very interesting and full of bits of history

This book tells the story of an older woman who travels by horseback from Maine to California during the 1950's. It describes the history of the country at that time, especially going into the specific history of each location the woman passes through. The 1950's was a time when it was still possible to cross the country on horseback, but there were problems as the only maps available to her were provided for car travel. She had to avoid large towns and cities because she was on horseback.

Because she was traveling on horseback with little to no information about the conditions she would encounter on her way to California, her trip was eventful. She had no sponsor and little money, making her dependent on the good will of the people she met along the way.

I read this book with my book club. Each member found the book interesting but felt there was no need to give the historical background to all of the small towns she encountered in her travels. Most were more interested in the animals than in the woman herself.