Customer Reviews

There Are Mountains to Climb: An Inspirational Journey

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Before my own Appalachian Trail solo thru-hike, I read -- and was inspired -- by Jean Deeds' book. I must say that in my obsession with the trail and hunger for any information about it, I read every book on the AT that was available (probably 20 at the time) and have read several since my own hike. While this was definately not the best of the AT books, it was a very good description of one person's hike. I completely related to Ms. Deeds' pre-hike emotions, though I must say many of my own experiences and feelings while hiking differed greatly from hers, as I felt many more loving and positive feelings while on the trail. I think my mom could relate more with her mental challenges, as they are more similar in background and age. Overall, her story is true to herself and to the experience of the real AT thru-hike (unlike Bryson's popular and entertaining Walk in the Woods). If you want a good, true perspective of life thru-hiking the AT solo this is great start, but only ONE perspective. If you are inspired, be sure to read other accounts to gain a feeling for the variety of experiences people have on the long trail.

I have dozens of AT books in my library and none comes close to this marvelous read by "Indiana Jean" Deeds. So many other thru hiker books are whiny, complaining, negative and have a desperate tone to them. Jean was an upbeat, likeable, witty and eternally optimistic hiker and her writing skills are refreshing. The book reads as if she is sitting in your living room, talking about the journey in a conversational tone.

Jean paints a fascinating portrait of the other hikers she encounters on the trail and a hilarious group they are. There's even a group of 3 men who carry an inflatable goat with them and call themselves "The Goatherders." Jean is also greatly fortunate to have such a dedicated network of friends who meet her on the trail, write her letters and drive from Indiana to the east coast just to keep a bridge date. She also has a 100-year-old penpal whom she has never met but writes her faithfully every month. Sadly, this lady passed away shortly after Jean completes her thru hike.

In addition, she includes a fascinating Appendix which updates you on what her companions did after life on the trail.

If you are an AT enthusiast, an armchair hiker, or even an avowed coach potato, it matters little because everyone will love this book. I've read it twice in short succession and can say without hesitation: this is the best book about hiking you will ever read!

As a woman in midlife, I found Jean's story truly amazing and awe inspiring. I could never take on a task such as hers, although I am struck sometimes by the need to do something at this juncture in my life -- but I certainly enjoyed living this one vicariously and absorbing life's little lessons that are revealed. I am a true believer in synchronisity and love it when I read about documented occurances. My 22 year old daughter has found the book equally as enticing -- she is faced with going out into the real world after college this spring and this challenge may be one she wants on her resume. Hopefully she also picked up on the don't-stress-over-things attitude -- enjoy and absorb the world around you -- and the all-will-work-out mantra of which we need to to be reminded. I have enthusiastically given the book over to others and have been sorely disappointed to see that it seems to have disappeared from not only our local bookstores, but our local outdoor recreational store and is not carried in a nearby adventurer's travel bookstore (it's not that old-1996). It seems a shame that it has lost some visibility. But hopefully it is readily available here! A great read for all of us on this journey on earth!

Jean Deeds has done a magnificent job in displaying her triumphs of thru-hiking the Appalacian Trail. However, this was not only her story, but also the story of those around her for the 2,000+ mile-long journey. She tells tales about the people she encounters, and they become an important part of the plot as she quests for some sense of identity. The book left me wanting to know more.It made me want to plan a similar adventure in the near future: perhaps not the AT, but one of many other wilderness excursions available in the world.

Wonderful book for inspiring someone to challenge themselves by attempting an AT hike or any other life challenge. This woman planned it, hiked it and experienced it by herself. Don't bother with Adrienne Hall - this one is a much better read by a more open-minded hiker.

Having section-hiked portions of the AT, I am always looking to read other's accounts of their experiences on the Trail. Deeds' story was truly inspirational to me and one of the best accounts of life on the trail that I have read so far. I found myself coming to truly care for her and rooting her on in her quest to make it to Katahdin. And yet as she neared her goal and began to feel that impending sense of loss, I too felt a sense of loss that I would not be continuing on with her and would be sorry to have the story end. My dream is to one day Thru-Hike the AT from end to end. This will be one of the books I reread before that journey begins.

I just finished the book moments ago....I was so inspired and appreciative of this fine book that I had the urge to personally thank the author, Jean Deeds. While this may not be possible, I thought a few kind words here would convey my message to her.
I have become infatuated with the A.T. lately and have been reading extensively on the subject. I found this work to be among the most enjoyable. The author spares us the details that are commonly found in trail guides and relates to us the personal experiences that moved and challenged her during her journey.

Thank You Jean!

This was definitely an uplifting book. Jean's journey of discovery in the middle of her life has inspired me to dream about my own future sabbatical and hike along the trail. A very quick and enjoyable read.

This is a difficult review for me to write, because I have much admiration and respect for Ms. Deeds and her accomplishment of hiking the entire Appalachian Trail. I was very excited to read this book, because I have hiked parts of the trail and enjoyed other books about hikes by through hikers. Unfortunately, the writing does not rise to the level of the achievements. There are many little anecdotes about other hikers, and experiences, but the descriptions of the surroundings, the trail itself, and even Ms. Deeds' inner journey are skimpy and wooden. This is worth reading for a person planning a through hike, but otherwise there are better personal adventure books.

Deeds writing is very natural and a realistic accounting of her endeavor. I thoroughly enjoyed reading about her journey and admired her foresight and strategy. Her journey inspired and empowered me to 1. attempt to experience at least a portion of the Appalacian Trail and 2. not limit myself to adventures within my comfort zone.