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)

Finally, a book by a competent hiker!

A trope of many hiking books is how I hiked the Big Trail even though I'd never hiked before and was out of shape, started out with a pack full of useless stuff that I could hardly carry, and made a lot of other really stupid mistakes, until I gradually became competent and learned to love the trail. This theme gets old after a few books--no one, after all, can quite come up to Bill Bryson's level of incompetence or hilarity--so I was delighted to begin a hiking book in which the author was fit for the trail and knew what he was doing. And I continued to enjoy it. The author is one of those guys who regularly puts in 20-mile days--after all, he's there to hike--and doesn't seem to be a jerk to boot. I recommend this piece of hiking literature; it'll give you a feel for hiking the AT without having to hear some of the usual hiker neuroses.

A Vicarious Adventure

Where does AWOL on the Appalachian Trail rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

It's a book I enjoyed listening to and may some day listen to again. There are books I will definitely listen to again...anything by Sarah Vowell or Molly MaCrae, books I will only listen to once, Megyn Kelly,, and Might listen to again such as this book.

Which character – as performed by Christopher Lane – was your favorite?

Since this isn't fiction this question doesn't apply. I did find the trail names interesting and have thought about picking out one for myself.

Any additional comments?

This is an interesting story plus a book that is easy to listen to.

From an AT sectional hiker's perspective

The narrative has a lot to offer to potential Appalachian Trail thru hikers...the trail's peculiarities in people, the terrain's ups and downs, and the hiker's mood swings (the other ups and downs) are well described. His description of the trail, it's events, and the personalities of the other hikers...from the parts that I have experienced...are true to life. For many the AT is where the idyllic nature meets real nature; some adapt, while others succumb to it's often harsh reality. Miller's story is of adaptation and becoming one with the AT's reality and culture.
Christopher Lane's narration is not particularly good, but it was good enough to keep me listening. WD

thank you for sharing your adventure AWOL

I loved every minute. I didn't expect to laugh as much as I did. Looking forward to finishing the trail in sections every chance I get. Screamer 2012-2013-2015. Here's a toast - to believing in Trail Magic ... on and off the trail. thank you AWOL. Happy Trails!

Better than Expected!

A few years ago I saw a special on National Geographic about the AT which spoke of the history, and the (crazies) who thru-hike it. I'm a hiker of sorts so the special had my attention, and from that point, an aspiring admiration for those who have the time and the wherewithal to complete the trail from start to end, and that goes for those who hike the PCT too. If only I didn't have a job, and a family, and had 4-6 months to make the trek myself. But I digress...

This was a pretty good read/listen! It started out slow but after the first 1-2 chapters it started to pick up and I was on the trail too, feeling the tiresome, depredation that David Miller felt, even though I was comfortably at home. I felt myself rooting for the guy, admiring his willingness, and ability to hike the entire trail, start to finish, and share his story to the masses that want to do the same. I enjoyed all the anecdotal sidebars, and the characters he meets, and I found his journey to be a relaxing change from the typical history books I tend to gravitate towards. And the narration was easy to listen to which added to the adventure.

If you've heard about the AT and can't get out there yourself, or are looking to start the trek in the spring, or even want a change of pace in the Audible world, put this title in your queue. It's worth the time, and will make you feel like you are on the trail too.

A great description of the AT.

I listened to this before and after my thru hike of the AT. It is an accurate portal of the trail and I enjoyed it both times.

nice factual read

nice accompanying read to most trail guides. insightful and good to set expectations for any thru hike

An adventure that an one can try

But few will ever do. I like the way the story was approached, I felt his energy as well as. Loneliness and felt like "I want to try to do the trail"

A terrific read.

A good planning and equipment guide. A relevant book for all who wish to change up thier lives.

Captivating

Very nicely written. I had to keep rewinding because I kept imagining being there on the hike. I was living vicariously through the story to say the least. I've never done any type of hike like this but I've travelled quite extensively and could relate to the dropping out for a time vibe that you get doing this type of thing. Nicely told.