When David Miller set out to hike the entire 2,185-mile Appalachian Trail solo in the spring of 2011, he had no idea what was in store. As a nature lover and experienced backpacker, he rightly presumed that the experience would be memorable—but not necessarily easy. AWOL on the Appalachian Trail isMiller’s detailed account of his 91 days spent walking from Georgia to Maine, alternately enjoying natural splendors and weathering brutal assaults by Mother Nature. Through blizzards and 90-degree heat waves; hordes of biting insects and encounters with bears, snakes,and dogs; steep climbs up rocky scrambles and slippery descents down sheer dropoffs; as well as bouts of homesickness and depression brought on by months away from society—Miller persevered onward until reaching his final destination at Mount Katahdinin northern Maine. Along the way we come to understandthe motivation behind this journey: though outwardly attempting an arduous physical feat few have accomplished before him (or are likely everto repeat), Miller is also looking for answers within himself about life choices made back homefollowing college graduation. What follows is an introspective odyssey told with great humorand humility depicting one man’s challenge against both the natural and personal demons he encountersto achieve a seemingly impossible goal.
For who is this book for ?
This book is for someone who loves nature and wants to read about someone’s journey through the Appalachian Trail. It gives great detail of what it was like walking through the mountains and forests, as well as all of the different challenges that were faced along the way.
Pros :
- Miller’s humorous and humble storytelling makes the journey an enjoyable read
- The book provides insight into the motivations behind taking on such a huge physical challenge
- Miller’s descriptions of nature along the Appalachian Trail are evocative and beautiful
Cons :
- The author spends a lot of time talking about gear and how to backpack, which can be tedious
- The author is often negative or complaining about his situation, which makes for not very enjoyable reading
- The book feels unfinished, as if the author ran out of steam before completing it
Learn more about the author
David Miller is the author of AWOL on the Appalachian Trail, a memoir about his journey hiking the entire length of the Appalachian Trail solo. A nature lover and experienced backpacker, he hiked from Georgia to Maine in 91 days, enduring brutal weather conditions and close encounters with bears, snakes, and other wildlife.
Reader Reviews
“David Miller’s AWOL on the Appalachian Trail is an engaging and thoughtful account of one man’s journey along the iconic footpath. Miller brings his considerable writing skills to bear in capturing both the challenges and rewards of hiking from Georgia to Maine, including insights into why he undertook this difficult adventure in the first place. A quick read that will leave you wanting more, AWOL is highly recommended for anyone interested in outdoor tales or personal narratives.”
“In AWOL on the Appalachian Trail, David Miller tells the story of his trek from Georgia to Maine. He paints a vivid picture of both the natural splendor and brutality he encountered along the way.”
“Miller’s journey is fraught with physical and emotional challenges, but his writing makes it all worth the read… Miller has a knack for finding humor in most any situation, even when things are at their worst. His descriptions of nature are beautiful and will leave you longing to set out on your own adventure.”
“Miller provides a detailed, humorous and humble account of his hike on the Appalachian Trail. This book is perfect for anyone who loves nature, long walks and a good laugh.”
