Customer Reviews

A Time to Walk : Life Lessons Learned on the Appalachian Trail

5 star:		(36)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(5)

 

 

For most of us, going to the local Post office is just one of the many chores to be done. Recently I went to the post office to mail a couple of bills and it became a Turning Point in my life. I had forgotten to bring an extra envelope for one of my bills, so I had to purchase one with a stamp on it. I then went out into the lobby area, where you can purchase stamps from a machine, address things, and take care of post office chores. I was standing at the counter fillling out my envelope when I noticed out of the corner of my eye a man addressing large padded envelopes and putting books in them. Being a curious person by nature, I glanced at the book. The title and cover intrigued me right off. It was "A Time to Walk: Life Lessons From the Appalachian Trail." The cover picture was of a hiker on the trail. Now I was hooked, so I boldly turned to the man and asked him if I could ask him about his book. He replied with a pleasant affirmative and went on to explain that he was a motivational speaker and had written about his experiences hiking southbound on the Appalachian Trail. As I have always loved reading true life adventures featuring the Trail, I asked him where I could find his book. After explaining that it was only available online, he told me where I could find it. He kindly said that if he had another copy with him, he would have been glad to give me one. We then exchanged names and talked about synchronicity of our meeting. I left feeling energized and very curious about his book. I went home and immediately ordered it online. When I read the bio online, I was amazed by the summary of his story, a former Marine who had overcome cancer and hiked the whole Trail!! Now I really wanted to read his book. I waited with great anticipation for the arrival of my order, and this past Monday I was rewarded with my package. The next few nights were occupied by my avaricious reading of his writing. Here was something I needed to read, written so that I, a lay person, could understand it and put it to use in my own life. It is not another How-to book written by a PHD or someone with a long string of degrees after his or her name. It is a book written by someone like you and me, who was faced with some terrible things in his life. Life all of us he had to make choices about how he dealt with his tragedies. He made them his stepping stones instead of stumbling blocks. For someone like myself, reading a self-help book is all well and good, but I need to identify with the author and feel like he/she can relate to me also. Jay's book is like that. It is like having a conversation with the man. It is down to earth but uplifting. It is funny and sad. It is like life itself. My own life had been sort of spinning in circles with no clear direction until I met Jay. I can honestly say that with the meeting of the man and then the reading of the book, I have had some amazing things happen to me. This is not the first book of its kind that I have read, but it is the first one to really touch me. Perhaps it is because I met him before I read the book; perhaps it is the time of my life that I am reading it; perhaps it is my willingness to embrace the concepts and lessons he puts forth; or a combination of all of the above. I only know that the chore of going to the Post Office that day changed my life. And I thank God and Jay for allowing that to happen. Read it for yourself and enjoy.....you won't be sorry.

This grimy guy with the eye patch and walking stick is pretty gutsy, I thought to myself after I had spent some time with Jay Platt on the terrace of the Pennsylvania state capitol building in Harrisburg. He was midway through his Appalachian walk and a friend had insisted I drive up the turnpike to meet him because he was so special. It turned out she was right, but I had no idea how special until I read this book. As a writer, my envy-driven first reaction was simple: this former Marine from some southern backwater has no business writing this well. As a man, I am deeply touched by his understanding of the human spirit and how it can be trampled by the slightest of weights or powered to new heights by true adversity. In this age of cynicism and drivel-wrapped-in-sophistication, Jay's home-spun truisms and humor are a breath mint for the soul. If he takes to a horse, I will really suspect Jay Platt is Will Rogers incarnate. Thanks, Patch!

A friend of mine recommended "A Time to Walk..." to me. I can honestly say that it was the first book that I've read all the way through. It was very inspiring and I highly recommend it!

This book is not a guide to the Appalachian Trail, but rather a guide to the trail of life. If you're someone who's looking for a step by step guide to walking the trail, or a journal of someone's hike, skip this book. (I'd suggest A Walk in the Woods) But, if you are looking for a book of hard earned lessons learned during a 2,160 mile hike that can change your life, this is THE book you need.

This book is a must read for any person desiring to improve their life but find that it's difficult to do so. The author, a common man with uncommon hardships, educates the reader about life through his unique lens. As the trail goes, so will your emotions - from ups to downs and everything inbetween. Read this book and you'll find that you too have what it takes to climb mountains!

There's no excuse for not reading this one! It's fast and it's practical, and it is by far one of the most inspiring books I have ever read. You don't have to know anything about the Appalachian Trail to appreciate Jay's descriptions of the hardships, the friendships and the beauty he encountered along his thru-hike. You only have to be human to appreciate his insightfulness into how living life compares to hiking a trail that is 2160 miles long through some of the most rugged terrain in the U.S. You will learn how someone who has survived immeasurable suffering has made the best of life's gifts and promise. There is much to be learned here...don't be afraid to take this journey.

After reading this book a person can learn so much more about life and the appreciation of life. Jay Platt faced death and conquered the almost impossible by hiking the Appalachain Trail. Jay Platt is a very special person, and I was fortunate enough to actually meet him. I read his book through a college course and my professor invited him and he actually came to our class. Jay is that type of person, he is just a remarkable human being.
The book is wonderful and Jay captivates you through his visions of the AT and experiences. I recommend this book to everyone of all ages. It teaches life through all lessons and no matter how wise or experienced you are about life, you will learn through this book.

WOW!! The author can really pull out the true YOU!! Through HIS journey I realized that my goals in life are TRULY attainable! If you want to really take charge of yourself and become a true success....... And..... success is determined by YOU, then you have to read this book. My wife has read it at least 10 times; I have read it at least 4 times. They should make every 7th. Grader in the Country read this book. (The world would be a better place) Hats off to you Mr. Platt, we can't wait to see you speak live at one of your National speaking engagements!!

Thanks Patch! I love this book. It's a quick read that is filled with great insights about life. Anyone who gives this book a chance will get a lot from it. I highly recommend it!

I am taking a class this semester at LMC and this is a book we are reading. I have really enjoyed reading this book. It is a book that makes you think about a lot of things in your life. As a Christian you can relate many things to your walk as you read this book. I recommend that you read this book it is filled with so much more then about Hiking. My favorite lessons are the last two so the best comes at the end. Jay came and talked to us about his book also. He is great man and I really enjoyed getting to meet and hear his stories. So if you get a chance to meet with him take that chance you want regreat it.