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Driving Miss Norma: One Family's Journey Saying "Yes" to Living
When Miss Norma was diagnosed with uterine cancer, she was advised to undergo surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. But instead of confining herself to a hospital bed for what could be her last stay, Miss Norma—newly widowed after nearly seven decades of marriage—rose to her full height of five feet and told her doctor, “I’m ninety years old. I’m hitting the road.”
And so Miss Norma took off on an unforgettable around-the-country journey in a thirty-six-foot motor home with her retired son Tim, his wife Ramie, and their dog Ringo.
As this once timid woman says “yes” to living in the face of death, she tries regional foods for the first time, reaches for the clouds in a hot air balloon, and mounts up for a horseback ride. With each passing mile (and one educational visit to a cannabis dispensary), Miss Norma’s health improves and conversations that had once been taboo begin to unfold. Norma, Tim, and Ramie bond in ways they had never done before, and their definitions of home, family, and friendship expand. Stop by stop, state by state, they meet countless people from all walks of life—strangers who become fast friends and welcome them with kindness and open hearts.
Infused with this irrepressible nonagenarian’s wisdom, courage, and generous spirit, Driving Miss Norma is the charming, infectiously joyous chronicle of their experiences on the road. It portrays a transformative journey of living life on your own terms that shows us that it is never too late to begin an adventure, inspire hope, or become a trailblazer.
And so Miss Norma took off on an unforgettable around-the-country journey in a thirty-six-foot motor home with her retired son Tim, his wife Ramie, and their dog Ringo.
As this once timid woman says “yes” to living in the face of death, she tries regional foods for the first time, reaches for the clouds in a hot air balloon, and mounts up for a horseback ride. With each passing mile (and one educational visit to a cannabis dispensary), Miss Norma’s health improves and conversations that had once been taboo begin to unfold. Norma, Tim, and Ramie bond in ways they had never done before, and their definitions of home, family, and friendship expand. Stop by stop, state by state, they meet countless people from all walks of life—strangers who become fast friends and welcome them with kindness and open hearts.
Infused with this irrepressible nonagenarian’s wisdom, courage, and generous spirit, Driving Miss Norma is the charming, infectiously joyous chronicle of their experiences on the road. It portrays a transformative journey of living life on your own terms that shows us that it is never too late to begin an adventure, inspire hope, or become a trailblazer.
239 pages, Hardcover
First published May 2, 2017
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5012 people want to read
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May 3, 2017
!! NOW AVAILABLE !!
4.5 Stars
At the advanced age of 90, Norma Jean Bauerschmidt from Presque Island, Michigan had just lost her husband when she was given a diagnosis of cancer. Instead of spending days, months or longer staying in a hospital, or living a life spent in and out of the hospital, surgery, treatments, she opted for a different kind of medicine. Love. Family. Time.
She hit the road with her son Tim and his wife Ramie – and oh, yes, their dog Ringo, a Standard Poodle, living in a motor home and driving around the country following Norma’s dreams of places she’d longed to visit, but never had. Life has a way of getting in the way of dreams sometimes – but she’d had years of that, and now she was going to see as much as her body would allow.
”I think I’d like to come along.” was what she said.
It was as simple as that. And in the space of a breath, we began to plan a road trip with my frail, grieving mother knowing that our lives would be utterly transformed.”
Oh the place you went, Miss Norma!
Wisconsin!
Well… it may not sound all that exciting, but when you get to be 90 and have never even visited one of the states next to you, it’s another accomplishment, it’s something you’ve never done before.
Hot air ballooning!
”It was Norma who broke the silence. Her gloved hands lay gently on the leather-wrapped edge of the basket and her knitted prayer shawl covered her head and shoulders. The bright sun illuminated her face. She was glowing inside and out, just like the balloon. She looked up at Tim, a huge smile on her face, and she said, ‘Dad would have liked this.’”
Whale watching! The Grand Canyon! Hilton Head! Savannah! You sat in fields of lavender!
You rode in a parade… and so much more.
Ramie had created a blog for the travels before about her and Tim’s adventures, now she created a facebook page, "Driving Miss Norma," adding Norma’s journey along with theirs. Hesitantly, thinking that their few followers would let her know by the lack of “likes” if this wasn’t working. As it was they really didn’t have that many to worry about, but Norma’s journey slowly became their journey, too. People recommended places to stop, offered their homes or to meet up with them if they were coming through their area. They loved this journey she was on, and let her know.
Thirty-two states showed their love in various ways, and as these things tend to grow, as way led onto way, and time passed, what grew was the number of people supporting her cause. From less than a hundred to thousands of people offered her encouragement and support. At first, Norma didn’t understand why anyone out there would even know about her, or when they heard her story, why they would even care, but why complain when you’re getting a few wonderful meals here and there, some trinkets for her “squirrel drawer.”
Beyond that, Norma knew that somehow, her journey was helping others, a priceless gift.
Thousands of miles, thirty-two states, monuments, National parks, hotels, and more than the occasional Home Depot or Wal-Mart parking lots were visited, a home for their home for the night.
Told in alternating chapters between Tim, her son, and his wife Ramie, this covers a lot of ground. There’s some of the family history courtesy of Tim, and a different perspective from Ramie. There’s a very balanced view of the difficulties involved in living with someone whose health is precarious, and being honest when it felt like it was time to take a break. Most of all, there is love and joy. So much joy.
What a lovely tribute to a courageous and loving woman and her family.
Recommended! (Tissues are also recommended)
Pub Date: 2 May 2017
Many thanks for the ARC provided by HarperOne
4.5 Stars
At the advanced age of 90, Norma Jean Bauerschmidt from Presque Island, Michigan had just lost her husband when she was given a diagnosis of cancer. Instead of spending days, months or longer staying in a hospital, or living a life spent in and out of the hospital, surgery, treatments, she opted for a different kind of medicine. Love. Family. Time.
She hit the road with her son Tim and his wife Ramie – and oh, yes, their dog Ringo, a Standard Poodle, living in a motor home and driving around the country following Norma’s dreams of places she’d longed to visit, but never had. Life has a way of getting in the way of dreams sometimes – but she’d had years of that, and now she was going to see as much as her body would allow.
