Following the White Marks: A Memoir of Unexpected Crazy and Divine Direction

by Chris J. MacDonald

A planned trip to Mount Katahdin suddenly became of utmost importance to Chris.
One significant day on a rugged wilderness trail changed her life and prepared her for the unexpected twists and turns on the path ahead.

Following the White Marks is more than the story of a timely mountain hike, a strange summer, and a tiny bottle of pills. Chris recounts the before and after marked by themes of faith, hope, love, and guidance.

222 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 24, 2025

Reviews

[Rebekah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Breaking my usual rule of not rating memoirs because I’m biased, I know the author 😊
I’ve read reviews of memoirs before that have been summed up, as why did they write this!? Why did they think their life was interesting or special enough to be put to page? Maybe because human existence is interesting and everyone has lived a different journey. Chris’s story is worthy of paper because she endured, something mind boggling (bottling as my Nannie would say haha)happened to her and her faith carried her through. Following the White Marks is a testament to love, friendship, and family.
A wonderful book to pick up for 30 minutes and fully immerse yourself in. Cozy is a word I would use to describe it, even when you’re in a hospital in Montreal. There is so much humour in the book, sometimes to the author’s embarrassment. I love a book that you can pick up and put down at your leisure, books with short chapters or lots of breaks.
The acknowledgments made me cry, and not just because I’m acknowledged.
I will be making a companion playlist, Chris references a lot of songs in the book and it would be so fun to listen along as you read.

[Amanda MacDonald · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ll start by saying my review may be biased as the Author is family. However, it is a true statement to say that I opened this book late one afternoon and didn’t put it down until I read the last page that night. There were no “lulls” in the book, every page was interesting, or humorous .. or heartbreaking. I was not bored at any moment with this read. If I were to sum the book up in one word I would use the word “Inspiring” I felt lighter after reading it, grateful even and it bestowed on me a new perspective in life. Regardless of knowing the author or not I call this a must read if you need some hope and light in your life!

[Fantasy Awash]

Following the White Marks is a deeply personal journey about acceptance, grief, faith, and learning to follow the signs.

After embarking into a new stage of life, Chris is presented with a life altering situation. One that will push her to euphoric highs, and depressing lows. It's a journey she undertakes for herself, all the while learning to look for the signs. The markers.

For everything there is a season, and Chris's journey is proof of that.

[Trena McNulty · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m a slow reader and I finished this in 3 days! This book is filled with faith, humour and hope. Although a health crisis is never a pleasant experience Chris faces it with steadfast faith and assurance. Loved it! 5 stars!

[Jodi Morris-Pond · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good. Quick read. Local author.