Recreation Books

I cannot imagine being a successful beginning runner without a plan like those presented in this book. I have tried running before, but with this book, I have been much more successful. It was a great find!

The book has been a great guide for me on how to recover the fit condition I once had, step by step, and without the risk of injury. I have recently started the training program and already feel improvement. The motivation and anti-excuse propositions the book offers for beginner runners really get you to move. A good compilation of medical and technical information support the suggested programs, so it gives you a lot of confidence in what you are doing and what to expect from the exercise.

Probably the most comprehensive book on running that I have ever seen. Not to mention it was without any pressure, Bob and group were relaxed about how things should be done, I never felt like I was pressured to run in a certain way or speed. Helped me to get back into running again. Thanks everyone.

I will not bother going on and on about the book, since there is already such an overwhelmingly positive collection of reviews.

Suffice it to say, this book really kick-started by love of running, and was filled with everything the beginner needs to know.

While it could use illustrations for good stretches, for example, it is still the classic keystone in any runners library, and strongly recommended!

If you have any sort of interest in running, I can't recommend any book more enthusiastically than this one. Although it may seem strange to get a book about running--I mean, what is there to it, right? But it turns out there are a couple of good reasons to pick up a book on running: one, it's motivating; two, there is a ton of useful information crammed into this book. It will be the only running reference you'll ever really need.

With over 700 pages, this isn't a lightweight book. It truly is about as comprehensive as you can imagine, and will serve most runners more than sufficiently. It is an oddly engaging read, sucking you into the world of running (or jogging) while giving you all sorts of information you never even thought you could need. Everything the beginner could need is covered, from the minutae of day-to-day running (track etiquitte, cold weather clothing, eating, and on and on) to larger topics like training plans and moving into competitive racing. The book will take you all the way through intermediate running--which Glover defines as regular sustained running, maybe with an occasional race thrown in. If you are already an experienced or regular runner, you will probably find this less useful than the true beginner. However, no one but the most experienced coach would be unable to learn something from this book. Just be aware that it is geared towards the recreational runner; if you are looking for a reference specific to competitive running, you should look elsewhere.

There are 42 chapters in the book, divided into 12 major sections: Fitness, Getting Fit, Training, Racing, Equipment, Food and Drink for Health and Energy, The Running Environment, Running Lifestyle, Special Runners, Illness and Injury, Running Form and Supplemental Training, and Wellness. The three chapters in the Fitness section give you basic information about what exercise and fitness are and why all of us ought to get out there and move a bit more. The third chapter outlines various ways to measure your own current level of fitness, providing a useful set of technique that you can come back to as your level of fitness improves (with your running, of course). The chapters in the next continue along this same vein, first dealing with getting started on a fitness regime (rather relaxed or intense) and then keeping yourself motivated enough to stick with it. The principles of exercise are outlined, with an entire chapter devoted to the important three-part model: warm-up, run, and cool-down. The last chapter in the Getting Fit section is called "The Fit Prescription: How Often? How Fast? How Far?" This is an important chapter, since beginners do often struggle with finding the right balance, either overdoing it and burning out, or not working hard enough to get the desired results. The last section in the book, Wellness, goes into more depth on all of these ideas. The chapters cover a holistic approach to health and fitness, the cardiovascular aspects of running, stress and weight management. The final chapter, "Running Inside Your Head", deals more emotional aspects of running: how it can help with depressions, anxiety, self-esteem, and creative thinking, and finally moving onto the infamous "runner's high". It's an interesting read.

Parts III and IV take the ideas of the last chapter of Section II and run with them. In part III, Training, you will learn how to keep a good runner's diary and find three running training programs: beginner's, advanced beginner's (for more running-experienced readers), and intermediate. Glover helps readers identify which program (and where in the program) they ought to begin. He also convincingly argues for patience in building up ability before trying to progress. Then in Section Iv, he talks to both those who may be interested in moving into competitive running, and those who may just like more structured goals. Racing isn't always about competition, for instance. So he addresses both frequent 5k races and marathons, giving the reader many ideas of why they may want to participate in either. Finally, there is a chapter on the importance of speed training, which will be useful to any runner who wants to learn to run faster, for whatever reason. Part XI, Running Form and Supplemental Training, gives four chapters with further training information, and serves as a great supplement to those who have mastered.