”I think I’d like to come along.” was what she said.
It was as simple as that. And in the space of a breath, we began to plan a road trip with my frail, grieving mother knowing that our lives would be utterly transformed.”
Oh the place you went, Miss Norma!
Wisconsin!
Well… it may not sound all that exciting, but when you get to be 90 and have never even visited one of the states next to you, it’s another accomplishment, it’s something you’ve never done before.
Hot air ballooning!
”It was Norma who broke the silence. Her gloved hands lay gently on the leather-wrapped edge of the basket and her knitted prayer shawl covered her head and shoulders. The bright sun illuminated her face. She was glowing inside and out, just like the balloon. She looked up at Tim, a huge smile on her face, and she said, ‘Dad would have liked this.’”
Whale watching! The Grand Canyon! Hilton Head! Savannah! You sat in fields of lavender!
You rode in a parade… and so much more.
Ramie had created a blog for the travels before about her and Tim’s adventures, now she created a facebook page, "Driving Miss Norma," adding Norma’s journey along with theirs. Hesitantly, thinking that their few followers would let her know by the lack of “likes” if this wasn’t working. As it was they really didn’t have that many to worry about, but Norma’s journey slowly became their journey, too. People recommended places to stop, offered their homes or to meet up with them if they were coming through their area. They loved this journey she was on, and let her know.
Thirty-two states showed their love in various ways, and as these things tend to grow, as way led onto way, and time passed, what grew was the number of people supporting her cause. From less than a hundred to thousands of people offered her encouragement and support. At first, Norma didn’t understand why anyone out there would even know about her, or when they heard her story, why they would even care, but why complain when you’re getting a few wonderful meals here and there, some trinkets for her “squirrel drawer.”
Beyond that, Norma knew that somehow, her journey was helping others, a priceless gift.
Thousands of miles, thirty-two states, monuments, National parks, hotels, and more than the occasional Home Depot or Wal-Mart parking lots were visited, a home for their home for the night.
Told in alternating chapters between Tim, her son, and his wife Ramie, this covers a lot of ground. There’s some of the family history courtesy of Tim, and a different perspective from Ramie. There’s a very balanced view of the difficulties involved in living with someone whose health is precarious, and being honest when it felt like it was time to take a break. Most of all, there is love and joy. So much joy.
What a lovely tribute to a courageous and loving woman and her family.
Recommended! (Tissues are also recommended)
Pub Date: 2 May 2017
Many thanks for the ARC provided by HarperOne
April 19, 2017
Driving Miss Norma is an absolutely fantastic read. In the midst of these trying times, this book restored my faith in humanity and had me either laughing or crying the entire time I was reading it. When I started reading Driving Miss Norma, I was unfamiliar with the Facebook page that chronicled 90-year-old Norma’s extended journey across the United States with her son and daughter-in-law, Tim Bauerschmidt and Ramie Liddle, and their dog Ringo. I chose not to seek out the Facebook page but instead read the book and let the story unfold as I read. If you are not familiar with the story, I would encourage you to do the same. There were so many fun surprises and entertaining tales, and I was very glad that I had not spoiled the book by checking out the Facebook page first.
Norma, Tim, Ramie and Ringo visited a wide range of locales. We frequently road trip as a family so I enjoyed reading about Norma’s experiences at places we have visited ourselves like South Dakota. It was so fun to hear Norma’s thoughts on Mt. Rushmore, Wall Drug, the Corn Palace and the Black Hills. I also added a number of places to our travel list after reading about them in this book.
Facebook created a platform for Norma’s story and allowed so many kind people to open up their homes and towns to Norma, Tim and Ramie. I do not want to spoil the book so all I will say is that Norma brought out the best in people across the country. Time and again, I was amazed and impressed with the treatment she and her family received as she traveled.
The authors chose to alternate chapters which I felt was a very effective way to relay their tale. While much of the book focuses on the places they visited and the people they met, I was glad that Ramie also addressed their role as caregivers and how difficult that job can be, especially if you are traveling in an RV with a 90-year-old woman. My one complaint about the book was that no pictures were included. I read an ARC so that may be one of the items that will be added before publication, but photographs would really enhance the story.
I think everyone should read Driving Miss Norma; it is such a beautiful story. Thanks to HarperOne for the chance to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Norma, Tim, Ramie and Ringo visited a wide range of locales. We frequently road trip as a family so I enjoyed reading about Norma’s experiences at places we have visited ourselves like South Dakota. It was so fun to hear Norma’s thoughts on Mt. Rushmore, Wall Drug, the Corn Palace and the Black Hills. I also added a number of places to our travel list after reading about them in this book.
Facebook created a platform for Norma’s story and allowed so many kind people to open up their homes and towns to Norma, Tim and Ramie. I do not want to spoil the book so all I will say is that Norma brought out the best in people across the country. Time and again, I was amazed and impressed with the treatment she and her family received as she traveled.
The authors chose to alternate chapters which I felt was a very effective way to relay their tale. While much of the book focuses on the places they visited and the people they met, I was glad that Ramie also addressed their role as caregivers and how difficult that job can be, especially if you are traveling in an RV with a 90-year-old woman. My one complaint about the book was that no pictures were included. I read an ARC so that may be one of the items that will be added before publication, but photographs would really enhance the story.
I think everyone should read Driving Miss Norma; it is such a beautiful story. Thanks to HarperOne for the chance to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 3, 2019
Driving Miss Norma is the real-life story of Norma, a ninety-year-old widow who is diagnosed with cancer. Instead of undergoing surgery, chemo and radiation, Norma decides to hit the road in a RV with her son and daughter-in-law. She had not travelled very much until then and her voyage resonated with many people along her path. She was honored, made new friends and became a star. The lesson I learned from this lovely little book is that we spend a lot of time working on the quality of our lives without realizing that it also important to die well. A little gem of a book and a lovely old woman.
June 19, 2017
This was a "blind date" book - one of those fun books wrapped in brown paper at the bookstore with a few hints about what might be inside. I think this one just said, "Epic family journey". So, one $3 donation later and I had this book in my hands.
