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You Are My Sunshine: A Story of Love, Promises, and a Really Long Bike Ride
A laugh-out-loud funny true story of a loving relationship, a grand adventure, and a promise kept. It was only a few years after the starry-eyed young couple got married when scary news threatened to take the wind out of their sails. But Sean Dietrich's wife, Jamie, wouldn't let it. She dared to hope for and plan for a great big adventure, and she made him promise to do it with her. For love and the promise of biscuits along the way, Sean--who was never an athlete of any kind--undertook the bike ride of a lifetime and lived to talk about it. In this true-life tale, master storyteller Sean Dietrich--also known as the beloved columnist and creator of the blog and podcast "Sean of the South"--shares their hilarious, touching, and sometimes terrifying story of the long bike ride to conquer The Great Allegheny Passage and the C&O Canal Towpath trail. As you laugh out loud through every hard-won mile and lose yourself in his signature poignancy, you'll experience a great adventure that, in the end, will remind you of what's most important in life, the value of keeping your promises, and the importance of connection in your most treasured relationships. A feel-good read you won't be able to put down, You Are My Sunshine dares you to hope for an adventure of your own.
256 pages, Hardcover
Published October 11, 2022
About the author
Sean Dietrich
31 books806 followersSean Dietrich is a columnist, podcaster, speaker, and novelist, known for his commentary on life in the American South. His work has appeared in Southern Living, The Tallahassee Democrat, Good Grit, South Magazine, The Bitter Southerner, Thom Magazine, and The Mobile Press Register, and he has authored ten books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 297 reviews
September 29, 2022
“What’s so funny?” my husband asks as I was reading You Are My Sunshine. “This book!” I replied excitedly. And so began my incessant chuckling, snickering, and gigling as I continued my reading adventure.
You Are My Sunshine is the true story of Sean and his wife Jamie’s grueling bike ride through The Great Allegheny Passage and the C&O Canal Towpath trail. It’s a challenging trail that offers more than 330 miles of biking and hiking. Why did they do it? Because Jamie wanted to do something Big and because Sean promised — sometime ago…
Told in first person, author Sean Dietrich describes real life experiences in a very entertaining way. Dietrich makes the normally mundane activities and conversations laugh out loud funny. I could not put the novel down.
But, the novel is not all fun and games. All jokes aside, there are some poignant moments in the novel and Dietrich manages to capture those moments like a Polaroid camera.
You Are My Sunshine is a highly entertaining, hilariously funny true story that will have you in stitches. Five outstanding stars.
I received a physical book from Zondervan Books through Bookish First. The review herein is completely my own and contains my honest thoughts and opinions.
You Are My Sunshine is the true story of Sean and his wife Jamie’s grueling bike ride through The Great Allegheny Passage and the C&O Canal Towpath trail. It’s a challenging trail that offers more than 330 miles of biking and hiking. Why did they do it? Because Jamie wanted to do something Big and because Sean promised — sometime ago…
Told in first person, author Sean Dietrich describes real life experiences in a very entertaining way. Dietrich makes the normally mundane activities and conversations laugh out loud funny. I could not put the novel down.
But, the novel is not all fun and games. All jokes aside, there are some poignant moments in the novel and Dietrich manages to capture those moments like a Polaroid camera.
You Are My Sunshine is a highly entertaining, hilariously funny true story that will have you in stitches. Five outstanding stars.
I received a physical book from Zondervan Books through Bookish First. The review herein is completely my own and contains my honest thoughts and opinions.
September 11, 2022
A nice light-hearted read, author has a very humorous style of writing and is a great storyteller. I was expecting it to be like Wild where I’d feel inspired, wanting to take on the trail. I can say with confidence I do not feel that 🤣 this was more of a funny, realistic portrayal of what tackling a 300+ mile bike ride through the Appalachians is like. There are words of wisdom tucked in throughout, and you learn a lot about the author’s backstory and him coming to terms with experiences him and his wife have had, but wasn’t the leading plot line.
I didn’t walk away feeling changed or deeply inspired. But I loved the story all the same! I also appreciate that it confirmed for me I have ZERO interest in attempting this feat myself - bike, trike, on foot, or otherwise. Wild had me thinking that could be in the cards someday…she did NOT mention all the snake encounters with quite the same flourish as this author did. Hard pass 😅
I didn’t walk away feeling changed or deeply inspired. But I loved the story all the same! I also appreciate that it confirmed for me I have ZERO interest in attempting this feat myself - bike, trike, on foot, or otherwise. Wild had me thinking that could be in the cards someday…she did NOT mention all the snake encounters with quite the same flourish as this author did. Hard pass 😅
October 26, 2022
Unemployed during the pandemic, married couple Sean and Jamie embark on a 350-mile long bike ride.
