strength and to make her way from scratch…because she had to. She had no money. I am actually living in the cheapest place I could possibly be living. My house was paid for last year after Mom & Dad’s house was sold and split between us three girls. I am literally 100% debt free…and plan to stay that way. I see now how God has shown his grace in so many ways throughout the year, all the way up until Ben’s death, preparing the way for me to live without my husband. God must know how weak I am, compared to what Annie had to go through.
But, I do have real fears to conquer. My greatest fear is going out into this world alone. It overpowers and is crippling for me. And whether God is nudging me, or I’m nudging myself because I’ve always loved hiking, when I ran across “The 365 Hiker’s Challenge” (365 miles in 365 days) on Facebook, which I have never heard of before in my life, I immediately jumped on it. This is where I have to muster up some faith, some courage. I HAVE to believe He will direct me and protect me as I start this new, uncharted journey of mine. Maybe it will be in the middle of one of these hikes, where I finally stop and say, “Okay, I’ve conquered it. I’ve had enough. I’m going home.” Or maybe this will open up more doors and repurpose my life because now, as it stands, it feels completely meaningless and devoid of purpose.
I purchased a second copy, $4.99 from Thriftbooks on 9/27/2023, after Ben’s death, to re-read. Not that I would ever consider going “off-grid”, because obviously I would never survive. But, this book is the most inspirational book for divorced or widowed women who have to now live alone and do all things and be the “be all”.
2017 REVIEW - What an amazing story! I have so much admiration for this lady. Love her writing style! Very easy reading! She seemed to fair better out on her own than when she was forced to return to civilization at the end.
January 28, 2017
Not every book has to be a literary masterpiece to make an impression. This book is raw, honest, and definitely no literary masterpiece. In this particular case, the grammatical errors and disorganized order of events actually add to the reading experience. I was astounded by the poverty of the author's life and simultaneously impressed by her brash fortitude. This book opened my eyes to a side of American life I've been ignorant of and sheltered from. In the end, the author's personal story left quite an impression, giving me pause in regards to all that I take for granted in life; wow! Sometimes we all need a reality check from time to time. Thank you to Annie for sharing this touching story.
September 20, 2020
When reading a memoir, you never know what to expect, even given the descriptions available from the publisher and in reviews. I resisted reading this book for a long time because although I would like to live outside the city, I have no desire to live completely off the grid. Also, the clunky title as well as the author calling her own story "inspiring," which strikes me as a bit inappropriate, put me off.
Throughout the story, my opinion of Annie and her trials and troubles went back and forth. I did admire her determination. She took an incredibly difficult situation and made it, if not perfect, certainly much better than it was in the beginning. I understand her need to earn money, but the job she chose splitting logs, with its intense physical labor - not to mention horrible working conditions because of her employer's son - well, it was her choice but I can't imagine what it was like doing that job for six years. Just as I can't imagine willingly moving into a house with no electricity, no running water, and no bathroom, not even an outhouse.
Nonetheless, I kept reading because there is something fascinating about someone living in such primitive conditions and braving the elements. I know all too well what that area of the country is like, since I grew up about 150 miles southeast of where Annie's "ole House" is. Or was. There is no way of knowing whether the house still stands, which brings me to one of the things I found greatly frustrating about this book. It's Annie's story, and she has the right to leave out anything she doesn't want to share, but to say the landlord decided to "do something different" with the property - what does that mean? Why did she have only a week to vacate the premises? There were numerous instances like this, with details that would make situations easier to understand omitted.
In any case, the heat of summer in that area can be brutal, as Annie describes. And although winters were usually mild where I lived near the Gulf Coast, further inland where Annie lived, they could be severe as well, especially in a house with no insulation and no heat source except for a makeshift stove in the beginning and a real wood-burning stove later on.
There are other memoirs I've read that are inspiring until events take a turn late in the book, as they did here. Annie's story once she left the "ole House" was, unfortunately, quite typical of that area, and undoubtedly other areas as well. People make bad financial decisions and get in over their head all the time. When Annie was on her own, she made good decisions, for the most part, or at least she made decisions that were good for her. Once she moved near where her children lived, she seemed to lose her way. I know it's hard to say no to your children, but there are times when you have to tell them to grow up and stand on their own two feet. Annie herself admits that she made mistakes. For me, the book ended on something of a sour note, which even "Oldest Son's" generosity did not sweeten.
