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Hiking Through: One Man's Journey to Peace and Freedom on the Appalachian Trail
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. Paul left his stable career, 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 will change readers' lives as well.
In Hiking Through , readers will join Paul on his remarkable 2,176-mile hike through fourteen states in search of peace and a renewed sense of purpose, meeting fascinating and funny people along the way. They'll discover that every choice we make along the path has consequences for the journey and will come away with a new understanding of God's grace and guidance. Nature-lovers, armchair adventurers, and those grieving a loss may not be able to hike the AT themselves, but they can go on this spiritual pilgrimage with a truly humble and sympathetic guide.
In Hiking Through , readers will join Paul on his remarkable 2,176-mile hike through fourteen states in search of peace and a renewed sense of purpose, meeting fascinating and funny people along the way. They'll discover that every choice we make along the path has consequences for the journey and will come away with a new understanding of God's grace and guidance. Nature-lovers, armchair adventurers, and those grieving a loss may not be able to hike the AT themselves, but they can go on this spiritual pilgrimage with a truly humble and sympathetic guide.
336 pages, Paperback
First published April 28, 2010
450 people are currently reading
3881 people want to read
About the author
Paul V. Stutzman
14 books41 followersPaul Stutzman is a restaurant-manager-turned-captivating-storyteller who left his career after his wife's death from breast cancer. His passion and mission is to share what he learned on his thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail. When he is not hiking or biking cross-country, he makes his home in Ohio.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 613 reviews
July 1, 2013
I'm being generous with the three stars. I feel like I'm somewhere between 2.5 and 3 on this book. However, the problems I had are my own and mostly due to the fact that I didn't read the back cover closely before buying the book and so I wasn't prepared for how much of it is about the author's relationship with God.
I'm fascinated by long distance hiking and I have read many books on this subject. The people who tend to go on these adventures are usually driven by something other than love of the outdoors (at least the ones who decide to write books about the experience) so there is always an undercurrent of something in the books. In this case, I expected it to be about grief (author's wife had recently died) and it was but it was more about him learning to talk to God and seeing God in nature. A small dose of that is OK but by it became a bigger focus eventually.
Stutzman's writing style is easy and quick but focused mainly on where he was going to eat next. There is some description of the trail and a few photos but not as much as I would like. When he does decide to spend time talking about nature (describing fog and bad storms and even snow) I found the book excellent. Unfortunately, those times are few and far between. He also makes reference to his "purist" style of hiking. He doesn't explain much why this matters so much to him and he is quite critical and condescending of others who decide to blue blaze or slackpack sections of the trail. He comes off as completely condescending especially because it seems to me that he took a rather cushy approach to the hike -- spending many many nights in hotels in a warm, dry bed.
He spends time with other hikers, and we get to know them a bit, but I found those sections to be under developed (Marathon Man and Sailor), annoying (Fargo's words always written phoenticly so you could catch his Wisconsin accent) and mildly offensive (his efforts to "trick" the Catholic priest into saying someting incriminating about Catholicism).
Some of his religious revelations gave me insight into how so many days on the trail can change a person but by the time those came, I think I had come to dislike Stutzman enough to not appreciate them.
As I've been writing, I've decided to downgrade from three stars to two.
FYI: I'm planning to start reading "AWOL on the Appalachian Trail" by David Miller next to do a direct comparison of the two books.
I'm fascinated by long distance hiking and I have read many books on this subject. The people who tend to go on these adventures are usually driven by something other than love of the outdoors (at least the ones who decide to write books about the experience) so there is always an undercurrent of something in the books. In this case, I expected it to be about grief (author's wife had recently died) and it was but it was more about him learning to talk to God and seeing God in nature. A small dose of that is OK but by it became a bigger focus eventually.
Stutzman's writing style is easy and quick but focused mainly on where he was going to eat next. There is some description of the trail and a few photos but not as much as I would like. When he does decide to spend time talking about nature (describing fog and bad storms and even snow) I found the book excellent. Unfortunately, those times are few and far between. He also makes reference to his "purist" style of hiking. He doesn't explain much why this matters so much to him and he is quite critical and condescending of others who decide to blue blaze or slackpack sections of the trail. He comes off as completely condescending especially because it seems to me that he took a rather cushy approach to the hike -- spending many many nights in hotels in a warm, dry bed.
He spends time with other hikers, and we get to know them a bit, but I found those sections to be under developed (Marathon Man and Sailor), annoying (Fargo's words always written phoenticly so you could catch his Wisconsin accent) and mildly offensive (his efforts to "trick" the Catholic priest into saying someting incriminating about Catholicism).
Some of his religious revelations gave me insight into how so many days on the trail can change a person but by the time those came, I think I had come to dislike Stutzman enough to not appreciate them.
As I've been writing, I've decided to downgrade from three stars to two.
FYI: I'm planning to start reading "AWOL on the Appalachian Trail" by David Miller next to do a direct comparison of the two books.
June 26, 2021
I needed a book for my “travel” category on the Literary Life Podcast challenge and this looked intriguing when it popped up on Scribd. I loved this book. I loved the thought of hiking-through and this will not be the last book I read about it. I also loved how this Mennonite man confronted his theological demons and misunderstandings to meet God on the Appalachian Trail. I do so want to do through-hike.
May 18, 2012
This book appealed to me for so many reasons I don’t even know where to start. First of all, I love memoirs, they are all I read before I got hooked on Christian fiction. Second, I love to read books about nature and adventures I’ll likely never see. I also love books about healing that are written by people who have experienced the very healing that the book is about. Hiking Through was exactly the book I was hoping it would be.
I have had a difficult time watching my dad deal with the grief of my mom’s death in 1997 and reading Paul’s experience and his journey to healing was very therapeutic and inspiring. I admired his bravery to give up what was comfortable to pursue a dream. His reflections on faith, his wife’s memory and the healing he experienced on the AT makes this book a wonderful read for anyone who has ever suffered a loss.