Three sections of the book deal with wider running lifestyle issues, including Part VI (Food and Drink for Health and Energy), Part VIII (Running Lifestyle), and Part X (Illness and Injury). The section on food and drink includes chapters on basic nutrition as relates to running, food and drink that serves as running-specific "fuel", and the importance on good hydration in running. The Running Lifestyle part covers safety, running while traveling, managing time (as in life in general, and working running in), and the importance of balancing running with life and work. Part X addresses two issues that we'd rather be able to ignore, but shouldn't . Illness is just a human thing, and sometimes it's best to not run--Glover will convince you whan that's the case. Injury is a similar issue, as we will inevitably get hurt at some point, and while we can sometimes work through things, more often than not we will be better served to allow ourselves to heal.

The remaining sections deal with more specific, and generally pragmatic, issues. Part V, Equipment, discusses running shoes and apparel and how to choose what is best for you. These obviously aren't going to give you extremely personalized information, but the important things for you to consider are all identified. You will feel much more confident the next time you go into a running shoe store. The Running Environment, Part VII, covers environmental issues, which are very import for runners. After all, most of the time, we're running outside. People tend to overdress for cold weather, and Glover gives numerous tips for avoiding this (and he will make you much more comfortable giving cold weather running a shot if you're still a bit intimidated). The chapter on hot weather running is also very important, andprovides readers with better ideas of how to manage hydration and exhaustion in uncomfortable climates. There is also a chapter on handling the unpredictability of weather in general. Finally, the ninth section offers four chapters on specific categories of runners: women runners (including an interesting history of women and running, health issues specific to women that may impact running, like osteoporosis, pregnancy, and menopause); older runners (covering the impact that agining in general can have on running as well as the benefits); runners with specific health or physical limitations (including topics such as chronic health conditions like asthma, arthritis, or diabetes, as well as other phsyical issues such as hearing and visual impairments); and younger (child) runners (covering both running with kids in strollers and health and safety issues specific to child runners, reminding us that "children are not minature adults").

As some of the other reviewers have alluded to, this is a strangely addictive and exciting book. You wouldn't think so (I certainly did not). But the writing is excellent, and a very nice balance between a packed informative tone and an amusing anecdotal style is maintained throughout. Glover knows how to motivate, and if you are like me, you will find yourself reading this entire book in a series of sizable chunks, and then going back later and rereading parts as your running experience expands. You've got to take some breaks to actually run, right? I can sum up my opinion of this book with one simple statement: if you are the least bit interested in running, buy this book and you will soon be a knowledgeable and active runner.

I WAS FORTUNATE TO HAVE READ THIS WHEN I WAS LOANED A COPY FROM HIGH SCHOOL COACH - UNFORUNATELY I NEVER GAVE IT BACK, UNTIL NOW - BUT I DID SHARE IT WITH MY COUSINS AND THEN SONS AND DAUGHTERS - AND NEPHEWS - ALL TO FANTASTIC RESULTS...THIS IS THE HITTERS GUIDE BY THE GREATEST HITTER OF ALL TIME...THANK YOU TED WILLIAMS - AGAIN AND AGAIN...

Nice read, talks about a ton of ideas for hitting better, have used some of them, and have noticed improved power to the opposite field.

Ted Williams was the second best player of all time, anytime he speaks or writes about baseball, it's in your best interest to soak up the info.

- I think this should be the first book on hitting any baseball player reads.
- Should be "The ART of hitting." Very little, if any, science in this book. Mostly stories and tips from Ted Williams.
- Ted Williams makes a great point that 50% of hitting is from the neck up. Many players are physically capable of hitting a baseball but lack the confidence to do it in a game. Mr. Williams gives some very good information on developing game confidence.

