In this poignant narrative from the New York Times bestselling author of "To Shake the Sleeping Self," Jedidiah Jenkins embarks on a transformative journey with his spirited mother, Barbara, as they navigate the intricate terrain of their relationship. As Barbara turns seventy, the duo sets out on a 5,000-mile odyssey, retracing the footsteps of her youth with travel writer Peter Jenkins. Through thrift stores, diners, and shared interests in true crime, they forge a connection that transcends their ideological differences.
Jenkins skillfully weaves a tale of discovery, unraveling the layers of his mother's past during her Walk Across America in the 1970s and grappling with the present challenges of love and acceptance. "Mother, Nature" delves into universal questions about maintaining bonds through pain, navigating the delicate balance of boundaries, and discerning when to stand firm or let go. Tender, intelligent, and profound, this memoir is a testament to the enduring complexities of love and the extraordinary dynamics of a mother-son relationship.