The Unlikely Thru-Hiker

An Appalachian Trail Journey

By: Derick Lugo

Narrated by: Derick Lugo

Length: 7 hrs and 12 mins

Publisher's summary

Derick Lugo had never been hiking. He certainly couldn't imagine going more than a day without manicuring his goatee. But with a job cut short and no immediate plans, this fixture of the New York comedy scene began to think about what he might do with months of free time. He had heard of the Appalachian Trail, but he had never seriously considered attempting to hike all 2,184.2 miles of it. Suddenly he found himself asking, Could he do it?

The Unlikely Thru-Hiker is the story of how a young Black man from the city, unfamiliar with both the outdoors and thru-hiking culture, sets off with an extremely overweight pack and a willfully can-do attitude to conquer the infamous trail. What follows are lessons on preparation, humility, and nature's wild unpredictability. But this isn't a hard-nosed memoir of discouragement. What sets Lugo apart from the typical walk in the woods is his refusal to let any challenge squash his inner Pollyanna. Through it all, Lugo perseveres with humor, tenacity, and an unshakeable commitment to grooming - earning him the trail name "Mr. Fabulous" - that sees him from Springer Mountain in Georgia to Katahdin in Maine.

©2019 Derick Lugo (P)2021 Audible, Inc.

easy listening

in the beginning it's like the clear eyes guys voice but once you get used to it the story flies right along

Refreshing and uplifting.

I've listened to at least a dozen AT stories. This is well written, lighthearted and inspiring. Compared to some others, it feels as more of a summary of events, rather than being longer or more informational as some others.
Still a lot of good info, many different characters, and an interesting insight into the writers own character growth throughout.

Buy this book!

An interesting coming of age type story

This book has a quiet sparkle, positive vibe, while depicting an adventure thru hike.

Great story but reading was a bit dry

Love the story but could have been read better and with more enthusiasm. Think I would enjoy the hard copy more.

Inspiring

Wonderful story. Loved hearing about Mr. Fab’s experiences, growth, and personal awakening to his connection to nature. I also deeply appreciate finally hearing from a person of color in my armchair thru-hiking journey. And props to Mr. Fab for reading his on book, that cannot be easy.

I really enjoyed this listen.

I am fascinated with all things AT right now. This was my first Audible and AT book. At first, I was put off by the monotone read. But later, I came to enjoy it. I found it relaxing after a hectic day. I enjoyed hearing about all the trials, victories, and the people he met along the way. It gave me a more realistic view about what I will encounter on my thru-hike in 25'.

Good but monotone

I loved the story but the performance was very monotone. There was lack of excitement at some points.

perfect depiction

I thoroughly enjoyed listening to this. I hiked 850 GA to the Shenandoahs in 2011. I loved trying to figure out if this was before or after me. Every description was spot on! His ability to convey the feeling of camaraderie, how relationships can form without even ever talking to fellow thru hiker. The awe of nature and his depictions of it evoke images that are some of the best memories of my life. Yes, his reading isn't animated. I felt like I was having a story read to me.... which it's just what it was and I loved that. I think that lends even more to the success of it. Akin to the poles in Baxter. (dont want to give away anything)
Congratulations!

Awesome story

This was the absolute best story of any thru hiker books that I’ve read. Thank you for sharing this adventure

Motivational and encouraging

Loved this story. Cried at the end, laughed throughout. Thoroughly enjoyed this! Avid hiker through several states of the US and never thought I would do the AT. I now can’t stop thinking about doing it! Your positive attitude to push through was the encouragement I needed! You were such a breath of fresh air to listen to! My hope is to meet more people like you on trail and in life!