Not only is Hiking Through an inspirational memoir, but it also introduced me to an entirely different culture that I knew nothing about. I have no desire to hike the Appalachian Trail (I like comfort and warmth way too much), but I find it fascinating and to read a book about it and the sub-culture and details of the journey, kept me glued to the book. Of course, Paul’s writing was terrific. He is very down to earth and friendly with his writing. I always felt that he was very much a human being who only wanted to share the wisdom he learned from God with the rest of us, because we can all benefit from it.
There is definitely something for everyone in this book because we have all experienced a loss or we know someone who has. I am thankful that Paul decided to share his loss and healing with us. I really didn’t want this book to end because there was so much comfort and inspiration on these pages. I highly recommend Hiking Through.
I have had a difficult time watching my dad deal with the grief of my mom’s death in 1997 and reading Paul’s experience and his journey to healing was very therapeutic and inspiring. I admired his bravery to give up what was comfortable to pursue a dream. His reflections on faith, his wife’s memory and the healing he experienced on the AT makes this book a wonderful read for anyone who has ever suffered a loss.
Not only is Hiking Through an inspirational memoir, but it also introduced me to an entirely different culture that I knew nothing about. I have no desire to hike the Appalachian Trail (I like comfort and warmth way too much), but I find it fascinating and to read a book about it and the sub-culture and details of the journey, kept me glued to the book. Of course, Paul’s writing was terrific. He is very down to earth and friendly with his writing. I always felt that he was very much a human being who only wanted to share the wisdom he learned from God with the rest of us, because we can all benefit from it.
There is definitely something for everyone in this book because we have all experienced a loss or we know someone who has. I am thankful that Paul decided to share his loss and healing with us. I really didn’t want this book to end because there was so much comfort and inspiration on these pages. I highly recommend Hiking Through.
September 10, 2012
I really enjoy auto-biographical accounts like this one. That's the only reason I gave it 2 stars. Other than enjoying the account of one man's journey along the Appalachian Trail, this book had another purpose. You learn of the author's religious background as a Mennonite which is an interesting account. Around mid-way through the book, however, things start to take an odd turn and it's clear that the author's religious base is becoming very mystical. Unfortunately, this is not too far afield from where the majority of American Evangelicalism is headed. According to how he wrote the account, he begins to rely on what God is saying directly to him, without a Bible in view. Towards the end of the book, the auther makes a stunning claim that he was given a message by God Himself to deliver to everyone who reads the book. I'm curious, should I include Hiking Through after Revelation or after the maps in my Bible?
He lost me after that point.
He lost me after that point.
October 31, 2012
I am surprised by all of the five star reviews of this book. I have been interested in reading about hiking the Appalachian trail for some time, ever since I read Bill Bryson's book, "A Walk in the Woods". That book for me was soooo much better! If you don't want to be bombarded with religion, avoid "Hiking Through".
Many reviewers spoke of the colorful characters that the author met along the way, but I felt that any he mentioned were completely undeveloped. Why, for instance, is "Einstein" called that? None of the characters were ever described in enough detail for me to think I could ever recognize them. The author wrote at one point of running into a priest. And he said something like , "...with his floppy hat... obviously I knew it was him". This character was mentioned briefly in the beginning as someone he'd like to meet, but he never told us why, and he never mentioned this floppy hat.
There was far too much religion and God references in it for me, and his search for God really got in the way of the hiking story. I have been trying to finish this book, but it is dragging for me, and I don't think I even want to finish it anymore.
If I get through it, I will update my review.
Updated Review
I did finish this book, and I stuck to the white trail markers! It would have been better to Blue Blaze it though, and dodge all of the biblical references. This book was much too preachy for my liking.
It did get slightly better towards the end, but I was left wondering "What happened?" The author has enough skill with language that he could have made this book infinitely more interesting. He claims it was a life changing journey, yet I could not pinpoint why he felt that way. Of course a journey of that magnitude would be life changing. But I wanted more detail, not a diary of miles logged.
I do commend him for finishing the hike. That in itself is amazing. And I am also amazed I finished the book.
Many reviewers spoke of the colorful characters that the author met along the way, but I felt that any he mentioned were completely undeveloped. Why, for instance, is "Einstein" called that? None of the characters were ever described in enough detail for me to think I could ever recognize them. The author wrote at one point of running into a priest. And he said something like , "...with his floppy hat... obviously I knew it was him". This character was mentioned briefly in the beginning as someone he'd like to meet, but he never told us why, and he never mentioned this floppy hat.
There was far too much religion and God references in it for me, and his search for God really got in the way of the hiking story. I have been trying to finish this book, but it is dragging for me, and I don't think I even want to finish it anymore.
If I get through it, I will update my review.
Updated Review
I did finish this book, and I stuck to the white trail markers! It would have been better to Blue Blaze it though, and dodge all of the biblical references. This book was much too preachy for my liking.
It did get slightly better towards the end, but I was left wondering "What happened?" The author has enough skill with language that he could have made this book infinitely more interesting. He claims it was a life changing journey, yet I could not pinpoint why he felt that way. Of course a journey of that magnitude would be life changing. But I wanted more detail, not a diary of miles logged.
I do commend him for finishing the hike. That in itself is amazing. And I am also amazed I finished the book.
April 4, 2015
Too much religion. Just too much Christianity. The author is shocked that he gets along with a Catholic priest--that kind of Christianity. I am completely lost as to why the subtitle does not reflect this, especially has he tries to convince the reader that God talks to him (and you too! just listen!). GAH.
