Dear Valerie, I loved the book. After reading it I feel like we are best friends.
Dear Valerie, I really liked your book but never want to hit the road with you in a motor home.
Dear Valerie, Loved reading your book, couldn't put it down.
Valerie, I just finished reading your website book. I LOVED it. Woke up at 2:00 am and couldn't sleep, while looking at Facebook saw your post about your book. Downloaded it and read all night. Couldn't wait to get back to it this evening. You were at our home, the farm, in Illinois but things were so hectic I never got to visit with you very much. You are one remarkable, gutsy woman. Your motorhome adventures, your heartaches, your fun times all told with your wonderful sense of humor coming through. I'm anxiously awaiting the next book...... 😊
Kelly Knapp, Amazon Customer
This story was like my favorite onion, the Vidalia, all warm colors and sweet flavors, with thick sections that melt when each new layer is exposed to the heat that follows Valerie from California to Arkansas. I have heard it said that growing old is not for the faint of heart and if true the author will grow old slowly.
Kellee — June 14, 2019
I am also moving from California — Los Angeles to a small town in Southern Wisconsin. No "coincidence" that I just found your article while on a much needed break from packing to head out tonight! A native Californian, 61, this is all a huge new adventure for me too! Thanks for your article, it keeps me inspired!
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A debut memoir, a compilation of emails, depicts a strong woman with a superb sense of humor.
In 2007, Katz, after staying single for 30 years, began dating her dance instructor, David. The couple fell in love, and they decided she would sell her house and move in with him. A search for a "better place to retire" turned up "lush and green" Bella Vista, Arkansas, in the Ozark Mountains. The two wed, and shortly after settling into their new home, they learned that David had a cancerous tumor in his bladder. Despite chemotherapy, the cancer spread. The travails of constant hospital visits notwithstanding, the couple enjoyed road trips to California in their motor home to visit family. Unfortunately, David died in 2010: "I guess God was ready for his dance lesson." After his death, Katz's family stepped into the void — her sister Martha moved in with her, and together they took motor-home journeys and traveled abroad.
An upbeat and enjoyable take on the mundane events of daily life.
In author Valerie Katz's "The News From Arkansas: Sense of Humor Required", the author relates the story of how she and her husband came to move from California to Arkansas, finding their lives changed forever. Put together as a series of emails sent to family and friends, the book takes heartfelt, heartbreaking and humorous twists and turns as it explores the vast differences between the two states.
A memorable, engaging and evenly-paced read — a must-read memoir for anyone who enjoys non-fiction, travel writing, or stories about starting over.