Female truck driver shares ‘Diary’

“Dairy of a Female Truck Driver” is an enlightening book. It informs, entertains and tells good stories.

For those reasons, it is a surprising book. One does not think of the truck driver as being a talkative story teller. Men drivers like to talk, that’s true. They have their own language.

But telling good-feeling stories mile after mile? That could be more the rote of a woman truck driver.

And it is. Atlanta native Donya Howard proves it with her book, “The Diary of A Female Truck Driver.”

Her book is filled with tales, travels, suggestions, outlooks and good times. It flows from one state to another, from one event to another. It’s like the song, “The wheels of the truck go round and round.”

The reason is that her book is based on a real journal. Howard began journaling when entering the rigors of truck driving school some three years ago. Her journals helped keep her on target for becoming a truck driver.

Such a school and its qualifications are not easy. Here’s an outline of some of the scheduling she underwent: — Monday to Saturday, starting at 7 a.m. and at 4 p.m. for three weeks — On the road with a trainer for six weeks of continuous training — A total of two weeks and one month before she got to return home.

— Behind the wheel every day for six weeks Her book is something of a recipe for living with a truck. She tells you about her favorite towns, cities and states, eating places, truckers’ lingo and quirky loads her truck has carried. She’s also into household cleaning supplies and essential oils for the body. She’s had time to sit and think, don’t you see.

Donya’s book is really about perspective. About making a decision and doing a job. She’s learned a lot on the road. A truck driver absorbs knowledge and information. It’s key to their survival.

Her stories are of human interaction. One of her best (because it’s close to home) is of her encounter with the 8-Mile-Truck Stop at Conway, Arkansas. There she pulled in one day to find memorable customers “I went in and was starting to sit down next to this table full of older gentlemen,” the story begins. “They told me I should not sit there at that table because it was the liar’s table.”

The men quickly invited her to their table. “I gladly joined them, and every time I get near Conway, Arkansas, nowadays I always stop here. They’re a great group of men.”

Finally, she wants you to tell you something from the female truck driver. It’s from herself. It could be about the difficulties, but she’d rather you hear this: “As the hours rolled on, I couldn’t help but reflect upon the unique lifestyle of the truck driver. It’s a blend of solitude and connection, with each mile bringing a new perspective and each truck stop offering a glimpse into the camaraderie of the road. I’ve met some fascinating individuals -- fellow truckers with tales of their own and kind-hearted souls who’ve shared their warmth over a cup of coffee.”

“While in my truck today, the road felt different. The steady hum of the engine, the rhythm of the tires against the pavement and the solitude of the cabin were comforting and contemplative. It allowed me time to think about the beauty of the journey itself, the way it forces you to be present in the moment, whether it’s navigating through challenging weather or taking in the breathtaking scenery.”

Perhaps the best description of truck driver Howard? She is a seeker first, then a truck driver second.