The hiking parts (other than when he thinks God is talking to him) are pretty good. I find it fascinating that so many middle aged men head out on the trail after their wives have died. As a woman who really wants to do a thru hike (and whose husband has no interest)--did their wives not like hiking, or not like anything more than a day hike, so this vague dream came forward when they were at a loss as to what to do? Or do they all not think this is for women? Other than 1 overnight hiker who came in high heels and people from a few church groups, Stutzman mentions no female hikers. None. I know male thru hikers outnumber women by a lot--but what about section hikers? No women really?
And how can he have spent 25 years in the restaurant business yet have no idea about "pasta and beans" in soup? Minestrone? Or pasta fagioli? (p 286). He thinks it's weird--too Catholic maybe?
And why the racing? I appreciate he likes the sounds and sights of nature (or God, as he says) and enjoys hiking without headphones to hear what's out there. So why does he race to Maine, 20+ miles on many days? He was not racing winter, or a scheduled break from work, he just wanted to get there faster? This was not clear to me.
The hiking parts (other than when he thinks God is talking to him) are pretty good. I find it fascinating that so many middle aged men head out on the trail after their wives have died. As a woman who really wants to do a thru hike (and whose husband has no interest)--did their wives not like hiking, or not like anything more than a day hike, so this vague dream came forward when they were at a loss as to what to do? Or do they all not think this is for women? Other than 1 overnight hiker who came in high heels and people from a few church groups, Stutzman mentions no female hikers. None. I know male thru hikers outnumber women by a lot--but what about section hikers? No women really?
And how can he have spent 25 years in the restaurant business yet have no idea about "pasta and beans" in soup? Minestrone? Or pasta fagioli? (p 286). He thinks it's weird--too Catholic maybe?
And why the racing? I appreciate he likes the sounds and sights of nature (or God, as he says) and enjoys hiking without headphones to hear what's out there. So why does he race to Maine, 20+ miles on many days? He was not racing winter, or a scheduled break from work, he just wanted to get there faster? This was not clear to me.
June 16, 2017
Currently reading but deciding whether to continue, as with another reviewer I wasn't prepared for how much of it is about the author's relationship with God (God speaks to him and told him to hike the trail after deliberating whether to leave his job as a restaurant manager). I'm on chapter 4 and I still haven't gotten to the meat of the hiking through the trail. I also can tell our world views may be too different to relate. For one, he is sure God is speaking to him. Also, the author seems to rely heavily on sterotypes for his view of the world. For example, he has specific views on Men's roles vs. Women's roles in relationships and has repeatedly referred to his hike as a way to spread his gospel about men's roles and their contribution to the family. Additionally, in another view into the author's mind he identifies a muscular customer as "the type" that does steroids and proceeds to belittle the customer in the restaurant because of his pre-conceived notions about what the man represents.
Also not a fan of his seeming disregard for regulations as he camps in illegal sections, trespasses, and defaces a tree to carve in graffiti.
Unless you are a diehard ATC trail fan just read A Walk in the Woods, its far more humorous and has avoids the religious fervor and conversations with god that pervades this book.
Also not a fan of his seeming disregard for regulations as he camps in illegal sections, trespasses, and defaces a tree to carve in graffiti.
Unless you are a diehard ATC trail fan just read A Walk in the Woods, its far more humorous and has avoids the religious fervor and conversations with god that pervades this book.
August 26, 2012
In order to put into context why I gave this book 5 stars I started reading it yesterday morning and finished it at midnight, not having done much else all day. After his wife dies of cancer Paul Stutzman hikes the whole of the appalachian trail in order to come to terms with her death, work out his relationship with God and fulfill a promise he had made to himself whilst she was alive. This book had me gripped from the get go. From the inital preparations for the hike, to the very final step I felt like I had hiked every single step right alongside him. At all times I was completely immersed in his story. Stutzman is an excellent writer and he brings the breathtaking scenery, the storms, the sunlight, the good days and the bad completely to life. I could imagine every single detail as though I were there. Paul at times hikes alone and at others is accompanied by a cast of colourful charcters, the other hikers on the trail.They may often be eccentric but they display the rich tapestry of people who each year tkae to the trail to complete its 2100 miles. But this is so much more than a physical tale it is also one of a spiritual seeking after God. Each person ahs their reasons for going on the trail, and for Paul this journey is one of finding himself closer to God. Although God is talked about and Pauls faith is real, this part of the story does not overwhelm and is a natural part of the story. There are moments of sadness, moments of laughter, moments of joy and many moments of just putting one foot in front of the other, but they all add to the richness of the story. When the final step was taken I felt like I was losing a good friend. I celebrated with him, and then had to move on. An excellent book which I would highly recommend.
August 13, 2022
Contentment has caught up with me, now that I'm traveling at two miles per hour.
If I ever imagined myself hiking the AT, this book disabused me of that fantasy. I don't like being wet. I don't like being cold. Putting wet, cold clothes on at 4:45 a.m.? Nee, non, nein, nyet.
But I *love* armchair travel! Stutzman's hike is part physical endurance, part friendships along the trial, and part processing the grief of his wife's death from cancer.
I learned about phrases and places: trail magic (unexpected gifts of food), hiker midnight (8:00 p.m.), PUDS (pointless ups and downs), purist (hike only the white-blazed trail), Balds (treeless mountain summit), McAfee Knob (DO look it up!), and Mahoosuc Notch (most difficult mile on the AT).
It struck me how obsessed Apostle (his trail name) was with food. Hiking 20+ miles a day, eating rehydrated food, meant any invitation that included "real" food was worth hiking the extra mile or two.
Taking comfort from the sound of the falling water, I felt a kinship with this river. My life, flowing merrily along, had suddenly arrived at an abyss where everything fell away and the waters tumbled and crashed over the edge. But after the abrupt, headlong plunge down the cliff, the river quiets itself in pools and then moves on steadily and unhindered.
If I ever imagined myself hiking the AT, this book disabused me of that fantasy. I don't like being wet. I don't like being cold. Putting wet, cold clothes on at 4:45 a.m.? Nee, non, nein, nyet.
