Joanne Provo

What Have I Been Reading?

My Antonia

This classic is definitely worth a read or reread. An unforgettable story of the challenges faced by a young immigrant girl uprooted from her familiar life in eastern Europe struggling to make her way in the hardscrabble Nebraska plains in the early 1900's. Narrated by a young man named, Jim, who befriends her while they are both finding their way in this unfamiliar territory. The beauty and tragedy of these quintessential lands and the people who inhabited them are woven throughout this story of enduring friendships.

The Road to Tender Hearts

PJ Halliday is a hapless but enduring character who while experiencing disappointments in his life believes in the common good. He plans a trip from Maine to Arizona determined to win back the heart of his high school crush decades later. Finding himself unexpectedly in the custody of two young children does not deter him from his quest. This madcap roadtrip is filled with tender moments and unforeseen circumstances. Hilarious and heartfelt, you find yourself rooting for this guy.

A Far-Flung Life

My fondness for this work was likely influenced by recent travels to Perth and the profound impact of my teenage reading of The Thorn Birds. This is a beautiful and tragic story of the McBride family who has run a sheep station in the western outback for generations. Their long-standing lifestyle is threatened by present day challenges and secrets which change the course of their lives. These resilient characters are struggling with how to love, forgive and accept themselves as they forge a path forward.