The Ride of Her Life: The True Story of a Woman, Her Horse, and Their Last-Chance Journey Across America

As Annie Wilkins emerged from her insular life on her family farm in Minot, Maine, she encountered a different United States than the one to which she was accustomed: a country powered by gas and electricity rather by than horses and manpower. However, though the country’s new technology and lifestyles amazed Annie, she was not surprised that most Americans she met on her travels were kind, hospitable people eager to help her and her animals. She had even counted on it when she left home with only $32 in her pocket. By describing Annie’s positive encounters with people on the road, the book underscores the kindness of strangers, showing how people’s generosity helped Annie both practically and emotionally to help make her journey a success.

Annie’s expectation of neighborly kindness was rooted in her sense of connectedness to others. Because of her family’s long history in New England, Annie imagined that nearly everyone she encountered could be a “distant cousin” and that “her people were everywhere, and because of that she couldn’t fully be a stranger” (54). The text argues that this feeling of connection and relatability fueled Annie’s trust in others: “And more than anything, Annie had trust. When she set off, she was sure she was going to find the same America she’d grown up believing in: A country made up of […] neighbors […] happy to give you a helping hand” (272).

Anecdotes show how Annie’s many positive experiences validated her hopeful expectations. For instance, the text describes how Mr. and Mrs. Bennett opened their door to Annie one night and took care of her and her dog:

A smiling woman opened the door, looking not the least tired in spite of the late hour; she greeted Annie and invited her in. The house was mercifully warm. The woman thanked the police officers and, taking no notice of the time or the condition of Annie’s clothing, warmly welcomed this total stranger inside (56).

Annie greatly appreciated that the couple provided her with food and shelter, and their emotional support and encouragement buoyed her. Mrs. Bennett urged Annie to follow her dream: “She placed her hands on Annie’s shoulders and gave them a squeeze. ‘Then you must go,’ she said, and Annie was surprised to see tears in her eyes” (60).

Other memorable acts of kindness turned into meaningful friendships. For instance, Annie maintained some correspondence with her new friend Jean Lane after Jean hosted Annie for lunch on the road. Jean was “genuinely interested in Annie, her companions, and her voyage” (89) and offered to be an emergency contact for Annie. Similarly, the Roses insisted on hosting Annie for Christmas, inviting her to make herself at home until the new year. This kind gesture solidified a friendship that continued via correspondence. Though Annie was proud to be hardworking and self-reliant, she knew that she would have to accept offers from strangers to survive: “Annie had the graciousness to receive gifts, accompanied by a fierce determination not to be a burden” (53). Some of these gifts went beyond Annie’s expectations. For instance, Mr. and Mrs. Richards generously gave her an expensive horse, even though they were complete strangers who would never see her again. Whether offering a meal, a place to stay, a meaningful conversation, or an extravagant gift, strangers displayed kindness that showed they were friends. Annie was grateful and delighted to find that her neighbors throughout the US were as hospitable and generous as she had always believed.