This is a book that you can read just to enjoy a bit of baseball history. Or to read deeper into and look into the mind of one baseballs greatest hitters of all time. It really dwells into the mental side of hitting which is probably the most often overlooked, but is just as important as the physical side of hitting. If there was ever a mandatory reading list for hitting this would be number 1 on a very short list.

having been out of baseball for years, getting back into the game in a men's senior league, i have completely deconstructed my slowpitch softball swing, and can pick up pitches and hit the ball the way i want to. for a young player, this book could be invaluable. i pick it up and reinforce what ive learned by reading sections again and again. plus ted williams' anticdotes as both a player and a manager are a fun way to relive the game the way it was.

I have a 1987 Catalina 30 sailboat with a diesel engine. I wish I had purchased a copy of this book six years ago when I bought my boat. I might have saved hundreds and maybe even thousands of dollars in yard bills by doing more of the work myself with the help of this book. I have the 2nd Edition published in 1995. I think it is well organized, well written, and I find the illustrations to be clear. A friend of mine purchased the 3rd Edition, which has updated information, particularly on electronics. However I am extremely satisfied with the 2nd Edition for my needs.

No this is not a book for inland gas boats! This is a book for ocean going vessels. Both power and sail. I have cruised on a 28' Columbia (outboard) and a 41' Islander Freeport (perkins). It was a *must have* with the Cruising Handbook in 4 years of full time cruising. [...] Fairwinds!

This is the second Nigel Calder book I own, and I am even more impressed. I am an ASA-certified instructor qualified to teach through bareboat chartering and coastal navigation. I have sailed on all sorts of boats, have owned a cruising style boat for six years, have heard boat owners and students complain about various problems, have read dozens of books, and through all of this have experienced so many mysteries related to corrosion, electrical problems, equipment problems, and issues with various boat systems. For the first time, I feel I have a single reference manual specific to boat systems that not only provides clear troubleshooting steps but goes beyond troubleshooting to clearly explain the mechanical and physical principles that demystify why things go wrong and how the troubelshooting steps systematically work through problems. The explanations are understandable, the instructions and safety tips are effective, and the diagrams and photos are valuable. It has already helped me deal with a grounding problem that was causing our main cirvruit breaker to trip!

I'm redesigning the electrical system for my boat and portions of this book has given me the knowledge to make informed decisions, with an understanding of the trade offs, about what features and capabilities I would like my new system to have. It has also provided information to allow me to make intelligent decisions about selecting new components to achieve my electrical system goals efficiently (save money by not buying things I don't need). I would recommend this book for the person with a basic knowledge of electricity who wants to understand either how their current electrical system works or how they might change it to make it better.

This is a great book. I love the extensive coverage of electrical systems, as it seems so many boaters have problems with electrical. I was a little surprised that the engine section only covers diesel engines. No big deal, as most of the other stuff applies to gas too (impellers, transmission, etc), but I wanted to know a little about a head overhaul and there's not much there for the gas engine owner.
Still, I'd highly recommend this book to any boat owner who also has the gumption to do the work themselves.

I have read it over 20 times and am still learning from it as well as most of my buddies who have read it. It makes you a better snow goose hunter.

The book helped me a lot this spring. I got a lot more snow geese using the information and tactics suggested in this book.

The book helped me last Fall and this Spring. I got a lot more snow geese because of it.

There were so many good things in this book that helped me become a better snow goose hunter.

For the inflated price, this book was a total disappointment. The author deals EXCLUSIVELY with the Mississippi/Central flyway, and spends a great deal of time speaking of specific areas in this region. This large portion of a VERY SMALL (8" X 6", large type, barely over 100 pages), outdated book was of zero use to a snow goose hunter from Maryland. As far as decoy types and placement, the author only reiterated what I'd already gleaned from magazines over two years (and that wasn't much). I will be returning this book, the first time I've ever returned anything to Amazon.com.

