AWOL on the Appalachian Trail

By: David Miller

Narrated by: Christopher Lane

Length: 10 hrs and 35 mins

Publisher's summary

In 2003, software engineer David Miller left his job, family, and friends to hike 2,172 miles of the Appalachian Trail. AWOL on the Appalachian Trail is Miller’s account of this thru-hike from Georgia to Maine. Listeners are treated to rich descriptions of the Appalachian Mountains, the isolation and reverie, the inspiration that fueled his quest, and the rewards of taking a less conventional path through life. While this book abounds with introspection and perseverance, it also provides useful passages about hiking gear and planning. This is not merely a travel guide; it is a beautifully written and highly personal view into one man’s journey and the insights gained by abandoning what is comfortable and routine.

©2011 David Miller (P)2012 Brilliance Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

"David Miller’s AWOL makes you feel the pain and joy of an Appalachian Trail thru-hike.... In vivid colors, David paints a picture of his memorable journey." (Larry Luxenberg Director of the Appalachian Trail Museum)

Awesome!

Awesome and inspiring story. Now I am planing the thru hike. His trail guide book is a very good tool also.

Enlightening

Very detailed in describing the trail, people and his excursions.
It was overly enjoyable to listen to.

Appalachia Mispronounced

I very much enjoyed this story once I got past the narrator's mispronounciation of Appalachian. Think apple atcha or apple latch a. But that's just me being picky.

Fantastic

Such a great story from start to finish!! I like hiking but still have no interest in doing the AT. I am in awe of those who do it and are able to finish. What an experience! Forever changed!

Thank you

Thanks for sharing your adventure. Your tales have been explanation, motivation, inspiration, and education all rolled into one. I leave in 18 days to experience my own 5-6 months of adventure. Thanks for your book and your guide. Stay well.

I "hiked" the whole trail with him

Is there anything you would change about this book?

It could have been a lot shorter and I would have appreciated it just as much.

Would you recommend AWOL on the Appalachian Trail to your friends? Why or why not?

Probably not unless it was someone bored to death with their employment or someone who hikes a lot.

Would you listen to another book narrated by Christopher Lane?

don't know

Did AWOL on the Appalachian Trail inspire you to do anything?

Yes, to pick a different kind of book next time. I have lived a life filled with a good deal of what I have wanted to do. I can relate to his urge to leave home and do something different, but what he did is not really of interest to me.

Any additional comments?

I can't believe I made it through the entire book but my hands were busy the whole time and I was submerged in a project so it all worked out well.

A Long Walk Becomes A Good Book

David Miller's story of his hike along the AT compares favorably with Bill Bryson's rendition of his. It's different in that Miller wasn't a novice hiker or someone who's terribly out of shape in the beginning of the hike but slowly becomes accustomed to the grind as it goes on. He is in shape and is good with the pace almost from the beginning. I enjoyed the depiction of the other through hikers he meets along the way including the dreaded Steve O.His asides concerning both the changes in his life due to the loss of his job and the fact that the hike is taking him away from his wife and his daughters. He writes convincingly about the physical hardships of the trail and the joys of things like showers, clean clothes, and hot food. Relating the triumph he feels as he's finishing the last mile of the trail is inspiring. The narrator does a fine job with the material; an excellent five star listen.

Loved this book!

Seriously, I'd like to hike The AP after reading this book, or any trail for that matter. I think most of us dream of "quitting our day job" and pursue something out of the ordinary to challenge us, free us from boredom, and release us from the monotony of our daily lives. David Miller does just that and is a better person in many ways because of it, or so it seems to me. Bless his wife and kids for supporting him throughout this endeavor.

living vicariously

this wasn't easy sit down and listen. more than anything I listen to this audiobook get me ready for my trail attempt. in spite of all the Wolves I am still excited!

I liked it.

it was a good story and gave insight about what to expect on a though hike on the AT.