Katharine's Remarkable Road Trip

Almost instantly, I felt like I was sitting next to Katharine on her 270-mile road trip in 1907. The biographical note at the book’s beginning, as well as a map of Katharine’s trip from Newport, Rhode Island to Jackson, New Hampshire, definitely helped ready me for the reading journey.I was in awe and admiration of the 77 year-old Katharine’s ability to come to terms with a dire medical prognosis. Rather than pulling the covers over her head, she embarks on what she knows will be her last adventure. And why not a road trip? A single woman and fiercely independent, she sets off. And amazingly, she is still able to care for others, and even medically assist those in need, much the way she always had.What I love about this novel is that it’s not only a retrospective of a life well lived, but the life of someone still looking forward to more excitement and adventure—despite the odds. Olmsted immediately builds suspense: readers don’t know what obstacles will potentially slow Katharine down. Will it be the road conditions? Her health? A single woman driving along in 1907?Despite Katharine being an elderly woman who lived over a century ago, there is something modern about her personality. Maybe it’s because she’s open-minded, frank, and not afraid of dealing with her feelings. I found it fascinating to read about those she loved, as well as her feelings of being single. There is much to be admired about her. Hers was truly a remarkable life! Olmsted has the ability to breathe life into historical figures through her fiction, as we saw in her earlier book, Landscape of a Marriage. I loved how having read it further enriched my reading experience of Katharine’s Remarkable Road Trip.Read this beautifully crafted work of fiction based on a true heroine in American history. Thank you Gail Ward Olmsted for passing down Katharine’s legacy!

Quick read! Light with interesting characters

This book was such a wonderful read. It tells the story of Katherine Prescott Wormeley, a woman ahead of her time and a great friend of Frederic Law Olmstead. I just love Katherine. I felt like I was visiting an old friend. A remarkable woman for her time period. She was a great woman in her own right; a philanthropist, a hospital adminstrator, writer, and a feminist. She was born 1830 and died 1908. This book would make a wonderful series on PBS, it is that kind of wonderful story. I have liked all of Ms Olmstead's books, but Landscape of a Marriage and KRRT, really sang to me. I was disappointed when I finished this book, I won't get to spend any more time with Katherine Prescott Wormeley.

I’m thrilled that our book club chose this novel. Interesting characters, insights into the historical setting and an inspirational Kate! Well done.

Miss Kate was an early example of an independent woman. The story is enhanced by the customs and charming settings. This is a quick and a feel-good read.

This was a well written book and it did hole my attention. I wish they had told what was wrong with the woman since it was referenced quite often.

As someone who loves taking a road trip now and then, I thoroughly enjoyed this one. Katharine met so many interesting people and had such great adventures. It's obvious that Miss Wormeley lived life to the fullest.

What am incredible & interesting read!! I was never bored with this book!! What an AMAZING WOMAN Katharine was even if only a quarter of the things they said she accomplished are accurate!! But the storyline is so beautifully woven into the tapestry of actual history you never feel like you are reading a historical novel!! Most excellent job Ms. Olmstead, PLEASE keep writing books just like this!! I loved all if!!! I Need More!!

Katharine's Remarkable Road Trip reveals a generous, independent, and skilled protagonist from a time when many women were mainly wives and mothers. "Spinster" Kate lived a full life with few regrets, many accomplishments, and dear friends. If only we were all so lucky as to appreciate what we have, the experiences we've gained, and the friends met along the way-one of Olmsted's finest.