I thought this book was funny when I saw the cover and title and I was very pleased while reading and didn't want it to end! I am running my first half marathon next Saturday and training for the NYC marathon November 2008 and terrified but after reading this personal account of the endurance, mishaps, and funny journal entries, I am definitely more excited and I dont feel so alone losing my kneecaps!!!

I bought this book by mistake. Yes, that's right... by mistake. That said, it was EXACTLY what I wanted and needed. So it was divine intervention!

My husband had to sit and listen to excerpts while I wiped tears away from my face from laughter as I read this book.

I am in NO shape to run a marathon any time soon.. however.. I have now made steps for my first 5K. I am motivated and inspired by Dawn's witty writing. It has gotten me up off my rear and into getting into shape!

great book for all of us "non-runners" who know we can do whatever we set our mind to....

This book put some humor into beginning a running regime when all you want to do is crawl back to the sofa. Though repetitive at times, this book is quite motivating for those of us who are frustrated by a slow pace, and a lack of confidence.

First let me say that I loved this book. The author is a natural at not only being a superb writer, but getting lots of laughs from the reader as well. I consider this a very RARE combo, thus the 4 star rating.

If it's so great, why take off a star? Well, I ordered the book b/c I'm training for a marathon (very, very beginning training), and the title struck me as a sort of Holy Grail of getting off my bum and getting going.

Well, not so much. I would not consider this a training manual as much as it is a personal (and VERY funny) account of one non-athletes' quest to complete a marathon.

I didn't find solid info that applied to me -- and really I haven't seen or heard any evidence that it is safe or reasonable for a non-athlete to prep for a marathon in just four months.

I have used and would recommend other sources to come up with a solid training plan (i.e., "Marathoning for Mortals", by John Bingham).

On the other hand, I would highly recommend this as a very funny read about running and marathon training.

I'm not kidding... I did. The juggling balls are a perfect fit to anyone's hand. I bought the kit because I needed to learn how to juggle for a class, and I got an A! Pretty good for a first timer! Besides, it's a great exercise for your arms.. try it for a couple of hours and you'll see the effects!

I bought this book after seeing a few friends juggling and finding the book on sale at my local Borders store. I didn't think it would take me long to get the hang of throwing and catching three beanbags and now, almost 6 months after buying the book, I am quite proficient with a 3 ball cascade, making a few catches with a 4 ball fountain, and I've been bought juggling clubs!

I would recommend this book to anyone wanting to get into juggling, for fun or sport, it's simple to use and fun to follow along with. The only thing I do not like is that the book's format makes you wish it was spiral bound or bound in a way it can easily be laid flat.

This person is a great dealer with fast prompt service. Would buy from again.

I loved the hole pack. I was trying to find a cheap set of juggling balls to to start learning, when I saw this pack i didn't notice that the beanbags weren't balls but cubes and I was a bit worried at first. Anyway they are great, well balanced, with the right weight, and the unusual format is perfect to beginners, since you will drop them a lot they won't roll away from you like the rounds' ones.

Within an hour of getting this book, I was able to juggle ( though not skillfully at all)three balls. Granted, I've had a little bit of prior juggling experience from years and years ago, so I wasn't totally unfamiliar with the motions. The instructions were very clear and so were the illustrations after I used a hi-liter to keep track of the otherwise black and white balls.

Great book you can find everything you want to know about mountain biking and is even fun to read.

This book is quite excellent. I had never been mountain biking before, and read this book. When I finally went out on the trail with experienced riders, I was able to keep up, not injure myself, and generally know what was going on around me. I will say, though, that in reading the book, it seemed like all mountain bike riders were able to do the flashy stuff that was described, when in fact, I found that was not the case. However, it is good to know about. The writing style is very easy to read. There could have been a glossary, and I had to Google terms a number of times, but overall, an excellent book.

A fantastic source of information for anyone wanting to improve their mountain bike riding skills.