Throughout the story, my opinion of Annie and her trials and troubles went back and forth. I did admire her determination. She took an incredibly difficult situation and made it, if not perfect, certainly much better than it was in the beginning. I understand her need to earn money, but the job she chose splitting logs, with its intense physical labor - not to mention horrible working conditions because of her employer's son - well, it was her choice but I can't imagine what it was like doing that job for six years. Just as I can't imagine willingly moving into a house with no electricity, no running water, and no bathroom, not even an outhouse.
Nonetheless, I kept reading because there is something fascinating about someone living in such primitive conditions and braving the elements. I know all too well what that area of the country is like, since I grew up about 150 miles southeast of where Annie's "ole House" is. Or was. There is no way of knowing whether the house still stands, which brings me to one of the things I found greatly frustrating about this book. It's Annie's story, and she has the right to leave out anything she doesn't want to share, but to say the landlord decided to "do something different" with the property - what does that mean? Why did she have only a week to vacate the premises? There were numerous instances like this, with details that would make situations easier to understand omitted.
In any case, the heat of summer in that area can be brutal, as Annie describes. And although winters were usually mild where I lived near the Gulf Coast, further inland where Annie lived, they could be severe as well, especially in a house with no insulation and no heat source except for a makeshift stove in the beginning and a real wood-burning stove later on.
There are other memoirs I've read that are inspiring until events take a turn late in the book, as they did here. Annie's story once she left the "ole House" was, unfortunately, quite typical of that area, and undoubtedly other areas as well. People make bad financial decisions and get in over their head all the time. When Annie was on her own, she made good decisions, for the most part, or at least she made decisions that were good for her. Once she moved near where her children lived, she seemed to lose her way. I know it's hard to say no to your children, but there are times when you have to tell them to grow up and stand on their own two feet. Annie herself admits that she made mistakes. For me, the book ended on something of a sour note, which even "Oldest Son's" generosity did not sweeten.
July 17, 2015
I started reading Annie Dodds story from my kindle while working out on the elliptical. The more I read, the faster I pumped. From the beginning, this book grabbed me by the heart and wouldn’t let go until I had eagerly read to the end. This is a story that defines the human spirit at its finest…triumphant! Annie Dodds is a grieving widow, who is left homeless and nearly penniless – a burden most of us would crumble under, but not Annie Dodds! Annie picks herself up by the boot straps, wipes her tears and forges ahead in pursuit of a decades-old dream of living off-grid. However, as if life hasn’t heaped enough grief on Annie already, her expectant joy of finally realizing her quiet, self-reliant lifestyle is short lived when Annie steps into her “new” home for the first time. The run-down little house, which doubles as a leaning post for the chinaberry tree outside, has no power or running water, no cabinets, no stove- not even a bathroom, and enough accumulated dust to send anyone with the slightest of allergies running for dear life. While the house is lacking in modern conveniences, to Annie’s horror she discovers she has plenty of unwelcome intruders. Unable to sleep where rats, scorpions, spiders and snakes have taken up residence, poor Annie is driven to her truck where she will spend her first of many sleepless nights. Undaunted, Annie rolls her sleeves up and gets to work with a real determination. You will laugh and cry with Annie, but most of all you will come to love and admire her as I have. Her story is inspirational and will touch the lives of everyone who reads it. It certainly did mine!
July 8, 2017
Strange but compelling and uplifting
This is one of the oddest books I have ever read. I don't know if it's the naive writing style or the weird jumpy chronology. Nevertheless it is an inspiring story. The writer has to be one of the most indomitable characters ever. To a British reader much of the book's descriptions are of a totally alien existence but despite all this, one cannot but be inspired by the author. As I said, an uplifting read.
