Distant Skies - by Melissa A Priblo Chapman (Paperback)

About the Book

A tale that is part American road trip, part coming-of-age story, and part ode to the horse—: a remarkable memoir that explores the evolution of the human-animal relationship, along with the raw beauty of a life lived outdoors.

Book Synopsis

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.

Review Quotes

"In Melissa Chapman's debut memoir, we meet characters that are always interesting, and almost without fail, kind. We read writing that is succinct and evocative. The author's relationship with her animals and love for the land does what Steinbeck's Travels with Charley in Search of America did for me--it inspires both thoughtfulness and action--and that is my favorite kind of book. This girl, riding bravely across the continent, reminds us to appreciate the journey--for the end comes all too soon. Distant Skies will move you, guaranteed." --Tik Maynard, Author of In the Middle Are the Horsemen

"Distant Skies is the perfect read in a normal year--it's uplifting, inspiring, poignant, and poetic at times. But after 2020, in particular, it is just the right medicine. An epic, cross-country journey from the back of a horse (in 1982--no cell phones or GPS) takes us back to simpler and kinder times. It's a story about connection--between complete strangers, as well as the more personal connections that you might form with animals, if you're lucky and deserving. It's a story about disconnecting, too, becoming one with nature and saying goodbye to life as you once knew it. Disconnecting from technology, media, and material things is perhaps more important today than it was then. For animal lovers, this book will truly resonate. I felt a touch of envy at the depth of the author's bond with her four-legged partners; a desire for the knowledge and wisdom gained from living and traveling with her animals, 24/7, for seven months and 2600 miles. I know I'll never complete a journey like that, but I'd like to think I could have. Reading the book is like taking the journey yourself: you get the feeling of the gravity of embarking, the jubilation of completion, and everything in between. I highly recommend Distant Skies, but be forewarned--you will shed many tears! Rest assured they will be tears of laughter and love, with a reminder of the goodness of people and the true character of this vast country." --Julie Goodnight, Horse Trainer, Influencer & TV Personality

"Chapman's tale is part American road trip, part coming-of-age
voyage, and part travelogue. She paints a vivid picture of the amazing
landscape she encountered and reveals the deep devotion she experienced between
herself and the animals that accompanied here. Distant Skies is
interesting, touching, and well-written." --Cowgirl Magazine

"Missy Chapman
takes us on a courageous journey across the heartland of America-on horseback,
no less! Accompanied by three loveable four-legged companions, Missy encounters
a gallery of colorful and comical folk, all of whom are willing to lend a hand in
her unusual quest. More importantly, Missy reminds the reader time and again to
pause and pay attention to the 'beautiful little forgotten things out in the
world.' A lovely read, on so many levels." --Kevin O'Hara, author of Last
of the Donkey Pilgrims

"Distant Skies is a story about courage, adventure, and the beauty of America. You'll fall in love with 'Missy' Chapman as you travel along with her and her animal companions while they discover the soul of our nation." --Audrey Pavia, Author of Horses for Dummies and Hollywood Hoofbeats

"This cross country adventure between NY and CA of a 23 year old gal, her horse and her dog with no support team, cell phone or GPS tells a tale of the kindness of strangers, the wealth of beauty of the landscape and the challenges this huge country can present. An easy read that shares the ups and downs of life on the road with a special kind of horse power and a lot of courage." --Catskill Horse

"I found this book to be extraordinarily hard to put down.
Melissa has told of her remarkable journey in a brief anecdotal format that
leaves you hungry for the next page; wondering what is over the next hill, or
around the next bend in the road. Her
tales of the bond she forged with her traveling companions is relatable to any
equestrian. But beyond that, the friends
she made, the people who helped her, protected her, welcomed her, and looked
out for her, are a profoundly heart-warming reminder of the true nature of
people. Bravo Melissa!" --Jean
Abernethy, creator of Fergus the Horse