top of page
Screenshot 2026-05-03 at 4.18.59 PM.png
solongasitswild.jpg
NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING CO-AUTHOR OF THE WALK WEST

Barbara Jenkins’ Untold Story After Forty Years of Silence

From growing up in the Ozarks to dramatic adventures on a famous walk across America, she shares her story of fame, fortune, loss, and starting over again.
Image by Annie Spratt
IMG_7097.jpg
PRAISE FOR SO LONG AS IT'S WILD

"I just read So Long as It's Wild. Barbara has certainly lived it all and done it all, and she has done it again by putting this book together. I hope it touches you as much as it has me."

Dolly Parton

Lake San Cristobal.jpg
Peter and Barb in snow.jpg
white wall paint with black line_edited.jpg
AUTHOR, ADVENTURER, & SPEAKER

About Barbara Jo Jenkins

Barbara Jo Jenkins co-authored The Walk West (William Morrow), which became an international bestseller and part of the permanent White House Library. A nonfiction blockbuster, it sold 15 million copies, became a Reader's Digest condensed book, and was chosen as one of the most influential bestsellers related to American culture in the last 100 years.


Jenkins' three-year, 3,000-mile walk across America with her former husband became one of the most popular stories in the National Geographic Magazine (Cover story, August, 1979).  She co-authored The Road Unseen (Fawcett), a number-one mass paperback bestseller and winner of the Gold Medallion Book Award. Jenkins wrote I Once Knew A Woman (Wolgemuth and Hyatt) and Wit and Wisdom for Women (Thomas Nelson). She appeared in various magazines such as Reader's Digest, Today’s Christian Woman, Guideposts, Nashville Lifestyles, and on numerous national television programs like Good Morning America and radio programs like Focus on the Family.

Jenkins has been a keynote speaker for colleges, conferences, and national conventions. She has served as Commissioner for two Tennessee Governors, was Board Chair for Benton Hall Academy, and President of The Tennessee Women's Forum. She is Chair Emeritus of The Green Electric Company and served on the board for 'Coaching; Life Matters’ for people in crisis.


Barbara Jenkins is the subject of a new book, Mother Nature, by New York Times bestselling author Jedidiah Jenkins.


Ms. Jenkins lives in Tennessee and loves spending time with her family and friends. She enjoys traveling, painting, writing, speaking, cooking, floral design, creative projects, and sitting on the porch swing telling stories to her granddaughters, Josephine and Lyla.

white wall paint with black line_edited.jpg
image000000.jpeg
Barbara, age 8 by garden.jpg
FEATURED BOOK

So Long As It's Wild

From the New York Times bestselling co-author of The Walk West comes Barbara Jenkins untold and long-awaited story, revealing how she grew up as a hillbilly in the Ozarks, how she experienced dramatic adventures on the famous walk across America in the 1970's, and how being on the cover of National Geographic Magazine and writing bestsellers created fame and fortune. Then comes the untold story of losing it all and reinventing her life in the aftermath. So Long As It’s Wild is her story that is breaking forty years of silence.

Screenshot 2026-05-03 at 4.18_edited.jpg
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING

Additional Praise for So Long As It's Wild

Image by Felipe Santana
IMG_6653_edited.png

"From the swamplands of the south and across America ...Her grit and outlook on life bring healing and perspective to any generation. She was born a gifted soul turned writer.”

BRIDGET CONNELLY
9562C165-85E9-4BEE-B5B0-C1C71CCB3C0A_1_105_c.jpeg

"After reading Barb’s story, I was carried away by adventure, grit and grace and felt like we became dear friends. I didn’t want the story to end.”

HILARY SWANK
IMG_7043_edited.png

"Barbara Jenkins’ unique and honest perspective will inspire women everywhere to know their story is worth telling."

CONNIE BRITTON
Barb conquers Torres Del Paine.jpg

“A grand adventure... what it’s like to watch dreams crumble and new dreams emerge. To come out the other side stronger. I am in awe..."

JEDIDIAH JENKINS
IMG_7444.jpg

 "The writing is stunning.  It's like Margaret Renkl meets John Steinbeck meets Mark Twain, and I truly could not get enough."

THE EDITORIAL REVIEW
UPCOMING EVENT

Author Talk with Barbara Jenkins

New York Times bestselling author of So Long as It’s Wild, Barbara Jenkins, will talk about her journey to becoming a published author and her perspective on the rapidly changing trends in the publishing industry.

Date: Thursday, June 4, 2026

Time: 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm

Location: Spring Hill Public Library

Price: Free

2BCD16DA-56D9-4316-A2C9-3C9B7114D316.jpeg
white wall paint with black line_edited.jpg
25.JPG
IMG_3675_edited.png
PLACES, PEOPLE & STORIES

Photos from Barbara’s Life

A collection of photos from the famous walk across America, book clubs and signings, speaking appearances, family and friends, creative projects, and life in Tennessee.
IMG_2123_edited.png
DAA4A4FE-AC39-40B9-B462-E5E61FA15BDF_1_105_c_edited.png
78755C96-DB66-42D7-AAB4-1BA59CB55EEE_1_105_c.jpeg
Image by engin akyurt
Image by Kenneth Lake
SEND A MESSAGE

Contact Barbara Jenkins

For reviews, comments, and inquiries for interviews and appearances.
Bestselling co-author of The Walk West and author of So Long As It’s Wild.
  • Instagram
© 2026 Barbara Jo Jenkins. All rights reserved.
bottom of page