The book is both a family memoir and a travel log. The authors, a couple, write about taking their 90 year old, dying mother (in-law) for an epic road rip around the U.S. The authors are travelers, never really staying in one place for more than a few months and living pretty much exclusively out of their camper. When Miss Norma gets diagnosed with cancer, they invite her to stay with them in the RV. She agrees and goes on to have a bunch of adventures. Eventually, I guess Miss Norma was became a Facebook sensation who made also made the national news and did the morning talk show circuit, but I missed all that.
While I really enjoyed hearing Miss Norma's story and was touched by her journey and ability to embrace her remaining days, I found the authors to be a bit insufferable. They both seemed so damn put out about taking care of their mother (in law). Like it was really messing with their oh-so-enlightened, media-free, holier-than-thou lifestyle. And, I hated that the story became about them and what they got out of the trip, with Miss Norma there as sort of a prop for their own journey toward self-discovery. I'm sure they are good people and they definitely did a good thing by Miss Norma, but the tone was a bit hard to take.
The book is both a family memoir and a travel log. The authors, a couple, write about taking their 90 year old, dying mother (in-law) for an epic road rip around the U.S. The authors are travelers, never really staying in one place for more than a few months and living pretty much exclusively out of their camper. When Miss Norma gets diagnosed with cancer, they invite her to stay with them in the RV. She agrees and goes on to have a bunch of adventures. Eventually, I guess Miss Norma was became a Facebook sensation who made also made the national news and did the morning talk show circuit, but I missed all that.
While I really enjoyed hearing Miss Norma's story and was touched by her journey and ability to embrace her remaining days, I found the authors to be a bit insufferable. They both seemed so damn put out about taking care of their mother (in law). Like it was really messing with their oh-so-enlightened, media-free, holier-than-thou lifestyle. And, I hated that the story became about them and what they got out of the trip, with Miss Norma there as sort of a prop for their own journey toward self-discovery. I'm sure they are good people and they definitely did a good thing by Miss Norma, but the tone was a bit hard to take.
May 21, 2017
A very heartwarming story! I remember reading about this woman on the news. She's really great!!
October 29, 2017
For Norma alone, I would give 5 stars! Norma was a sweet yet tough lady who made an awesome decision at the end of her life to make the most of every last moment. The reason for my 2 stars is down to the authors!
This story didn't end up following the spiritual and emotional journey I expected it to. Instead SO much of it was focused on the attention and fame that they got out of it. It said it all to me that Norma's diary at the end mentioned nothing about the fame aspect, whereas Tim acknowledges himself that fame was one of the "big themes" in their journey for him and Ramie.
Ramie delivered self-indulgent paragraphs about all the charity work she's done and how hard it was for her accepting she could "only" help this one person instead of all the people she normally does... and I was beyond belief when she put Norma feeling unwell down to a potential homophobic reaction to her lesbian friend's wedding. I mean seriously?? It was that unbelievable to her that an old lady with terminal cancer may be ill at "inconvenient" times??
Initially, I enjoyed Tim's chapters, but then his also started becoming littered with references to people falling over themselves to give them freebies and the celebrities they met. At one point he even remarked how "powerful" their family had become for inspiring a "billionaire" to spend more time with his family, as if that was somehow more powerful and touching than inspiring an average or poor person to do the same.
After losing my nan earlier this year to cancer, I expected this to be an emotional read and to relate strongly to everyone involved. Although I loved reading about Norma, I couldn't relate to the authors at all. I think they missed so many opportunities to really reflect on their growing bond with Norma and the realisations they were making about life, rather than that being a tiny element and the rest being about everyone who gushed over them. As much as I'm sure their intentions were all positive, they didn't show the best of themselves at all!
That being said, Norma clearly loved her final days and I'm sure behind the scenes that was always the focus. "Bravo Norma! I <3 you!" [Paulo Coelho] xx
This story didn't end up following the spiritual and emotional journey I expected it to. Instead SO much of it was focused on the attention and fame that they got out of it. It said it all to me that Norma's diary at the end mentioned nothing about the fame aspect, whereas Tim acknowledges himself that fame was one of the "big themes" in their journey for him and Ramie.
Ramie delivered self-indulgent paragraphs about all the charity work she's done and how hard it was for her accepting she could "only" help this one person instead of all the people she normally does... and I was beyond belief when she put Norma feeling unwell down to a potential homophobic reaction to her lesbian friend's wedding. I mean seriously?? It was that unbelievable to her that an old lady with terminal cancer may be ill at "inconvenient" times??
Initially, I enjoyed Tim's chapters, but then his also started becoming littered with references to people falling over themselves to give them freebies and the celebrities they met. At one point he even remarked how "powerful" their family had become for inspiring a "billionaire" to spend more time with his family, as if that was somehow more powerful and touching than inspiring an average or poor person to do the same.
After losing my nan earlier this year to cancer, I expected this to be an emotional read and to relate strongly to everyone involved. Although I loved reading about Norma, I couldn't relate to the authors at all. I think they missed so many opportunities to really reflect on their growing bond with Norma and the realisations they were making about life, rather than that being a tiny element and the rest being about everyone who gushed over them. As much as I'm sure their intentions were all positive, they didn't show the best of themselves at all!
That being said, Norma clearly loved her final days and I'm sure behind the scenes that was always the focus. "Bravo Norma! I <3 you!" [Paulo Coelho] xx
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 27, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
An excellent audiobook, an absolutely delightful story with heartwarming and engaging characters.
An excellent audiobook, an absolutely delightful story with heartwarming and engaging characters.
April 2, 2017
I finished this morning and how I got through it without sobbing out loud is a miracle. Everyone is going to fall in love with not only Norma and her family (including Ringo), but everyone who embraced Norma and made her feel special. And Norma is a woman after my own heart. Not only does she love to read, but she loves to shop for new clothes and keep her haired permed. :-) I want to be just like her when I grow up and also hope to face what she did with the grace and dignity she displayed. As one who is still enamored of the "RV lifestyle," I also loved the stories of being on the road.
This reminded me of David Rosenfeldt's DOGTRIPPING, the true story of how he and a gang of caring volunteers moved 25 dogs cross-country via RV. That's another one made me both laugh and cry.
Thanks to HarperCollins for the advance reading copy in exchange for an honest review.
