Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
4.5 out of 5
431 global ratings
5 star
60%
4 star
30%
3 star
7%
2 star
2%
1 star
1%
How are ratings calculated?
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzes reviews to verify trustworthiness.

Review this product

Top reviews

Top reviews from the United States

There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later.

Longsleeves
4.0 out of 5 stars A Good Read In My Opinion But For One Thing
Reviewed in the United States on July 12, 2019
Verified Purchase
For the most part I did enjoy this book. For a first time writer I'm impressed. His adventure was easy to follow and brought back memories of my own AT hike....especially when having to hike and camp alone. I found myself liking Skywalker as a considerate person - particularly his concern for the welfare of fellow hikers.
What I didn't care for was the occasional cursing (sometimes very strong) that, in my opinion, was not necessary. Believe it or not there are some of us that prefer not to read such coarse language; however, I presume there may be just as many (perhaps even more) that favor such a writing style. To each their own....but for me, it was for this reason that I gave this book a rating of four stars rather than five.
Read more
Julie E. Bandeen
5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect pandemic escape.
Reviewed in the United States on December 27, 2020
Verified Purchase
I will admit that I am a total fan girl for thru hikers. Watching thru hiker vloggers got me through lockdown and the stress of all things pandemic. It was my escape. But there are only so many videos one can watch, especially when the hikers are posting videos from the trail. So I started reading books written by thru hikers about their experiences. This is one of those books. It's a great read, well written and you can really lose yourself in this book. Having read more than a few books about the AT this year, I'm familiar with many of the places described in this book. I started rewatching one of my favorite vlogger's videos as I started this book and timed the videos to coincide with where Skywalker was on the trail. A little added visual reference to go with the book which brought the book to a new level. But even someone unfamiliar with hiking would enjoy the book, Skywalker explains things to non-hikers but not in a condescending way.
Will I ever do a thru hike? Doubtful. I am not a big fan of camping. Plus taking 6 months off to walk 2193 miles is not doable for the time being. Will I section hike? Maybe. I'm totally open to it. I did get out in the woods a few times for short hikes in my area (when allowed and following social distancing and local rules). I can't thank thru hikers enough for sharing their hikes, whether it be in a book or on video, y'all are amazing. And the hikers inspired my new retirement goal, I wanna be a trail angel when I retire. Don't know what a trail angel is? Read the book and find out. You won't regret it.
Read more
Charlotte R. Mitchell
4.0 out of 5 stars Thanks for Walking It and Describing It for Others
Reviewed in the United States on December 9, 2017
Verified Purchase
In spite of the fact that the author included a few f-bombs, I thought the book was well-written. I did find some dangling modifiers, some words that were extra and should have been removed, and some places where words were omitted. These things that might have been corrected by the editor were not severe enough to keep me from considering this one of the best accounts of long-distance hiking I have read so far.
The author did stick to the subject of walking the Appalachian Trail and gave his readers excellent descriptions of his experiences on the trail. He threw in some history of the trail and those who have walked it, maintained it, taught others about it, and volunteers who provide help for the hikers along the way.
Perhaps it is true that we Americans have the wilderness in our blood. I appreciated the opportunity to experience by proxy the thrill of completing the Appalachian Trail without suffering from the bites, frights, and injuries the author endured.
Read more
L. Paquet
5.0 out of 5 stars Reality check for those considering hiking the whole trail.
Reviewed in the United States on February 18, 2016
Verified Purchase
Great introduction to the challenges of hiking the trail. Walker doesn't gloss over the hardships. He goes into detail about how unpreparedness, freak weather changes and just plain bad luck can affect your hike. I was amazed at how little he prepared for the trail. And also the fact that he didn't do at least half-a-dozen day hikes on it or a section hike before attempting the entire 2100 mile trip! He mentions a lot of colorful characters on the trail and how he interacted with them. I was surprised to find out that there are "Trail Rangers" along the trail who will chew you out if you get a few yards off of the main trail. And I'm surprised at the three-sided shelters- in bad weather, why didn't people put branches or tarps in front of the shelter to keep the wind out?
I'm only one-quarter of the way through this book but I have a good feel for it. Another recommended book is by Ed Garvey, who walked the trail once and almost finished a second hike when he was 75!
Read more
fabulouschrissie
4.0 out of 5 stars Walking the Appalachian Trail
Reviewed in the United States on May 20, 2018
Verified Purchase
I'd never heard of the Appalachian Trail before I read this book. But as I've only lived in the U..S. for 5 years, I hope I can be excused. Every trail hiker has a nickname, and as Bill is nearly 7 foot tall, Skywalker was most appropriate. He tells of his struggles with the AT, mostly relate to food and drink; but doesn't dwell on what must be the terrible fatigue and wear and tear on his body. I learned a lot about long distance hiking, and developed a great respect for anyone brave enough to attempt such an endeavor. Most of the book is concerned with the characters Skywalker meets on the trail, and what a varied bunch they are! As an overweight, over 60 year old, I'm never going to do the AT. But this was an enjoyable read. Maybe there will be a sequel when Skywalker does the PCT???
Read more
Dogpatch
5.0 out of 5 stars Good read!
Reviewed in the United States on August 19, 2020
Verified Purchase
I met Skywalker at the Tray Mountain shelter in North Georgia. Right off he struck me as an interesting character with plenty to say about life and the trail. This led me to get this book.

