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)

Grounded Tale of Experiencing A Worthy Aspiration

Loved it. This was a great story of one man's courageous, determined, somewhat irresponsible decision to hike the length of The AT in response to what some may call a mid-life crisis. I'd say that he's a realist who recognized that if all you do is dream, and never act, you'll end up with regrets for not taking full advantage of your time on this earth.

David Miller presents the experience without inflating the story. He outlines the realities of the responsibilities he necessarily had to ignore (to some extent) in order to undertake such an endeavor. His writing style and skill are very enjoyable to listen to, and he injects just the right level of personal details and humor.

I greatly enjoyed listening to his story, and I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys the act of hiking, or just a good story about real people taking the leap to follow through on their dreams.

Great book as prep for the AT

Would you consider the audio edition of AWOL on the Appalachian Trail to be better than the print version?

I haven't read the print version but I would say that that the only thing lacking in audio would be maps. That being said, anyone with a general knowledge of U.S. geography won't feel lost. So I would go with audio. Great book to listen to while hiking trails yourself. At least, that's what I did and it was very motivating.

What was one of the most memorable moments of AWOL on the Appalachian Trail?

There were a lot, actually. The half-gallon challenge. Ver-Mud. "The toughest part of the trail" The shady guy the author kept leapfrogging in the beginning

What about Christopher Lane’s performance did you like?

The fact that he wrote the book himself and was able to layer subtext into what he was reading. He was a decent reader and one of the few times where author read audio enhanced the book. A professional reader, I feel, would have missed some of the nuances Christopher Lane added.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I did not not have an *Extreme* reaction to this book but I really enjoyed it. Did it make me laugh? Yes. More than a few times. Cry? Eh, no.

Any additional comments?

This is a really fun & informative listen about the AT. It's not a "soul searcher" and he gives some great practical insight on what to expect when not only hiking this trail but in long term hiking in general. I would not go so far as to say that this is a definitive book on the subject but it's a great addition to a hiker's library & I'm looking forward to listening to it again.

A very different writing style...but one I enjoyed

At first, you think the build up of storyline will culminate in something wildly dramatic....b/c we've been raised to look for red herrings in writing & foreshadowing, it's tough to switch your mindset to one of just listening and being present with the reader. There are no dramatic twists or adrenaline fueled finales to chapters. ....There is plenty of action, but the storytelling is wholly un-manipulative. I really liked it.

....and I plan on listening to it again - which is always the true test as to whether I loved a book.

Adventure and endurance

I found this book inspiring, and never boring. I don't want to make a big thing of it, but like other commenters, I sometimes wanted to know more about what was going on inside of his head. It's quite a feat walking the entire trail like he did, and I couldn't help but be very curious about his mind-set. But still, he is forthcoming enough, and in general, he seems to know what the reader would want to hear about. The narrator didn't seem quite right (a tad stodgy?), but it didn't get in my way.

like being on the trail.

loved the story telling of every detail and people he met. good description of the trials of walking so far, and on the AT.

Great Journey...

AWOL made me feel like I was on the journey with him. If you enjoy the outdoors and a grand adventure I recommend this audio.

Loved This!!

I felt the emotion of finishing the AT before ever setting foot on the trail!

Summer Ritual

I've listened to this audiobook at least three times over for the past three years. Every summer, I find myself going back to this audiobook. It is a very calming, journalistic account of Greg "AWOL" Miller's journey on his through hike of the AT. It doesn't follow a traditional story arc as it is mostly taken from his account written in the form of journaling and for his local newspaper article. However, despite all that Miller provides an excellent adventure replete with details and descriptions of mountains, towns and the ever changing terrain along the trail. The narrator, Christopher Lane, really brings out the authors words to life and make you appreciate his good character. In the end, what always sticks with me is Greg Millers character. I'm only 27 but I look up to his principled and even-keeled perspective on life. I wish to be more like him that regard, and appreciate his good cause; they come off his words and thoughtfulness in the trail. Although it doesn't follow a traditional story arc, If you're looking for a calm, factually written text with excellent narration, look no further. Can't wait for next summer when I will start on this again.

I really enjoyed this and quickly got pulled into

I really enjoyed this book and quickly got pulled into the trek along the AT.

Fantastic

I was excited for AWOL to reach the end of the trail yet didn’t want the book to end. Awesome stuff.