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Her Hike: A Memoir
Richard's spiral before his tragic death was detailed on the front-page of The New York Times. But Richard's story-indeed, his whole life-deserves so much more than a newspaper article. What happened to Richard is sadly familiar to too many families. In Her Hike, Jessica Chenard tells her story as Richard's sister, the lesser known one that society rarely hears, in which life continues after the online comments stop and the cameras and reporters go away.
Her Hike is the story of Chenard's efforts to heal after the loss of her brother, Richard. Over the course of a decade, Chenard has coped with his death by hiking different mountains, from the Blue Ridge in Virginia to the Rockies in Montana.
Miraculously, Richard's love for nature remained unchanged during his battle with a prescription drug addiction. This passion gave Chenard a true north, a direction to go after Richard's passing. Shedding light on how to hold onto hope, Chenard invites other women to hike alongside her and start their own journeys summiting mountains.
Chenard brings all her grief to the mountains, and with each step she takes along a trail, the mountains take a piece of her burden and help carry the weight. The mountains heal, and Her Hike is meant to encourage others to begin bringing their own story to the mountains.
Her Hike is the story of Chenard's efforts to heal after the loss of her brother, Richard. Over the course of a decade, Chenard has coped with his death by hiking different mountains, from the Blue Ridge in Virginia to the Rockies in Montana.
Miraculously, Richard's love for nature remained unchanged during his battle with a prescription drug addiction. This passion gave Chenard a true north, a direction to go after Richard's passing. Shedding light on how to hold onto hope, Chenard invites other women to hike alongside her and start their own journeys summiting mountains.
Chenard brings all her grief to the mountains, and with each step she takes along a trail, the mountains take a piece of her burden and help carry the weight. The mountains heal, and Her Hike is meant to encourage others to begin bringing their own story to the mountains.
168 pages, Paperback
Published August 3, 2022
3 people are currently reading
37 people want to read
About the author
Jessica Ryan Chenard
1 book5 followersJessica R. Chenard is a writer of purposeful adventures, healing, and legacy; hiking and writing give her a sense of creativity and purpose. She is a business owner, mother, wife, daughter, sister, community builder, and friend.
Chenard is the founder of Her Hike Collective, an all-women's hiking community. You can find her hosting the group's quarterly hikes in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Chenard was motivated to write this book after spending a decade living it. She hiked to heal from tragedy, and later hiking helped her nurture a beautiful life. People she cared about played a large role in nurturing her love for the mountains, the most significant of these people being her brother. After his tragic death, she was left with only the knowledge of his love for nature and hiking. This enabled and inspired her. His love for the outdoors gave her a direction to go in-her true north-and she made hiking a part of her lifestyle. Ultimately, writing this book became her calling.
Chenard passionately believes that spending time in nature can heal. When you endure a tragedy or even just a hard season, hiking and nature can be a lifeline for you too, just like it was for the author. This story is written for you.
Follow her on instagram @jessicaryanphoto or on her website: jessicachenard.com
Chenard is the founder of Her Hike Collective, an all-women's hiking community. You can find her hosting the group's quarterly hikes in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Chenard was motivated to write this book after spending a decade living it. She hiked to heal from tragedy, and later hiking helped her nurture a beautiful life. People she cared about played a large role in nurturing her love for the mountains, the most significant of these people being her brother. After his tragic death, she was left with only the knowledge of his love for nature and hiking. This enabled and inspired her. His love for the outdoors gave her a direction to go in-her true north-and she made hiking a part of her lifestyle. Ultimately, writing this book became her calling.
Chenard passionately believes that spending time in nature can heal. When you endure a tragedy or even just a hard season, hiking and nature can be a lifeline for you too, just like it was for the author. This story is written for you.
Follow her on instagram @jessicaryanphoto or on her website: jessicachenard.com
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
August 1, 2022
I finally finished the book which was hard for me. I am saying that, because I am the mother of this wonderful author, Jessica Ryan.
I had to put down after every chapter and soak it all in and remember all we went through but to see especially what Ryan (Jessica) went through as Richard’s sister. We all do, and will, deal with this kind of grief in our lifetimes. But to see what she has done with it and telling HER HIKE through it, is amazing. It is a must read for all!!
I had to put down after every chapter and soak it all in and remember all we went through but to see especially what Ryan (Jessica) went through as Richard’s sister. We all do, and will, deal with this kind of grief in our lifetimes. But to see what she has done with it and telling HER HIKE through it, is amazing. It is a must read for all!!
