Book Details:

Author: Corky Parker 
Release Date: January 26, 2023
Series:
Genre: Memoir
Format: E-book 
Pages: 208 pages
Publisher: Trinity University Press
Blurb:
At age forty, Parker surrendered to her Swept Away meets Swiss Family Robinson fantasy of running an inn far from her home in the Pacific Northwest. For the next twenty-plus years Parker ran La Finca Caribe, an eco-lodge in Vieques, Puerto Rico. What started as a rough-and-tumble dream grew into a paradise enjoyed by guests from around the world. Sketchbook in hand, Parker chronicled her daily adventures living with the land. La Finca is a lively graphic memoir about a woman creating a new life amid countless challenges, including hurricanes that led her to reconsider everything. It is a story about trusting oneself, self-discovery, accepting disappointment and loss, and falling in love with a place.

Review

“La Finca” by Corky Parker is a beautiful tapestry of dreams, resilience, and the enduring spirit of adventure. Parker’s graphic memoir, chronicling her two-decade journey of running an eco-lodge in Vieques, Puerto Rico, is as much an ode to the island’s captivating beauty as it is a testament to the tenacity of a woman driven by a dream.

Parker’s decision to embrace a life far removed from her Pacific Northwest roots is portrayed with a mix of vulnerability and courage. Through her vibrant illustrations and evocative prose, readers are transported to La Finca Caribe, feeling the warm tropical breeze and witnessing the ebb and flow of life in paradise. The trials and tribulations, from the initial rough beginnings to the devastating hurricanes, are depicted with raw honesty, making Parker’s journey deeply relatable and inspiring.

Beyond the picturesque landscapes and daily adventures, “La Finca” delves deep into the themes of self-discovery, trust, and acceptance. Parker’s narrative is a poignant reminder that true fulfillment often lies beyond our comfort zones, and that even in the face of adversity, one can find beauty and purpose. This memoir is not just a travelogue or a chronicle of running an inn; it’s a profound exploration of what it means to truly live and love a place. A must-read for anyone seeking inspiration and a renewed sense of wonder.

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