Good thing this memoir was short or I wouldn't have made it to the end. And even then, it was a close call. Sean and Jamie's "adventure" was so boring to read about, and I didn't have much patience for Sean's tangents which even he stated were only to increase his word count. Other reviews dubbed this book "hilarious" but I thought the author tried way too hard to be funny. And he just wasn't. It also promised to remind me of life's treasures but I didn't feel that either because hello, they often seemed to bike at their own pace and away from each other... and the ending was pretty lame.
"Then again, endings are what make things good. Even bad things become much better once the end occurs. Take, for example, this book." Ahem. Yet again, the author stole the words right out of my mouth.
Lastly, I'm sad and disappointed that such an amazing title was wasted on such a dud.
Location: The Great Allegheny Passage and the C&O Canal Towpath
I received an advance copy this book from BookishFirst. All opinions are my own.
Good thing this memoir was short or I wouldn't have made it to the end. And even then, it was a close call. Sean and Jamie's "adventure" was so boring to read about, and I didn't have much patience for Sean's tangents which even he stated were only to increase his word count. Other reviews dubbed this book "hilarious" but I thought the author tried way too hard to be funny. And he just wasn't. It also promised to remind me of life's treasures but I didn't feel that either because hello, they often seemed to bike at their own pace and away from each other... and the ending was pretty lame.
"Then again, endings are what make things good. Even bad things become much better once the end occurs. Take, for example, this book." Ahem. Yet again, the author stole the words right out of my mouth.
Lastly, I'm sad and disappointed that such an amazing title was wasted on such a dud.
Location: The Great Allegheny Passage and the C&O Canal Towpath
I received an advance copy this book from BookishFirst. All opinions are my own.
January 27, 2023
Sean Dietrich, aka Sean of the South, is a writer, musician, and storyteller (live shows and podcasts) who regularly discusses his wife, marriage, family struggles, etc. in his work. I've followed him for years on social media and enjoy his columns/blog. If you already know his and wife Jaime's backstory, then this will be enjoyable but redundant. It covers a lot of previously covered ground, with the highlight of the 350 mile bike trip. It is, in essence, about keeping a 20 year old promise to his wife. If you don't know any of the backstory, then I don't think this goes in depth enough for unfamiliar readers to fully buy in to what's happening. It's well-written, often funny, at times poignant, and I recommend it despite also thinking it's sappy, a bit too sweet, and with only hinted depths. Highly recommend reading his other memoir, Will the Circle Be Unbroken, before this one.
December 20, 2023
*sigh*
Why are there so few books that are comfortable without sentimentalist sewage? “There’s such a thing as Hell, but God goes there with you” is an appalling take on Psalm 139:8. The “Hell” in that verse is not the place of damnation, but Sheol, the grave — the place where all the dead, not just the damned, go.
Here’s a better take on whether suicide is a one-way ticket to Hell: the Bible is clear that there is an unforgivable sin, blasphemy of the Holy Spirit. Suicide is a grave sin, but it isn’t that. Heaven is appropriated by faith in Christ’s righteousness, not by our own righteousness, which means He is able to save us even if we whiff it big time as our very last act on earth. I’m sorry no one has ever told Sean Dietrich this.
Other than that nonsense, I enjoyed a lot about the book. Dietrich is a funny guy. I'll read more by him, but not with any expectation of encountering profound theological insights.
The author narrated, and that right well.
Why are there so few books that are comfortable without sentimentalist sewage? “There’s such a thing as Hell, but God goes there with you” is an appalling take on Psalm 139:8. The “Hell” in that verse is not the place of damnation, but Sheol, the grave — the place where all the dead, not just the damned, go.
Here’s a better take on whether suicide is a one-way ticket to Hell: the Bible is clear that there is an unforgivable sin, blasphemy of the Holy Spirit. Suicide is a grave sin, but it isn’t that. Heaven is appropriated by faith in Christ’s righteousness, not by our own righteousness, which means He is able to save us even if we whiff it big time as our very last act on earth. I’m sorry no one has ever told Sean Dietrich this.
Other than that nonsense, I enjoyed a lot about the book. Dietrich is a funny guy. I'll read more by him, but not with any expectation of encountering profound theological insights.
The author narrated, and that right well.
