side walks
one woman’s 30-year journey to discover her roots and find her way home
A journey to rise above life’s unspoken struggles
Side Walks is the story of a woman discovering the clues to her history, and dealing with its implications.
It’s a journey that takes her from the Michigan wilderness of the 1880’s to Nazi Germany in WWII; from self-determined immigrants to disenfranchised American Indians; from the chains of mental illness to the bonds of sisterhood; from gardens to gravestones and back again.
Experience
a story of survival
This memoir offers more than a window into the author’s family history — it’s a reminder of the strength and resilience that lives within us all.
Julie Dieterich Pappas invites you into a deeply personal exploration of family heritage and the lessons it reveals about surviving life’s challenges.
From uncovering generational struggles to processing personal grief, each chapter of Side Walks is a testament to the healing power of reflection and shared experiences.,
Through powerful narratives of perseverance, you’ll uncover relatable truths and find inspiration to move forward with courage.
See why women connect with Side Walks
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“Julie Dieterich Pappas writes a memoir that interweaves the universal human burden of wounds carried forward from previous generations, with the joy of self-discovery and the journey that is life. With courage, she faces down the dark past of her family and community and learns the uneasy balance of living with the light and shadow of the past. She models how to make peace with the past, both personal and inherited, and how to find clarity and serenity in that knowledge.”
Brenda H.
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“Julie Dieterich Pappas has written a masterwork of memory, inheritance, and identity. Side Walks doesn’t just trace the physical paths of childhood—it excavates the emotional and generational terrain beneath. I found myself deeply moved by Julie’s musical weaving of place, loss, and discovery. Her voice is tender and fierce, honoring the ache of what was unsaid in past generations while bravely bringing those truths to light. This isn’t just a family history—it’s a resurrection of truth. And for anyone who’s ever walked the edges of grief, searching for roots or meaning, this story will lead down a healing path.”
Missy A.
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“This book is a front row seat to the journey Ms. Pappas takes to find her family’s history, forgiveness, and a deep connection to place. Along the way, she finds her own center. Her relationships resonate through history and she identifies with women of earlier generations protecting their children. With a combination of narrative and verse, the author explores how to tell her story with creativity.”
Jennifer A.
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“Raw, honest and vulnerable.”
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“This story has a theme that so many will relate to and everyone should read.”
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“A beautifully-written intimate portrait of a woman hoping to find her own missing pieces in her family’s untold history.”
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“An engrossing read.
Well crafted.”
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Local bookstores and cultural centers often face the challenge of offering meaningful books that reflect the stories of their communities.
Connect readers to heartfelt local narratives
Generic titles lack the authenticity to truly connect with local readers. But now, you can bring a heartfelt, regionally-authored memoir into your store.
Partnering to inspire connection
We understand how important it is for cultural spaces to curate meaningful offerings. Julie Pappas’ memoir was crafted with care, ensuring it aligns with the values of community-building and authentic storytelling. Together, we can spark curiosity and foster deeper connections in your neighborhood.
Uncovering the trials and triumphs of the past can reveal your own resilience
Your family’s past holds the keys to your strength, and this book opens the door. Let Julie’s story inspire you to connect the dots of your own history and find clarity, courage, and belonging in the process.
Download a free sample chapter and take the first step toward discovering what’s been waiting for you all along.
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Side Walks
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