But I *love* armchair travel! Stutzman's hike is part physical endurance, part friendships along the trial, and part processing the grief of his wife's death from cancer.
I learned about phrases and places: trail magic (unexpected gifts of food), hiker midnight (8:00 p.m.), PUDS (pointless ups and downs), purist (hike only the white-blazed trail), Balds (treeless mountain summit), McAfee Knob (DO look it up!), and Mahoosuc Notch (most difficult mile on the AT).
It struck me how obsessed Apostle (his trail name) was with food. Hiking 20+ miles a day, eating rehydrated food, meant any invitation that included "real" food was worth hiking the extra mile or two.
Taking comfort from the sound of the falling water, I felt a kinship with this river. My life, flowing merrily along, had suddenly arrived at an abyss where everything fell away and the waters tumbled and crashed over the edge. But after the abrupt, headlong plunge down the cliff, the river quiets itself in pools and then moves on steadily and unhindered.
May 27, 2018
This may be my favorite Appalachian Trail memoir to date, and I have read MANY. I loved how his journey brought him closer to understanding God and bringing about a closer relationship with Him. Some books like that can get a bit too preachy, but this one was perfectly written. I can't wait to read Biking Across America!
May 19, 2012
Hiking Through by Paul Stutzman is the story of one man's journey on the Appalachian trail, through grief, and to understanding about God. Stutzman spent his life working at a restaurant to make enough money for he and his wife to enjoy when he retired. Unfortunately, his wife, Mary, died of breast cancer, and he was left along and struggling with guilt, grief, and depression. He decided to fulfill a life-long dream of hiking the entire Appalachian trail, all 2,176 miles and fourteen states as a way to find God and to spread his message to husbands to cherish their families and take time to enjoy them. God hijacked Stutzman's journey and gave him a very different message, one that the author shares with readers about hope and trusting in God. I've always had a fascination with the Appalachian trail, and as my illness keeps me from ever fulfilling it, I enjoy reading about others' experiences on it. Stutzman's writing is part travelogue, part journal, part devotional. He does a great job of allowing readers to see through his eyes the beauty he witnessed in God's creation: the storms, the butterflies, the majestic mountaintops. He doesn't just stop to smell the flowers; he tastes them! Stutzman shares many stories about small miracles on the trail, strange coincidences that have God's fingerprints all over them, and he encourages readers to seek out God on their own journey and see what He has to tell them. One of the most powerful messages Stutzman has for readers is that of trusting God in the midst of grief. Here's my own coincidence: I signed up for this blog tour months ago, never knowing that I would need to read a book on grief. But last week Saturday, my dog Cooper was hit and killed by a car. I would never consider weighing the loss of a dog with that of a spouse, but my grief and pain is very real, and I've been struggling all week with the question of "Why, God? Why?" Toward the end of the book, Stutzman stops writing about the trail and for a few paragraphs addresses this very question in such a way that I couldn't help but sob, and then began to feel some peace. He's a great plainspoken writer with a gift for detail and self-deprecation that keeps readers hooked for mile after mile. God gave Stutzman a mission on that trail, and he fulfills it well with this book. I hope he decides to take another journey someday and take the rest of us along with his again.
June 3, 2012
MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK
When Paul Stutzman’s wife passed away from breast cancer, even though life had to go on, it didn’t help the feelings of grief, hurt, being abandoned by God, and missing his wife Mary. After a year, Paul decided to quit his job and restaurant manager and hike
away his grief on the Appalachian Trail. I love the Appalachian Mountains, and having visited quite a bit, I can see why the author chose this setting as his place of healing. And of course there were the questions, did he do the right thing in stepping down from his job, what would his family think, would he make it to the end, and what would happen in-between? But Paul did endure the entire four and one half month, 2,176 mile trip through fourteen states. And at the end, Paul had almost five months of memories that would change his life forever. Those memories are recorded in his book, “Hiking Through.
Wow, if you are hurting because of anything in your life, this book will be a great resource to help with your healing. Having lost several family members to cancer, and several more that suffered breast cancer, I can identify with the difficult feelings the author has endured. Suffering through these illnesses and losses change your life forever. Paul Stutzman did something not many people do, and that is go to the extremes to find help and healing in his situation. I admire and respect the author for seeking this help, and also writing about it to help others deal with their hurt and loss.
I encourage you to pick up a copy of this book to read and enjoy. And if you have suffered loss, or if you know someone who has, this is especially an awesome book for you to have. And the Appalachian Trail setting is wonderful, peaceful and calm, and just the right setting for something such as this.
I rec’d a copy of this book to read and review from Revell Publishers. I was not required or expected to write a positive review. The opinions in this review are mine only.
“Available May 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”
When Paul Stutzman’s wife passed away from breast cancer, even though life had to go on, it didn’t help the feelings of grief, hurt, being abandoned by God, and missing his wife Mary. After a year, Paul decided to quit his job and restaurant manager and hike
away his grief on the Appalachian Trail. I love the Appalachian Mountains, and having visited quite a bit, I can see why the author chose this setting as his place of healing. And of course there were the questions, did he do the right thing in stepping down from his job, what would his family think, would he make it to the end, and what would happen in-between? But Paul did endure the entire four and one half month, 2,176 mile trip through fourteen states. And at the end, Paul had almost five months of memories that would change his life forever. Those memories are recorded in his book, “Hiking Through.
Wow, if you are hurting because of anything in your life, this book will be a great resource to help with your healing. Having lost several family members to cancer, and several more that suffered breast cancer, I can identify with the difficult feelings the author has endured. Suffering through these illnesses and losses change your life forever. Paul Stutzman did something not many people do, and that is go to the extremes to find help and healing in his situation. I admire and respect the author for seeking this help, and also writing about it to help others deal with their hurt and loss.