September 15, 2023
A warm fuzzy blanket of a story. You will laugh and you will cry.
October 12, 2022
Another 5 star book from the beloved Sean of the South - Sean Dietrich. This book hit the shelves yesterday and will no doubt become one of the best books that you will read (or listen to) this year.
If you are unfamiliar with Sean Dietrich let me introduce you to the best southern story teller around today. His down to earth style, his humor and wit, his honestness and his master of the English language is a pleasant surprise. His daily pieces have warmed the hearts of countless folks who have needed a little boost, especially over the past couple of years. I am still thanking my friend Ann for introducing me to his work years ago.
His latest book is a love story - a promise that he made to his adorable wife Jamie back when she had a health scare proved to almost be his undoing. He promised her an adventure and the adventure turned out to be biking the Great Allegheny Passage and C&O Towpath Trail. Never mind that these two were not seasoned bikers by any means. They tackled the trip on a bike and a trike for Sean who is afraid of bikes (and clowns).
The book is a colorful travelogue of their big adventure and all of the things that happened along the way - both good and bad. I will ruin the ending for you --they made it. Alive, somewhat bruised and definitely tired but they accomplished what they set out to do and he lived to write about it. Sean also imparts a little bit of his history and background which helps the reader know a little bit more about this pretty amazing couple.
When the world seems to have lost its way and gone a little wacky it is wonderful to lose oneself in a story of adventure filled with colorful characters, humorous incidents and just good writing. Sean and Jamie have captured many hearts over the years and this love story definitely captured mine.
If you are looking for a book that will have you laughing out loud in places and almost in tears in others this is the book for you. I listened to the audiobook and love hearing the author. reading his own words - complete with his "Jamie" voice. One word of advice -- keep on close eye on your Kit Kat if you travel with Jamie.
Thanks, Sean, for another book that made me forget about the world for awhile and gave me hope once again.
If you are unfamiliar with Sean Dietrich let me introduce you to the best southern story teller around today. His down to earth style, his humor and wit, his honestness and his master of the English language is a pleasant surprise. His daily pieces have warmed the hearts of countless folks who have needed a little boost, especially over the past couple of years. I am still thanking my friend Ann for introducing me to his work years ago.
His latest book is a love story - a promise that he made to his adorable wife Jamie back when she had a health scare proved to almost be his undoing. He promised her an adventure and the adventure turned out to be biking the Great Allegheny Passage and C&O Towpath Trail. Never mind that these two were not seasoned bikers by any means. They tackled the trip on a bike and a trike for Sean who is afraid of bikes (and clowns).
The book is a colorful travelogue of their big adventure and all of the things that happened along the way - both good and bad. I will ruin the ending for you --they made it. Alive, somewhat bruised and definitely tired but they accomplished what they set out to do and he lived to write about it. Sean also imparts a little bit of his history and background which helps the reader know a little bit more about this pretty amazing couple.
When the world seems to have lost its way and gone a little wacky it is wonderful to lose oneself in a story of adventure filled with colorful characters, humorous incidents and just good writing. Sean and Jamie have captured many hearts over the years and this love story definitely captured mine.
If you are looking for a book that will have you laughing out loud in places and almost in tears in others this is the book for you. I listened to the audiobook and love hearing the author. reading his own words - complete with his "Jamie" voice. One word of advice -- keep on close eye on your Kit Kat if you travel with Jamie.
Thanks, Sean, for another book that made me forget about the world for awhile and gave me hope once again.
October 10, 2022
Won Finished Hardcover from BookishFirst.com!
I had no idea who Sean Dietrich was before seeing this book up for excerpt review. But when I read the excerpt, I liked it. I was wondering where it was going to go, how bad it was going to get (in terms of what Jamie was dealing with, not how bad the BOOK was going to get. lol.) I ended up enjoying this book a lot, which surprised me. It's sort of in the vein of Bill Bryson or Nick Offerman (thought not quite as hilarious as Nick Offerman!) but in that whole memoir of the outdoors. I blew through this book in an afternoon and loved it. I would never in a million years do something like Sean and Jamie did but I can appreciate when someone else does it instead! I would have liked to have seen photos in the book. For the GAP trail, they just had an iPad but they still took some silly selfies! And for the C&O towpath, they had new cell phones. So where are the photos?! I already gave this book 5 stars but having photos included would have added more. I would also have liked a Q&A with Jamie and how she experienced the travels. But I still loved this book!