This reminded me of David Rosenfeldt's DOGTRIPPING, the true story of how he and a gang of caring volunteers moved 25 dogs cross-country via RV. That's another one made me both laugh and cry.
Thanks to HarperCollins for the advance reading copy in exchange for an honest review.
December 12, 2017
Might have been a great book if written by Norma. The authors are self centered and tone deaf about how demeaning they sound when describing their parents and how wonderful they are for the "sacrifices" they make in briefly caring for them. The daughter in law particularly comes off as in it only for the media and attention. Ugh.
May 28, 2017
Wonderful inspiring story! May all of us have the courage to face death (and life) like Miss Norma did. What more could one wish for than adventure, the closeness of loved ones and a death free of artificial constructs.
June 19, 2017
This is a hard one for me. I love what Norma’s son and daughter-in-law did for her, but throughout the book, I kept wondering if Ramie knew what a weak man that she was married to. That if anything happened to her, her husband Tim would not be able to take care of her. I have never read a memoir where a grown man would willingly tell his readers that he was too afraid of the world knowing his name, or having to leave a room when a bandage was needed. A man that left it up to his wife to be the caregiver to his own mother that he himself should have been. He came across as a very selfish child and I feel that he distracted from the story that was being told.
After the death of her husband, nonagenarian Norma received her own cancer diagnosis. When given the treatment options, of which none sounded appealing, she weighed her options and decides to hit the road with Tim and Ramie -- which is a good thing since I wonder if her son would have left her in a care facility so he could return to his own self-indulgent nomadic lifestyle. Together, this band of three plus a dog, hit the road to embark on a yearlong adventure.
From the accounts relayed, it sounded as if Norma was kept cloistered by an overbearing husband and when the opportunity to see and experience parts of the US, that she had only dreamed of, she took hold and in doing so, would slowly come out of her shell and live the life that was denied her.
There is laughter and optimism in this book, there are times when I wanted to shake a selfish man and hug a daughter-in-law. Ramie was tested in ways that she was not prepared for, yet took on so she could give a woman that she had grown to love, the final days that she deserved. This was also a healing trip for Norma, she never spoke about the death of her only daughter until she met a woman on her journey that had also lost a child and realized that sometimes people are put in your life to help you to heal and that is what both this woman and this journey did for Norma.
That is the part that I am going to focus on. I am not going to count the number of times that Tim spoke about himself or lamented that his privacy was invaded (yet he did not have a problem when he was the center of attention or free accommodations were given to them). I am going to remember Norma as a person that was finally able to live her moments and to meet and share her story with the people that would carry her to final days with a smile on her face.
After the death of her husband, nonagenarian Norma received her own cancer diagnosis. When given the treatment options, of which none sounded appealing, she weighed her options and decides to hit the road with Tim and Ramie -- which is a good thing since I wonder if her son would have left her in a care facility so he could return to his own self-indulgent nomadic lifestyle. Together, this band of three plus a dog, hit the road to embark on a yearlong adventure.
From the accounts relayed, it sounded as if Norma was kept cloistered by an overbearing husband and when the opportunity to see and experience parts of the US, that she had only dreamed of, she took hold and in doing so, would slowly come out of her shell and live the life that was denied her.
There is laughter and optimism in this book, there are times when I wanted to shake a selfish man and hug a daughter-in-law. Ramie was tested in ways that she was not prepared for, yet took on so she could give a woman that she had grown to love, the final days that she deserved. This was also a healing trip for Norma, she never spoke about the death of her only daughter until she met a woman on her journey that had also lost a child and realized that sometimes people are put in your life to help you to heal and that is what both this woman and this journey did for Norma.
That is the part that I am going to focus on. I am not going to count the number of times that Tim spoke about himself or lamented that his privacy was invaded (yet he did not have a problem when he was the center of attention or free accommodations were given to them). I am going to remember Norma as a person that was finally able to live her moments and to meet and share her story with the people that would carry her to final days with a smile on her face.
July 13, 2022
A great story of a journey on the rv road .Tim Bauerschmidt and wife Ramie Liddle embraced Miss Norma's(Tim's mom) desire to not treat her uterine ca at age 90, but instead took to the road exploring 37 states in a rv. Their standard poodle, Ringo, became Miss Norma's faithful companion. The joy and fun of discovery travel yields is matched by the deepening of the family bond.Learning to be together, healing, trusting one another made the sights and doings all that much better. Even as I smiled my way thru this story I felt a disquiet that medicine couldn't have been used to intervene in the ca dx .heart disease can be managed too. I do not consider 90 a good enough stopping place in living.i felt a bit sad Miss Norma did not continue to enjoy tripping all along the beautiful American roadways.
July 28, 2019
A total mixed bag for me, since I, too, have a 90 year old mother. We have already traveled extensively over the entire country. Tens of thousands of miles. I was excited to read this.
Well, we weren't so well-off as these folks, and we didn't have the internet. We stayed in tents and cheap motels when we were younger, for our two-week vacations, and now, we don't travel as often, but we only stay with friends and in mostly motels that leave the light on for you.
On the other hand, we had stationary homes to return to, jobs, obligations to be at a punch-clock. I cannot imagine how to do what they did, because I would never have the means.
Before you think that I'm jealous, I'm not. I am insanely luckier than these folks, because my journey with my mom was over a lifetime. We didn't wait to squeeze it into a final year, as she was dying. I wondered how differently our travel experiences affected us than they affected this trio of mom, son, and his partner for life. What a lovely prospect!
It didn't deliver.
What really disappointed me is the 'tourist' attitude toward the country. This particular story went viral, and all of a sudden, these people were heroes that rode in parades and were feted and treated like visiting royalty because they were what? There weren't travel stories as much as 'wow, aren't we great' stories.
Bottom line, it felt like a 'me, me, me' book. I got no real sense of Norma, at all. Excerpts of her journal were read aloud after she was dead. In the last chapter.
Sorry, she wasn't a prop, but she sure felt like it. I ended up not liking the authors much. Their celebrity status became the thrust of the book. It left me flat. Norma beamed, held her own in conversations, and enjoyed the ride, according to the authors. Where was her voice here? They were the tour guides, telling, but not showing.
