My thoughts: You already know how much I love reading about other people's journeys hiking the Appalachian Trail from Georgia to Maine, and Lugo's is one of the better ones. He's a gifted storyteller, and this memoir is full of humor, adventure, and some profound and uplifting advice...not just about hiking the AT, but about living life. I loved it. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Favorite quotes from the book:
"I'm not going to fall into a mindset of maybe I'll make it. I already have enough going against me, starting with how clueless I am about the trail. Positive thoughts are my biggest asset out here in the unknown."
"This journey will go better if I don't dread and curse the things I cannot control."
"Change can be frightening at times, but out here it's our way of life. When I stepped onto the AT, I sought change. I wanted to move away from a static existence. Suitably, the end of one thing opens the way for something wondrous. I see not the end but a new start."
"Hike your own Hike."
Happy Reading!
I do love reading hiking tales too... although part of me is skeptical about people who just do it with no knowledge or preparation. Still, that aspect makes me curious to see how he made it work!
ReplyDeleteIt was fun to see his journey over the course of the trial. And he tells about his experiences and mishaps with such humor. I really loved it.
DeleteThe Appalachian Trail has long been a fascination of mine. This sounds like a book I need to read.
ReplyDeleteIt's so good! Lugo is a true storyteller.
DeleteThis sounds like my kind of book, off to look it up!
ReplyDeleteI hope you can get a copy of it. It's worth reading!
DeleteI love these kinds of stories too. It is giving me Into the Wild vibes!
ReplyDeleteYes...except without the sad ending.
DeleteGood review, Lark! That cover is so unique. I was trying to figure it out, LOL!
ReplyDeleteIt's a little crazy, but definitely cool, too. ;D
DeleteHiking the Appalachian Trail is one of my goals. I'll never accomplish it, but it's fun to read about. Going in with no knowledge would be scary, though.
ReplyDeleteIt's one of my goals, too, though I'll probably never do it either. Though I'd love to at least hike parts of the trail!
DeleteWow, that man has to be among our bravest or one of the most foolish people I've ever heard of...maybe both. I can't wait to learn how he pulled that one off...gotta get this one.
ReplyDeleteHe has such a good sense of humor and positive outlook which I think really helped him through the whole thing; plus he met some great hikers along the way. It's a fun read.
DeleteThat third quote's pretty powerful.
ReplyDeleteIt's good, isn't it? Just another reason to really like this book.
DeleteThose are some inspiring quotes! I'm adding this to my wishlist. :)
ReplyDeleteIt's such a great book! I really loved every moment of it.
DeleteThis book has my name on it and thanks Lark for letting us know about Derick Lugo. I love these stories where people hit a crossroads in their life and decide to do something bold and most important Derick is a very good writer and growing up in NYC I identify. This is a must read for me.
ReplyDeleteI love when people do something bold, too. It's very inspiring, and makes me want to try something new and bold, too.
DeleteI know it's wrong to judge a book by its cover, but I seriously love this cover. :) And it's obvious that Lugo's tale was a hit with you!
ReplyDeleteIsn't it a great cover? And Lugo's writing is so personable and engaging. I really liked this one.
DeleteThat sounds great. I would find it scary to hike that trail alone but with someone else it might be fun for a while.
ReplyDeleteI wish I were brave enough to hike the AT alone! But I'm not. ;D
DeleteYou know I also appreciate stories about through hiking so this really appeals to me! It's going on the TBR! :)
ReplyDeleteYou'll enjoy it; it's a lot of fun. :D
DeleteOh this looks interesting! I love the idea of hiking the AT but no part of me actually wants to do it. I do enjoy reading about it though. I'll have to pick this one up.
ReplyDeleteI love reading about it, too. And the impractical part of me really wants to hike it! The practical side of me wants indoor plumbing and a soft bed at night to sleep in. ;D
DeleteI love those quotes you shared from the book, Lark. This sounds like a good one!
ReplyDeleteI loved it! He's so funny and such a great storyteller. And I always love reading about people hiking the AT. :D
Delete