"Rarely will you find books that explore the human emotions of a long-distance trek so honestly and clearly." --Roger Williamson, Campmor, Inc.
reviews
Sep 25, 2009
Leslie
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Actually, this book is by Lucy Letcher and her sister Susan Letcher. Isis and jackrabbit. The lower case J is intentional. Susan went to Carleton College with Maggie. I met them at The Gathering in WV in 2000. I met them again at The PA Ruck at Pine Grove Furnace State Park in 2001. I was absolutely amazed at how good this book is. Each voice is identified at the beginning by their trail name. In a back and forth style, they've done an excellent job of explaining and describing their App
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Feb 12, 2010
Robin
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south - Maine to George; whereas the vast majority of hikers go North. Of course the primary reason for the migration north is the weather. Most thru-hikers walk with (or into summer) spring, avoiding the dangers of winter. Our sisters are starting in Maine in black fly season and hiking directly into winter. They're doing this with the added challenge of attempting to hike the trail barefoot - at least for "as long as it's fun". For me it would be comfortable for about two minutes and
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Jan 31, 2012
Christine
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I have always wanted to hike the Appalachian Trail, and this is the second travel narrative that I have read. This book was valuable to me for that and for its difference in perspective. The first book I read was by a middle aged man, traveling alone, without his family. This book shows the perspective of the trail from the perspective of two sisters in their early-mid twenties. So, it was great to see the trail through their eyes. The depression of the musician sister also provides one insigh
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Jan 02, 2012
Hilary
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Two sisters in their early 20s decide to hike the Appalachian Trail southbound, barefoot "while it's fun, while it's comfortable". (I'm not going to put spoilers in here about whether they finish or how the barefoot thing works.) This book describes the incredible experience of hiking the Appalachian Trail: the other hikers they meet (going in both directions), the shelters, the non-hikers who give them rides into town or give them a "slacker" day by ferrying their packs to
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Jan 07, 2012
Sandy
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My own sister got me turned on to the adventure of hiking the Appalachian Trail - she has a real fascination for the possibility. I've discovered that I like reading books about this while sitting in my warm house in my comfy chair or bed. I'm enthralled with what thru hikers endure - and why in the world they would want to!
Hiking the Trail barefoot wasn't a possibility I had ever considered before reading this book, but evidently it's not all that rare - there are associations o More...
Hiking the Trail barefoot wasn't a possibility I had ever considered before reading this book, but evidently it's not all that rare - there are associations o More...
Aug 24, 2010
Joannie
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I saw this book while staying in Shenandoah National Park. (The AT actually runs through the park) Was quite amazed that the Sisters could walk this trail barefooted. I have hiked parts of the AT in PA and find that I am always looking down, trying to avoid tripping on the rocks. I am amazed that they would even attempt to do it barefooted. Jeff remembers seeing the Sisters on a Boy Scout hike in October 2000! The book kept my interest. I enjoyed reading about their adventures on the trail,
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Dec 18, 2011
Lindsey
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I really enjoyed this story. It was pretty amazing to hear their story. I got a bit tired of all the flowery language. Honestly it felt like they picked up the thesaurus and used it waaaaaaaaaaaaay too much. Sometimes the regular word is the best. It kind of detracted from the book as a whole. Also one of the sisters swore a lot and it made her sound less educated. So in short I loved the story but the language I could have done without.
Feb 02, 2011
Michael
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I confess. I want to hike to Appalachian Trail. Until an appropriate time comes about when I can do this I tackle it from my armchair. This is an account of two sisters taking on the trail, of 2000+ miles from Maine to Georgia, in their bare feet. They are quirky, humorous, and endearing. Upon reaching Georgia they decide, as only they can, to walk home to Maine - which is covered in their second book (Walking Home).
Jun 27, 2009
Ellen
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The size of this book originally made me wince (475 pages) but I kept seeing it on the library shelves. I finally checked it out the 4th or 5th time I saw it, and loved it. I felt like I was on the AT with them, and I'm more than halfway convinced that I should start hiking barefoot. This book kept my attention beautifully, and I can't wait to read the second one.
Dec 14, 2011
Debra
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Two sisters decide to through hike the Appalachian Trail. What made them instantly recognizable was they hiked barefoot most of the length from Maine to Georgia.
At times, they seemed whiney, petulant and rather immature for their years. Yet, as the miles past, their muscles toughened, and they overcame various obstacles, they grew. To me, the strength of this book is the story of their growth, and the mini-stories of those hiking alongside them.
At times, they seemed whiney, petulant and rather immature for their years. Yet, as the miles past, their muscles toughened, and they overcame various obstacles, they grew. To me, the strength of this book is the story of their growth, and the mini-stories of those hiking alongside them.
Dec 25, 2011
Rebecca
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An interesting read! This is the tale of two sisters who hike the Appalachian Trail, barefoot for most of it. They could do with some editing, but the book is enjoyable. (I have no desire to hike the AT but admire them for doing it)
Sep 20, 2011
Troy
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Thoroughly enjoyed this book. I'm currently planning a thru-hike for 2012, and have read or I'm working on reading just about every AT related book I can get my hands on. I would put this at the top with some of my favorites to date, and I'm looking forward to receiving the second book so I can continue to learn about Isis and jackrabbit's journey.
Mar 25, 2011
Dani
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This is the first book in a long time that I didn't want to put down! I was actually a little depressed when it ended. Now I've got to go buy the next one!
Jan 02, 2012
Kelli
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Very good tale (true) about cooperation, compromise, individual vs unity. Kind of makes me want to challenge myself to something huge................... hmmmmm
Dec 10, 2011
Linda
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Wonderful book! So good I went to buy the sequel as soon as I finished!
Jan 21, 2012
Anita
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It's a real story of 2 sisters who decide to hike the A.T. (Appalachian Trail) on barefoot. I enjoyed it a great deal. I am even thinking of trying to hike at least part of the trail at some point.
Dec 26, 2011
Julia
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Whether you have intentions of hiking the trail or not. This is a must read!
Jul 28, 2011
Kathy
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So many of the AT memoirs are poorly written, but this is by far one of the best books written about a thru-hike on the Appalachian Trail. It was humerous, enjoyable, intelligently written and brutally honest.
Feb 13, 2012
Rosanne
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I enjoyed the story. The sisters formed relationships with many fellow thru hikers.
May 18, 2011
Anna
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As a person who has hiked portions of the AT I always like to hear other people account of their experiences on the trail.
Aug 25, 2011
Cris
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good book, made me want to toss my shoes to the side and run barefoot as far and fast as i can...a great read!
Oct 25, 2011
Diane
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Educational. Made me want to hike the trail. Not exactly the kind of book you can't put down though.