What I can't get is why the people that welcomed them, did. Guilt, or inability to do it themselves, and wanted to cheer on one family that could? The tv shows, well, are just tv. Boring.
Honestly, I didn't feel all warm and fuzzy, and that's what I had hoped for. I enjoyed Bettyville much more, because I got a true sense of both Betty, and her son.
I am happier with my journey with my mom, daughter, and the rest of my family. We traveled, and now, I know that I'm the luckier one, without all the fanfare, tv appearances, and foolishness. We wandered, we talked to locals as 'just folks' and we had a bonding experience over a lifetime that now, I am more grateful for than ever before.
That's why 3 stars.
Well, we weren't so well-off as these folks, and we didn't have the internet. We stayed in tents and cheap motels when we were younger, for our two-week vacations, and now, we don't travel as often, but we only stay with friends and in mostly motels that leave the light on for you.
On the other hand, we had stationary homes to return to, jobs, obligations to be at a punch-clock. I cannot imagine how to do what they did, because I would never have the means.
Before you think that I'm jealous, I'm not. I am insanely luckier than these folks, because my journey with my mom was over a lifetime. We didn't wait to squeeze it into a final year, as she was dying. I wondered how differently our travel experiences affected us than they affected this trio of mom, son, and his partner for life. What a lovely prospect!
It didn't deliver.
What really disappointed me is the 'tourist' attitude toward the country. This particular story went viral, and all of a sudden, these people were heroes that rode in parades and were feted and treated like visiting royalty because they were what? There weren't travel stories as much as 'wow, aren't we great' stories.
Bottom line, it felt like a 'me, me, me' book. I got no real sense of Norma, at all. Excerpts of her journal were read aloud after she was dead. In the last chapter.
Sorry, she wasn't a prop, but she sure felt like it. I ended up not liking the authors much. Their celebrity status became the thrust of the book. It left me flat. Norma beamed, held her own in conversations, and enjoyed the ride, according to the authors. Where was her voice here? They were the tour guides, telling, but not showing.
What I can't get is why the people that welcomed them, did. Guilt, or inability to do it themselves, and wanted to cheer on one family that could? The tv shows, well, are just tv. Boring.
Honestly, I didn't feel all warm and fuzzy, and that's what I had hoped for. I enjoyed Bettyville much more, because I got a true sense of both Betty, and her son.
I am happier with my journey with my mom, daughter, and the rest of my family. We traveled, and now, I know that I'm the luckier one, without all the fanfare, tv appearances, and foolishness. We wandered, we talked to locals as 'just folks' and we had a bonding experience over a lifetime that now, I am more grateful for than ever before.
That's why 3 stars.
May 2, 2025
Digital audiobook narrated by Christopher Grove and Nan McNamara
Subtitle: One Family's Journey Saying "Yes" to Living
Alternate subtitle: : An Inspirational Story About What Really Matters at the End of Life
When his mother was diagnosed with uterine cancer at age 90, Tim Bauerschmidt and his wife had some decisions to make. They had been living “on the road” for a few years already and had returned to his childhood home when his father passed away. But now he couldn’t leave his mother alone with this devastating illness. Norma decided she did NOT want to live her last months “sick” … and even sicker from the recommended treatment. She also didn’t want to be in a hospital or nursing home setting. So, she decided to go along with Tim and Ramie as they travelled the USA. This is a memoir of that year on the road.
Make no mistake, this was not an easy decision to make, and it took time, effort, resources and planning. But they were lucky, too. After posting about their journey on Facebook, and some friends sharing the posts, they had over 500 followers. Ramie then sent an email to the Good News Network to see if they’d like to do a feature article, and the network agreed, posting their “Driving Miss Norma” episode. In a day, their likes had jumped to 1,800 and they’d been contacted by CBS Evening News asking to do a feature story. Within a week they had 91,000 (!) likes. And offers of unique experiences came rolling in.
The lesson here, though, is all about Norma’s (and Tim’s & Ramie’s) reactions to all these opportunities. They embraced living. They said “yes” to most every offer. They set aside fears and “what ifs,” choosing instead to go with the flow and just enjoy the experience.
It’s a fine memoir and inspired this reader to be more open to life’s journey.
The audiobook is narrated by Christopher Grove and Nan McNamara, voicing Tim and Ramie’s chapters respectively. Having two narrators made it very clear which was writing which sections.
Subtitle: One Family's Journey Saying "Yes" to Living
Alternate subtitle: : An Inspirational Story About What Really Matters at the End of Life
When his mother was diagnosed with uterine cancer at age 90, Tim Bauerschmidt and his wife had some decisions to make. They had been living “on the road” for a few years already and had returned to his childhood home when his father passed away. But now he couldn’t leave his mother alone with this devastating illness. Norma decided she did NOT want to live her last months “sick” … and even sicker from the recommended treatment. She also didn’t want to be in a hospital or nursing home setting. So, she decided to go along with Tim and Ramie as they travelled the USA. This is a memoir of that year on the road.
Make no mistake, this was not an easy decision to make, and it took time, effort, resources and planning. But they were lucky, too. After posting about their journey on Facebook, and some friends sharing the posts, they had over 500 followers. Ramie then sent an email to the Good News Network to see if they’d like to do a feature article, and the network agreed, posting their “Driving Miss Norma” episode. In a day, their likes had jumped to 1,800 and they’d been contacted by CBS Evening News asking to do a feature story. Within a week they had 91,000 (!) likes. And offers of unique experiences came rolling in.
The lesson here, though, is all about Norma’s (and Tim’s & Ramie’s) reactions to all these opportunities. They embraced living. They said “yes” to most every offer. They set aside fears and “what ifs,” choosing instead to go with the flow and just enjoy the experience.
It’s a fine memoir and inspired this reader to be more open to life’s journey.
The audiobook is narrated by Christopher Grove and Nan McNamara, voicing Tim and Ramie’s chapters respectively. Having two narrators made it very clear which was writing which sections.
