Distant Skies: An American Journey on Horseback

by Melissa A Priblo Chapman

Part American road trip, part coming-of-age adventure, and part uncommon love story—a remarkable memoir that explores the evolution of the human-animal relationship, along with the raw beauty of a life lived outdoors. Melissa Chapman was 23 years old and part of a happy, loving family. She had a decent job, a boyfriend she cared about, and friends she enjoyed. Yet she said goodbye to all of it. Carrying a puppy named Gypsy, she climbed aboard a horse and rode away from everything, heading west. With no cell phone, no GPS, no support team or truck following with supplies, Chapman quickly learned that the reality of a cross-country horseback journey was quite different from the fantasy. Her solo adventure would immediately test her mental, physical, and emotional resources as she and her four-legged companions were forced to adapt to the dangers and loneliness of a trek that would span over 2,600 miles, beginning in New York State and reaching its end on the other side of the country, in California. Enchanted by the freedom a nomadic life seemed to promise, the young woman would soon find herself only more deeply connected…to the animals that accompanied her, to the varying and challenging landscapes through which she traveled, and to the people she met on the farms and back roads that crisscross the United States. Chapman's vigilance in detailing the quietest moments of heroism and beauty, as well as the startling and tragic, yields a read that convinces one of both the magnificence of the countryside and the generosity of the people who call it home. A book for the equestrian, the animal lover, and the outdoor enthusiast—or anyone who dreams about one day bringing a longed-for adventure to life.

Genres: Memoir, Horses, Biography, Nonfiction, Book Club, Dogs, Animals

224 pages, Paperback

Published October 20, 2020

Reviews

[Janet Priblo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am biased of course, as this is my sister telling this amazing story. But it's such an uplifting read. Melissa saw this country from the ground, met people from all walks of life, and did something amazing and encouraging. It gives you a better view of our country and its people that will make you feel hopeful about America.

The trip she took, the things she saw and did could not be duplicated today, with our technology, our always connected lives. She was courageous and curious. And our parents worried every single day. :) I think anyone interested in horses, in travel stories or Americana would 100% enjoy this story.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't expect to like this book. It's just not my usual type of read but it won me over. I ended up really enjoying it.

[Susan Chaltain · Rating 3 out of 5]

This a good story about. Girl, her horse and her dog. Later she picks up a mule. She meets some wonderful people and some not so wonderful. It would have been better if there were more details to the story, but maybe she felt some things didn’t need to be shared.

[Christina Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

A bit biased since it begins in my hometown, but such a great story on horse back

[Anitra · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s been awhile since I read a book that I couldn’t put down. I love reading memoirs and I love stories about horses, animals, and people. Missy must have kept a very detailed journal because the stories she tells about her trip across the country, with her dog, on horseback, are so detailed and heartfelt. It’s a much needed distraction during a worldwide pandemic to sit and read about her travels and adventures and the people she met along the way. I highly recommend this book to anyone, not just horse lovers. She clearly makes the reader understand that her trip, like life, was a journey, not a destination.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

By the end I felt so thankful that the author put so much effort into writing this wonderful book to take readers along on her journey. It's a very well written and captivating trail journal with a powerful underlying message that's positive and refreshing.

[Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite kids' books (actually, one of my favorite books period) is Rascal by Sterling North. This book reminds me of Rascal in some ways ... it's about a special human-animal bond, it's about the author's connection with nature and the world around us, and it's describing a bygone era. Rascal is set in 1918 so of course you'd expect that things were very different then ... but the events in this book take place in 1983. It was during my lifetime, and yet the sense that the world has changed profoundly since then is very strong. The book has a positive, uplifting tone and a message about interconnectedness and kindness, but at least to me, there is also an undercurrent of sadness about the loss of this world. Numerous strangers let her stay with them, she camps with her animals at campgrounds and rest stops, she rides her horse on major roads alongside car traffic, she ties the horse outside stores and businesses while she goes inside (with her dog often coming in with her!), she finds several veterinarians along the way who are willing to immediately check out issues with her animals. The vast majority of interactions she has are positive and the few angry ones are surprising to her because of their rarity. If she did this today she'd have the benefit of cell phones and google maps, but the increase in rules, control freaks, and anger would put an end to the trip pretty early on.

I would have loved to know more about her logistics -- how she planned routes, how she obtained food for both the animals and herself, and especially how she got back home -- a topic that is briefly mentioned at the end. She had no specific plan for getting back, and at that time she had a horse, a mule, a dog and 10 newborn puppies. I can't imagine that a single person would be willing to help her in this situation, but apparently a series of people (with horse trailers) just gave her rides out of the goodness of their heart. Maybe she will write another book someday about this part of her adventure.

[Carly Kade · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ever have those days when you just want to curl up with a good book? I had the perfect book and the perfect weekend. It was cold and rainy here in AZ (the first time we've had rain since August), so I snuggled up with Distant Skies by Melissa A. Priblo Chapman and didn't put it down until I finished it (just now).

It is the story of a girl, a horse, a dog, and a mule who travel 2,600 miles across America from New York to California. Moved by her courage and the connection she shared with her animals, I felt like I was traveling along right there with them. I was engrossed in adventure and touched by the kindness of others she met along the way. A remarkable read!

