The Appalachian Trail - A Journey of Discovery

by Jan D., Curran

Release Date: 1991

Edition: Paperback

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Better than many

I thought this book was worth reading. I do have to admit that it can be slow paced at times, it is certainly no "Walk in the woods". But few books give the kind of insight into the hikers mind and emotions with such honesty and clarity. if your looking for a 'cannot put it down' adventure story, this is not it. If, on the other hand, you are looking to get into the mind and journal of someone who walked the AT (see "onward to Katahdin" for the second half), it is a worthwhile purchase.

There is an aspect to the book that others may find anoying, that is that he does go into some depth on the spiritual enlightenment he gains while hiking the AT. I, personally, would expect no less from someone journaling their journey on a thru-hike. Make up your own mind.

worst AT book I've read

this is a sad excuse for a book about the AT. A retired army colonel, used to having his own way at all times tries to hike the AT and doesn't handle it very well. Much of the book is taken up with his mental ramblings in search of enlightenment, which he doesn't achieve by the time he quits at the Maryland border. It astounded me that a person could reach the age of retirement and have so little insight and maturity. There is bad poetry at the end of each chapter and a lot of whining about people who pissed him off. A bad read that made me feel embarassed for Curran. If that's what he has inside it's better hidden. Not worth the time to read and definitely not worth your money to buy, new or used! maybe if you can steal it......