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tasmanian_bibliophile's review against another edition
4.0
‘Unless it’s the most important thing in your life at the time, you probably won’t finish.’
Paul Stutzman decided to make some big changes after his wife Mary died from breast cancer. Twelve months after Mary’s death, Paul quit his job and set out on a through hike of the Appalachian Trail – a 2176 mile journey spanning fourteen states.
The physical journey took almost five months; I suspect that the spiritual journey will never end. During his journey, Paul battled difficult trail conditions and experienced periods of overwhelming loneliness. He also enjoyed spectacular scenery and the camaraderie of the trail, and along the way he found peace.
Paul tells his story with grace and good humour. He started his journey as a man trying to come to terms with a devastating loss. He finished his journey, with a renewed passion for life, and much more aware of his relationship to others, to nature, and to God.
I enjoyed sharing Paul’s journey through reading this book and looking at the photographs on his website. The history of the places along the Appalachian Trail is fascinating, as is Paul’s recounting of his own personal journey through life.
‘Dreams can come true if you allow them to.’
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
Paul Stutzman decided to make some big changes after his wife Mary died from breast cancer. Twelve months after Mary’s death, Paul quit his job and set out on a through hike of the Appalachian Trail – a 2176 mile journey spanning fourteen states.
The physical journey took almost five months; I suspect that the spiritual journey will never end. During his journey, Paul battled difficult trail conditions and experienced periods of overwhelming loneliness. He also enjoyed spectacular scenery and the camaraderie of the trail, and along the way he found peace.
Paul tells his story with grace and good humour. He started his journey as a man trying to come to terms with a devastating loss. He finished his journey, with a renewed passion for life, and much more aware of his relationship to others, to nature, and to God.
I enjoyed sharing Paul’s journey through reading this book and looking at the photographs on his website. The history of the places along the Appalachian Trail is fascinating, as is Paul’s recounting of his own personal journey through life.
‘Dreams can come true if you allow them to.’
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
gma2lana's review against another edition
3.0
Paul Stutzman decides to hike the AT after the death of his wife from cancer. I enjoyed the book, learning about some of the facts of the trail, knowing I don't think I could ever complete something like this. I admire him for that. I am not religious, so I didn't need some of the religious talk so much. BUT whatever helps the man get through...more power too him. I would/have recommended this book to friends.
dspacenine's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
informative
inspiring
slow-paced
5.0
chajara's review against another edition
4.0
I was skeptical to read this book, based off the faith of the author. While, I do not agree with his religious views, I appreciated his authenticity and his emotional and spiritual process while on the trail. His descriptions along the trail helped me to feel as if I was along there with him, a real treat. Overall, this was fun fast read.
jewelz996's review against another edition
2.0
Good story. A little heavy on the Christianity sand spirituality for my taste.
kdchapman4's review
5.0
I read this book in about a day. Quick read, very enjoyable and now I totally want to hike the AT.
tunesmithnw's review against another edition
5.0
Reading this book makes you want to rush out to the nearest REI or Mountain Gear and prepare to set out on your own adventure on the Appalachian Trail. As for the spiritual side of this book, it is both interesting and enlightening. The only thing bad about this story is that it had to end.
sammah's review against another edition
3.0
Perhaps not the most enticing AT thru-hike memoir I've ever read, but I still found it interesting. I like to read about people who have hiked the trail, and their reasoning behind undertaking such a task. For Paul Stutzman losing his wife was the catalyst, and his journey with both nature and God was somewhat intriguing.
It was a little heavy handed at times, but not bad. All in all it was another account I'm glad to have read, but I'm ready to move on to another.
It was a little heavy handed at times, but not bad. All in all it was another account I'm glad to have read, but I'm ready to move on to another.
alwaysraineyday's review against another edition
3.0
I wanted to love this book- and the first half was really good...but the second half got so preachy.