I've received lots of questions about how I mentally prepared for them to go on this huge adventure. Well, besides praying and just accepting it. I also chose to listen to podcasts and read books. I've read several books about the Appalachian Trail. Some were good for me to read, and some were just another book that I've read if that makes sense. I'm probably more mentally prepared to hike the Appalachian Trail than they are! :)
After several requests, I decided to essentially do a book review of all the books I've read so that others maybe can choose one to read as well. Even if you're just reading it because you know Jeff and Gavin or maybe you'd like to just learn more about the Appalachian Trail; I think they are all great books to read in general. These reviews are simply my opinion on the books so take it for what it's worth.
Grandma Gatewood's Walk: The Inspiring Story of the Woman Who Saved the Appalachian Trail
I really enjoyed this book. It's a biography not an autobiography which is the only one that I read like that. This woman is amazing. She was definitely inspiring as the title says. She decided to hike the A.T. when she was in her 60's back in the 1950's! There weren't trail guides and freeze-dried meals back then. She really had to survive. The book goes back in time telling of her childhood and marriage which was simply horrible and telling of the beginnings of how the Appalachian Trail started. However, all that hardship makes the book even more meaningful to me. She not only hiked the trail once. She hiked it a total of 3 times. She relied on herself to collect food and the kindness of strangers.
Where's The Next Shelter by Gary Sizer
This book was my absolute favorite of the Appalachian Trail autobiographies. Gary, the author, tells his story of hiking the A.T. He's a former marine and just a normal guy. Maybe that's why I liked the book so much. He had the idea that the trail maybe wasn't too bad but learning how difficult it really is. I felt he was really relatable. He included in the book all the friends he made along the way, and they became additional characters as well. This book was actually the very first one I read about 6 years ago!
Only When I Step On It by Peter Conti
If you just love a good underdog story, then you'll love this one. Peter tells of his very physically demanding journey of hiking the Appalachian Trail. I don't want to give away the story. But if you're struggling to heal after a trauma both mentally and physically then I think you'll get a lot out of this book. He did a great job bringing the reader along his story while being very honest about his mental health as well as his physical health.
Hiking Through by Paul Stutzman
A man that is heartbroken and trying to heal after losing his wife to breast cancer sharing his journey - yes please. You can feel in this book how much he loves his wife and how hard losing her was. He talks very frankly about his struggle with his religious beliefs and how he overcame them. He talks to God and that provides his healing along the way. His story shows what a man can do to learn how to handle his heartache and help others. I loved hearing how his conversations with God ultimately led to the creation of his book.
Unlikely Thru Hiker by Derick Lugo
I've actually followed Derick Lugo on Instagram for a while, but it was because of his girlfriend. I know kinda weird. She was part of the Young Living Essential Oils organization, so I followed her and then ultimately followed him. But I just recently read his book. He's one of the few African Americans that have thru hiked the A.T. His perspective was a little different and I liked that. He had zero experience with the outdoors as he said in the book that he grew up in New York City. This was a bit shorter of a book so if you're on a time crunch this would be great to grab.
A Walk In The Woods by Bill Bryson
I think this book may possibly be the most popular Appalachian Trail book. Maybe I had high expectations for it because of that. There was a movie loosely based on this book. But it was probably my least favorite. Bill Bryson shares his journey and to be honest it was a little disappointing to me. Again, maybe it's me. He shared a lot of facts about the trail so if you like science this may be a great choice. The story of him and his friend that jointed him is actually really sweet as well. I haven't seen the movie in a really long time. I might go back and watch it soon. He does share a bear encounter which was good to hear that he saw one and still survived.
Northbound With Theo by Soren West
This was such a great book. I actually read this one with Gavin his last semester of school. I thought it would be a great book to read together and I wasn't disappointed. The bond between dog and owner is so tight you can just feel it through the words as Soren documents his journey with Theo. This one is probably my 3rd favorite out of the list. Soren is very inspirational and definitely hiked his own hike, but he got it done.
Let me know if you've read any of these and your thoughts too. I didn't want to share too much information from the books that would give away the whole story. If you have any interest in the Appalachian Trail; definitely pick one and start reading. You won't be disappointed.