This is one of the oddest books I have ever read. I don't know if it's the naive writing style or the weird jumpy chronology. Nevertheless it is an inspiring story. The writer has to be one of the most indomitable characters ever. To a British reader much of the book's descriptions are of a totally alien existence but despite all this, one cannot but be inspired by the author. As I said, an uplifting read.
December 6, 2016
Abandoned. The story was more like a long drawn out letter written to a family member.
December 20, 2017
Fascinating story, writing is unsophisticated but story so engaging, I didn't mind.
August 30, 2022
This wasn't what I expected, but I wound up really enjoying this story of this type of off grid living, and I like how Mrs. Dodds uses "Oldest Son" and "The Postman" to refer to the other people in her life because it is so much easier to remember who everyone is. I bawled my eyes out at the last part of this; the general feeling of loss and leaving a signifcant part of your life behind is something I can relate to quite a lot.
April 3, 2018
A Wonderful Person in a Fascinating Life
I loved this book, reading it in one sitting because I couldn't put it down. This wonderful woman writes an honest memoir about her time going back, almost literally, to nature. She writes about the challenges, the beauty and her ongoing menagerie. Highly recommended.
I loved this book, reading it in one sitting because I couldn't put it down. This wonderful woman writes an honest memoir about her time going back, almost literally, to nature. She writes about the challenges, the beauty and her ongoing menagerie. Highly recommended.
November 26, 2016
I just finished reading this book and have mixed feelings. First, Ms. Dodds is no writer and the editing, or lack there of, is atrocious. Yet, I find myself greatly admiring what she did after the death of her husband. In a way, she kind of entered into a man's world and did it just as well, if not better. There were a few times I was a bit dismayed; when she takes her dogs to the vet for shots and to get fixed, but when one gets bit by a snake, she oddly, does nothing. It almost died, but thankfully, survived. I admired her common sense approach to life (sadly lacking in so many today) so was then a bit confused by a financial disaster she experiences later in life because of a very foolish decision. Strangely, it's the exact kind of decision that she had been shaking her head at a friend of hers making again and again for over 10+ years, but then does the same type of thing. I was still educated and entertained by her story though, despite all of those criticisms and still think the world would be a much better place with more "Annies" in it.
April 4, 2014
This is the memoir of a woman who followed a dream and moved off-grid after her husband died and left her homeless and without much money. The place she moved to was an old, rundown house with no electricity, no running water, and no bathroom, not even an outhouse!
The author is clearly not a professional writer, but she's a great story teller and I was hooked almost immediately and finished it in one day. The story does jump around from the past to the future in places as the author remembers things, but to me it made it feel like she was talking to me in my kitchen over tea. (I have a cousin who does the same thing whenever he's telling a story)
I hope I never find myself in her situation, but if I do, I hope I can find in myself the grit and determination to survive and flourish that she did.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys inspirational stories by and about women.
The author is clearly not a professional writer, but she's a great story teller and I was hooked almost immediately and finished it in one day. The story does jump around from the past to the future in places as the author remembers things, but to me it made it feel like she was talking to me in my kitchen over tea. (I have a cousin who does the same thing whenever he's telling a story)
I hope I never find myself in her situation, but if I do, I hope I can find in myself the grit and determination to survive and flourish that she did.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys inspirational stories by and about women.
December 17, 2017
A heartwarming, adventurous read.
Some of the book was too repetitive and made me lose interest, at times, but I was always drawn back to see what would happen next. The lifestyle of solving all the problems with the house, animals, protecting herself and home, and working with wood cutters, was fascinating and nail biting at times! Annie, and her faith, is an inspiration to me for sticking out, and not giving in, to all the difficulties she faced, even later on with famiy!
Some of the book was too repetitive and made me lose interest, at times, but I was always drawn back to see what would happen next. The lifestyle of solving all the problems with the house, animals, protecting herself and home, and working with wood cutters, was fascinating and nail biting at times! Annie, and her faith, is an inspiration to me for sticking out, and not giving in, to all the difficulties she faced, even later on with famiy!
August 3, 2015
I adored this book
Anne opens the door and allows you into her life in this wonderfully written book that is just bursting with the genuine, the honest, the raw, the beauty and tranquility . Anne hasn't just survived she has lived!
