Mary Ann Cooper - Across America and Back

Author Mary Ann Hooper will read and discuss her book Across America and Back: Retracing My Great-Grandparents' Remarkable Journey, recently published by the University of Nevada Press.Mary Ann grew up on Sunset Lake Road in Brattleboro. Her grandfather Howard C. Rice was publisher of the Brattleboro Reformer and her father John S. Hooper was editor and then publisher of the Reformer from 1950 to 1971.Her book is a memoir based on diaries and documents handed down in her family and a travelogue of two family journeys: her great grandparents’ transcontinental train trip to California in 1871-72; and her retracing of their route in 2008.Filled with rich details of time, place, and culture, Mary Ann’s compelling narrative is also a thoughtful account of how the American West has changed over the last 150 years. She is deeply concerned about the environment and supports John Muir’s philosophy of celebrating, not conquering, nature and her book returns to this theme time and again. She also treats readers to her entertaining encounters on the trip and escapades on her folding bike.The event is hosted by the Brattleboro Historical Society and the Brooks Memorial Library, 224 Main St., in the second floor Meeting Room on Wednesday, September 12th at 7 pm. Mary Ann will give a short presentation with photos and a reading, followed by questions and discussion. Her book will be available for sale and signing. Light refreshments will be on hand.