I had no idea who Sean Dietrich was before seeing this book up for excerpt review. But when I read the excerpt, I liked it. I was wondering where it was going to go, how bad it was going to get (in terms of what Jamie was dealing with, not how bad the BOOK was going to get. lol.) I ended up enjoying this book a lot, which surprised me. It's sort of in the vein of Bill Bryson or Nick Offerman (thought not quite as hilarious as Nick Offerman!) but in that whole memoir of the outdoors. I blew through this book in an afternoon and loved it. I would never in a million years do something like Sean and Jamie did but I can appreciate when someone else does it instead! I would have liked to have seen photos in the book. For the GAP trail, they just had an iPad but they still took some silly selfies! And for the C&O towpath, they had new cell phones. So where are the photos?! I already gave this book 5 stars but having photos included would have added more. I would also have liked a Q&A with Jamie and how she experienced the travels. But I still loved this book!
March 11, 2023
Quick read. I'm no stranger to recumbent bikes- thought it was funny that so many reacted to it. Written as if only friends would ever likely read it, raw and the humor... I literally snorted each time Sean's wife, or The Math Teacher as he lovingly calls her, swatted his touch away calling him Stupid with all the love only a few decades together can appreciate 🤣🤣. I'd read a whole bio/memoir from Sean if he wrote one.
September 26, 2022
“But my life isn’t a book. It’s ordinary. And even though I want it to be more sometimes, it’s not. There are no film scores, no lighting effects, no A-list actors with high cheekbones. There is only us. There is only now.”
🚴Blurb:
In this true-life tale, master storyteller Sean Dietrich--also known as the beloved columnist and creator of the blog and podcast "Sean of the South"--shares their hilarious, touching, and sometimes terrifying story of the long bike ride to conquer The Great Allegheny Passage and the C&O Canal Towpath trail. As you laugh out loud through every hard-won mile and lose yourself in his signature poignancy, you'll experience a great adventure that, in the end, will remind you of what's most important in life, the value of keeping your promises, and the importance of connection in your most treasured relationships.
💭Thoughts:
This was just the fun, heartfelt, laugh out loud book I didn’t know I needed! I read this book in a day and smiled the whole time. It’s a great reminder that good people still exist and you’re never to old for an adventure!
I enjoyed learning about a part of the country that I’ve never visited and really know little about. I can tell you lots about trails in the PNW, but very little about the east coast.
I found the author’s fear of snakes so relatable! No high grass for me! I’m constantly on guard for snakes and there is no way I’m pitching a tent in snake country! 🤷🏻♀️
There are a lot of references to God and religion in this book. It’s not a focal point, but you can tell it is a big part of the author’s life.
Highly recommend for those who enjoy inspirational and adventurous nonfiction.
January 6, 2023
I have followed Sean Dietrich on Instagram for a couple of years. I wanted to read You Are My Sunshine since it came out last fall. I am glad I started my year with this couple's adventure. In You Are My Sunshine, I followed Sean and his wife, Jamie, as they went on a big adventure--riding their bike and recumbent trike on the Great Allegheny Passage and C & O Canal Towpath Trail.
The book starts out with a bit of marital history so the reader knows how the couple decided to make this journey, then goes into the journey and ends with a bit of marital history to complete the story. I enjoy Sean's humor on his social media Instagram page. While this book isn't entirely humorous, there were a few places I laughed out loud. I mostly pulled for this couple to make it through this really long bike/trike ride.
There were also some serious places in You Are My Sunshine where he shared stories about people they met on the trail who face life challenges and still chose to go on the trail in spite of them or maybe because of them. I admired them for their challenges through this book and I could relate to one of them. I also liked some of the kindnesses that others showed Sean and his wife on the trail which helped keep them going to the end. Sometimes we need a reminder that good people are still out there.
For me, this book was a quick read. I felt like I was with Sean and Jamie on the trail--only I didn't get the backache or fall off my bike. It was an armchair adventure for me. If you enjoy real-life adventure stories, biking and/or national parks, you may indeed enjoy You Are My Sunshine.
The book starts out with a bit of marital history so the reader knows how the couple decided to make this journey, then goes into the journey and ends with a bit of marital history to complete the story. I enjoy Sean's humor on his social media Instagram page. While this book isn't entirely humorous, there were a few places I laughed out loud. I mostly pulled for this couple to make it through this really long bike/trike ride.
