Wild Heart
A True Story of Hippies, Healers, and Harleys
by Stacey Marie Kerr, MD
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Pub Date Nov 07 2023 | Archive Date Oct 25 2023
Girl Friday Productions | Girl Friday Books
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Description
For Dr. Stacey Marie Kerr, a road is only worth traveling if it comes with some unexpected turns.
In her midfifties, Dr. Stacey Kerr was diagnosed with osteoporosis and told to play it safe. Instead, she bought her first Harley. Over the next fourteen years, Stacey and her two best friends decided to give the finger to aging gracefully, ultimately embarking on seven epic motorcycle tours throughout the western United States filled with drama, introspection, and pure joy.
Using her motorcycle adventures to guide her memories, Stacey travels the twisting road of her own past, in which the only constant is defying expectations. As a young woman, Stacey escaped an authoritarian childhood to join the counterculture of the sixties. On The Farm, the largest hippie commune in the United States, she spent a decade practicing intentional spirituality. There, she came to admire, and ultimately clash with, the mother of spiritual midwifery—Ina May Gaskin. In her midthirties, Stacey would reject convention once again by going to medical school and transforming her life.
As Stacey rides the curving highways of the West, she reflects on marriage and motherhood; the cultlike energy of powerful spiritual leaders; the miracles, traumas, and lessons of a physician’s life, including a near-fatal delivery of her own grandson; her long-held belief in the healing power of cannabis; and the vital necessity of love at every stage of life, from birth to death and beyond. Written with irreverence and good humor, Wild Heart is an inspiring memoir for anyone ready to make braver and bolder choices—at any age.
A Note From the Publisher
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/123251263-wild-heart?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=ZkX3mWY6DM&rank=1
Goodreads page:
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/123251263-wild-heart?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=ZkX3mWY6DM&rank=1
Advance Praise
“Stacey Kerr is my kind of woman (and writer). Sharp, dedicated enough to become a doctor and wild enough to saddle up a Harley-Davidson and lean into the turns in her search for freedom. The book’s a delight and made me wish I knew her personally. As a man who built and rode motorcycles until I was seventy-eight I share her affection for them. I’m delighted to recommend this book, especially to women who may be pondering what their search for freedom and service might become.” —Peter Coyote, actor, author, and Zen Buddhist priest
“If you’re ready for a tour through the rolling hills and the valleys of 1960s and 70s culture, hitch a ride on the back of Dr. Stacey Kerr’s motorcycle and [go] for on a whirlwind tour of her life as a hippie mama, family doctor, medical cannabis practitioner and teacher. Full of fun, western landscapes and just enough redemption to keep you coming back for more.” —Joe Dolce, author of Brave New Weed
“I read and rode along with Dr. Kerr in Wild Heart and loved the ride! I loved that she named her motorcycles; the emotional connection to her wheels came through strong and clear, along with her beautiful writing—a winning combination that pulled me right along with her. I loved that she grew and gained confidence, realizing that she always had that power within but it just needed to come out . . . No one starts out as an expert rider, and Dr. Kerr wasn’t afraid to admit she was scared. Stepping out of our comfort zones and doing things that are scary are where we gain the most personal growth and confidence. Stacey really did that, and I felt like I was riding with her, cheering her on!”—Cris Sommer Simmons, moto journalist and author of The American Motorcycle Girls: 1900 to 1950, included in the National Motorcycle Museum Hall of Fame, Sturgis Hall of Fame, AMA Hall of Fame, and the Top 100 Women in Powersports
“Funny, wise, heartfelt, healing, vibrant and innovative. Dr. Stacey Kerr just makes you wanna jump on a bike and ride. Her adventures in motorcycle riding, friendship, healing, being a parent, a daughter and ultimately beloved to herself, all allow us to catch a glimpse of what it means to live a truly authentic, vibrant life.” —Tanya Taylor Rubinstein, founder, Somatic Writing
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Available Editions
| EDITION | Other Format |
| ISBN | 9781959411307 |
| PRICE | $18.95 (USD) |
| PAGES | 292 |
Available on NetGalley
Featured Reviews
Helen W, Reviewer
What a rollercoaster of a life. Definitely very inspiring and not letting anything or anyone holding Stacey back.
Love how riding her Harley has helped connect Stacey with friends and tour parts of the USA.
A very different story but wow.
Markie B, Reviewer
"Wild Heart: A True Story of Hippies, Healers, and Harleys" by Stacey Marie Kerr, MD, is an inspiring and captivating memoir that chronicles the author's adventurous life journey. In her midfifties, after being diagnosed with osteoporosis, Dr. Stacey Kerr decided to defy convention and take on the road of motorcycling, embarking on seven epic motorcycle tours across the western United States with her two best friends.
Using her motorcycle adventures as a lens, Dr. Stacey Kerr delves into her own past, which has been characterized by a willingness to embrace unexpected turns and defy societal expectations. As a young woman, she broke free from an authoritarian childhood to join the counterculture of the sixties, finding a home on The Farm, the largest hippie commune in the United States. Her time there introduced her to intentional spirituality and brought her into contact with notable figures like Ina May Gaskin, the mother of spiritual midwifery, with whom she would have both admiration and conflict.
Throughout the memoir, Dr. Stacey Kerr shares her experiences as she embarked on unconventional paths, including going to medical school in her midthirties, transforming her life in the process. Her medical career brought her numerous experiences, from miracles and traumas to a near-fatal delivery of her own grandson. The memoir also explores her belief in the healing power of cannabis, her reflections on marriage and motherhood, and the vital importance of love at every stage of life.
"Wild Heart" is a memoir written with irreverence and good humor, making it a compelling and engaging read. Dr. Stacey Kerr's willingness to take risks and make brave choices, even in later stages of life, serves as an inspiration to readers of all ages. Her story is a testament to the power of embracing the unexpected and living life to the fullest.
In conclusion, "Wild Heart: A True Story of Hippies, Healers, and Harleys" is a must-read memoir that weaves together tales of adventure, spirituality, and the pursuit of a life well-lived. Dr. Stacey Marie Kerr's story will resonate with readers who are ready to embrace braver and bolder choices, regardless of age, and find inspiration in living life with an adventurous spirit.
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