Distant Skies, Melissa A. Priblo Chapman
Distant Skies, Melissa A. Priblo Chapman
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Distant Skies
An American Journey on Horseback

Author: Melissa A. Priblo Chapman

Narrator: Melissa A. Priblo Chapman

Unabridged: 12 hr 39 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Published: 07/02/2025


Synopsis

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 rest 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.

Melissa's tale 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.

Reviews

Goodreads review by Janet Priblo on November 11, 2020

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......more

Goodreads review by Susan on April 01, 2023

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.......more

Goodreads review by Christina on November 30, 2024

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

Goodreads review by Tracy on August 01, 2025

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. Ra......more

Goodreads review by Amy on June 01, 2025

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 engr......more