I found this to be an excellent book on mountain bike techniques. There are illustrated examples of all the skills you would want to know for all styles of mountain bike riding.
This is a book to work through. For example it starts with the basics like wheelies and manuals and progresses to bunny hops showing how they are related and why you want to know one technique before progressing to another.
Whereas Ned Overend's book is XC race oriented, the techniques in this book as just as applicable for downhilling and freeriding as they are to XC and will help you whether you race or just like to ride for fun.
There is also a short section in the front covering the basics of choosing and maintaining your bike(s).

I think this is a great book for a visual perspective.

Things that are hard to describe in words are often given good visual treatment. I especially liked it when they showed multiple frames to illustrate a technique that might have changes across time.

For example, they illustrate performing a jump by showing you various frames including hen the rider enters the jump (showing body position, etc), while he's in the jump, and what he looks like when exiting.

This alone puts this book above others I have read on the same topic.

I also liked the treatment of many different topics. There's a really good cross-section of useful information covered, so it seems like just about anyone in the sport would benefit from the content.

There are a couple of things that I think need to be improved on to make this book better.

First and foremost, the book either needs to dispense with all the flowery, colorful jargon, and stick closer to simple English, or it needs to provide a glossary up front.

I am a beginning rider (supposedly one of the people this book is aimed at) and there were many times I did not understand a section perfectly clearly because of the specialized language they used.

Here's an example, taken from early on in the book:

"Pump backsides. Any time the trail turns downward, press down for some free speed".

That probably makes perfect sense to someone who understands these terms, but it did not help be as a beginner.

What does "pump" mean? Does it mean to "pedal hard"? Does it mean to quickly raise and then lower your body on the bike to "pump it"? And how about "press down" - press down on what? The pedals? The handlebars? The saddle?

I've read the whole book and I'm still not 100% sure if "pump" means "pedal", or something else.

This problem occurs throughout the book, in some places worse than others. There were spots where the language was so flowery that I actually laughed out loud.

I remember one paragraph talking about pimping and nailing and lips and rhino horns. I wasn't sure if somehow a chapter from Alice in Wonderland had ended up in this book about Mountain Biking.

The other thing I found confusing about the book was some of the conflicting advice given.

I found this especially true in areas related to braking. If one just listed all the sentences related to braking you might see something like this: "Stay off the brakes, speed is the key to smoothness", "Use the brakes to remain in control", "Only brake when you really mean to", "Braking is one of the most important skills", "People rely too much on the brakes", and so on.

This all reminds me of an out-take from the movie Poltergeist in which the main characters are giving Carol-Ann advice about how to come home: "Go into the light!", "Get away from the light!", "The light is your salvation!", "The light is the enemy!".

I'm afraid that after reading this book I am as confused about braking as poor Carol-Ann is about whether or not she should go into the light.

Apart from these gripes, I have spent many hours with this book and feel that I will become a better rider for it.

In a world saturated with stories overcoming life challenges, Remember This Titan delivers a message unlike any I have read.
Steve Sullivan's ability to capture the essence of Coach Bill Yoast while weaving in an out of the life narrative is remarkable. He has cleverly captured in words, the essence of a man who made it his life's commitment to make a difference and inspire. Sullivan has beautifully portrayed with drama, insight and humor, the life of a man whose unwavering commitment to others enabled them to prosper- all became better, some became great. Many went on to positively impact on other's lives and for this, Sullivan's book is a brilliant reminder that the `Domino Effect' can be a powerful force.
Although Coach Bill Yoast is in the twilight of his journey, Remember This Titan and the wisdom it delivers is a legacy that will live forever.

A friend sent me the book as gift. She said it would change my life. She was right. It took me on a glorious trip. In a world filled with deceit, fear, anger and lost people Remember This Titan shows how one man can make a differance. Remember This Titan is a story that delivers integrity and courage in abundance. Coach Bill Yoast is now my hero. Remember This Titan is triumph and should be required reading for anyone looking to navigate life with a sense of purpose. Five Stars is not enough.