I encourage you to pick up a copy of this book to read and enjoy. And if you have suffered loss, or if you know someone who has, this is especially an awesome book for you to have. And the Appalachian Trail setting is wonderful, peaceful and calm, and just the right setting for something such as this.
I rec’d a copy of this book to read and review from Revell Publishers. I was not required or expected to write a positive review. The opinions in this review are mine only.
“Available May 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”
May 8, 2010
Mr. Stutzman faced one of the biggest fears we married people face; he lost his beloved wife far too soon. They worked hard. They had plans for retirement. Big dreams. But because of cancer Mr. Stutzman was left with an overwhelming feeling of loss, of why and of not having appreciated his wife nearly enough. So with not just a little bit of fear but a lot of faith in his God he set off on one of his biggest dreams - a hike through of the Appalachian Trail.
I think this book appealed to me because when I was in my late 30ies I discovered I had a brain aneurysm. Fortunately for me, doctors were able to operate and I am still here. Another progressive brain abnormality was found (yes, I have a bad brain) and I have lots of problems now - but I am alive. It caused my hubby and me to totally re-think our retirement plan. This is why I am now on a goat farm in Montana instead of living in Hawaii but that is another story.
Mr. Stutzman's writing style is very easy. He is honest about himself and the characters he meets along the trail. His mission is to spread the word to men - appreciate your wives while you have them because they can be taken in a heartbeat. He learns so much on his seemingly endless hike - about life, about himself and about his faith.
I have been to several of the stops along the Appalachian Trail that are described in the book and this made the book all the more interesting to me. It brought back some great memories of my travels around in the fifthwheel with my hiking hubby. He did several sections of the trail. He also read the book and enjoyed it. I can tell you that he does appreciate me very much.
This is an amazing book with a powerful message. I am very thankful to have read it.
I think this book appealed to me because when I was in my late 30ies I discovered I had a brain aneurysm. Fortunately for me, doctors were able to operate and I am still here. Another progressive brain abnormality was found (yes, I have a bad brain) and I have lots of problems now - but I am alive. It caused my hubby and me to totally re-think our retirement plan. This is why I am now on a goat farm in Montana instead of living in Hawaii but that is another story.
Mr. Stutzman's writing style is very easy. He is honest about himself and the characters he meets along the trail. His mission is to spread the word to men - appreciate your wives while you have them because they can be taken in a heartbeat. He learns so much on his seemingly endless hike - about life, about himself and about his faith.
I have been to several of the stops along the Appalachian Trail that are described in the book and this made the book all the more interesting to me. It brought back some great memories of my travels around in the fifthwheel with my hiking hubby. He did several sections of the trail. He also read the book and enjoyed it. I can tell you that he does appreciate me very much.
This is an amazing book with a powerful message. I am very thankful to have read it.
April 16, 2010
This is not the first book I've found about hiking the Appalachian Trail, nor will it be the last. What makes this book different is the message and the reason behind it. When Mr. Stutzman's wife died, he realized that all he worked for was nothing compared to what he lost with his wife. The importance was spending time with your loved ones, and live each day like it's your last with them. He took that message along with him on his 5 month trip on the Appalachian Trail.
Mr. Stutzman writes his adventures with both humor and truthfulness. He examines his relationship with God and finds that the longer he is on the trail, the more his relationship with God changes. He tells about triumphs and hardships along the way, and leaves you nothing but amazed and in awe by the end.
To say this is a fantastic book, is an understatement. Mr. Stutzman's message is quite personal to me, as I realized how we put things off when my parents died. Going through things and seeing items that were kept for that special someday that never came, brings a harsh reality that we shouldn't wait for tomorrow, but enjoy what we have today. For this reason alone, I had wanted to participate in this tour, but I found that the book held so much more. It's about regrets, love, healing, forgiveness, and finding peace and freedom. It will tug at your heart and make you laugh and cry, and you will be cheering Mr. Stutzman along throughout the book.
Do yourself a huge favor and read this book. It will definitely change how you look at yourself and your loved ones. It has a powerful message that everyone should hear!
Mr. Stutzman writes his adventures with both humor and truthfulness. He examines his relationship with God and finds that the longer he is on the trail, the more his relationship with God changes. He tells about triumphs and hardships along the way, and leaves you nothing but amazed and in awe by the end.
To say this is a fantastic book, is an understatement. Mr. Stutzman's message is quite personal to me, as I realized how we put things off when my parents died. Going through things and seeing items that were kept for that special someday that never came, brings a harsh reality that we shouldn't wait for tomorrow, but enjoy what we have today. For this reason alone, I had wanted to participate in this tour, but I found that the book held so much more. It's about regrets, love, healing, forgiveness, and finding peace and freedom. It will tug at your heart and make you laugh and cry, and you will be cheering Mr. Stutzman along throughout the book.
Do yourself a huge favor and read this book. It will definitely change how you look at yourself and your loved ones. It has a powerful message that everyone should hear!
October 2, 2013
Very inspirational book! Makes me want to go hiking right now!
August 16, 2025
I’m a sucker for thru hiker stories but this is written more like a pilgrimage journal —has too much preaching of Stutzman’s faith and his conversations with God. I enjoyed his spiritual journey as well but some parts felt forced coming from Apostle on a mission rather than on a trail.
May 16, 2012
After suffering the loss of his wife to cancer, Paul Stutzman gave up his career in the restaurant business to pursue a longtime dream of hiking the Appalachian Trail. In his book, "Hiking Through", the reader will not only accompany him on his physical journey, but on his spiritual journey as well.
This book has appeal for different types of readers on different levels. For those who dream of hiking the trail ( or those who already have), for lovers of the outdoors, people who seek adventure if only from the safety of their armchair, this is the perfect book. For those who have lost someone and find it difficult to heal, this book will speak to them. And for those who have ever questioned, "Why, God?" in any situation, this book will be helpful to them, as well.
