Call Me Red

A Shepherd’s Journey

By: Hannah Jackson

Narrated by: Hannah Jackson

Length: 9 hrs and 8 mins

Publisher's Summary

Brought to you by Penguin. 

Growing up on the Wirral, Hannah Jackson had no idea she wanted to work on a farm until a life-changing family visit to the Lake District in her late teens. It was there where she first saw a lamb being born, giving her the drive to defy her urban roots and become a professional shepherd. She never looked back.

In this uplifting and inspirational memoir, Hannah shares how she broke the stereotypes of her 'townie' beginnings, took risks and faced up to the challenges of being a young woman in a male-dominated industry and followed her heart to become the Red Shepherdess. But behind the beautiful landscape, talented sheepdogs and eye-catching red hair was a steep learning curve. The physically and mentally demanding conditions she faced as she chased her dreams to build her own Cumbrian farm taught Hannah the values the holds true, including community, leadership, patience and resilience. 

In Call Me Red, Hannah gives a unique insight into farming life and reveals a mindset and determination that proves no matter your background, with hard graft (and a loyal sheepdog) you can make your dreams a reality.

©2021 Hannah Jackson (P)2021 Penguin Audio

The best non-fiction book I’ve ever read

I don’t even know how to describe all the feelings I had when listening to this book. I laughed, I cried, I was surprised, I was happy, I was educated and I was inspired.

So many things in Hannah’s story I could relate to, and so many things made me think that I need to take on board to fulfil my own dreams.

This is not a book about ‘against all odds’, Ophra style - far from that. It is so much better than that, more real, really close to home and to life as we know it. Hannah’s story just shows you that things are possible. Realistically possible, not some fairytale. It teaches kindness, love, passion, determination, curiosity, learning, courage and compassion.

Incredibly well written and narrated by Hannah herself this book just strikes directly to the heart, makes it so personal, as if she tells you this story just as a friend meeting for a cuppa. Absolutely real.

Absolutely recommend reading and listening, especially for young people, young girls, who only start to make up their dreams. They need to know that as complicated as the world is, it is possible to fulfil those dreams.

Brilliant

Really good book, very inspiring! I’ve followed Hannah’s journey since lockdown and after reading this twice I want to listen again! Amazing

unexpected tears and a true inspiration

thank you for this book Hannah, I've laughed, cried and found myself thinking "what would Hannah do"

simply fan

Not sure who this book was written for.

If this was written for readers in their late teens or early 20s, maybe it would work. But for the rest of us, I'm not so sure. The first few chapters are a real struggle, being full of the down-at-the-pub, Friday night kind of moralising. There's then momentary flashes of good writing before lapsing back into her more tedious 'follow-your-dreams' narrative. It's such a shame because when she talks about the highs and lows of sheep farming, her words are worth listening to. Plus she has a good sense of humour. More story-telling and far less preaching would have gone a long way to making this a good, maybe even great book.

very engaging

very inspired by Hannah's "go get 'em" attitude and hard working nature. what a woman

Excellent

I have to give full marks for this book as I have not been able to drop reading it I have absolutely enjoyed every second of it....
I just couldn't stop listening to it I'm sad it's finished really enjoyed this book...

It's OK to not be ok

Although the narration was clear the story lacked oomph it felt a little wishy-washy at times. Hannah is a remarkable young woman who as she rightly says managed to break in to a predominantly male career. I personally found it a little hard to stay focused on her journey, when then end came I wasn't sad it was over. I wanted to feel more involved and immersed sadly this was not to be for me.

Inspirational - Genuinely didn’t want it to ever end!

A beautiful story of a strong woman chasing & then achieving her dream.
A comfortable listen at bed time.
I’ve never written a review before but felt compelled to state that this was such a lovely listen & I would encourage any woman to listen to this.
It truly does make you dream again & pushes those motivation buttons.
Reminding you to believe that You can start from scratch, work bloody hard & then achieve your dreams.

From Red Shepard to a Welsh Shepard

Loved listening to this whilst doing farm work. Made setting up electric fences an enjoyable task which is hard to do! Loved hearing about Hannah's passions and the fair account of what it's like to be a woman in agriculture. Whether people will admit it or not there is still a negative perception that women are helpers and not the main driving force. As a fellow lady farmer it's great to hear someone stand up but do it in a way that shows grit and determination and showing why women have a place.

Great story. Difficult to listen to.

Loved the. Story but found Hannahs voice difficult to listen to...very highpitched. Found I got used to.it in time ..but had to turn the volume up. ! Missed abit because of this.....not very clear narration.