AWOL on the Appalachian Trail

In 2003, David Miller left his job, family, and friends to fulfill a dream and hike the Appalachian Trail. AWOL on the Appalachian Trail is Miller’s account of this thru-hike along the entire 2,172 miles from Georgia to Maine. On page after page, readers are treated to rich descriptions of the valleys and mountains, the isolation and reverie, the inspiration that fueled his quest, and the life-changing moments that can only be experienced when dreams are pursued. While this book abounds with introspection and perseverance, it also provides useful passages about safety and proper gear, showing a professional hiker’s preparations and tenacity. This is not merely a travel guide, but a beautifully written and highly personal view into one man’s adventure and what it means to make a lifelong vision come true.

Paperback: 346 pages

Publisher: Lake Union Publishing (October 18, 2010)

Language: English

Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 0.9 x 8.2 inches

Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces

Reviews

“AWOL on the Appalachian Trail offers readers an intimate grasp and vivid portrayal of the pure beauty and inspiring landscape of the Appalachian mountains and valleys… Whether an armchair traveler or an active outdoors enthusiast, AWOL on the Appalachian Trail is very highly recommended reading as a first-hand narrative of an incredible journey spanning the entire length of the Appalachian country.” - Midwest Book Review

“Readers who are considering the Trail or who simply enjoy being in the outdoors will find this book most appealing, but Miller's talent should bring him an even larger audience.” - Jeff Minick, Smoky Mountain News

“Miller is a wonderful writer who expresses the emotions as well as the facts of the world's most famous hiking trail… I enjoyed [AWOL on the Appalachian Trail] more than any AT book I've read.” - Robert Hughes, Florida Today Newspaper

"Have you ever fantasized about quitting your job to spend a few months just hanging out in nature, free from the normal conventions of society/employment? If so, then you have something in common with AWOL (the trail name of author David Miller) who decided to give up his software engineering job in order to hike the 2,000+ mile Appalachian Trail from Georgia to Maine.

I've read a bunch of different books about the Appalachian Trail, and I believe that AWOL does the best job out of them all of capturing the realities of long distance hiking/backpacking. It's not so much a thing to do as it is a lifestyle change, as you'll see very clearly as you follow AWOL up the east oast. I haven't done the AT thu hike myself (someday!), but I've done a decent amount of long distance (several 100ish mile trips) hiking, and a bunch of AT sections.

Compared to some other books about the AT, this one is fairly straightforward. The basic structure of pretty much the entire book is something like this: eat, walk, get to the next shelter, repeat. There's a bunch of variety in there, for sure, but it doesn't ramble on anywhere nearly as much as, say, A Walk in the Woods: Rediscovering America on the Appalachian Trail. AWOL's book has many, many recurring characters, but not even all of them totalled is as interesting as Katz in a Walk in the Woods. This difference highlights the strengths and weaknesses of AWOL on the Appalachain Trail. It's very realistic and down-to-Earth, but is clearly written by a normal guy out doing something abnormal - not by a novelist. AWOL does a great job of communicating his ideas, but he's there to tell it like it is. His prose is straightforward and his introspection is more minimal that I would have liked, although it does get better towards the end of the book. Compare this to Bill Bryson's book, which had me laughing out loud. Each approach has strengths and weaknesses, and you can't go wrong reading both."

- Steve

"In 2003 David Miller, a Florida software engineer and Florida resident, made a decision to spend the summer walking the Appalachian trail. His wife and three small children supported this venture even though it meant that he was leaving his job and would be gone for several months. This book, which is updated every year, was the result of that trek and I sure am grateful he wrote it because it is the closest I'll ever get to taking that hike myself.

I loved this book and the way it was written. He made me feel as if I was right along with him experiencing the many discomforts as well as the tremendous elation he often felt about accomplishing this trek. His feet blistered and he lost some toenails. He was often cold and uncomfortable. But there were times that were just pure beauty and there seemed to always be interesting people he met along the way.

Often he slept at way-stations that were set up especially for campers which were sometimes just makeshift shelters full of mice. Other times he went off the trail and slept in a motel, eating meals in a town and visiting a Laundromat to wash his one set of clothes. Always though it was an adventure.

I loved this book and identified with him completely. I am a dedicated armchair traveler and certainly do applaud this book.."

- Linda Linguvic

...

About The Author

David Miller is the author of "The A.T. Guide," a guidebook for hiking the Appalachian Trail that is updated annually, as well as "AWOL on the Appalachian Trail," a narrative of his own journey hiking all 2,172 miles of the famous trail. David has worked as a software engineer, handyman, and writer. He lives in Titusville, Florida with his wife and three children.