A Widow's Walk Off-Grid to Self-Reliance

An Inspiring, True Story of Courage and Determination

By: Annie Dodds

Narrated by: Pam Ward

The inspiring, true story of Anne Dodds.

When her husband passed away after a long, trying illness, Annie Dodds was forced to sell almost everything to settle his estate. Homeless, with little money, she wondered if it might be time to pursue a decades-old dream of living a quiet, self-sufficient life alone, off-grid. One day, when her son told her he knew of an old house on 50 acres, she knew it was time.

Feeling empowered and prepared by having read so much over the years, she loaded her belongings into the back of her pickup truck. But as she pulled into the driveway that first day, she could not imagine the challenges she would face, the obstacles she would overcome, the self-doubts she would master, and the soul-strengthening peace and contentment she would find living in a rundown old home on 50 acres of country heaven.

©2014 Anne Dodds (P)2019 Tantor

Good Story

I liked this story. I was looking for something where it was more of a remote, grow your own food and hunt story. This was not that, but it is a very good true life story of a widow and her struggles off grid. Narrator was good

Freedom from expectation living for yourself

This is a good book, reads like a diary and shows grit and fortitude. This is a true life of work and self resilience. Not quite a feel good book, but a book of self motivation and can do with what I have. If you want something different, this is a GREAT way to break up your book choices. I left the book so proud of her, and it stays with me I am a year away from reading this, and I still remember and love her adventure.

Loved this story

I liked the details of the house and how she’d persevere, without whining. I liked her! I love nature as she and simplicity. Her endurance was awesome and I think I couldn’t do the same but we do what we have to. Liked that she chose off the grid instead of a shelter and miserable job. I like how she thinks. I’d be friends with her, and I appreciate her sharper story❤️

wonderful book!

I can not say enough about this book. wonderfully written, you feel like you right there with her and come to know the author. this narrator does an exceptional job, perfect voice for this book.

Inspiringly honest and heartfelt!

I found this book to be very inspiring. Annie Dodds was completely honest and open about all of her feelings good, bad, ugly, didn't matter. That takes a lot of courage. I found that after listening to it that I realized that it takes someone willing to be very open to share their feelings to help create a community where all of us are willing to listen to each other's point of view and feel their feelings. It's only then that we can become a real community and help each other heal as we become open and vulnerable. Hiding our feelings leaves alienated, isolated and alone. I applaud Annie's book and highly recommend it to anyone seeking their own truth!

Fascinating!

Narrator did a phenomenal job! I felt like I was sitting there with my grandmother, listening to her life story. Wow, what a women! Her accomplishments and perseverance and the way she prevails at every single twist and turn is inspiring. Her strength is inspiring. I absolutely loved this book!

Inspirational

I found this woman’s story inspiring. She has overcome some of the biggest obstacles that life throws at us. She reminds me of a great friend of mine who is strong willed like this gal. I thought the narrator did a fabulous job! I though that the voice and emotion fit perfectly!

Great Read

This was an easy listen, great story and many points in the story brought me to think of my own situation and how much I've gotten thru and how far is left to go. Highly recommend to any widow.

A Strong Woman in the Face of Much Adversity

Annie is a very strong, determined woman like the kind pioneer stock was made from. Despite all the hardship ships she encountered with her financial situation, back breaking work that even a lot of men wouldn't do, safety concerns for an elderly woman living alone in an isolated place, and the sorrows that her family brought to bear, Annie prevailed.

In spite of all her hardships, her love of animals and nature helped her keep a balance and her humor touched my heart. Annie's story touched me, as I could relate to Annie in one very specific way, being a widow living in a very isolated rural area with little personal contact with people, relying on my animals and the nature that surrounds me for comfort. Although, that's where our similarity ends as I am well set up for living this way, which made me thankful and appreciative. I can clearly understand Annie's struggles for everyday survival in her surroundings.

I can't end this review without giving kudos to Pam Ward for a 5 star narration of this story. Her superb narration brought Annie's character to life, as though she had been there.

Great Story

I bought this book originally because I thought it would include a fellow homesteader's journey of gardening, hunting, & living off grid. It wasn't so much about gardening, preserving, or hunting but a different kind of homesteader's journey & life. I enjoyed it anyway & still learned much & found personal hope that I could face, survive, & persevere through any hardships I might face in this life. A really good story.