In 2003, software engineer David Miller left his job, family, and friends to fulfill a dream and hike the Appalachian Trail. AWOL on the Appalachian Trail is Miller’s 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 hiker’s preparations and tenacity. This is not merely a travel guide, but a beautifully written and highly personal view into one man’s adventure and what it means to make a lifelong vision come true.
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"As an avid hiker, I thought this book was wonderful! It focused on the trail, and only a small bit on the philosophical journey. Some might find that frustrating, but it was just what I was looking for. On a summer when I wasn't able to make it home, it was a good way to get my Appalachian fix:)"
— Maria (4 out of 5 stars)
“AWOL on the Appalachian Trail offers readers an intimate grasp and vivid portrayal of the pure beauty and inspiring landscape of the Appalachian Mountains and valleys…Whether an armchair traveler or an active outdoors enthusiast, AWOL on the Appalachian Trail is very highly recommended reading as a first-hand narrative of an incredible journey spanning the entire length of the Appalachian country.
— Midwest Book ReviewReaders who are considering the Trail or who simply enjoy being in the outdoors will find this book most appealing, but Miller’s talent should bring him an even larger audience.
— Jeff Minick, Smoky Mountain NewsMiller is a wonderful writer who expresses the emotions as well as the facts of the world’s most famous hiking trail…I enjoyed [AWOL on the Appalachian Trail] more than any AT book I’ve read.
— Robert Hughes, Florida Today Newspaper" Superb book! I loved it...exceptional descriptions of life on the trail! Took me back..... "
— Joyce, 2/19/2014" If you are looking for a meaningful, insightful memoir about thru hiking, this isn't it. If you are looking for a trail journal that starts to sound suspiciously like a guidebook (oh, look at that, Mr. Miller now writes the trail guidebook, how interesting...) then you have come to the right place. I kept expecting some kind of big revelation of self and sense of purpose and never found it. In fairness to the author, I think he was expecting this as well and never found it on the trail. Not a terrible read, but not quite was I was looking for either. "
— Colin, 2/12/2014" Realistic memoir about thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail. Miller gives readers the good and the bad. It really made me want to hit the trails. "
— Melissa, 2/8/2014" This was an interesting enough book of a man who hiked the Appalachian Trail in 2004. It's more of a diary then an action or adventure story. Not a lot happens, besides walking, walking, and more walking. But it kept my interest, and confirmed my belief that I will never do the AT myself. ;-) "
— Red, 1/22/2014" I really enjoyed Awol writing style. I'm amazed how so many people can make the same journey and all find the experience so different. Like they say hike your own hike "
— Craig, 1/18/2014" I very much enjoyed this book. It makes me want to go for a long hike, even in the rain. "
— Lisa, 1/17/2014" Quick read that somehow makes the day to day mundane trail details interesting. Makes me want to start hiking it tomorrow... "
— Kalleen, 1/12/2014" Well done - a very personal biography of a thru-hiker. If you have an interest in traversing the AT, I recommend it. "
— Robert, 12/18/2013" Great book if you like to read about long distance hiking, which I do! "
— Nan, 12/14/2013" The best account of an AT thru hike that I've read. "
— Audie, 12/7/2013" Great book, very inspiring... Tended to focus on the negatives of the AT rather than the positives. I would like to hear more of the inspirational views and experiences with solo nature hiking. "
— Aaron, 11/10/2013" I admire the guy! Hiking just one overnight on the trail is near the top of my bucket list. I've only made it a mile so far due to prior injury; glad to know the dangers and joys! "
— Ms., 11/9/2013" Nice book. Funny. One of the many AT books I love. "
— Donna, 9/15/2013" This book was a real page turner (or since I used my kindle, a button pusher?) It makes me want to quit my job and hike the 2172 miles of the appalachian trail. It was thoughtfully written and very interesting. "
— Becky, 8/8/2013" I really enjoyed the personal account of his adventures on the Appalachian Trail. Very descriptive of the trail as well. "
— Christopher, 7/3/2013" i want to go hiking "
— Will, 5/30/2013" Makes me want to go hiking! "
— Bekki, 3/10/2013" Excellent account of AWOL's journey on the AT. I felt I could escape while reading this hiking memoir. Highly recommend. Beautifully written epilogue. "
— Cherie, 2/26/2013" I loved this book. It had a great mix of information, personal challenges and cool stories. "
— Gary, 2/7/2013" This reads like a lightly edited trail journal. Probably most enjoyable if you have an interest in hiking and a connection to the AT. "
— Ryan, 12/11/2012David Miller is the author of The A. T. Guide, a guidebook for hiking the Appalachian Trail, as well as AWOL on the Appalachian Trail, a narrative of the author’s two-thousand mile journey. A former software enginer, he lives in Titusville, Florida, with his family.
Christopher Lane is an award-winning actor, director, and narrator. He has been awarded the prestigious Audie Award for Best Narration several times and has won numerous AudioFile Earphones Awards.