May 1, 2017
It’s hard not to be touched by Driving Miss Norma which chronicles the last year of 90 year old Norma’s life as her son Tim and daughter-in-law Ramie take her on a motor home trip around the United States. I knew nothing about this book other than the description and a positive Goodreads friend review. But I gather that “Driving Miss Norma” formed the basis for a blog kept by Ramie as the trip was taking place. Shortly after Norma’s husband died, Norma was diagnosed with cancer at the age of 90. Rather than receiving any treatments, she decided that she would prefer to travel with Tim, Ramie and their dog Ringo. The blog Ramie kept drew a lot of attention, and as the trip progressed many of their experiences involved activities with people who had been following their progress. What I loved about the book were Tim and Ramie’s personal thoughts and feeling about Norma, life and dying with dignity. It is a great reminder that medicine and treatment may not always be the best way to finish off one’s life. It is also a tremendous ode to family, friendship, nature and the benefits of living simply. I didn’t love the parts of the book in which Ramie mused with awe over the fame the journey brought them, but in fairness that was part of their journey and this is not the main focus of the book. A warning about the cover: It suggests that this is a zany story about an out there granny. There is some humour, but this is really a very human story about ordinary people taking a chance on a different approach to dying with dignity. Thank you to the publisher and Edelweiss for an opportunity to read an advance copy.
July 15, 2018
Had a hard time getting into it as it focused more on the authors and their worries and inconveniences than on the person I thought the book was about, Norma. I kept finding myself thinking “who cares, I want to know more about what Norma is thinking and experiencing.”
May 12, 2018
Just at the time that her husband has died, 90 year old Norma is diagnosed with uterine cancer. Norma lost a daughter to cancer several years prior to this, and knows the challenges ahead of her, the life with radiation and chemo, hospital stays, and pain. As Norma thinks over what to do with whatever life she still has, she is given an offer from her son, Tim Bauerschmidt, and his wife, Raimie Liddle, to travel with them in their motor home. Norma tells her doctor that she has decided to forgo the treatment, and wants to "hit the road". Thus begins a year long adventure, one that takes Miss Norma across the country, visiting whatever places she tells her family she has wanted to go, trying food she never even knew about, and having all kinds of adventures. She has always wanted to see Mt. Rushmore, so they go there; and the Grand Canyon, and place after place, zigzagging all over the country. Norma had a secret wish to go hot-air ballooning, and to try whale watching--and does both.
As they travel, Raimie begins writing a Facebook blog about Norma, and their trip--with Norma's permission. Norma is a quiet, retiring woman, and can't imagine that anyone would be interested in her life or what she is doing. But their followers develop into the thousands, and Miss Norma becomes an honored guests in towns and cities they pass through.
This memoir, written by Tim and Raimie about their trip with Norma, is compelling and touching. Tim's relationship with his mom deepens during this year, and Raimie develops a deep love and respect for her mother-in-law. And we can't forget Ringo, Tim and Raimie's dog, who grows to be mostly Miss Norma's dog, in their life on the road. There is lots of joy and laughter in this book, as well as the sadness with the knowledge that Miss Norma's life will soon come to an end. But what an incredible way to spend ones final days, with people she loved, making new friends, and exploring places she had only dreamed of getting to visit. I loved this one!
I chose this book for the reading challenge in A Book for All Seasons, Topic #4, Here to There, about a journey.
As they travel, Raimie begins writing a Facebook blog about Norma, and their trip--with Norma's permission. Norma is a quiet, retiring woman, and can't imagine that anyone would be interested in her life or what she is doing. But their followers develop into the thousands, and Miss Norma becomes an honored guests in towns and cities they pass through.
This memoir, written by Tim and Raimie about their trip with Norma, is compelling and touching. Tim's relationship with his mom deepens during this year, and Raimie develops a deep love and respect for her mother-in-law. And we can't forget Ringo, Tim and Raimie's dog, who grows to be mostly Miss Norma's dog, in their life on the road. There is lots of joy and laughter in this book, as well as the sadness with the knowledge that Miss Norma's life will soon come to an end. But what an incredible way to spend ones final days, with people she loved, making new friends, and exploring places she had only dreamed of getting to visit. I loved this one!
I chose this book for the reading challenge in A Book for All Seasons, Topic #4, Here to There, about a journey.
February 24, 2017
I adore Norma! I followed along on Facebook with their travels and was so excited to read the book. While I enjoyed it, I we also a little disappointed. It felt dry and they told me about their adventures but didn't really show me their adventures. I feel as though I know them little more now than when I started the book.
A book you should definitely read... But maybe don't rush out and buy it.
Copy provided by the publisher through Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.
A book you should definitely read... But maybe don't rush out and buy it.
Copy provided by the publisher through Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.
December 20, 2019
Inspirational book about a feisty lady who decided live her last days on her own terms. After witnessing both of my parents spend their last days in hospitals and nursing homes, I hope that I will be able to choose Miss Norma’s path instead when the time comes. It would be a challenge to make it through this one with dry eyes.
March 22, 2017
Thank you to Shelf Awareness for the free ARC of this book. I really wished that I had heard of Miss Norma's story before this book, rather when Miss Norma was living her adventure/life. This is the true story of a truly remarkable woman and the loving family that helped her live out her life in the final months that she had remaining. Tim, Miss Norma's son and his partner, Ramie have written a wonderful book. ***POSSIBLE SPOILERS AHEAD*** Shortly after the loss of her husband, Miss Norma is diagnosed with cancer. A cancer that is rapidly increasing and at ninety years old, she is only given months to live with chemotherapy. After discussing her options with her son, Miss Norma decides not to live out her final months in a sterile hospital environment, rather she wants to live. Tim and his partner Ramie along with their standard poodle, Ringo have retired early and spend their time driving around the U.S. and Mexico in their RV. Tim and Ramie have discussed her options with Miss Norma and she has decided she would like to join them in their rv/living/traveling adventure. Their traveling exploits are highlighted on a Facebook page that Ramie has set up. Next thing you know, Miss Norma is doing things that she only dreamed she could've done in the past-such as riding in a hot air balloon and riding in a convertible in a parade. This is a truly touching and at times heart breaking account of one remarkable woman's fight to truly live her life. Warning-you will probably cry while reading this-but you will also laugh a lot. Thank you for sharing yours and your mother's story with us, Tim Bauerschmidt and Ramie Liddle.