This is a great motivational and uplifting story. A must read for teens and parents alike!!

"Remember This Titan" is an excellent story of an American hero. In a time when personal glory is mainstream, Bill Yoast was not only an inspiration to a community but to the nation as well. Absorbing every word of a simply beautiful story of a no-nonsense man, I learned that, "In navigating life, the best lessons are learned when the riding gets rough". Not only do I believe in the philosophy of life according to Coach Yoast but our entire youth organization and metro area are looking forward to having Mr. Sullivan and Coach Yoast motivate our young men for our 2006 football season. I look forward to meeting Coach Bill Yoast and Steve Sullivan in August, (www.greenmountainfootball.org) and showing them that the TITAN theory exists in Colorado. Steve Sullivan along with Bill Yoast are truly the cornerstone of INSPIRATION.

Remember This Titan, is a wonderful accounting of Bill Yoast's life, ups and downs, the expected and the unexpected. It is the story of a man who LIVED decency long before it was fashionable. The success of the team, both on the field and in their interpersonal relationships, was nurtured by the presence of this fine teacher, leader and coach. In a time when schools go out of their way to emphasize that character counts, this is a fine, enjoyable book to share with the children/students in your life. There are so many valuable lessons, from Mary's impact on Coach Yoast to the profound influence of Raymond Tetfeller on Yoast's young life. This book is beautifully written. It flows with astonishing honesty from humor to heart-wrenching pain. Sullivan has an obvious knowledge, understanding and respect for Coach Yoast. As if all of the above isn't enough, there are action plans and lists of invaluable facts in the back. Remember This Titan is a great read which has had a lasting impact on me. p.s. I had a student at the end of the year say, "Hey, Ms. Stewart are YOU reading a football book, cool!" Enjoy.

Amy Candler arrives at Wilderness Adventure. For one full week, she's going to be doing extreme ports. Whether is rock-climbing, mountain-biking, or hand gliding, it's all going to be a great time. Only Tasha and Eric know why things are so easy for her. But something is about to happen that isn't so easy. Mysterious freak accidents begin to happen to Amy, almost causing her to die. Then some scary things begin to happen to the other kids. This definitely is not a safe place. Will Amy be able to survive a place that once seemed so much fun?

This is the first special edition in the series. To be honest, I don't think it really is that special. Sure, there's much more pages than a normal Replica book, but it's quality, not quantity. However, I really did like the novel. We get to learn more about Amy's past, and Amy meets someone who may not be as nice as he seems. This is a book you should check out, and definitely a must-read for Replica fans.

If and I mean if you have read the past five books read this one but if you havn't DO NOT read the summary or even get near this book. Okay, okay I admitt I am being a little forceful but the book gives a little more info about the history of Project Cresent then told. However the title gives it away. "And the Two Shall Meet" well if you look at the second page, the second cover page, there is a pic of a boy. His name is Andy, Amy, get it...anyway he was one of the first batch of clones done in the project of Project Cresent, cresent moon.
So Amy, Eric, and Tasha go to this Wilderness Adventure and the two conselers are weird. One gets killed supposedly by the other one, according to Andy, Andy kisses Amy, a big no no since Amy is going out with Eric, Tasha falls in love with the killer, big mystery(supposedly the organization has something to do with this mysterious junk), Andy and Amy run away, and well it just gets pretty confusing. That is why it gets four stars instead of five.
If you love the books read this if not well I don't care it is up to you. But it is good.

The other books in this series are good. However Marilyn Kaye goes all out in this one. It has captured the original mystery feeling. You can relate to the people and what they are feeling. There are plots and subplots. There are more twists and turns. All along you are so busy trying to catch your breath, so you do not have time to figure out who the bad guys are. The story takes place on a wilderness outing where there is rafting and repelling.

