Parables of a Resilient Nomad: 10 Years. 500 Kitchen Tables. No Map.

by Dawn Trautman

"I was already on the road when I lost my map."

Thus begins Dawn Trautman's unexpected journey from daughter of a picture perfect progressive pastor's family to betrayal, loss of community, and personal transformation. Finding that the life she had mapped out was no longer available, Dawn left her job, packed up her apartment, and spent nearly ten years on the road making her own map.

"Parables of a Resilient Nomad" chronicles wisdom gleaned from 500 kitchen tables (and more than a few church basements) across the globe. Blending memoir with insightful reflections, it challenges conventional narratives and extends an invitation for readers to bravely chart their own course, dance to their unique rhythm, and forge genuine connections - one kitchen table at a time.

178 pages, Paperback

Published September 17, 2024

Reviews

[Christine Davies · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is like having having a conversation with your much cooler and wiser friend. I loved getting to hear more of Dawn's story and apply her practical questions to help me reflect on my own life. It encouraged me to think about my own resilience and what I've learned along the way. I can't wait until the audio book comes out so I can listen to it - as Dawn has a great voice and I feel like I've gotten to know her by listening to her podcast Created Creative.

[Elizabeth Blood · Rating 5 out of 5]

This personal and engaging memoir is a master class in cultivating resilience in the midst of change. Honest and insightful, Dawn shares her story with wit and wisdom, flair and fun. Additionally, each chapter closes with reflection questions, guiding the reader to consider how they might craft their own roadmaps. This hopeful and encouraging book is not-to-be-missed!

[Kirsten Egenes · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is a delight to spend time walking alongside Dawn as she shares both her story and her hard-earned wisdom. None of us have a life that goes "according to plan", and these parables offer a clear-eyed view of how to handle our challenges and forge our own paths with clarity and bravery. A digestible read that you could easily read straight through or read parable-by-parable for short nuggets of inspiration to fill your soul.