I try to write book reviews from an impersonal view, but it would be impossible for me to do so this time. For a long time, I have been fascinated with the AT, but for health reasons, will probably never make the trip. So, I lived vicariously through his experiences. His Mennonite background was interesting to me, as he is from "Amish Country" in Ohio, and I have traveled there on various occasions. And, like I suppose everyone, I have sometimes looked at situations and wished for answers that didn't seem to come.
His story, while at times so emotional and personal, is laced with humor. Just when you feel that you're going to have to reach for a Kleenex, he relates an experience that causes you to laugh out loud. The chapter in which he discusses his religious background was one of my favorites. The debate over whether or not to have a television in the house was topped only by the car radio anecdote.
In short, whether you need answers, or you just need a good read and a good laugh, this book will do the trick. On a scale of 1 to 5 hikers, I would give this one a 6.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through Baker Publishing Group book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
This book has appeal for different types of readers on different levels. For those who dream of hiking the trail ( or those who already have), for lovers of the outdoors, people who seek adventure if only from the safety of their armchair, this is the perfect book. For those who have lost someone and find it difficult to heal, this book will speak to them. And for those who have ever questioned, "Why, God?" in any situation, this book will be helpful to them, as well.
I try to write book reviews from an impersonal view, but it would be impossible for me to do so this time. For a long time, I have been fascinated with the AT, but for health reasons, will probably never make the trip. So, I lived vicariously through his experiences. His Mennonite background was interesting to me, as he is from "Amish Country" in Ohio, and I have traveled there on various occasions. And, like I suppose everyone, I have sometimes looked at situations and wished for answers that didn't seem to come.
His story, while at times so emotional and personal, is laced with humor. Just when you feel that you're going to have to reach for a Kleenex, he relates an experience that causes you to laugh out loud. The chapter in which he discusses his religious background was one of my favorites. The debate over whether or not to have a television in the house was topped only by the car radio anecdote.
In short, whether you need answers, or you just need a good read and a good laugh, this book will do the trick. On a scale of 1 to 5 hikers, I would give this one a 6.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through Baker Publishing Group book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
May 7, 2012
Title: HIKING THROUGH
Author: Paul Stutzman
Publisher: Revell
March 2012
ISBN: 978-0-8007-2053-7
Genre: Inspirational/Memoir
Memoirs are not generally a genre I enjoy reading, but HIKING THROUGH caught my attention. I’ve always been fascinated by the Appalachian Trail and one of my sons have mentioned wanting to someday hike the trail, so I thought this book sounded interesting.
Paul Stutzman’s wife, Mary, died of breast cancer – a disease I was unfortunate enough to get and battle, but so far, with the Lord’s help, I’m in ‘remission’. A year after Mary’s death, Paul quit his job as a restaurant manager and took to the Appalachian Trail to work through his grief, and his sense of abandonment by God. He started in Georgia on a rainy day, at the trail head.
HIKING THROUGH is a recounting of Mr. Stutzman’s journey, spiritually, emotionally, and physically, and it is utterly fascinating. There were some things included that didn’t have much to do with the journey (did it matter that his parents left the Amish when he was three and became Mennonite?) but the information was interesting and did solve some curiosity I had about his last name. Most interesting to me, was the actual hike itself, and the experiences he had on the trip. Pictures are included which were great visuals.
HIKING THROUGH is a great book, one that my son requested to read (as soon as I get the review written), and one that will go on my keeper shelf when he finishes. Highly recommended. If you have any fascination about the Appalachian Trail, just happen to like memoirs, or have suffered the loss of a loved one to cancer and wonder how others got through the grief, then HIKING THROUGH is a book you’ll want to read. $13.99. 332 pages.
Author: Paul Stutzman
Publisher: Revell
March 2012
ISBN: 978-0-8007-2053-7
Genre: Inspirational/Memoir
Memoirs are not generally a genre I enjoy reading, but HIKING THROUGH caught my attention. I’ve always been fascinated by the Appalachian Trail and one of my sons have mentioned wanting to someday hike the trail, so I thought this book sounded interesting.
Paul Stutzman’s wife, Mary, died of breast cancer – a disease I was unfortunate enough to get and battle, but so far, with the Lord’s help, I’m in ‘remission’. A year after Mary’s death, Paul quit his job as a restaurant manager and took to the Appalachian Trail to work through his grief, and his sense of abandonment by God. He started in Georgia on a rainy day, at the trail head.
HIKING THROUGH is a recounting of Mr. Stutzman’s journey, spiritually, emotionally, and physically, and it is utterly fascinating. There were some things included that didn’t have much to do with the journey (did it matter that his parents left the Amish when he was three and became Mennonite?) but the information was interesting and did solve some curiosity I had about his last name. Most interesting to me, was the actual hike itself, and the experiences he had on the trip. Pictures are included which were great visuals.
HIKING THROUGH is a great book, one that my son requested to read (as soon as I get the review written), and one that will go on my keeper shelf when he finishes. Highly recommended. If you have any fascination about the Appalachian Trail, just happen to like memoirs, or have suffered the loss of a loved one to cancer and wonder how others got through the grief, then HIKING THROUGH is a book you’ll want to read. $13.99. 332 pages.
March 19, 2010
Paul Stutzman dreamed of through hiking the Appalachian Trail all his life, but life got ahead of him. After losing his wife to breast cancer Paul decided to take a risk- he quit his job of seventeen years and set out on the trail. On his nearly 2,200 mile journey from Georgia to Maine Paul dealt with extreme loneliness and brutal trail conditions, as well as, breathtaking vistas and irreplaceable trail camaraderie. Embarking on one of the most famous hikes in the world Paul learned that God had been with him every step of his life and armed with this knowledge and the help of his trail friends he was able to find peace.