I don't see how anyone could read this and not glean something from it. Something to learn, something to reflect on and something to change you.
Anne opens the door and allows you into her life in this wonderfully written book that is just bursting with the genuine, the honest, the raw, the beauty and tranquility . Anne hasn't just survived she has lived!
I don't see how anyone could read this and not glean something from it. Something to learn, something to reflect on and something to change you.
November 12, 2016
Awesome
I thought I would like this book based on the title and the referrer, Backwoods Home. I started reading it just planning to read a little and go to sleep. I read til dawn and finished the book. Thank you Ann.
I thought I would like this book based on the title and the referrer, Backwoods Home. I started reading it just planning to read a little and go to sleep. I read til dawn and finished the book. Thank you Ann.
June 7, 2017
Great story about a woman determined to live by herself after her husband dies. Her story is inspirational and shows what one person can do when they decide what they want to do. From renovating her cabin to making do with odd materials, it's an interesting book that I could not put down.
December 22, 2017
Touching
The writer was very articulate in descriptions which really brought the story to life. Even without the few pictures, I could have really seen what she described and feel empathy for her situations. A lovely read. Such strength.
The writer was very articulate in descriptions which really brought the story to life. Even without the few pictures, I could have really seen what she described and feel empathy for her situations. A lovely read. Such strength.
July 27, 2017
I enjoyed this rustic autobiography of a courageous woman building a life for herself. Its not a great piece of literature but a true story told from her heart.
November 23, 2025
I would like to commend Annie on her resilience and her strength of character to be able to take on so many challenges always moving forward in such a positive manner. I have friends who live off the grid in the Yukon and it takes a great amount of strength, creativity, and fortitude to do so. I am attracted by it, and after my husband passed away, I roaned in a camper van off the grid for a large part of the time. It allowed me to get my footing and to join the world again, although I still love being away and I stll take to the road.
My Yukoners have little money also, but I never found them poor because their spirit was so strong. I was touched by Annie’s lack of money, and how she existed on virtually nothing, made the best of what she had and kept moving on.
When a parent dies, I think it often affects the children even more than the spouse or partner. Although I am sure the children were caught up in their own grief, but what I did not understand was the children’s lack of awareness of their mothers grief and how little they helped her. Yes, one son did come to visit from time to time, but over the period of time, it did not seem to be very much.
So I was caught by the story because living off the grid is attractive to me, although practically I do not think I have the resources to resolve all the problems that would rise and I certainly wouldn’t be able to carry a gun. Bear scare, yes for sure but not a gun. I am grateful that I can live like chunks of time with freedom, a movement and not worry about them where the next penny is coming from.
Keep it up Annie and I do hope you find happiness again, as good or better than in the ole house.,
My Yukoners have little money also, but I never found them poor because their spirit was so strong. I was touched by Annie’s lack of money, and how she existed on virtually nothing, made the best of what she had and kept moving on.
When a parent dies, I think it often affects the children even more than the spouse or partner. Although I am sure the children were caught up in their own grief, but what I did not understand was the children’s lack of awareness of their mothers grief and how little they helped her. Yes, one son did come to visit from time to time, but over the period of time, it did not seem to be very much.
So I was caught by the story because living off the grid is attractive to me, although practically I do not think I have the resources to resolve all the problems that would rise and I certainly wouldn’t be able to carry a gun. Bear scare, yes for sure but not a gun. I am grateful that I can live like chunks of time with freedom, a movement and not worry about them where the next penny is coming from.
Keep it up Annie and I do hope you find happiness again, as good or better than in the ole house.,
April 23, 2019
I listen to this book read by the author. Ms. Dodds has an interesting and entertains voice which I enjoyed. Her story was also interesting and believable.
It is difficult to picture a woman in her 50’s working as a wood splitter, but only because I know what tough work it is. Good on her! She says she was in the best shape of her life then.
I like that she found a way to tell her story without betraying anyone else’s privacy. And I found her story inspiring. She has spunk!
I did find the story a little confusing in a few places as she repeated herself occasionally and a few times the sequence of the story did not track. However, this does not take away from her story of being strong, independent and making her dream a reality.
