Wild Heart: A True Story of Hippies, Healers, and Harleys Paperback – November 7, 2023

I have some things in common with Stacey Kerr, but many of her life experiences are so different from mine. I may never ride a motorcycle myself, but Stacey conveyed her own joy sincerely - it was a pleasure to read and even vicariously feel that joy. Stacey has a strong, open-minded, independent, compassionate spirit - she has a special story to tell of a life well-led. Discussing Wild Heart book in bookclub was one of my favorite discussions we have ever had.

I loved this book, and imagine it as a movie or a mini-series. Stacey Kerr's character is stronger than fiction; her story is one of dreams that were brought into being by the force of her determination, her moral compass, and the guides, angels and friends she met along the way. She lets us in on the struggles and shocks that accompanied some crucial personal decisions and turning points on the journey of life that shaped her. The book follows Stacey as she tours the west on her motorcycle with two equally badass female physicians she has known since residency, with their bonds of friendship deepening as their skills as riders are tested and forged on a series of seven rides across more than a decade. She tells the story of her life - sometimes revealing parts of her past not known before- to her longtime friends, sometimes screaming into her helmet, sometimes letting us the readers right in to see the most difficult parts of her life as we look in the rear-view mirror with her. Definitely a ride worth gearing up and coming along for. I congratulate Dr Kerr on birthing this truly wonderful and well-written book. It was a joy to read, a page-turner that I read all in one sitting on a day off from birthing babies myself. I surely hope this one is soon to be a major motion picture or mini-series. The scenery as Stacey paints it and the characters and episodes from a life lived fully and deeply are so vivid and so honest, it's a great read. I am buying a few to give as gifts to my especially badass friends for holiday presents this year.

Wild Heart is a thrilling adventure from start to finish. As Stacey Kerr navigates every season of her life, she chooses to challenge herself at every crossroad, to say yes to her dreams and face her deepest fears with courage. She tells her story honestly with vulnerability and heart. From 70's hippie, to family physician to Harley road warrior, she's a role model for the modern woman. A must read for every book club!

Highly recommended. Dr. Kerr is brave and vulnerable and conceals nothing. She is not only a good storyteller, you’ll come away with the feeling that she would also be a good friend.Wild Heart contains an uncommon mix of life experiences – difficult family relationships in Dr Kerr's childhood, communal living in the late 60s, a challenging marriage, and the highs and lows of raising two daughters, along with background about her medical training and touching stories from her ob-gyn and family practice. I lived through the 60s and 70s but never knew anyone personally who experienced the counterculture that Dr. Kerr writes about in Wild Heart. She saw a charismatic spiritual leader in San Francisco and followed him to The Farm in Tennessee, one of the early attempts to set up communal living. It is fascinating to read about the collision between hippie ideals, on the one hand, and the reality of trying to figure out roads and housing and bathrooms and food, on the other hand.Dr. Kerr has things to say about feminism, aging, medicine and patient care, science, and the art of moving a motorcycle from place to place. A wonderful memoir!

Telling a story about her life, Kerr weaves in some common experiences with some very unconventional ones. I really enjoyed reading and wanted to hear more!

The author was a friend of mine from junior high, despite moves we stayed in touch by mail until college pulled us in other directions. This is a delightful book, with many thoughtful points to ponder as well as wisdom to take on board. I'm just thrilled that Stacey has overcome so many obstacles and achieved so much in life. Blessings on you, Stacey, and You Go Girl!

I enjoyed reading a book written by a woman in her 70s who lived a life so different from my own.Growing up in a military family, while providing examples of self-discipline also held tight reins on her personal freedom.It was a JOY to read this book filled with intellect, humor, love, adventures and overcoming obstacles of being an independent woman in our society.As an MD she stood up for what was needed and asserted herself in the face of male dominance.She combines compassion with competence weaving her way through the phases, heartbreaks and loves in her life.Where does one go after that? Of course, she hops on a motorcycle with a little help from her friends…Their adventures are even more reasons to read this book!!Now in her 70s, loving her man, she continues to amaze as she rides on.If you liked Lessons in Chemistry, you would love this one too!

Stacey Kerr has a wonderful story to tell and tells it well. Life is complicated and throws us zingers, and we have to spend our lives figuring out how to make the best of it. Stacey has done a magnificent job of making decisions and positioning herself to be effective in the world, yet salvaging time to enjoy life to the fullest. Her road trips are rollicking adventures, and the thoughts that run through her mind on her journeys weave us into her backstory, how she wrestled with adversity and crafted a self she can be at peace with. I especially enjoyed her accounts of developing a body language to communicate with her fellow road warriors on the road, and was impressed with her willingness to grapple with the elements in her travels. She’s part of my pantheon of badass women who keep me going on my own journey.