The Best of the Best (Replica 7)

I never knew there were boy clones to come in this series and I never expected it. Reading it, I thought that Brooke was being mean to Tasha by telling Amy that she could be with Andy and Tasha could be with Willard.
I thought Eric was also being mean to his girlfriend because he wouldn't listen to her when she wanted to tell him about Andy. It wasn't really nice from Miss Perfect to kiss Andy, though.
I really enjoyed reading this book and I am looking foward to reading the next ones that are not out yet where I live.
This book was really good. I highly recommend it.

This is the 6th book in the amazing Replica series. In this book, Amy goes on a wilderness adventure for a couple weeks with her best friend Tasha and her boyfriend Eric. While there, Amy meet Andy, and sees that he has the same cresant moon birthmark on his shoulder blade that she has, meaning that he is a clone! Sparks fly and to conclude, great book! The first were we see Andy and certainly not the last! A must read for any YA book or Replica fan. Highly Recommended!

What I like about this book is that it gives a pretty accurate depiction of the experience involved in hiking the AT. The ups and downs. The ins and outs, including lots of info about the logistics associated with a thru-hike. What I don't like is that the author isn't terrible eloquent or reflective, although the book improves as it progresses. In this respect, I prefer something like "A Walk in the Woods" to this book since, while that book isn't as comprehensive as this book, it has a certain spirit that this book lacks. This book tends to be very matter-of-fact, describing specific mileposts in detail, but without adding enough of the "big picture." One of the most awkward aspects of this book is the way in which various events and characters are introduced without any clear purpose or resolution. E.g. "I met Bubba on the trail today" and that's the only mention of Bubba in the entire book. People appear and disappear and events happen and then are dropped without any clear rationale. Why did this mention of Bubba matter? What ended up happening to him? You passed him on the trail and....? (Note that Bubba is my own fictional re-creation of the type of character that appears in this book.) For casual reading, I would have preferred more detail about a smaller number of meaningful encounters/experiences rather than the exhaustive description that is found in this book.

But I like this book because it is so comprehensive in its description of what occurs on a hike of the AT. Even still, it lacks a certain summation about what the actual experience involves. After reading this book, you know the details, but you don't really get the gestalt of a thru-hike of the AT. Nevertheless, if you're thinking about hiking the AT, read this book since you'll learn a lot.

I just finished this book an hour ago. I grew up about a half mile from the AT near Hagerstown, MD and always enjoyed the trail growing up. I have recently decided to get back into hiking since I moved closer to home again and this book was a great motivator. It showcases what it takes to make it the whole way through the trail (something I have always contemplated) and all the feelings that come along with such an undertaking. Reading this book was time well spent. I hope everyone else enjoys it as much as I did - Thanks to David for writing it!

If you are even remotely thinking of an extended journey in the wilderness, you should read this book. If you are going to hike the Appalachian Trail, you must read this. David has laid down an all encompassing view of the long-haul wilderness experience, the awkwardness of trail alliances, the elation of meeting like-minded folks, the emotional price extracted by time away from family and home, the satisfaction of making it solo,from beginning to end under your own power. He does a fine job of relating the day to day life on the trail. It is informative, well-paced, and a fine story as well.
If you are not contemplating a journey of your own, AWOL is worth your time as a good read. It will show you a world that exists for those who make the decision to make someday happen. David did just that when he put his footprints on the trail from Georgia to Maine. He was good enough to share it with the rest of us.

Out of all the AT books I have read this one seems to really explain the true experience of the "trail". The author tells the good and the bad experiences and makes you feel like your walking with him and cheering him on at times and at other times like your experiencing the pain of the trail with him. GREAT Book a must read if your thinking of taking the hike the whole way or just for a weekend.

Betty

I very much enjoyed reading David's account of his thru-hike.

One of the most interesting aspects of this book is David's personal story about how he made the commitment to complete his hike and how it impacts family, friends, and career. David shares the stories of other thru-hikers he has met on the trail and where they were in their life when they attempted to thru-hike.

I plan to hike the AT in the future, as soon as my job and family responsibilities permit. This book really helped me understand the challenges faced by the hiker on the trail and the challenges faced by their families that support them every step of the way.