Synopses & Reviews
“Makes you feel the pain and joy of an Appalachian Trail thru-hike . . . In vivid colors, David paints a picture of his memorable journey.”—Larry Luxenberg, president of the Appalachian Trail Museum Society
In 2003, David Miller left his job, family, and friends to fulfill a dream and hike the Appalachian Trail. AWOL on the Appalachian Trail is Millers account of this thru-hike along the entire 2,172 miles from Georgia to Maine. On page after page, readers are treated to rich descriptions of the valleys and mountains, the isolation and reverie, the inspiration that fueled his quest, and the life-changing moments that can only be experienced when dreams are pursued. While this book abounds with introspection and perseverance, it also provides useful passages about safety and proper gear, showing a professional hikers preparations and tenacity. This is not merely a travel guide, but a beautifully written and highly personal view into one mans adventure and what it means to make a lifelong vision come true.
Synopsis
This well-known travel writer with a particular brand of smoothly written wit returned to his native United States after 20 years in Great Britain and decided to rediscover America by backpacking -- sort of, very sort of -- on the Appalachian Trail with another overweight 40-something.
About the Author
Bill Bryson was born in Des Moines, Iowa. For twenty years he lived in England, where he worked for
The Times and
The Independent, and wrote for most major British and American publications. His books include travel memoirs (
Neither Here Nor There,
The Lost Continent,
Notes from a Small Island), and books on language (
The Mother Tongue,
Made in America). He now lives in Hanover, New Hampshire, with his wife and four children.
From the Hardcover edition.