As an avid hiker and backpacker and one who lives within walking distance to the Benton McKaye Trail and close to Springer Mountain the Southern Terminus of the Appalachian Trail, I’ve read many biographical books on hiking the AT. A common thread is they are organized and read like a journal. I guess that is to be expected since your are either telling the story going northbound or southbound and chronologically the story will unfold much like a journal.

While “Skywalker—Close Encounters On The Appalachian Trail” follows the journal theme from Springer to Kathadin, it goes well past this with interesting facts and tidbits about locations as he makes his way on the trail. The author weaves a narrative about other hikers he encounters with comical, empathetic and inspiring recollections. He also describes the difficulty (quite accurately) to be on the trail day after day, face ones fears, the loneliness and the tiredness of hiking.

I enjoyed the book and recommend it.
Read more
See all reviews

Top reviews from other countries

Mark Gannon
5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 24, 2018
Verified Purchase
A wonderful, enjoyable book that was well worth my time. Bill's writing style may not be for everyone- at times it can be a bit brief- but to pack six months worth of experience into a book this length is some challenge, and it was meet. Bill's experience ranges from the funny, to the factual, to the serious and, at times, the sad. I will be on the lookout for more books by Bill Walker AKA Skywalker.
Read more
colinwasp
4.0 out of 5 stars As good as Bryson's
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 9, 2012
Verified Purchase
I enjoyed this book; the author has a good writing style and the prose is constructed in a way that keeps you engaged in the task ahead as well as pointing the way to future incidents - a very helpful device given that the journey undertaken is especially long.

It is, however, quite easy to lose the thread if you don't read the book in long sittings - the author meets many characters along the way, some of whom do not appear consistently through the narrative, and this made it a bit tricky to remember who was who.

Although not as humerous os Bryson's story, the fact that the author completed the trail, and was able to produce some excellent descriptive narrative of his surroundings and physical condition, makes this a must read for any AT enthusiast.
Read more
Cyberhiker
4.0 out of 5 stars Skywalker's enjoyable account of his Appalachian Trail hike.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 9, 2015
Verified Purchase
A thoroughly enjoyable account of the author's trek along this mammoth trail in the USA, I really enjoyed his writing style and descriptions of the hardships faced as well as the highlights of the walk.
Read more
Angela
5.0 out of 5 stars brilliant book
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 28, 2014
Verified Purchase
I very much enjoyed this. I find travel books quite boring usually but having read Bill Bryson's book about the AT thought I would give this book a try - so glad I did. Were I 40 years younger and very much fitter this book would certainly have inspired me. What an achievement!
Read more
Wendy Holly
3.0 out of 5 stars Three Stars
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 23, 2015
Verified Purchase
a great read
Read more
See all reviews