Distant Skies

By Melissa A. Priblo Chapman,

Book cover of Distant Skies: An American Journey on Horseback

Book description

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,…

Shepherd is reader supported. When you buy books, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Why read it?

2 authors picked Distant Skies as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

I loved this book because it is a memoir of one woman’s journey across the United States on horseback.

This is a true story of courage, connection, and fortitude. Descriptive and emotional, I felt like I was on the journey with the author, experiencing everything as she did and being completely in awe of the strength and determination she had to complete such a life-changing journey. 

From Heather's list on books if you love horses.

Travel memoirs can be fun to read, but this one is riveting. Melissa Chapman and her horse Rainy traveled nearly 3,000 miles across America when the writer was in her early twenties. Before cell phones and GPS devices, “Missy” and Rainy trekked through backwoods and on state routes, rarely knowing where they would spend the night. Without faltering, Rainy helps Missy see America in ways most of us never do.

From Audrey's list on remarkable horses.

Want books like Distant Skies?

Our community of 10,000+ authors has personally recommended 96 books like Distant Skies.

Browse books like Distant Skies

5 book lists we think you will like!

Interested in horses, equestrianism, and nomads?

10,000+ authors have recommended their favorite books and what they love about them. Browse their picks for the best books about horses, equestrianism, and nomads.

Horses Explore 117 books about horses
Equestrianism Explore 33 books about equestrianism
Nomads Explore 20 books about nomads