Hiking Through reads like a conversation with a dear friend. I found myself laughing and crying with Paul, and throughout the entire book I couldn’t wait to embark on my next hike. Paul magnificently weaves anecdotes from his childhood with his days on the trail. As the hike progresses we witness and learn from his healing. Paul’s fabulous descriptions and conversational tone made me feel as though I were hiking along side him. Paul’s message is so simple, yet so many struggle to live it- slow down, enjoy life and don’t take your spouse for granted.
If you are a hiker, nature lover, believer or struggling to deal with a loss you will find inspiration in this memoir.
I give this book 5 stars!
Make sure to check out Paul’s website to read excerpts of his book and view photos from the trail! — www.hikingthrough.com
Hiking Through reads like a conversation with a dear friend. I found myself laughing and crying with Paul, and throughout the entire book I couldn’t wait to embark on my next hike. Paul magnificently weaves anecdotes from his childhood with his days on the trail. As the hike progresses we witness and learn from his healing. Paul’s fabulous descriptions and conversational tone made me feel as though I were hiking along side him. Paul’s message is so simple, yet so many struggle to live it- slow down, enjoy life and don’t take your spouse for granted.
If you are a hiker, nature lover, believer or struggling to deal with a loss you will find inspiration in this memoir.
I give this book 5 stars!
Make sure to check out Paul’s website to read excerpts of his book and view photos from the trail! — www.hikingthrough.com
December 5, 2013
I liked this book. The story chronicles the experience of Paul Stutzman, who had recently lost his wife to breast cancer, and who had now embarked on a "thru-hike" of the 2,168 mile Appalachian Trail. It was his attempt to fine peace, hope, recovery from his grief, and a more meaningful relationship with God. Through five difficult months hiking the trail, he was able to realize all his goals.
The book is a very entertaining description of life on the AT, the interesting relationships that one makes, and the many rigors and challenges which face anyone who would try to walk all those many miles, through 14 different states. To a somewhat lesser extent, it's also a record of the author's spiritual journey, which is one of the strengths, and also, perhaps, the main weakness of the book. The strength is the honest depiction of one's struggles to understand the will and purpose of God for our life, and to find some hopeful resolution to those struggles; the weakness is seen in the occasionally contrived-feeling and theologically simplistic conclusions that the author reaches on questions of the meaning of life and our eternal destiny (ie, he tends to come down hard on the "choose whether you want to be on the path to hell, or the path to heaven" way of putting the life of faith), which I thought could have benefitted from a little deeper reflection.
All in all, a very worthwhile read, and I heartily recommend it!
The book is a very entertaining description of life on the AT, the interesting relationships that one makes, and the many rigors and challenges which face anyone who would try to walk all those many miles, through 14 different states. To a somewhat lesser extent, it's also a record of the author's spiritual journey, which is one of the strengths, and also, perhaps, the main weakness of the book. The strength is the honest depiction of one's struggles to understand the will and purpose of God for our life, and to find some hopeful resolution to those struggles; the weakness is seen in the occasionally contrived-feeling and theologically simplistic conclusions that the author reaches on questions of the meaning of life and our eternal destiny (ie, he tends to come down hard on the "choose whether you want to be on the path to hell, or the path to heaven" way of putting the life of faith), which I thought could have benefitted from a little deeper reflection.
All in all, a very worthwhile read, and I heartily recommend it!
February 24, 2013
I picked up this book in the hospital gift shop when our son had to unexpectedly spend a second night there after the placement of a new pacemaker. I can see why it was included among the relatively few titles there; Stutzman, after losing his wife to cancer, sets off to accomplish a grueling physical as well as spiritual journey by "hiking through" the entire length of the Appalachian Trail.
This is an easy and engaging read. I found it a welcome companion for that mostly restless night (who can possibly sleep on one of those standard-issue recliners while monitors beep and staff come and go?), consuming over half of the 300-some pages in a few hours. Stutzman's writing isn't glitzy; he just moves us along with him, capturing the culture, the characters and the rigor of the 2,200 miles. More importantly, he pulls us along as he grapples with his immense loss, as well as taps into a deeply-rooted spirituality. Vascillating between anger and awe with God, he is a down-to-earth man with a refreshingly imperfect, but ultimately life-sustaining, faith.
His story was a inspiring and insightful read for these past few challenging weeks.
This is an easy and engaging read. I found it a welcome companion for that mostly restless night (who can possibly sleep on one of those standard-issue recliners while monitors beep and staff come and go?), consuming over half of the 300-some pages in a few hours. Stutzman's writing isn't glitzy; he just moves us along with him, capturing the culture, the characters and the rigor of the 2,200 miles. More importantly, he pulls us along as he grapples with his immense loss, as well as taps into a deeply-rooted spirituality. Vascillating between anger and awe with God, he is a down-to-earth man with a refreshingly imperfect, but ultimately life-sustaining, faith.
His story was a inspiring and insightful read for these past few challenging weeks.
September 7, 2013
This is the second and more inspiring book I've read about thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail. I want to achieve that goal myself someday, even more so after reading this account. Stutzman's journey was one of seeking peace, freedom, and a personal relationship to God. As an agnostic, I couldn't relate to his losing religion but gaining spirituality, as he put it. For a man born and raised in a strict Mennonite family with its stringent traditions, he impressed me with his relative open-mindedness when encountering those from all walks of life during his arduous trek. He hiked the "purist" hike--taking only the white-blazed path, celebrated "Naked Hiker" day (for about 500 feet but he did it, as he felt a purist should), came into his own, unashamed of his evolution into spirituality but never brow-beating others to believe what are (I've always thought) very personal beliefs, unique to each individual, and should be shown instead of preached about. You should know humor abounds if in reading this review, you thought it was too serious and "religious" or "spiritual." I found it enthralling, moving, funny, insightful, and awe-inspiring. Highly recommended.
