J. J. Burk

Woman's Work J. J. Burk

On the Open Road, these Women Keep on Truckin'

Say "trucker," and you probably don't think of someone like Ella Marie Blackford. But this sassy, savvy female truck driver is one of KDX Transport's best haulers. And she won't let the male-dominated culture of truckers get her down.

Trekking hundreds of miles, it's just her, her cargo, and a close friendship with one of the rare sisters of the road-Sara Sommerfield. From the comfy perch of their cabins, they get a unique glimpse of the American landscape-and meet in diners and truck stops to discuss it all. Then a bizarre chance encounter interrupts Ella's predictable routine by putting her face to face with her thirteen-year-old cousin, Noel. The girl's bad decisions and worse relationships have led her down an unhealthy path-one that could ultimately lead to destruction. Suddenly, the cab of Ella's truck becomes a classroom for the lessons this troubled young girl never learned about life, love, and self-respect. And inside this roving behemoth is the insight that could help her get back on the right path.

A realistic portrait of the challenges and triumphs of being a woman in the macho world of trucking, Woman's Work is a moving account-literally-of this unique experience. Frank, funny, and at times maddening, it's a charming story that shows girls of all ages that women's work can mean just about anything.