Pioneering alum publishes first novel

oelle Sickels ’73 has gone west! In her first novel, Walking West, Sickels traces the lives of a pioneer family during the Great Migration to Oregon and California 150 years ago.
Unlike other novels that chronicle this historical period, Sickels provides a unique viewpoint—the female perspective.

Sickels’ novel explores the roles women played during the westward search for a better life, and is a tribute to pioneer women. Sickels researched extensively for her novel, and provides a vividly accurate description of the period.

Sickels has published short stories, poetry and essays in many literary journals, magazines and anthologies.