August 12, 2021
Oh man, I am a sucker for adventure-non-fiction books. This one did not disappoint and I found myself craving the time to sit and read, not able to wait long to see what happened next. Why? He was just walking a trail in the woods! I don’t know why it is so compelling but I couldn’t get enough. He was funny in all the right little places, emotional and humble about his struggles, but also I learned so much about the Appalachian Trail and what it would be like to hike it.
Loved it. Recommend to anyone who is curious to read about months-long hikes and confronting grief with a simple look to God and His comfort.
Loved it. Recommend to anyone who is curious to read about months-long hikes and confronting grief with a simple look to God and His comfort.
January 14, 2023
I would be lying if I said I read this whole book. I’ve picked it up again since I started reading it a year ago simply because it’s been giving me a nasty look on my shelf. But I’m marking it now as read after giving up halfway through and then skipping around for the messages about what the Lord was teaching him.
I gave it a 3 stars simply because it wasn’t offering me the enjoyment that I needed it to at the moment. Should I ever seriously consider becoming a thru hiker, I might pick it up again.
I gave it a 3 stars simply because it wasn’t offering me the enjoyment that I needed it to at the moment. Should I ever seriously consider becoming a thru hiker, I might pick it up again.
May 27, 2018
This book left me feeling so peaceful and inspired! I felt I was right there with Stutzman. The beauty, and even the sorrow, held my visions and heart! It certainly had me wanting to hike, and I know one day I will. I don't think I would want or even could do a thru-walk, but I'd love to section it out! The people and situations kept me smiling and laughing at times, while his thoughts kept me hoping for relief from his sorrow. It was a lovely read!
March 21, 2013
Wonderful wonderful book. He is funny and has an amazing story to tell. It is my dream to also hike the AT once the kids are grown and this book brought it to life along with a wonderful personal journey with God.
July 26, 2013
Awesome book! I was already excited about our upcoming hike on the AT but reading this has me so much more inspired! I admire anyone who takes the AT on as a thru hiker!
April 15, 2024
A wonderful autobiography by a kind and sweet man from Ohio who lost his wife to cancer and then decided to experience the Appalachian Trail.
I've only read two AT books before (AWOL on the AT by David Miller and "A Walk in the Woods" by Bill Bryson), so this was another great read which I thoroughly enjoyed.
Paul Stutzman started in April 2008 with the beginning of the AT at Springer Mountain in Georgia and finished in August 2008 with climbing on top of Mount Katahdin in Maine. Close to 2.200 miles.
I liked this book so much that I'll buy myself a copy (this was from the public library).
If anybody would recommend more AT books, I would be very grateful.
I've only read two AT books before (AWOL on the AT by David Miller and "A Walk in the Woods" by Bill Bryson), so this was another great read which I thoroughly enjoyed.
Paul Stutzman started in April 2008 with the beginning of the AT at Springer Mountain in Georgia and finished in August 2008 with climbing on top of Mount Katahdin in Maine. Close to 2.200 miles.
I liked this book so much that I'll buy myself a copy (this was from the public library).
If anybody would recommend more AT books, I would be very grateful.
November 5, 2024
I did a very short hike on the AT a few years ago and ran into some other Christians doing trail magic. I didn’t know anything about the community or the culture around thru hiking so this was such a cool read! Might need to go back and finish the remaining 2100 miles of my hike
January 23, 2021
Audio book. I found this guy through my recent Amish parenting book. He's a (former?) Amish or Mennonite man who lost his wife to cancer and hiked the trail to find peace and healing (and met many other men in the same situation).
I've always thought it would be neat to hike the Appalachian Trail. Georgia to Maine, 2000+ miles, about 5 months. But I'm also guilty of romanticizing these things. Do I really want to hike in the freezing rain, my hands so numb from the cold, and then wake up in a sopping wet sleeping bag? Also, very hungry. With 20 miles to go before the next town. I mean, it sounds great on paper.
One of his hiking buddies said, "If you can't carry it in your heart or on your back, you don't need it." That's the part I will remember most, as it appeals to my minimalist self.
One thing he mentioned often was the huge meals he was capable of eating. Burning 5-7K calories a day left him ravenous and when he got to a town he could consume a whole pizza - just to start.
I would have liked more cold, hard data like: how many pairs of shoes did he go through, how heavy was his pack, what exactly was in his pack, how much did the whole trek cost him, what physical benefits did he notice, aside from the 50 pound weight loss, did he put the weight back on when he finished in 2008, etc.
I wouldn't mind reading some more books like this to get a better sense of this hiking trip.
Oh my goodness, I just saw that he has another book, - biking across America. I wonder how many people do bolth.
I've always thought it would be neat to hike the Appalachian Trail. Georgia to Maine, 2000+ miles, about 5 months. But I'm also guilty of romanticizing these things. Do I really want to hike in the freezing rain, my hands so numb from the cold, and then wake up in a sopping wet sleeping bag? Also, very hungry. With 20 miles to go before the next town. I mean, it sounds great on paper.
One of his hiking buddies said, "If you can't carry it in your heart or on your back, you don't need it." That's the part I will remember most, as it appeals to my minimalist self.
One thing he mentioned often was the huge meals he was capable of eating. Burning 5-7K calories a day left him ravenous and when he got to a town he could consume a whole pizza - just to start.
I would have liked more cold, hard data like: how many pairs of shoes did he go through, how heavy was his pack, what exactly was in his pack, how much did the whole trek cost him, what physical benefits did he notice, aside from the 50 pound weight loss, did he put the weight back on when he finished in 2008, etc.
I wouldn't mind reading some more books like this to get a better sense of this hiking trip.
Oh my goodness, I just saw that he has another book, - biking across America. I wonder how many people do bolth.
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