Rivers and Roads by Alicia M. Bynum

Book Synopsis— An Appalachian Memoir (Fiction)

The story follows Millie, a young woman whose life changes when she is suddenly forced to confront familial mental health challenges. Unprepared for the sudden weight of these responsibilities, Millie experiences a dramatic role reversal within her family.

To cope with the pressure, Millie chooses to leave her hometown, setting off on a cross-country journey from the East Coast to the West Coast. With her roots tied deeply into the Appalachian region, she takes her two dogs and ventures into the unknown. What starts as a desperate escape transitions into a soul searching adventure of self-discovery, encountering both new and familiar faces along the open road. Ultimately, the novel centers on the sacred bond between a mother and daughter while navigating the complex terrains of grief, acceptance, and new beginnings.

Published by Mountain Girl Press, Rivers and Roads is an emotional, beautifully rendered narrative exploring the sacred, complex bond shared between a mother and daughter. Seamlessly weaving elements of rural sociology with the therapeutic connections between nature, public lands, and mental well-being, Bynum crafts a deeply resonant Appalachian story about navigating family grief, choosing acceptance, and finding the quiet resilience to start over.

Major Retailers

Barnes & Noble

Target

Books-A-Million