Book Club Discussion Questions and Guide for The Ride of Her Life by Elizabeth Letts

1. The quotes at the start of each chapter were carefully chosen by the author to convey something about the mood or action in the pages to come. Did any of them particularly stand out to you?
2. This book, in part, recognizes the kindness of strangers along Annie's journey. Have you ever experienced a such kindnesses from strangers? Tell us about it/them.
3. Annie has a special bond with all her animals. She instantly bonds with the horses Tarzan and Rex—and Depeche Toi is her loyal shadow. Have there been special animals in your life?
4. Did Annie's story inspire you to travel? If so, where will you go?
5. As an older woman, traveling alone, Annie was not a typical solo traveler of the era, but as a white person she didn't come up against the kinds of hazards that Black Americans faced during her era. How would her journey have been different for a person of color? Is it easier or harder to make a journey like Annie's today, or does it depend on who is making the journey?
6. What was your initial reaction when Annie decided to ride Tarzan from Maine to California? Have you ever tried anything that other people laughed at or said was impossible? Did Annie inspire you to strike something new o your bucket list?
7. How did Annie defy the expectations of women in the 1950s? Or even those of today?
8. What was one of your favorite moments during Annie's journey? Why did it resonate with you?
9. Annie spent months travelling across the country with her animal companions. After our collective time in lockdown, do you have a new appreciation for the company of animals? How do you think you and your animals would do on the road?
10. Before reading the book, had you heard about Annie? Were you surprised this story isn't more well known?
11. Setting plays a big role in the plot—from Annie's farm in Maine to sitting in the saddle on the highway to ending up in a new friend's home. Why do you think setting is so important? Which setting was most appealing to you?
12. Does the author use language in a way that's different or striking? How did she capture the feel of the 1950s and the difficulty of Annie's journey? What style or "voice" does the author use?

Unless otherwise stated, this discussion guide is reprinted with the permission of Ballantine Books. Any page references refer to a USA edition of the book, usually the trade paperback version, and may vary in other editions.