What I found difficult was that her fierce independence of living off the grid, did not seem to transfer with her when she came back on the grid and hard times ensued. This is not to take away from her initial experience. A few wrong choices and trusting folks we probably should not could plunge any one of us into dire circumstances. She acknowledges her mistakes, her depression and her tiredness. Annie Dodd’s is a survivor and the reader can learn a thing or two from her story and be inspired by her fierce determination.
It is difficult to picture a woman in her 50’s working as a wood splitter, but only because I know what tough work it is. Good on her! She says she was in the best shape of her life then.
I like that she found a way to tell her story without betraying anyone else’s privacy. And I found her story inspiring. She has spunk!
I did find the story a little confusing in a few places as she repeated herself occasionally and a few times the sequence of the story did not track. However, this does not take away from her story of being strong, independent and making her dream a reality.
What I found difficult was that her fierce independence of living off the grid, did not seem to transfer with her when she came back on the grid and hard times ensued. This is not to take away from her initial experience. A few wrong choices and trusting folks we probably should not could plunge any one of us into dire circumstances. She acknowledges her mistakes, her depression and her tiredness. Annie Dodd’s is a survivor and the reader can learn a thing or two from her story and be inspired by her fierce determination.
September 22, 2017
Amazing story from Annie Dodds , about her going "off grid" after her husband's death... she had very little money, and was poor during most of the book... it really makes you wonder "what would you do?" in her shoes... and could you survive and even thrive ... as Annie did. Clearly, not many people would "thrive"... most of us wouldn't probably make it more than one year and one tough cold winter in a small farm house without electricity or running water.
But Annie had a long-time dream of living self sufficiently, "off-grid"... and her stories (although not always chronological )... are gripping. Her ingenuity is amazing... At times, her story bogs down a little, and you wish she would give more personal details (such as which towns did she go to)... But it's a very uplifting, amazing story. I tried to find out what happened to Annie, but was unable to. So it also leaves you wondering, "what happened after all these "off -grid" years. Great book.
But Annie had a long-time dream of living self sufficiently, "off-grid"... and her stories (although not always chronological )... are gripping. Her ingenuity is amazing... At times, her story bogs down a little, and you wish she would give more personal details (such as which towns did she go to)... But it's a very uplifting, amazing story. I tried to find out what happened to Annie, but was unable to. So it also leaves you wondering, "what happened after all these "off -grid" years. Great book.
July 23, 2020
Wow, wonderful book.
I did have some confusion on some stories. One about the 4 puppies being left in a box in her drive. She said one died and the other 2I'm not sure if they died too or she gave them away anyway that left one dog but her friend took it well the next paragraph further down she talked about the 4 dogs she got plus a kitten it seemed she jumped around and then she said her mother passed away but further down again she was talking about her mother and again she she died. I did notice a few things that didn't line up with what she said once and then said it differently further down in the book. The end of the book was a shocker with losing everything. Also living like that with nothing. It did seem a bit rough especially when we had all the stuff for a life in a world where we didn't have to do all that manual labor. It was a great book to read but it was a bit confusing too.
I did have some confusion on some stories. One about the 4 puppies being left in a box in her drive. She said one died and the other 2I'm not sure if they died too or she gave them away anyway that left one dog but her friend took it well the next paragraph further down she talked about the 4 dogs she got plus a kitten it seemed she jumped around and then she said her mother passed away but further down again she was talking about her mother and again she she died. I did notice a few things that didn't line up with what she said once and then said it differently further down in the book. The end of the book was a shocker with losing everything. Also living like that with nothing. It did seem a bit rough especially when we had all the stuff for a life in a world where we didn't have to do all that manual labor. It was a great book to read but it was a bit confusing too.
March 18, 2022
Not a book that will appeal to a majority of readers, but for me it was highly enjoyable. It is one woman’s desire to live a “back woods” life. After Annie’s husband dies and leaves her without enough to live on, she decides to follow this long time dream. In doing so she not only works through the grief of loosing her husband, she discovers who she really is and what she is really capable of doing. Ten years without electricity or indoor plumbing, she not only survives, she thrives! She is actually devastated when the rancher that has rented her the property and “The Ole House” decides to sell and she has to move back to the city—a suburb of Houston. The editing of the book needs assistance, but the actual story is highly interesting.
