About the book
My daughter, Jenn Lyon, was a contestant on Survivor: Palau. Her integrity on the show, her loving presence, her courage in facing the ravages of breast cancer for five years following her diagnosis, and her dedication to finding a cure for cancer have earned her the love and respect of many devoted friends and fans. While she was fighting her own battle with cancer, she maintaned a loving awareness of others' hopes and dreams. After Jenn died, eight years ago, we found among her belongings a handwritten note stating her wish that the book described below would be published and made into a movie, and that she would be cast in the leading female role.
1930: Manhattan to Managua, North America's First Trans-Continental Road Trip by Car
In 1930, my two uncles, Arthur Lyon and Joe Lyon Jr, ages 25 and 21 years respectively, drove their 1929 Ford Model A roadster from New York City to Managua, Nicaragua, all under their own power. They had scant financial backing for the expedition, and had to negotiate with numerous government and private officials along the way, including gaining permission from the Mexican railroad authority to drive on the tracks, with special wheels mounted on the car for the purpose. The brothers researched the route they would be taking, and have included numerous details about the geography, history and politics of the areas they traversed. They met up with many interesting characters along the way, and were met with a variety of receptions, at times being seen as celebrities and at other times dealing with or avoiding hostile legal officials.
Following the brothers' return home, Arthur wrote the story of their amazing journey into a book at the request of E.W. James of the Bureau of Public Roads. A few copies were made, but the book has never been published until now. My wish for many years has been to have the book published formally. After some short-lived attempts at getting the project started, it lay fallow. Then, through a chance conversation with my friend Sally Denton, author of numerous books and articles, I received the support and advice I needed to bring the project to fruition. Sally’s friend Joanna Hurley agreed to act as my agent. She contacted a publisher, George Thompson, who showed great interest in publishing the book. George then put me in touch with Denis Wood, who has edited the book and added many footnotes providing more information on the geography and history of the areas through which my uncles' journey took them.
My friend Sally Denton, a prize-winning author and Nevada native, graciously provided the introduction for the book. In addition, at the request of the publisher, George Thompson, I wrote a preface including interesting information about the family history that led up to the two uncles' amazing adventure and some of their later business dealings, which were also adventuresome and innovative.
Following the brothers' return home, Arthur wrote the story of their amazing journey into a book at the request of E.W. James of the Bureau of Public Roads. A few copies were made, but the book has never been published until now. My wish for many years has been to have the book published formally. After some short-lived attempts at getting the project started, it lay fallow. Then, through a chance conversation with my friend Sally Denton, author of numerous books and articles, I received the support and advice I needed to bring the project to fruition. Sally’s friend Joanna Hurley agreed to act as my agent. She contacted a publisher, George Thompson, who showed great interest in publishing the book. George then put me in touch with Denis Wood, who has edited the book and added many footnotes providing more information on the geography and history of the areas through which my uncles' journey took them.
My friend Sally Denton, a prize-winning author and Nevada native, graciously provided the introduction for the book. In addition, at the request of the publisher, George Thompson, I wrote a preface including interesting information about the family history that led up to the two uncles' amazing adventure and some of their later business dealings, which were also adventuresome and innovative.
Publishing of the book requires me to pay for the project up front. My stepmother Betty Mattheus has graciously provided the money required to begin the process of editing the book, and I am relying on the support of Go Fund Me fans to help supply the additional funds for the project.
Additional details about the book can be found on the publisher's website, www.gtfbooks.com under forthcoming titles or on my agent's website, www.hurleymedia.com under portfolios.
I plan to use the contributions raised through Go Fund Me to fund the final phase of production of the book, pay all fees, and provide the rewards promised to supporters. I plan to dedicate the book in part to the loving memory of my daughter, Jenn Lyon, and to contribute a portion of the proceeds from sales of the book to cancer research and awareness in her name.
Additional details about the book can be found on the publisher's website, www.gtfbooks.com under forthcoming titles or on my agent's website, www.hurleymedia.com under portfolios.
I plan to use the contributions raised through Go Fund Me to fund the final phase of production of the book, pay all fees, and provide the rewards promised to supporters. I plan to dedicate the book in part to the loving memory of my daughter, Jenn Lyon, and to contribute a portion of the proceeds from sales of the book to cancer research and awareness in her name.