There were also some serious places in You Are My Sunshine where he shared stories about people they met on the trail who face life challenges and still chose to go on the trail in spite of them or maybe because of them. I admired them for their challenges through this book and I could relate to one of them. I also liked some of the kindnesses that others showed Sean and his wife on the trail which helped keep them going to the end. Sometimes we need a reminder that good people are still out there.
For me, this book was a quick read. I felt like I was with Sean and Jamie on the trail--only I didn't get the backache or fall off my bike. It was an armchair adventure for me. If you enjoy real-life adventure stories, biking and/or national parks, you may indeed enjoy You Are My Sunshine.
November 23, 2022
If I wouldn't have randomly won this book from Bookish First, I would never have read it. But I am so glad I did! Sean Dietrich is absolutely, hilarious! And I loved the banter between him and his wife, Jamie. They are such a great couple! I could totally relate to Sean with his dread of biking, anywhere, let alone the Great Allegheny Passage and C&O Canal Towpath. I loved that he tells you exactly what he felt the whole time. But because of his love for Jamie, he continues on. They meet a few people along the way that just really either shows you people come into your life on purpose or are possibly sent there by another entity. Depending on your religious views. I, for one, are not religious, and there are a few religious aspects in this book, but they are very poignant to Sean's story and so I didn't mind them. Sean did a wonderful job weaving seriousness, funny, and adventure into this book. It's well worth the read!
October 11, 2022
This hasn’t been my typical book I’ve been reaching for and reading lately. But took a leap based of the synopsis and sneak peek to request and try something a bit out of my comfort reads lately.
It’s loaded with humor so that was actually helpful for me to sorta nestle in and enjoy this one.
I enjoyed the authors candid take one life experiences with his wife and him on this journey into The Great Allegheny Passage, how it seemed like a GRAND thing for them and how it also had many a struggles with doing so.
I also might add I’ve been major wanting to go hiking myself, and the sheer amount of rather unpleasant animal sights (mostly snakes let’s be honest I’d rather nope to those and not see one) had me both excited to go on a hike with my camera but also exhausted by the end of the story like would I even make it through such a journey.
I appreciate the publisher for allowing me to enjoy this story and review for hopefully others to find something that isn’t quite like their normal reads.
It’s loaded with humor so that was actually helpful for me to sorta nestle in and enjoy this one.
I enjoyed the authors candid take one life experiences with his wife and him on this journey into The Great Allegheny Passage, how it seemed like a GRAND thing for them and how it also had many a struggles with doing so.
I also might add I’ve been major wanting to go hiking myself, and the sheer amount of rather unpleasant animal sights (mostly snakes let’s be honest I’d rather nope to those and not see one) had me both excited to go on a hike with my camera but also exhausted by the end of the story like would I even make it through such a journey.
I appreciate the publisher for allowing me to enjoy this story and review for hopefully others to find something that isn’t quite like their normal reads.
April 13, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed this book!
The author tells the story of a big adventure he and his wife completed. From humor that had me laughing out loud to genuine transparency that made me bite my lip to keep back tears…
Great story.
Great author.
Read it.
The author tells the story of a big adventure he and his wife completed. From humor that had me laughing out loud to genuine transparency that made me bite my lip to keep back tears…
Great story.
Great author.
Read it.
March 11, 2023
Love his writing , funny and endearing. If you need a breakaway from all that heavy fiction -read this! One of my favorite southern voices.
January 11, 2024
Great reading-while-nursing-the-baby material. 😁
October 4, 2022
Have you ever had a book fall into your life unexpectedly that ended up being one of the best books you've ever read? That is this book for me. I absolutely enjoyed the engaging story unfolding and laughed out loud many times. This nonfiction story about a couples' bike (and trike) journey kept me reading and not wanting to stop.
The scenery descriptions allowed me to visualize this journey and the sensory details spanned everything from scent, touch, taste, and unique and hilarious sight perspective.
I enjoyed the emotional side of this man's life journey and his marital relationship and true friendship with Jamie. His ability to laugh at himself and recognize his shortcomings as well as strong points made him feel like a true friend relating his adventures to me personally. I enjoyed his respect for others he met on the trail and how he could find the good in most everyone.
This is one of my favorite books I've ever read and I will be recommending it to everyone.
The scenery descriptions allowed me to visualize this journey and the sensory details spanned everything from scent, touch, taste, and unique and hilarious sight perspective.
I enjoyed the emotional side of this man's life journey and his marital relationship and true friendship with Jamie. His ability to laugh at himself and recognize his shortcomings as well as strong points made him feel like a true friend relating his adventures to me personally. I enjoyed his respect for others he met on the trail and how he could find the good in most everyone.