March 3, 2020
It’s an odd book, strangely written, and much of the content left me feeling uneasy - primarily the whack-job drug-affected people who came into her life, often with violence. I wanted a bit more Little House on the Prairie, a simpler tale of helpful folk and wholesome lives. But I loved Annie’s energy and drive and guts. A great reminder for us all about stuff ... it’s just stuff, and we really need to focus on the basics of water, food and shelter. I’d love to know what happened to her but can’t seem to track down an answer - does anyone know? I hope she went on to live a peaceful life because she sure deserved it.
August 3, 2022
It's good... Kinda strange in parts but overall it's a good story. Maybe I'm nitpicking but I felt the story could of ended about 3 chapters earlier. I know it's a true story but it seemed odd to preach the glories of self reliance and hard work, only to wrap it up with how much she loves her modern comforts. Maybe it's because it's a memoir, and not a fictional story that I'm not feeling the ending but overall I would recommend it.
May 25, 2024
WONDERFUL!
I loved this book! Read it in one day n dream of it many nights.
I so admire and am proud that you overcome and not just survived but you THRIVED!
I have always craved the outdoors. Peace, Nature,critters..
I prefer and embrace solitude. If I had the means, I would Off - Grid in a heartbeat.
Thank you Annie for letting me stay in your World for a while.And always, for the dreams!
I loved this book! Read it in one day n dream of it many nights.
I so admire and am proud that you overcome and not just survived but you THRIVED!
I have always craved the outdoors. Peace, Nature,critters..
I prefer and embrace solitude. If I had the means, I would Off - Grid in a heartbeat.
Thank you Annie for letting me stay in your World for a while.And always, for the dreams!
August 31, 2024
This is so much more than a “how to survive off grid” book. In fact it’s not really that at all. It’s a story of resilience, how to keep going after each and every roadblock or mishap. I found myself amazed by this story, each creatively labeled but anonymous character…the protagonists and antagonists of her life. I could picture them all, the land and animals included.
She’s fascinating, strong, simple, clever and brave.
She’s fascinating, strong, simple, clever and brave.
September 24, 2024
Raw, blunt and very real
I really enjoyed this book and liked the blunt way of writing that dehumanises in a way by removing names of people in the story but equally draws you into at times really harsh realities Annie had to live through. Total grit and determination shown by the author but I also felt the joy, calm and happiness felt while living this simpler way of life. A great read!
I really enjoyed this book and liked the blunt way of writing that dehumanises in a way by removing names of people in the story but equally draws you into at times really harsh realities Annie had to live through. Total grit and determination shown by the author but I also felt the joy, calm and happiness felt while living this simpler way of life. A great read!
April 1, 2023
Amazing strength of character!
I found your book very inspiring, I could relate to all your plans, inventions and your determination to make as good a life as you could for yourself in the circumstances you found yourself in. I am so grateful that you were able to share with us your life story. Thank you and bless you!
I found your book very inspiring, I could relate to all your plans, inventions and your determination to make as good a life as you could for yourself in the circumstances you found yourself in. I am so grateful that you were able to share with us your life story. Thank you and bless you!
February 25, 2024
Great story of life and a perspective on life
I would have love this woman as my family. I would have liked to follow her around and learned from her as a friend. This is a great story of perspective in what you want in life and if you have the grit, all things are possible! Enjoy. 🌻💕💝
I would have love this woman as my family. I would have liked to follow her around and learned from her as a friend. This is a great story of perspective in what you want in life and if you have the grit, all things are possible! Enjoy. 🌻💕💝
September 4, 2017
Interesting life poorly edited
Very ragged story telling. An interesting look at the author's choice to live without nearly every creature comfort, while plagued by a succession of worthless relatives.
Very ragged story telling. An interesting look at the author's choice to live without nearly every creature comfort, while plagued by a succession of worthless relatives.
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