A Hike For Mike: An Uplifting Adventure Across the Sierra Nevada for Depression Awareness [Paperback]

Jeff Alt (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 10, 2005

A heartwarming, humbling, humorous, true-life adventure of a couple who trekked the John Muir Trail as a depression awareness campaign. After losing a brother-in-law to suicide, Jeff and his wife (Beth) walk the 218-mile John Muir Trail across the Sierra Nevada mountain range to spread the word that depression is treatable. As you walk vicariously alongside Jeff and Beth, through three national parks, ending atop the highest mountain in the contiguous United States, you’ll encounter bears, lightning bolts, fascinating people, and beautifully rugged scenery. You’ll also see a ray of light emerge from the dark ashes of tragedy. Jeff’s story reflects on perseverance, overcoming adversity, and navigating the mountains and valleys of life.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Thank you...for A Hike For Mike. It gave me the chance to relive my own JMT adventures." --Kathy Morey, co-author, Guide to the John Muir Trail (Wilderness Press)

"...In many ways, his walk was a living example of hope and inspiration...written with clarity, precision, and compassion." --Jerry Reed, Executive Director, Suicide Prevention Action Network USA

“...Jeff Alt...walks on behalf of others...[such as]A Hike for Mike...Well worth reading about." --David Brill, author of As Far as the Eye Can See (Appalachian Trail Conservancy) and Desire and Ice (National Geographic Adventure Press)

From the Publisher

"USA Book News "Best Books 2005" finalist"

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 208 pages
• Publisher: Dreams Shared Publications (September 10, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0967948215
• ISBN-13: 978-0967948218
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.5 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #446,972 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Jeff Alt's adventures have been featured on ESPN, Hallmark Channel, in the AP and more. Alt is a celebrated author and a talented speaker. Alt's book, A Walk for Sunshine, won the Gold in the 2009 "Book of the Year" awards sponsored by Fore Word Reviews, it took first place winner in the 2009 National Best Books Awards Sponsored by USA Book News and won a Bronze in the 2010 "Living Now Book Awards" sponsored by Jenkins Group. Alt is a member of the Outdoor Writers Association of America (OWAA). Alt has walked the Appalachian Trail, the John Muir Trail with his wife, and he carried his 21-month old daughter across a path of Ireland.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Hikeing the John Muir Trail for depression awareness, November 27, 2005

By 

Jared Baker (Cincinnati OH) - See all my reviews

This review is from: A Hike For Mike: An Uplifting Adventure Across the Sierra Nevada for Depression Awareness (Paperback)

As a hiker I really enjoyed reading A Hike for Mike. The author's wife lost her brother(Mike) to untreated depression when he took his own life. But from the bad comes good Jeff and Beth set out to increase awareness of depression by hiking the 212 mile John Muir Trail. The story is filled with hiking "mishaps" like a run in with a bear, forgeting key items and the such. The author also lets you know all about Mike and you can really feel thier sense of loss with Mike's passing. This book opened my eyes to not just a great trip I want to add to my life list but to depression too.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Hiking with a purpose, January 29, 2007

By 

Lisa Craig "lmc" (Albany, CA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: A Hike For Mike: An Uplifting Adventure Across the Sierra Nevada for Depression Awareness (Paperback)

I had the pleasure of meeting Jeff at one of his appearances, and that is where I learned about this book. It was fantastic! As a JMT'er wannabe, it gave me valuable information about the trail, and the mental illness discussion woven throughout the book was especially meaningful to me because my father suffers from depression. The story is beautifully and lovingly told - I loved it!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book for a great cause., April 19, 2007

By 

Brycen A. Hudock "Dr. B" (Charlottesville, VA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: A Hike For Mike: An Uplifting Adventure Across the Sierra Nevada for Depression Awareness (Paperback)

"A Hike for Mike" is an excellent read and fun journey through the John Muir Trail all for a great cause... To raise awareness about depression. This book is a follow up to Alt's first book, "A Walk for Sunshine", an epic journey along the Appalachian trail to increase awareness of cerebral palsy and the Sunshine House in Ohio. Both books are a must read for everyone, especially those who love the outdoors. Even if you're not an avid hiker, Alt will captivate you with his unique style and great storytelling. Once you start reading you won't want to put it down!