September 10, 2017
2 1/2 stars
I entered a contest to win this book because it sounded like a luminous journey of a woman who had never traveled much in her life and who, now that she was dying, had an opportunity.
Unfortunately I grew disappointed quickly because Driving Miss Norma seemed less about Miss Norma than Tim, the son, and Ramie, the DIL. I understand that Miss Norma became a fb sensation and then did further publicity, but I was unaware of any of that. In Driving Miss Norma, I never felt like I experienced who Miss Norma was.
My first indication that this book might not be what I expected as when Ramie complained about taking on the care of her MIL because she was contributing so much to so many people and now she would just be taking care of one, as if that one person weren't important. Sometimes I would give kudos for a person mentioning that kind of thing as if they realized that there should be some guilt or shame attached to such a revelation, but I never felt that here.
As the book continued, it became apparent that this was more of a memoir about Tim and Ramie, both of whom had been saying "yes" to living their lives without responsibility for many years and less about Norma. I kept thinking what a shame it was that they hadn't taken Tim's mother and father on a trip well before, how they only showed up when things were beyond hope for Tim's father.
This book left me sad about the state of families even though Norma finally got a trip. The novel just seemed further proof of how self-involved people have become.
I entered a contest to win this book because it sounded like a luminous journey of a woman who had never traveled much in her life and who, now that she was dying, had an opportunity.
Unfortunately I grew disappointed quickly because Driving Miss Norma seemed less about Miss Norma than Tim, the son, and Ramie, the DIL. I understand that Miss Norma became a fb sensation and then did further publicity, but I was unaware of any of that. In Driving Miss Norma, I never felt like I experienced who Miss Norma was.
My first indication that this book might not be what I expected as when Ramie complained about taking on the care of her MIL because she was contributing so much to so many people and now she would just be taking care of one, as if that one person weren't important. Sometimes I would give kudos for a person mentioning that kind of thing as if they realized that there should be some guilt or shame attached to such a revelation, but I never felt that here.
As the book continued, it became apparent that this was more of a memoir about Tim and Ramie, both of whom had been saying "yes" to living their lives without responsibility for many years and less about Norma. I kept thinking what a shame it was that they hadn't taken Tim's mother and father on a trip well before, how they only showed up when things were beyond hope for Tim's father.
This book left me sad about the state of families even though Norma finally got a trip. The novel just seemed further proof of how self-involved people have become.
March 18, 2017
After following this story on Facebook, I was awaiting the release of this book when I fortunately won a copy through HarperOne publishing and Goodreads. The book is an inspiring story of newly widowed Miss Norma at age 90 and then is diagnosed with cancer. This book chronicles the last year of her full life as she shows that it is better to choose to be adventurous, try new things and meet new people. She shows that we should be open to opportunities and look for ways to make life more enriching. Miss Norma did just this with the help of Tim and Ramie who selflessly provide her with joy, in the small things as well as once in a lifetime opportunities. Each one was as important as the other to Miss Norma. This tiny woman made an impact and this book will stick with you. Hopefully we can all remember to say YES to living!
July 20, 2017
I had followed Miss Norma's story through their Facebook posts and thought it would make a good read. The idea of travelling with an elderly woman who was free to explore was a great concept....which it is. I worried that the writing might be amateurish but it is well written. I think the problem, for me, is that the authors come across as making it about them; it's as if they are saying "look at me! aren't I cool? We are such good people." I understand that sounds harsh and they were good to take Norma on this last trip but it would have been nice to hear the adventure more from Norma's viewpoint and hear HER voice more. Still, like I said, a cool concept.
June 6, 2017
A wonderful and heart-warming memoir, this was written with honesty; without sugar-coating the truth about end of life decisions. Their adventures as they traversed the United States were inspiring to say the least. It certainly gave me pause to think back to the care-giving I provided my parents before their passing and wishing it could have been different for them. I can only hope to go out in such style as Miss Norma! A worthy read indeed!
April 28, 2017
I wasn't aware of Miss Norma before I saw Shelf Awareness was doing a giveaway of this book. I won the book and really enjoyed it. It's inspiring. Also it reminds me why I love memoirs and it's a shame that I rarely read them anymore. I find people's personal true stories to be fascinating.
December 18, 2021
Inspirational book about living your best life. Don’t wait until 90 though. My life mantra: ENJOY THE DETOURS. Fun read.
June 17, 2019
The authors of this book are insufferable.
The daughter-in-law writes as if it’s some great burden to alter their care-free lifestyle to temporarily care for his 90 year old dying mother while still living how they please in an RV on the road. Because she thinks it’s terrible to be a care-giver to one when what she wants to continue to be is a full-time vacationer and part-time volunteer to organizations that serve more than one. Way to insult care-givers, a difficult and essential job. These people have been lucky to get so far in life with so few family obligations! She decides after a week or two that making Norma happy at the end of her life was a good decision. WELL, DUH!
She even has the audacity to say she thought Norma was the most improbable of all people for her to learn anything from. What hubris to think someone 90 years old can’t teach you anything! What the heck?!
The authors are coy about how they made their money to retire young, and for people who profess to live non-materialistically, they’re pretty obsessed with mentioning how much land and other luxuries their friends have that they get to enjoy for free.
Also, why infantilize a grown woman with “Miss”? I’ve never felt right about using that term on grown or married women. You’re only allowed to be fun and quirky if you’re a “Miss”? I noticed that one time when someone approaches asking if that’s “Miss Norma?” Norma replies “I am Norma.” No “miss” about it.
A visit to Mt Rushmore and no mention of what an insulting travesty it is to the native people who consider the area holy territory?
The writing is repetitive—same thoughts repeated in multiple places— this needed more editing.
I was told it’s worth it to hang in for the Norma parts... but more than halfway in the book is predominantly about all the amazing free experiences they keep getting lavished with, and I still have no direct word from Norma about how she feels about the attention she’s getting. I feel like such a grump reading this book because I just don’t get it. Why is this woman being so hyped? It’s great that she’s enjoying her end of life instead of continuing to stay at home as she did for the past roughly seventy years, but I feel like I’m missing something. Is it because I’m not on social media and I haven’t seen photos of her having a great time? Is it because I don’t see that being white and care-free deserves lots of free adventures? Because her son rubs me the wrong way with his assumptions that his mother is less capable than she is?
