Meet Julie Dieterich Pappas
Julie knows firsthand the challenges of processing personal and family history. Her own search for meaning has been rooted in vulnerability and connection, which is why her storytelling is both empathetic and inspiring.
With years of experience as an educator and writer, she transforms history into hope. You may even be inspired to navigate your own family history.
Discovering one’s family history is easier than it’s ever been: a few keystrokes, a cheek swab, blood test, or genealogical website subscription can yield enough information to keep an interested researcher busy for years.
What often goes unexplored, however, is the trove of human knowledge the people connected to our own history possess and would share, if asked.
But if you ask, you must reckon with the answer.
It all started with a search for meaning
By interviewing relatives and researching the lived experiences of her ancestors, Julie unearthed stories of survival that shaped not only her family but her sense of self. The process became more than historical inquiry—it became a path toward healing,
Reading someone else’s life story takes you to corners of your own heart you hadn’t planned to visit
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“Side Walks led me to historically rich places that were completely new to me, and places that were heartbreakingly familiar.
“The author's journey—fueled by a longing to be known—begins with a search for her roots and blossoms into a story of forgiveness, fear, friendship, and the courage to keep walking toward love.
“As she uncovers long-held family secrets, confronts mental illness in her own life, and shares the burden and beauty of putting a broken marriage back together, Julie invites us into a story that is both painfully personal and profoundly universal.”
—Dawn S.
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“In her very literal journey to understand her family history, Ms. Pappas holds us so closely beside her that we’re practically there with her.
“She transports us to her childhood haunts with sensitivity and attention to detail… vivid memories of dolls, tea cups, elderly aunts and uncles, family trips, and a beloved, workaholic Dad who smoked far too much.
“No surprise, we are soon immersed in our own childhood memories, and realize our utter lack of appreciation for all it took for us to become. Sacred days of childhood are forever lost unless we take the walk. Ms. Pappas has taken the walk; she’s done the work. We are her fortunate companions on the journey.”
—Marlene D.
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“Julie Dieterich Pappas’s memoir, Side Walks, is an intimate glimpse into the life and history of a woman that stumbles upon a clue into her family’s history, which leads her on a journey of uncovering secrets she didn’t know existed, all while finding herself along the way.
“She writes in a beautiful way that invites the reader along with her. You’ll smile at sweet moments and feel a deep ache when despair is uncovered.
“Julie doesn’t cover over confusion and grief, but steps in vulnerably and courageously. Her writing about her own history encourages curiosity in ourselves and inspires us to be brave enough to perhaps step into our own pasts.”
—Britney Y.
A memoir that nurtures connections across time
With themes ranging from ancestry and mental health to the enduring bonds between women, Julie’s work speaks to those seeking connection and hope. She continues to inspire others by sharing her story and encouraging readers to find meaning and possibility, one step at a time.
Julie Dieterich Pappas is an educator, gardener, writer, and genealogist. A native of Michigan, she lives with her husband David, their dog Pete, rabbit Benjamin, and chickens on her backyard urban farm in Indianapolis.
Julie is available to bring her heartfelt narrative to your community through book readings, speaking, signing events, or a thoughtful Q&A with your book club. Contact Julie today.
