Awol on the Appalachian Trail tells the story of my 2003 thruhike of the Appalachian Trail, 2172 miles from Georgia to Maine. Although this book appeals to hikers, much ardent praise for Awol comes from people who are not hikers.

After my hike, I spent well over a year on the text, selecting the most entertaining material and adding insights that only became evident in hindsight. I pared away the repetition and mundanity that litter many journal-style books. Daily events are detailed only to the extent necessary to maintain continuity. Throughout the text I make brief digressions to explore topics that are common to all of our experiences: facing challenges, staying motivated, and finding fulfillment. How best do we spend our time? Don’t overlook this subtly infused commentary; it is the most valuable content in the book.

The book contains vivid descriptions of the scenery and social interactions on the trail along with some discussion of the logistics, but it is not a how-to book. I did not write Awol because I am an authority on backpacking. Attitude, more than anything else, is what moves hikers from Georgia to Maine. Expertise is not required.

The quality of writing is unparalleled among books on the same topic. I believe in Strunk and White. I strive for concision. My writing style is straightforward with short sentences and carefully chosen words. If I had spent less time writing, the book would have been longer. Awol is written in the present tense because this best conveys the experience. Instead of reading what I did and what I felt, the reader is immersed in events as they unfold. A bear steps out onto the trail; I meet a suspicious character; the trail ascends above tree line, exposing a limitless view.

Awol is priced below the competition and yet contains superior features. Forty-two pictures are spaced throughout, always adjacent to the relevant text. Ample footnotes provide supplemental information without disrupting the narrative. A thumbnail map at the start of each chapter diagrams the portion of trail to be covered. Awol on the Appalachian Trail is a carefully crafted book and an exceptional value.