Annie Wilkins was raised in the small town of Minot, Maine, where she earned the nickname “Jackass Annie” for riding a donkey to her job at a shoe factory. Wilkins lived an impoverished life as a farmer and laborer before setting off on horseback in November 1954, with her dog in tow, for California. In conformist 1950s society, Annie’s adventurous spirit and quirky personality made her a social pariah. While people in Minot, Maine, are now proud of her bold adventure across the US, they still refer to her as “Jackass Annie.” The author explains that her book tells the true story of Annie’s journey across the country.

In January 1954, 62-year-old Annie lived on her family farm on Woodman Hill with her elderly uncle, Waldo. Unlike most Americans at the time, Annie and Waldo had no electricity or running water. They tried to make ends meet by farming livestock but continually struggled, especially through the winter months. Annie had symptoms of dizziness and fever but could not afford to heed the doctor’s advice and rest. One day, a blizzard swept in. Annie tried to complete her chores but collapsed in pain.