A review by trgeyer
The Emerald Mile: The Epic Story of the Fastest Ride in History Through the Heart of the Grand Canyon by Kevin Fedarko

5.0

The Emerald Mile is a fascinating journey from beginning to end. Fedarko’s detailing of the Grand Canyon is so vivid I felt like I was reading poetry. Few authors have made me admire the setting of the story as much as Fedarko. The book may be sold on the story of an epic race down the Colorado River, and while this section is thrilling, nail-biting, and well crafted, the book is so much more than that. It details the history of the European discovery of the Grand Canyon, John Wesley Powell’s exploration of the canyon, the inner workings of the Glen Canyon Dam, and the ever-quirky river guides. I found each section of the book to be as enjoyable as the one that preceded it. By the conclusion of the race through the canyon, The Emerald Mile thoroughly proves that it is more about the journey than the destination.