This is one of my favorite books I've ever read and I will be recommending it to everyone.
March 25, 2023
CONTENT WARNING: mention of cancer
This book was one of those chosen by my social media friends as part of my 12 in 12, and I checked out the audiobook from my local library, not having any idea what I was in for. Like many of these books, I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed this book!
To start with, the audiobook is narrated by the author himself, and just going by the sound of his voice, he sounded like an older Southern guy. It wasn’t until I had finished listening to the whole book and looked it up on Goodreads that I realized the author is not actually an older guy, and is in fact someone that I have been following on Instagram for several years! What a small world.
Dietrich’s wife had a health scare early in their marriage, which led to the two of them embarking on this grand adventure. While Dietrich was not any type of athlete, he hopped on his trike, and followed his wife on a bike ride through The Great Allegheny Passage and the C&O Canal Towpath trail, neither of which was an easy undertaking. But he had a stash of Little Debbie cakes and his wife by his side, and was convinced it could be done.
It’s not a long book, and Dietrich writes with an incredible sense of humor. I loved how every situation was written with his personality shining through. The good times were fun, and the tough times still had plenty of humor, making it clear how he gets through obstacles in his life. And there’s plenty of tough times. He doesn’t shy away from the darker parts of his own life—his history with his father, his upbringing, and his complex relationship with religion, but he still approaches them with a surprising sense of open-mindedness and that trademark sense of humor. I especially loved his determination to break the cycle of intergenerational trauma that so many people feel locked into.
And while this story is inspiring and uplifting, it’s also the story of conquering fears (both tangible and intangible fears), and changing our outlook on life. The relationship between Dietrich and his wife, Jamie, is the kind that so many strive for. They’re so obviously in love, and get each other on such a deep level, and it literally jumps off the pages of this story. And what’s even better is the fact that I have seen this through social media for years, without even realizing who he was. I’m looking forward to seeing this relationship grow for more years in the future, and reading more of Dietrich’s books.
This book was one of those chosen by my social media friends as part of my 12 in 12, and I checked out the audiobook from my local library, not having any idea what I was in for. Like many of these books, I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed this book!
To start with, the audiobook is narrated by the author himself, and just going by the sound of his voice, he sounded like an older Southern guy. It wasn’t until I had finished listening to the whole book and looked it up on Goodreads that I realized the author is not actually an older guy, and is in fact someone that I have been following on Instagram for several years! What a small world.
Dietrich’s wife had a health scare early in their marriage, which led to the two of them embarking on this grand adventure. While Dietrich was not any type of athlete, he hopped on his trike, and followed his wife on a bike ride through The Great Allegheny Passage and the C&O Canal Towpath trail, neither of which was an easy undertaking. But he had a stash of Little Debbie cakes and his wife by his side, and was convinced it could be done.
It’s not a long book, and Dietrich writes with an incredible sense of humor. I loved how every situation was written with his personality shining through. The good times were fun, and the tough times still had plenty of humor, making it clear how he gets through obstacles in his life. And there’s plenty of tough times. He doesn’t shy away from the darker parts of his own life—his history with his father, his upbringing, and his complex relationship with religion, but he still approaches them with a surprising sense of open-mindedness and that trademark sense of humor. I especially loved his determination to break the cycle of intergenerational trauma that so many people feel locked into.
And while this story is inspiring and uplifting, it’s also the story of conquering fears (both tangible and intangible fears), and changing our outlook on life. The relationship between Dietrich and his wife, Jamie, is the kind that so many strive for. They’re so obviously in love, and get each other on such a deep level, and it literally jumps off the pages of this story. And what’s even better is the fact that I have seen this through social media for years, without even realizing who he was. I’m looking forward to seeing this relationship grow for more years in the future, and reading more of Dietrich’s books.
January 31, 2024
Sean Dietrich, known more commonly as "Sean of the South," gets me. And I don't think that is a compliment to him...
This guy is laugh-out-loud funny. He is a modern-day Lewis Grizzard, weaving simple life observations with unexpected humorous flavors. ("Catholics, my mother told me, have a corner market on guilt. I'm not so sure about that. Baptists don't even wave at each other in the liquor store. (103)). This book chronicles the journey he and his wife took across over 300 miles of bicycle trails because he promised her that they could "do something big." Sean is not very outdoorsy; but his love for his wife calls to him louder than his fear of snakes or bears or a life without Swiss Cake Rolls.