August 3, 2022
Jessica Chenard’s way with words makes putting this book down hard to do! (And I made it so I only had to do that once!) What she and her family went through/are going through is a burden that many people (understandably) crumble under. But, this book beautifully shows how Chenard and her family channel their grief to cling to one another, inspire and encourage others, make changes in our broken world, and remember and honor their beloved Richard when he was at his best, in his favorite place, nature - the very place healing took/takes place for Chenard.
Her Hike is vulnerable and inspiring; a must-read for anyone feeling the crushing weight of grief, or really any burden. I’ll definitely be reading it again… and going for a hike!
Her Hike is vulnerable and inspiring; a must-read for anyone feeling the crushing weight of grief, or really any burden. I’ll definitely be reading it again… and going for a hike!
August 1, 2022
I couldn't put it down!! There were so many moments that ignited so many emotions! I'm looking forward to more Emails and Hikes from Jessica and Her Hike Collective. This is a must read! Jessica and her family are changing the world and helping so many people as they honor Richard's legacy.
August 1, 2022
This book was amazing! So open and raw, and the writing draws you in with the details! A must read!!!
August 9, 2022
I am the author of Her Hike: A Memoir. Thank you for reading my story and journey to healing. It is my biggest goal that you see yourself in my story. That you see your strength, your hope and your resilience within these pages. This took ten years of life being lived and written about after my brother passed away and I want you to know that the journey that you may be on may not have answers yet or a direction to point you to your True North.. but that you will get there! This story is proof of that. You will find your way and it will be beautiful.
Thank you!
Thank you!
September 3, 2022
Beautiful. If I had only one word to describe this memoir, beautiful would be the one. The vulnerability, honesty, tenacity, and strength written with so much love on every page truly brings the memory of Richard Fee alive. He would be so proud. Chenard writes the words, “Hard things don’t have to harden you.” Those words will forever live with me. I feel the relatability to her story when hiking with my dad and listening to times he was deployed and the struggles he faced, all the while knowing the mountains call his name to help heal any broken pieces he still carries. The truth of someone’s hardest struggle or last fight not needing to be the lingering view of them is so powerful. I remember when this tragic event took place. Jessica was one of my sorority sisters and although I did not know her brother personally, I felt a gut punch for her and her family when I heard of the news. Before becoming a published author, business owner, mental health advocate, and organizing healing group hikes, I remember even back then seeing her as this strong and motivated woman who persevered. It’s no surprise to me she has become so accomplished and inspirational in a way that soothes the soul of anyone reading her words, viewing her photographs, or hiking next to her. She credits so much of this to her brother Richard. I hope she knows she has reached her goal to let his memory live on. Anyone who reads Her Hike, will forever walk forward with a piece of Richard’s memory with them.
May 26, 2023
Inspiring story about the power of family and nature to help heal after tragedy. The author really shines when describing her surroundings during her times outdoors- beautiful descriptions of the landscapes and wildlife.
November 2, 2022
I found this memoir to be a source of inspiration and comfort. Jessica's writing is so beautiful and as the reader, I felt like she and I were sitting down and having a conversation about grief, loss, love, and hope. This book is easy to read and also hard to put down.
Brief summary: In college, Jessica's world turned upside down with her older brother passed away. While he struggled with addiction, the one thing that continued to bring him joy was nature. So after his passing, Jessica found comfort in hiking and felt her brother's presence while out on the trails. This book is her story of her grief, how she processed this tragic loss, and how she found healing in the mountains. Each trail tells a memory of her brother, a challenge to overcome, and how she found the strength to continue. As a way to honor her brother, Jessica also started the Her Hike Collective, an all-women hiking group.
Thank you, Jessica, for sharing your story and inspiring others to challenge themselves. And also for that reminder that adventure doesn't have to be on a mountain. Every day is an adventure and life is absolutely precious. I now look forward to more hiking and finding that comfort and hope out in nature.
Brief summary: In college, Jessica's world turned upside down with her older brother passed away. While he struggled with addiction, the one thing that continued to bring him joy was nature. So after his passing, Jessica found comfort in hiking and felt her brother's presence while out on the trails. This book is her story of her grief, how she processed this tragic loss, and how she found healing in the mountains. Each trail tells a memory of her brother, a challenge to overcome, and how she found the strength to continue. As a way to honor her brother, Jessica also started the Her Hike Collective, an all-women hiking group.
Thank you, Jessica, for sharing your story and inspiring others to challenge themselves. And also for that reminder that adventure doesn't have to be on a mountain. Every day is an adventure and life is absolutely precious. I now look forward to more hiking and finding that comfort and hope out in nature.
