La Finca [The Farm]

Love, Loss, and Laundry on a Tiny Puerto Rican Island

De: Corky Parker

Narrado por: Corky Parker

Winner, 2022 Nancy Pearl Award for Memoir

The 2022 University Presses Book & Cover Design Awards

At age 40, Parker surrendered to her Swept Away meets Swiss Family Robinson fantasy of owning an inn in Latin America, far from her home in the Pacific Northwest. For the next 20-plus years Parker ran La Finca Caribe, an eco-lodge in Vieques, Puerto Rico. What started as a “half-baked duct-taped dream” grew into an acclaimed, rustic inn, frequented by guests from around the world. Sketchbook in hand, Parker chronicled her daily adventures in getting to know the land, culture and herself.

La Finca is a lively memoir about a woman creating a new life amid countless challenges, including hurricanes that led her to reconsider everything. It is a story about trusting oneself, self-discovery, accepting disappointment and loss, and falling in love with a place.

©2021 Corky Parker (P)2022 Corky Parker

Wonderful!

La Finca is a true story of love, loss, determination and the reward of following one’s dream no matter what obstacles are thrown in your way. For anyone who dares to dream, there is reward at the end. I have the pleasure of knowing the author a little bit, better now after hearing her voice read me her incredible story. Most of us would have given up on our dream after the first setback but not she. The author lays it all out there for us to imagine, the good, the bad and the ugly. The raw emotion, I couldn’t put it down or rather stop listening. We should all dare to dream. Bravo Corky!

Storytelling at its best!

Wild, wacky, wonderful and well written. Simply a tale which needed to be told. May it encourage your own wild visions and dreams to manifest. I was so curious I even purchased a copy of the book. Corky’s art work was another trip
altogether. Lastly, an added charm was listening to the author’s authentic voice, She read as though reliving her dream like life. Deep bows to Corky Parker.

What a fun book!!!!

I feel fortunate to have picked this book for entertainment during a long road trip. Ms Parker is a great storyteller and a passionate, fearless adventuress whose reading of her own book is smooth and natural. You can feel her connection to her extraordinary personal tale with La Finca; her pain, joy, frustration and unbelievable optimism as she manages each challenge, shock and surprise that comes her way. Every moment presents yet another opportunity to grow and learn and persist during this amazing once-in-a-lifetime adventure. The how and why anyone would do this for 20 years is a logical question most would ask. But in the end one does understand, and I for one am very glad to have been a spectator on the sidelines watching and hearing Corky in the arena with her compelling display of courage and tenacity and her creative use of language and metaphors.

speechless

my husband and I sat and listened to this in two evenings. tears pouring down my face after the epilog. how can one woman handle all that she did. I'm in awe.

Such a neat true story

Loved the story, especially because it was a true story that actually happened to the author. I could also relate to her non-traditional upbringing and having that dream to live in the tropics. Love and Loss. Since the hurricanes I have been going to PR and volunteering to rebuild homes damaged by the hurricanes. This last time to PR in February 2023, we took a side trip to Vieques Island and I absolutely fell in love with the Island and its people. on the one day that we had a rental car we accidentally drove by LA Finca, which I had never heard of before. After returning to New Mexico, I heard about this book. I couldn't wait to order it, so listened to it on Audible. Throughly enjoyed it and now I need another one and updates on what is now going on with LA Finca and the Author and her family's new lives.

A rich and compelling story

Corky Parker is a terrific storyteller - both writer and narrator. This life story revolves around a unique and romantic property/home/ecolodge on a tiny island in the Caribbean. The story pulls you in right away and you feel you are part of the action. Not only is it a great story but Parker’s style makes you reflect on your own life, dreams, and losses. I came away feeling better about myself - a literary coup! Highly recommended!

“Maybe La Finca is the velveteen rabbit of guest houses”

Listening to author Corky’s telling of this intensely personal story brings it to life even more than the reading of the book with all of its charmingly quirky illustrations. Her commitment to the stewardship of our planet, her desire to share that with others and her bravery and sense of adventure are an inspiration. Great storytelling! I’ve listened to it 3 times and each time I feel like I know her just a little bit better!
My favorite line above says it all!

An introspective take on an adventurous life

Corky Parker’s free-spirited, environmentalist, self-sufficient values are apparent when listening to this memoir. I so admire her deep connection to place and resonate with love of the land. I also appreciate that this memoir was read by the author herself. It added warmth and authenticity inherent to the narrative.

Wonderful!

Her story was thought provoking. I really enjoyed hearing the author’s own voice in telling the story. Highly recommend it.