I seldom give 5 star ratings. So why this book? It hit me in the gizzards. I read it on a 30 year anniversary trip with my wife. I was overwhelmed by how I could have snatched such an amazing woman and convinced her not to quit on me for three decades. In this book (which I bought for my wife, but she doesn't read...), I found a kindred spirit. Sean of the South sees the world through a lens that I appreciate. He chooses to focus on the good. He cracks a lot of jokes, often at his own expense. And, most importantly, he knows (like me) what it means to steal a girl from Brewton, Alabama. We should have T-shirts printed and form a club.
This guy is laugh-out-loud funny. He is a modern-day Lewis Grizzard, weaving simple life observations with unexpected humorous flavors. ("Catholics, my mother told me, have a corner market on guilt. I'm not so sure about that. Baptists don't even wave at each other in the liquor store. (103)). This book chronicles the journey he and his wife took across over 300 miles of bicycle trails because he promised her that they could "do something big." Sean is not very outdoorsy; but his love for his wife calls to him louder than his fear of snakes or bears or a life without Swiss Cake Rolls.
I seldom give 5 star ratings. So why this book? It hit me in the gizzards. I read it on a 30 year anniversary trip with my wife. I was overwhelmed by how I could have snatched such an amazing woman and convinced her not to quit on me for three decades. In this book (which I bought for my wife, but she doesn't read...), I found a kindred spirit. Sean of the South sees the world through a lens that I appreciate. He chooses to focus on the good. He cracks a lot of jokes, often at his own expense. And, most importantly, he knows (like me) what it means to steal a girl from Brewton, Alabama. We should have T-shirts printed and form a club.
November 7, 2022
This book made me smile from start to finish. Much like Jamie, I heard about the GAP and C&O and was immediately hooked. As someone who had camped outside a grand total of once, I jumped in with both feet, meticulously researched the trail, and then spent a week biking and camping and pushing my bike up the side of a mountain (only a little jealous that Sean & Jamie didn't have to deal with that nightmare).
As much as I loved the description of their adventures on the trail, this book was very much more about their relationship, their challenges, and their love. Sean's love for his wife leapt off every page. His fear at losing her, relief at a benign diagnosis, and willingness to do literally the last thing he wanted to do at the expense of great physical pain were wonderful to witness.
I personally would have liked more about their actual adventures on the trail - the things they did in the many beautiful towns along the trail, their interactions with others (Sandy and the priest were highlights of the book for me), etc. But overall, as a lover of the GAP/C&O, this book was such a joy to read.
Thanks to BookishFirst for the ARC!
As much as I loved the description of their adventures on the trail, this book was very much more about their relationship, their challenges, and their love. Sean's love for his wife leapt off every page. His fear at losing her, relief at a benign diagnosis, and willingness to do literally the last thing he wanted to do at the expense of great physical pain were wonderful to witness.
I personally would have liked more about their actual adventures on the trail - the things they did in the many beautiful towns along the trail, their interactions with others (Sandy and the priest were highlights of the book for me), etc. But overall, as a lover of the GAP/C&O, this book was such a joy to read.
Thanks to BookishFirst for the ARC!
June 20, 2024
Sean’s wife is quite possibly one of my favorite people ever. So many exchanges between Sean and his wife left me laughing hysterically out loud. This was such a fun book, however, it only solidifies that these adventures are not for me. 🤪
I also would like to provide some further clarification on Catholicism and what is actually doctrine. These links may provide help getting a more accurate depiction of beliefs.
https://youtu.be/U2KwIFx6jeQ?si=LQYif...
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...
https://www.catholic.com/magazine/onl...
https://www.catholic.com/magazine/pri...
https://www.dynamiccatholic.com/rosar...
https://www.ncregister.com/blog/the-a...
I also would like to provide some further clarification on Catholicism and what is actually doctrine. These links may provide help getting a more accurate depiction of beliefs.
https://youtu.be/U2KwIFx6jeQ?si=LQYif...
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...
https://www.catholic.com/magazine/onl...
https://www.catholic.com/magazine/pri...
https://www.dynamiccatholic.com/rosar...
https://www.ncregister.com/blog/the-a...
