Ya Reeves is a freelance outdoor and environmental educator from Far East Gippsland and writes about the Australian landscape and the way it “seeps into our bones”.
She is launching her debut book Over This Backbone at the Slipway in Lakes Entrance this Saturday, December 14 at 2pm.
It is about the things we try to bury, when “I’m fine” means the opposite and when battling alone doesn’t equate to strength.
The book is set across the Australian Alps Walking Track. It follows Peta, a stubborn, determined young woman who is attempting to walk the 680 kilometres alone and in so doing regain a sense of her own autonomy.
Moving back and forth between Peta’s solo walk across the Alps and her past, readers learn what has driven her to take on such an arduous journey. Peta unravels the experiences and relationships that have led her to the mountains and we begin to understand why the track has become such a symbol of strength.
As readers walk alongside Peta, we witness a rebuilding of her spirit as she begins to reconcile her motivations for undertaking the track with the reality of the journey.
With each footfall, Peta grapples with her tumultuous and toxic relationship, her fierce friendships, and her own understanding of what it truly means to be strong.
Pulling from Ya’s own experience walking the track when she was a similar age, Over This Backbone is an authentic portrayal of the ways the Australian bush can embed itself into our souls and shape who we become.
“Ya’s session is free for everyone, but please book a ticket to help us prepare for numbers on the day at https://www.trybooking.com/CXPYT,” FLOAT’s Andrea Lane said.
