“Mine is a family of storytellers, cooks and travelers.” So begins this richly personal memoir, set along the old Santa Fe railways and legendary Route 66. Travel back in time with Jodi and seven generations of her colorful Arizona and New Mexico family, from the coal mines of Gallup to the pine forests of Flagstaff. Meet Great-Grampa Harry, conductor on the legendary Super Chief. Ride in the “back, back” of old Beulah the station wagon. Help bury the wrong cat. Learn to cook pot roast in the engine compartment of an old pickup and share the family’s prize-winning recipes along the way.
This fully updated second edition, Official Route 66 Centennial Certified, follows the sold-out first edition with new stories, recipes, and an activities chapter to help you explore and celebrate your own family’s history, food, and journeys.
“What People Are Saying”
“In a modern world that seems so often to be cold and flavorless, Back Roads, Dead Cats, and What’s for Dinner is a plentiful serving of scrumptious warmth.”
Mary Sojourner, author of Bonelight and NPR commentator
“…a tapestry of Arizona days we all long for. Her stories are woven with a blend of spirit, at once pioneering and precocious, that transcends local history and folklore.”
Charles Seiverd, Publisher, The Noise, Arts and News Magazine
“This book is full of humor, wisdom, and interesting Arizona stories, reminding us of the importance of preserving our family histories.”
Charles J. Babbitt
“Her stories will have you laughing and her recipes will have your mouth watering.”
Carolina C. Butler, ed., Oral History of the Yavapai
Get your copy today by visiting www.backroadspublishing.com and discover more about Jodi Johnson!