The coolest person in the book seems to me to be Stacy, Norma’s daughter who died at age 44 and lived her life to the fullest, from the sounds of it. If the message of the book is “enjoy every day,” than it sounds like she did that in a totally different manner than her stay-at-home-mother Norma who waited to hit the road until she was 90. I don’t think one way of living is better than another—staying home or constant travel—I think the important thing is to do the best you can. Leave the world a better place than you found it.
It struck me near the end that Tim says cancer and fame were the big themes of the year for him, and that his mother Norma didn’t mention either of those things in her journal of their year together. That goes a long way to explaining why so much of this book rubbed me the wrong way, even though there were some touching moments in it. Apparently it’s just not a writing style I’m going to click with, and that’s ok. I appreciated the photos at the end, although it was again too fame-grasping for me that every single one had to be labeled with whether Ramie or Tim took the photo and that Ramie is referred to as an embedded journalist for the trip. Sigh.
The daughter-in-law writes as if it’s some great burden to alter their care-free lifestyle to temporarily care for his 90 year old dying mother while still living how they please in an RV on the road. Because she thinks it’s terrible to be a care-giver to one when what she wants to continue to be is a full-time vacationer and part-time volunteer to organizations that serve more than one. Way to insult care-givers, a difficult and essential job. These people have been lucky to get so far in life with so few family obligations! She decides after a week or two that making Norma happy at the end of her life was a good decision. WELL, DUH!
She even has the audacity to say she thought Norma was the most improbable of all people for her to learn anything from. What hubris to think someone 90 years old can’t teach you anything! What the heck?!
The authors are coy about how they made their money to retire young, and for people who profess to live non-materialistically, they’re pretty obsessed with mentioning how much land and other luxuries their friends have that they get to enjoy for free.
Also, why infantilize a grown woman with “Miss”? I’ve never felt right about using that term on grown or married women. You’re only allowed to be fun and quirky if you’re a “Miss”? I noticed that one time when someone approaches asking if that’s “Miss Norma?” Norma replies “I am Norma.” No “miss” about it.
A visit to Mt Rushmore and no mention of what an insulting travesty it is to the native people who consider the area holy territory?
The writing is repetitive—same thoughts repeated in multiple places— this needed more editing.
I was told it’s worth it to hang in for the Norma parts... but more than halfway in the book is predominantly about all the amazing free experiences they keep getting lavished with, and I still have no direct word from Norma about how she feels about the attention she’s getting. I feel like such a grump reading this book because I just don’t get it. Why is this woman being so hyped? It’s great that she’s enjoying her end of life instead of continuing to stay at home as she did for the past roughly seventy years, but I feel like I’m missing something. Is it because I’m not on social media and I haven’t seen photos of her having a great time? Is it because I don’t see that being white and care-free deserves lots of free adventures? Because her son rubs me the wrong way with his assumptions that his mother is less capable than she is?
The coolest person in the book seems to me to be Stacy, Norma’s daughter who died at age 44 and lived her life to the fullest, from the sounds of it. If the message of the book is “enjoy every day,” than it sounds like she did that in a totally different manner than her stay-at-home-mother Norma who waited to hit the road until she was 90. I don’t think one way of living is better than another—staying home or constant travel—I think the important thing is to do the best you can. Leave the world a better place than you found it.
It struck me near the end that Tim says cancer and fame were the big themes of the year for him, and that his mother Norma didn’t mention either of those things in her journal of their year together. That goes a long way to explaining why so much of this book rubbed me the wrong way, even though there were some touching moments in it. Apparently it’s just not a writing style I’m going to click with, and that’s ok. I appreciated the photos at the end, although it was again too fame-grasping for me that every single one had to be labeled with whether Ramie or Tim took the photo and that Ramie is referred to as an embedded journalist for the trip. Sigh.
November 26, 2017
What kind of monster gives a book about a dying woman and her adventures 2 stars? This girl! First, I was irritated at this nomadic lifestyle and didn't feel I needed to know what they had for breakfast while living "off the grid." But I will gladly take that as my issue. The book itself skips around a lot at places and whether it is because the chapters are alternately written by the husband and wife, I am not sure. Clearly this couple is very kind to take their mom on their travels for the last leg of her life. I am not sure I could count a lot of people who would. I love the way they really let Norma take control of her life and how she wanted to end it. Information was given about how the finances worked and I found it almost given defensively, as in "we aren't trying to steal from her and we can prove it." What bothered me is that I didn't find Norma all that charming or multi-dimensional. (Again, I am clearly a monster).
July 28, 2019
Ich hatte die Geschichte von "Driving Miss Norma" begeistert und gerührt in Echtzeit auf Facebook verfolgt und wusste gar nicht, dass es mittlerweile auch ein Buch dazu gab, als ich es zufällig in der Bibliothek entdeckte.
Schön fand ich, dass es nicht nur ein detaillierter Bericht von Miss Normas großer letzter Reise ist, der einen einfach nicht kalt lassen kann und an sich schon großartig und lesenswert ist, sondern generell auch immer wieder das Thema im Vordergrund steht, wie wir mit alternden, kranken bzw. sterbenden Menschen umgehen und inwiefern die moderne Medizin dabei hilfreich ist.
Schön fand ich, dass es nicht nur ein detaillierter Bericht von Miss Normas großer letzter Reise ist, der einen einfach nicht kalt lassen kann und an sich schon großartig und lesenswert ist, sondern generell auch immer wieder das Thema im Vordergrund steht, wie wir mit alternden, kranken bzw. sterbenden Menschen umgehen und inwiefern die moderne Medizin dabei hilfreich ist.
April 2, 2017
Ah, readers you are going to love Miss Norma. Who wouldn't love a woman who when give a diagnosis of cancer tells the Dr. "I'm ninety years old. I’m hitting the road." Shy Norma then hits the proverbial road with her son and daughter in law in an RV and starts visiting places that she's never been to. And she hasn't been to many at all. Readers will want to start saying yes to life after reading this. And have a tissue with you as you read.
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