You Are My Sunshine: A Story of Love, Promises, and a Really Long Bike Ride

4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars | 437 ratings

Price: 17.32

Last update: 11-18-2024


About this item

Read by the author.

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.

An accompanying map is included in the audiobook companion PDF download.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.


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Top reviews from the United States

knd
5.0 out of 5 stars Another Dietrich gem
Reviewed in the United States on August 24, 2024
I just love this author's work. It is so authentic, genuine, poignant, and inspiring. You Are My Sunshine was a delight to read. I've done a portion of the Appalachian Trail and a lot of day hiking in the areas mentioned in this volume (in my younger days). It was nice to revisit those wonderful times in these pages. I highly recommend it.
D. Hageman
5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful book!
Reviewed in the United States on January 6, 2024
I love Sean of the South's writing style, and this book was excellent. Sean is an excellent storyteller with a down to earth style that makes you both laugh and cry. This book was about an adventure he shared with his wife, goals achieved, and what's really important in life. Outstanding read!
Susan kennedy
5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful!
Reviewed in the United States on October 19, 2022
I loved everything about Seann and Jamie's adventure. I had followed along in his blog and on Instagram when they first did this bike ride but had no idea Sean was writing a whole book about it!! It was so much fun. I almost felt as if I was there, sore butt and all! I laughed so much, and even cried a little. . . I am so proud of Sean and Jamie for taking on this adventure and then telling the tale. I've wondered about some of the folks they met along the way and how they are faring today. I adore Sean and Jamie's relationship. Their love and camaraderie are evident. I love that Jamie has such an adventurous spirit. I suspect Sean does as well. I've dreamed of doing similar adventures, and this may just be the boost I need! Good job Sean!
TammyS
4.0 out of 5 stars A journey with humor
Reviewed in the United States on October 17, 2022
The author, Sean Dietrich, is a masterful storyteller with a notable sense of humor. In his recent book, You Are My Sunshine, he wrote about a real-life experience and his promise to do something BIG with his wife - bike "The Great Allegheny Passage and the C&O Canal Towpath Trail." The promise was made during a health scare she’d endured; years later he wanted to back out of it, but she held him to it! His retelling of their adventure gives the reader a sense of what it could be like to travel on this trail, via a three wheel "trike." He shares their ups and downs, thoughts and concerns, what goes well and what doesn't, debates about whether they should or shouldn’t finish the entire trail, and their emotions when they do. He expresses their adventures with candidness, not trying to persuade or inspire anyone one way or the other to attempt a similar trip, but he also interjects so much humor that the reader is enjoying every minute of their excursion.

I enjoyed reading about this well-known trail that was unfamiliar to me. Being an avid hiker myself and living on the east coast, in addition to having a daughter who has through hiked the Appalachian Trail (2,000 + miles), I'm probably more interested in trail stories than the average person. This trail sounded challenging!! I'm not sure I’d want to bike/hike a trail you can’t see - so cheers to them on their accomplishment!!! Due to the author's strong writing skills and humorous style, this book appeals to more than just nature lovers, however, especially because of his focus on trust and the importance of connection in relationship building.
M. H.
5.0 out of 5 stars Heart warming book by a favorite author.
Reviewed in the United States on September 24, 2024
A dear friend introduced me to Sean’s columns years ago. Have thoroughly enjoyed each one. His heartwarming columns bring both joy and tears. The story of this sweet adventure with his wife is a real treasure!
Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Just what I needed
Reviewed in the United States on October 30, 2023
I just read this book on the recommendation of a friend and it was just what I needed. An easy, fun read that doesn't shy away from the struggles of life. While on an adventurous bike ride with his wife, the author shares so much insight on what life can truly be about with all it's ups and downs, not unlike their bike ride together. The people they meet along the way can teach us all lessons on living the life we have while we have it. Beautiful read!
Sandy Alvis
5.0 out of 5 stars This book is brimming with wit, wisdom and true love.
Reviewed in the United States on February 13, 2024
I’m thrilled that I discovered Sean Dietrich. He writes about the South with reverence and humor. This is basically the story of a married couple riding their bikes on the GAP.

It takes a loving,but realistic look at a decades old marriage. It is not full of fluff and rainbows like some romances. They fuss. They pick on one another. They go through the mud (literally) together. But through it all there is mutual respect and a love that has ripened and matured over the years.

Outdoorsy folk will enjoy the triumphs and missteps of our unlikely heroes as they trudge their way through the GAP. I learned so much about the places they trekked through.
This book was charming and funny.My favorite part is when the husband is urinating in the privacy of the woods. Oh yeah. He quickly finds himself in the company of three elderly ladies. The ensuing conversation is hilarious.
Carolyn F.
5.0 out of 5 stars Sean of the South is a phenomenal author!
Reviewed in the United States on November 10, 2022
I loved this story of a wild adventure Sean and his precious wife, Jamie, took after she had a serious health scare. They definitely did "something BIG!" as Jamie desired. I laughed, I cried, and I felt I was on the journey with them.
Sean Dietrich is my favorite author now, as I relate to every word, and I live in the area he writes his daily blog about. Everything he writes is a thoughtful, teaching - and learning - experience! This was an easy read that was hard to put down.

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