August 3, 2022
Her Hike: A Memoir
by: Jessica Ryan Chenard
Release Date: August 3, 2022
Chenard fully captures readers in her prologue. She then takes them along on her journey from valleys of devasting grief to mountaintops of glory and healing. Her words, emotion, memories, and insight pour directly from her heart into the narrative.
Although her brother Richard's tragic death becomes very public news, she looks inward to share the personal pain she endured both before and after his passing. With poignant remembrances of childhood, family trips, and her relationship with Richard, she leads into the harshness of the prescription drug addiction that her brother developed.
Richard's passionate love of nature ultimately led Chenard to seek redemption on beautiful trails and mountains, as she confronted and coped with immense sorrow. Chenard takes readers into the restorative world of waterfalls, rivers, wildflowers, wildlife, and summits, as she lovingly remembers her brother. It's a pleasure to be on the launch team for this memoir which I absolutely recommend.
www.Jessica Chenard.com
by: Jessica Ryan Chenard
Release Date: August 3, 2022
Chenard fully captures readers in her prologue. She then takes them along on her journey from valleys of devasting grief to mountaintops of glory and healing. Her words, emotion, memories, and insight pour directly from her heart into the narrative.
Although her brother Richard's tragic death becomes very public news, she looks inward to share the personal pain she endured both before and after his passing. With poignant remembrances of childhood, family trips, and her relationship with Richard, she leads into the harshness of the prescription drug addiction that her brother developed.
Richard's passionate love of nature ultimately led Chenard to seek redemption on beautiful trails and mountains, as she confronted and coped with immense sorrow. Chenard takes readers into the restorative world of waterfalls, rivers, wildflowers, wildlife, and summits, as she lovingly remembers her brother. It's a pleasure to be on the launch team for this memoir which I absolutely recommend.
www.Jessica Chenard.com
December 29, 2022
Her Hike touched on so many emotions that it’s hard to know where to begin my review. I will confess that I didn’t have much knowledge of Adderall or it’s addictive qualities before reading Jessica’s book and the related NYT article detailing Richard’s addiction and horrifying medical care. My eyes have been opened to a massive problem with the American medical system that I was simply blind to.
Jessica’s mission for telling a story of hope, of healing, and of courage was the dominant theme of the book. As an avid mountaineer, a Virginia Beach native, a photographer, and a lover of butterflies, Jessica’s stories felt like coming home to me. She shares countless narratives on how she found solace and comfort in nature, connecting with her brother’s spirit in a special way.
Whether you are a hiker, a mother, a sister, a friend; whether you are grieving, worrying, or simply curious; Jessica and Richard’s stories are a must read.
Jessica’s mission for telling a story of hope, of healing, and of courage was the dominant theme of the book. As an avid mountaineer, a Virginia Beach native, a photographer, and a lover of butterflies, Jessica’s stories felt like coming home to me. She shares countless narratives on how she found solace and comfort in nature, connecting with her brother’s spirit in a special way.
Whether you are a hiker, a mother, a sister, a friend; whether you are grieving, worrying, or simply curious; Jessica and Richard’s stories are a must read.
August 4, 2022
Jessica R. Chenard has managed to sum up a 10 year journey in under 200 pages. I expected to spend my time reading this book with tears and sadness, instead she has managed to bring joy, hope and so much more to her writing. Moving on after a tragic event takes courage. Pulling up her boot straps, Jessica has managed to find her true north. Richard will always be with her, the void never goes away. In the most unexpected moments we have reminders of those who are missing, butterflies, flowers, mountains, a fleeting shadow. She has done an outstanding job of putting her journey in writing and moving forward. I love how she weaved her family through her tale and made the reader aware of the impact on all of them. I also loved how she incorporated Richard's journal as part of her writing. This is a beautiful book and I highly recommend it to all.
August 12, 2022
Within moments of reading, I’m in my feelings. I am still in the process of grieving myself, and can relate to a lot of what is being written. So many quotes that I resonate with. Too many to include here, but one I will, “Far too often, the way someone dies can become their whole reputation, especially if there is a stigma attached to it”. It was at this point I truly felt a connection with Jessica’s story, that I am not alone with the feelings I feel. Throughout the book, it’s beautiful to read how Jessica heals, and to share in the memories her and Richard had together. Truly inspiring, I’m ready to take my grief, heal, and “bring my story to the mountains”.
August 3, 2022
This is a MUST read memoir! It is sure to resonate with anyone that has been through insurmountable grief after losing a loved one. Jessica takes us through her journey in losing her brother and how she turned to hiking to find peace. Her way of detailing her path made me feel as if I was with her along the way. The BEST part for me is how she is honoring and remembering her brother in such a special way by following his love for the outdoors and nature!
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews