Roni McFadden has written a memorable book,The Longest Trail, a true-life novel that begins in 1963 in northern California when Roni is twelve years old. After saving her baby-sitting money for two years, she buys her first horse, Sparol, for $125,
While on horseback, Roni can forget the sexual abuse from her step-father, forget that she isn’t accepted at school, and, later, that the crowd she’s running with could get her into serious trouble with sex, drugs and free love. When astride a horse, she feels whole and at peace with herself.
Through a friend, Roni meets John Slaughter, then in his forties and married with his own children, a throw-back cowboy with a kind nature and a magical way with horses. In addition to his regular job, John takes hunters on pack trips in the High Sierra Mountains. He offers her an opportunity to help with the horses, to exercise, feed and groom them, and clean corrals. While at school, she lives for the time when she’ll be with the horses, when she’ll be at peace.
Roni proves her value and is soon a part of John’s pack operation and joins him at a pack-station, a place where they stage high-country trips. Through the years, Roni is given more responsibility. With the responsibility comes dealing with city folks who bring the noise and rush of city life to their country outings. She learns patience, self-reliance and how to deal with hardship and discomfort. She learns to appreciate the high country’s beauty and simple pleasures. Roni finds a kinship with horses that few achieve.
An important part of this intriguing story is Roni’s involvement with the by-gone spirits of native peoples. As she learns more about herself, she absorbs ancient spiritual values, wisdom that enriches the rest of her life.
The Longest Trail is the story of an angry, confused girl becoming a woman of strength and character. It’s a fascinating journey, sometimes rough, sometimes awesomely beautiful, always entertaining. I highly recommend this coming-of-age book–it’s an unforgettable story. To learn more about the author, visit www.thebiscuitpress.com
From the review presented by Mary, the book seems fascinating, specially because it comes from experiences of the emotional journey of a girl. I’d like to read about the Native American spiritual values.
Thank you! The Native American”sojourns” are an interesting part of this book, Hema.
What a great review of Roni’s book, Mary. This book has made it to my TBR List!! Thanks for sharing your insight here…always appreciate it when you discuss a book that has captured your heart.
Put it at the top of the stack, Alice!
Oh yes, I want to read this book. Congratulations, Roni, for having the courage to write it!
I know you’ll enjoy it, Heidi.
Your book sounds really good, Roni. Thanks Mary for bringing it to our attention.
It IS good, Eunie. Roni has a way of getting to your heart.
Great book.Great read. I love Roni’s strength and resilience: the woman she has become!
I agree. Roni has had an interesting life and she’s presented it in a fascinating way in The Longest Trail.
I loved this. I would love to read and review it if you need one.
Jane I would love to have you read it and review it. Where can I send???
Mary what a surprise! Thank you so much! I’m glad you felt it was a worthwhile read.
You’re welcome, Roni. I think the book is very worthy–a really good read.