Josef’s book, “Why Don’t We Drive from Portland, Oregon to Argentina?”
Two friends set off from Portland, Oregon in a four-wheel drive SUV that already has over 140,000 miles on it with their sights set on Argentina. What happens next is a true adventure story that takes place over 12,000 miles.
Author Constance Josef details this trip in the late 1990s — without access to internet or cell phones — and all of the stories that come with a journey across 12 countries in her memoir “Why Don’t We Drive From Portland, Oregon to Argentina?”
“It was time to tell the story that I once thought too personal, but now, no way. People will enjoy the ride,” Josef said.
“Pulling the manuscript out of its long stay in a bag in my closet allowed me to revisit every segment of what I still regard as an amazing adventure in seeing the world of North America, Mexico, Central America and South America. Wonderful people and remarkable places with surprises — funny, serious and scary —almost every day. True diversity in every way. Come along and enjoy the ride.”
When she is not writing, she works as the project manager in systems and operations for a consulting firm.
This is Josef’s first published book, but she said it is not her last.
Q: What are your connections to Brown County?
A: I was raised in the lovely village of Trevlac. My grandfather Melvin Richards was the unofficial mayor. He owned the grocery store Happy Valley Food Market, hardware store, gas station, sawmill and had a post office. He also helped to build the American Legion Hall that offered up bingo almost every Saturday as I grew up. My immediate family includes Dad and Mom, Don and Marie Glidden and my three younger brothers Darrel, David and Greg. My mom, dad and I were involved in the Masonic Lodge and I was in various activities with lots of friends at Brown County High School. No one called me Constance – always Connie.
Q: What’s your writing ritual? In what environment do you work best?
A: I wrote the manuscript for this story in the summer of 1996. Every day in the Lanai I typed up each story from my journals and large collection of photos. Just the sounds of birds in the backyard. After writing the manuscript, I placed it all in bag. Where it stayed for 25 years.
Q: What’s the last book you read? Do you have a favorite?
A: With my profession the last book I read was “The Courageous Consultant” written by a colleague. I haven’t had a chance to read outside my profession. Must change that!
Q: Where can people buy this book, and for how much?
A: The book is available through Amazon, Barnes &Noble and Apple iTunes stores.
Q: Do you have any book signings or related events planned?
A: Because of the pandemic I’ve not held any book signings, but the book is at book shows in Portland, New York City, Washington D.C. and London.
Q: Anything else you’d like to say that I haven’t asked?
A: Yes, Christian Faith Publishing did a great job in publishing the book as well as creating a website with a YouTube video that so many people enjoy. To see the website visit www.christianfaithpublishing.com/books/?book=why-dont-we-drive-from-portland-oregon-to-argentina.
