Harvard Book Store welcomes Brad Ryan—veterinarian, wildlife conservationist, social media influencer, and writer—for a discussion of his new book, Grandma Joy and Me: A Journey of Healing, One National Park at a Time, a true story following Brad Ryan and his grandmother Joy Ryan as they embark on a seven-year journey to visit every national park in the United States. Following the presentation, Joy Ryan will join Brad Ryan for a book signing.
About Grandma Joy and Me
A heartrending, transformative true story following Brad Ryan and his grandmother Joy Ryan as they embark on a seven-year journey to visit every US National Park.
Raised in Appalachia, Grandma Joy lived a life shaped by constraints and hardships, while Brad grappled with the weight of family rifts and unresolved pain. Together, they embarked on a quest not only to witness the majesty of America’s wild landscapes but also to heal generations of struggles and misunderstandings. Over seven years, they sought to visit all sixty-three US National Parks. From the towering peaks of Denali to the otherworldly beauty of the Everglades, each park became a classroom, teaching them profound lessons about nature, resilience, and each other.