December 6, 2022
Sean Dietrich and his wife Jamie’s collective world was shaken when their doctor said the C word. Cancer. The emperor of all maladies, the ticking timebomb in each of us. Rather than crumbling into a weeping ball of woe-is-me, Jamie looked at Sean and suggested that now was the time for them to do Something Big. Something like cycling the Great Allegheny Passage. Nevermind that neither were cyclists, let alone campers, and that Sean’s back problems limited him to a recumbent bicycle. If there was ever a time to seize the day, this was it – and so they took it. You Are my Sunshine is the memoir of that journey, of the arduous trek through mountains blasted by a hurricane, the couple weighed down by gear and the thoughts of what the future might bring, but buoyed by the beauty of nature, the strength of those they’d met who had overcome similar battles, and the joy of their daily little triumphs over the mountain – snakes included. This proved a quick read, and I liked the mix of travel and personal reflection. Dietrich’s honesty about his and his wife’s past and present sufferings was more compelling than the humor, which ranged from the slightly corny to the genuinely amusing. Dietrich’s accounts of his repeated interactions with another cyclist on the trail who was fighting cancer, as well as his talks with a traveling priest, were especially touching. As a hiker and sometimes-cyclist, sometimes-camper, the travel accounts were interesting all around. I was greatly amused by the thought of a recumbent bike tackling mountain trails, and it holds up about as well as one might expect – -poorly. I’d never heard of Dietrich until he appeared at my library to a sell-out crowd, and after listening to him on a few podcasts will be trying some of his other works in the future to see what the buzz is about him.
July 27, 2023
I 'discovered' Sean Dietrich through his posts on Facebook. His writing touches the heart and soul of this GRITS (girl raised in the South). His words make me think, smile, laugh out loud, cry, and reminisce on my childhood, growing up in the South. He reminds me of Lewis Grizzard and Rick Bragg, two authors who I have always admired. I will be reading his book, Will the Circle Be Unbroken, next and look forward to it. To anyone reading this review, please check out his posts on Facebook. I am pretty sure you will be glad that you did.
January 16, 2023
Reading this book felt like sitting down to dinner with an old friend while he told a great story. This was the story of the author and his wife’s journey cycling through The Great Allegheny Passage and the C&O Canal Towpath Trails.
Sean Dietrich shared his story with transparency and humor, and had a balance of heavy and light throughout the book. A quick, easy read!
Sean Dietrich shared his story with transparency and humor, and had a balance of heavy and light throughout the book. A quick, easy read!
September 9, 2023
A great book - you’ll laugh, then cry, then think about buying a bike and riding a trail. I won’t, mind you, but I thought about it. A story about faith, about marriage ups and downs, about resilience, about doing more than you think you can. Bonus: I learned a lot about an area of the country I knew nothing about. I recommend.
September 16, 2024
A humorous and interesting account of the adventures of the author and his wife as they traveled by bike on the Great Allegheny Passage Trail and the C&O Canal and Towpath Trail, from Pittsburgh to Washington DC. She had an up to date modern bike while he traveled using an adult three-wheeled tricycle.
The author is a columnist, podcaster, and stand-up story teller.
The author is a columnist, podcaster, and stand-up story teller.
December 13, 2022
It's always hard to read and review a book that is the true life story that they have written - it's like judging their story and I know that if they had the courage to write it then I am for sure in aw of them already for even going that far.
This book gives the reader all of the feels - they can't believe the journey that the writer takes, they are humbled by it and most of all they are inspired by it. This book is one that everyone should read as it will help the reader to see things in a different way. I am so grateful for the author to give us a part of their life and feel like I need to appreciate things around me more.
A great read, even if it is outside of your normal genre. Don't hesitate to grab this one and add it to your TBR list - it is a surprising gift for the reader.
This book gives the reader all of the feels - they can't believe the journey that the writer takes, they are humbled by it and most of all they are inspired by it. This book is one that everyone should read as it will help the reader to see things in a different way. I am so grateful for the author to give us a part of their life and feel like I need to appreciate things around me more.
A great read, even if it is outside of your normal genre. Don't hesitate to grab this one and add it to your TBR list - it is a surprising gift for the reader.
February 8, 2023
This book was SO SO good! This is the first actual book I've read by Sean Dietrich, although I've read many of his short stories. Heartfelt and humorous, this really is worth the time to read. I will have to look for his other publications. Five FABULOUS Stars!
February 14, 2023
My husband and I celebrated our 30th wedding anniversary yesterday, and we listened to this together on audiobook. This book was an incredible blessing, and I loved it. I cried, laughed, cried...it was honest and great. 5/5 well-deserved stars.
March 5, 2023
Some humorous turns of phrase once in a while, but not nearly as funny as his previous memoir. The fact that I read this “trail adventure” story right on the heels of reading about two friends taking a wheelchair over the whole Camino in Spain probably didn’t help either.
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