[Amy K. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This narrative of a young woman's adventures riding horseback from New York to California is charming, full of delightfully down-home details that remind me of William Least Heat-Moon's Blue Highways in their dedication to bringing to life the lost world of small-town, backroad America.

I was so engrossed by Chapman's clear, simple prose descriptions and the way she wore her heart on her sleeve for us to see and share that I could hardly put the book down in time to get to bed.

If you're looking for a nostalgic, sweet, gripping adventure story, this is the book for you. If you grew up a horse girl, as I did, you absolutely MUST read this.

[LL · Rating 4 out of 5]

Adventure and contemplation

Well written and quite the adventure. Such a beautiful situation of animals and understanding there needs
Not to many people accomplish a dream turned into reality, an interesting story with the people met, and so much help all across the United States. I really doubt that some of the so called (old) people that helped her out were that old, but from a young girls perspective it seemed so.

[Janna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm so glad that Missy decided to write this book about her cross-country ride! It's truly the stuff of dreams for a starry-eyed horse girl, and although my horseback adventures are unlikely ever to include anything this spectacular, I loved every minute of riding along vicariously with her and her animals. I stayed up late into the night to finish it, and then sat and cried because it was over. What a delightful escape!

[Shauna · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a very interesting story but it did take me some time to get through. I love that it was a memoir and that I could check up on the author afterwards. I commend her for doing something like that and sharing her story about it.

I loved the different people that she met on the road and felt for her during her times of loneliness and hardships.

A good read on a vacation where you time to read it leisurely.

[Karol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book! I appreciate being able to “tag along” with Missy & her animals on an adventure many of us horse lovers have dreamed of. I love how she gave us a perfect picture of her traveling companions’ personalities as well as the ups & downs of the journey. I felt like I was on the trip with them - without the sore muscles! Thanks to Missy for sharing her, Rainey’s, Gypsy’s, & Amanda’s story!

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this true adventure tale of a young woman and her animal companions. Not knowing what to expect or what they will find, they set off from New York hoping to reach California. The author’s bond with her animals, especially her wonderful horse, is genuine and heartfelt. The writing rings true and the people and experiences encountered along the trail are well worth reading about. Really wish there was a sequel about their journey back home.

[Amanda Thompson · Rating 4 out of 5]

An endearing story. I didn’t give 5 stars just because I wanted more details of the intricacies of how the planning was made, where the horse/mule got food for days on end without any planned stops/helpers…just logistically I can’t contemplate how this successfully occurred because those elements are lightly touched on. Overall, it’s a beautiful story told by a brave woman dedicated to her animals and being one with the world around her. Absolutely inspiring!

[Donia · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is the type of memoir that I usually find quite appealing however my enjoyment was curtailed because I had difficulty throughout the book trying to decern where the author was on her journey. There were very few references to specific routes and locations. This made it hard to follow along which is why I read these books. This memoir seemed more focused upon her relationships than the flora and fauna viewed while travelling across the United States.

[Martha Cook · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a marvelous book. Author Melissa Chapman invites the reader along as she tells the tale of riding solo across America. Her wonderful prose immediately draws you in making you feel as if you are traversing the country beside her. I loved the memoir so much upon first reading it was a treat to listen to Melissa read her story in the recently released audiobook version that includes new chapters not included in the print edition. Read or listen to Distant Skies, you won’t be disappointed.”

[David Roberts · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed this especially. I jump around in genres, so this book was an "antidote" to a string of mysteries/thrillers, and a sort of supplement to a re-read of "Blue Highways." Easy to read and pretty much full of good people. If you need a bit of an uplift, read it. It is a very good story that is difficult to put down.

[Nan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating journey!

If you ever wished you could cross the country on horseback, just open this wonderful book and join Melissa on the journey. Having grown up as a horse lover and owner myself, I loved reading this adventure with all the fascinating people met along the way, the love and oneness Melissa found for her animals and the world.

[Lori Kingston · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great for your soul

What a great adventure! I truly enjoyed everything about this book. The way the author connects with her travel companions is convayed so clearly you feel as though you are part of their group. She shares the good and the not so good people who made huge impacts on her trip, physically and emotionally. It revived my faith in kindness of strangers.

[Connie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book because it fulfills one of my own dreams, to ride cross country on horseback. I found it easy and interesting to read. I would have liked a tad more background on how she was able to finance her trip, just to further my own dream a bit

[Rebecca Gregory · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the sweetest book. I've recently fallen back in love with horses. I love adventure stories.
This book touched my heart.

[Stacey Stearns · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved reading about her journey on horseback!

[Emily Esterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. Melissa does a great job painting the characters, the landscapes and the adventures she encounters on this epic journey across America.

[Sally Guydosh · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5

[Jean Viraldo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book! Just burst out crying often, because it was just so good……. Highly recommend

[Sarah Hickner · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was like reading the authors diary on this insane long journey, and a beautiful little crew of animals.

[Dawn Brinks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I highly recommend this non-fiction story!

[Karen Warfle · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a pleasant journey the author shares with us! I enjoyed reading about her travels across the country and the wonderful people that helped her along the way. This book is a true gem.

[Mary Phillips · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this story … it was like you were going along with her ! Wish I could have !