Hiking Through

One Man's Journey to Peace and Freedom on the Appalachian Trail

By: Paul Stutzman

Narrated by: Mike Chamberlain

Length: 9 hrs and 32 mins

Publisher's summary

After Paul Stutzman lost his wife to breast cancer, he sensed a tug on his heart - the call to a challenge, the call to pursue a dream. With a mixture of dread and determination, Paul left his job, traveled to Georgia, and took his first steps on the Appalachian Trail. What he learned during the next four and a half months changed his life and can change yours as well.

In Hiking Through, you'll join Paul on his remarkable 2,176-mile trip through 14 states in search of peace and a renewed sense of purpose. Along the way, you'll meet fascinating and funny people, experience trail magic, and discover that every choice we make on the path has consequences for the journey. More than that, you'll come away with a new understanding of God's grace and guidance, even in the smallest things.

©2012 Paul Stutzman (P)2015 Tantor

Critic reviews

"Appalachian Trail enthusiasts, hikers, and dreamers will find this story a compelling account of the physicality of coming to terms with life and its sadnesses." ( Publishers Weekly)

Good hiking book, a bit religious

While this book does mention religion a good deal, it is also a detailed trail journal with dates, mileage, and specific descriptors for the trail. It's pretty well rounded even for no religious types, and the author and the narrator are very likable.

I loved this book.

Not just another hiking story. Paul opens his heart to the reader. A truly touching story of his journey to find peace after losing his wife to cancer.

Very inspirational!

This book not only inspired me to hike the AT someday, but has inspired me to reach out and face and the challenges and the obstacles in my life.

Powerful and touching.

Hearing personal accounts of hiking the AT is fascinating for me. Paul puts a wonderful spiritual element to his tale which is both inspirational and touching. You can feel the healing that took place during journey. It is a beautiful book.

A Man Seeks Grief Recovery.

A Christian husband preaches his message of grief recovery and Christian living leaning into his faith after he loses his wife to breast cancer.

Interesting Perspective

He kept as positive as possible while still telling us it kinda sucks but what you gain mentally and spiritually, is totally worth it. You must force yourself to look at the positive aspect of the trail. you are seeing some of the most beautiful scenery many will never see.
It was really interesting to hear how nice people are, hikers and residents of the town's nearby. Absolutely shocked that people are willing to be so generous and helpful.
I liked the narrator, he has a good voice for this. He didn't put me to sleep, which is rather important because I listen as I commute.

I didn't know this was a religious/spiritual/hiking book when I bought it. I'm not religious, I don't follow any religion but follow my instincts to do good. To listen to his once in a while diversions was actually not bad and interesting. Sometimes funny, I tell everyone about the radio.

I also am a victim of the C word. My Mother(passed when I was 7yrs old) and many of her siblings. Two of my sister's and myself. 4 dogs, 2 that I raised as puppies also passed away due to Cancer.

It was interesting to hear the stories of others and why they were there.

This book has giving me an awakening to stop wasting my second chance at life. I won't hike the trail but I will live my life more appreciative and seek out Adventure more often.

Truth.....

I am very much enjoying a sense of freedom and self-reflection represented in Appalachian Trail stories such as this. what sets this apart and has made it special for me is the divine inspiration of it all and the times that it spoke to me directly. Coincidences are never coincidences.

Great read!

We listened intently as Paul started his journey and were instantly engrossed in his story of love death and new life.

Engaging and heartfelt

I think this was a wonderful book. It was entertaining, authentic, and inspiring. It delivered the adventurous hiker story I expected and much more. I am glad I did not know how “Christian” it was before I bought it because I probably would not have read it, as I am not a Christian. However, I believe this book has made me a better person and has given me much more respect for, understanding of, and connection to religious persons. I would recommend this book to all outdoor enthusiasts regardless of religiosity.

Wonderful and Thoughtful

I really enjoyed listening to the audiobook. The narrator was great. The author had lost his wife and his story is quite touching nearly bringing me to tear at parts. He is not afraid to address the spiritual side of the journey. I appreciated his honesty.