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Black Heart on the Appalachian Trail
“With echoes of Flannery O’Connor, Faulkner, and Raymond Carver” (A.M. Homes), this singular psychological tale of murder unfolds against the backdrop of one of America’s most breathtaking landscapes.
In the vast wilderness of the Appalachian Trail, three hikers are searching for answers. Taz Chavis, just released from prison, sees the thru-hike as his path to salvation and a way to distance himself from a toxic relationship. Simone Decker, a young scientist with a dark secret, is desperate to quell her demons. Richard Nelson, a Blackfoot Indian, seeks a final adventure before taking over the family business back home. As they battle hunger, thirst, and loneliness, and traverse the rugged terrain, their paths begin to intersect, and it soon becomes clear that surviving the elements may be the least of their concerns. Hikers are dying along the trail, their broken bodies splayed on the rocks below. Are these falls accidental, the result of carelessness, or is something more sinister at work?
In the vast wilderness of the Appalachian Trail, three hikers are searching for answers. Taz Chavis, just released from prison, sees the thru-hike as his path to salvation and a way to distance himself from a toxic relationship. Simone Decker, a young scientist with a dark secret, is desperate to quell her demons. Richard Nelson, a Blackfoot Indian, seeks a final adventure before taking over the family business back home. As they battle hunger, thirst, and loneliness, and traverse the rugged terrain, their paths begin to intersect, and it soon becomes clear that surviving the elements may be the least of their concerns. Hikers are dying along the trail, their broken bodies splayed on the rocks below. Are these falls accidental, the result of carelessness, or is something more sinister at work?
195 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2012
4 people are currently reading
481 people want to read
About the author
T.J. Forrester
5 books29 followersT. J. Forrester, an international novelist, has been a fisherman, construction worker, and miner. A trekker with more than 17,000 miles on his legs, he thru-hiked the Appalachian Trail, the Pacific Crest Trail, and the Continental Divide Trail in consecutive years.
He wrote Miracles, Inc. and Black Heart on the Appalachian Trail while living in Virginia. The attic room was small, chilly in the winter, but his landlord was very kind and fed him when he was without food.
He wrote Miracles, Inc. and Black Heart on the Appalachian Trail while living in Virginia. The attic room was small, chilly in the winter, but his landlord was very kind and fed him when he was without food.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
October 2, 2012
Black Heart on the Appalachian Trail is full of unexpected characters on a journey none thought they would take. It is a dark, honest novel where Simone Decker’s theory that each human is born with a flaw in their DNA is raised in every chapter. Are people just running through a genetic program they cannot alter and that makes them do what they do? Is change even possible?
Newly released prisoner Taz Chavis is ready to reject the old patterns that led to his spending time in prison. A book he read about the Appalachian Trail forms the idea that he could do it. The death of his father and a small inheritance gives him the means.
People around the trail, those living along the edges blend with the thru-hikers. The owners of a B&B go through hell and back while hikers pitch tents at the end of their lawn. A couple in their later years are thrown for not one loop, but several. A young couple set up rigid boundaries of what will and will not happen in their future in regards to having children. Some people in these stories accept change, some demand it but they all face fears and insecurities with verve.
I’m not a hiker/walker/trail person. A few years ago my husband, his brother and two friends went through part of the S.T.S. in Pennsylvania. I didn’t understand the appeal, but after reading this novel, I now have a sense of what seeing a trail to the end means. As Taz, Simone and Richard approached the Katahdin summit, I was just as anxious as they were. What would happen at the end? What comes after the long journey of sublime sensations? I finished the book last night. It’s a book I hated to see end, and one I’ll read again. I know of no higher praise than that.
Newly released prisoner Taz Chavis is ready to reject the old patterns that led to his spending time in prison. A book he read about the Appalachian Trail forms the idea that he could do it. The death of his father and a small inheritance gives him the means.
People around the trail, those living along the edges blend with the thru-hikers. The owners of a B&B go through hell and back while hikers pitch tents at the end of their lawn. A couple in their later years are thrown for not one loop, but several. A young couple set up rigid boundaries of what will and will not happen in their future in regards to having children. Some people in these stories accept change, some demand it but they all face fears and insecurities with verve.
I’m not a hiker/walker/trail person. A few years ago my husband, his brother and two friends went through part of the S.T.S. in Pennsylvania. I didn’t understand the appeal, but after reading this novel, I now have a sense of what seeing a trail to the end means. As Taz, Simone and Richard approached the Katahdin summit, I was just as anxious as they were. What would happen at the end? What comes after the long journey of sublime sensations? I finished the book last night. It’s a book I hated to see end, and one I’ll read again. I know of no higher praise than that.
January 18, 2013
fairly unique novel of thru hiking the appalachian trail, many times done as a pilgrimage or attempt to drastic change in the individual, much like the camino de santiago del compestelo trails in spain, though of course more "americany" and "back-to-naturey" in n. amer version, with no big ass pile of a catedral at the end. the end of the appalachian trail is a big ass mountain in maine, katahdin http://www.summitpost.org/katahdin/15...
but these pilgrims here we follow, are coke head ex-cons, a serial murderer, and a drunk blackfoot white indian, among others. so a fun and dark story. author forrester has thru hiked all 3 of the country crossing trails in usa, a feat in itself that is way overboard and unique. for armchair hikers there are these great books too On the Beaten Path: An Appalachian Pilgrimage and Walking Home: A Woman's Pilgrimage on the Appalachian Trail and the continental divide trail Scraping Heaven and the pacific crest trail The Cactus Eaters: How I Lost My Mind—and Almost Found Myself—on the Pacific Crest Trail
but these pilgrims here we follow, are coke head ex-cons, a serial murderer, and a drunk blackfoot white indian, among others. so a fun and dark story. author forrester has thru hiked all 3 of the country crossing trails in usa, a feat in itself that is way overboard and unique. for armchair hikers there are these great books too On the Beaten Path: An Appalachian Pilgrimage and Walking Home: A Woman's Pilgrimage on the Appalachian Trail and the continental divide trail Scraping Heaven and the pacific crest trail The Cactus Eaters: How I Lost My Mind—and Almost Found Myself—on the Pacific Crest Trail
December 24, 2015
Black Heart on the Appalachian Trail by T.J. Forrester
Taz Chavis is unfortunately following in his father’s footsteps, as his dad was addicted to pills and Taz to coke. He decides to change his life by thru hiking the Appalachian Trail which starts in Georgia and goes all the way to Maine. On the way he meets fellow hikers that are also trying to start over or make something end.
This is the total opposite of Bill Bryson’s Walk In the Woods as these seem to be the kind of people who would be hunting Bill down instead of helping him make his way along the trail. It was a good quick read a bit on the dark side which I seem to enjoy, although it doesn't make me want to hike the trail anytime soon.
Taz Chavis is unfortunately following in his father’s footsteps, as his dad was addicted to pills and Taz to coke. He decides to change his life by thru hiking the Appalachian Trail which starts in Georgia and goes all the way to Maine. On the way he meets fellow hikers that are also trying to start over or make something end.
This is the total opposite of Bill Bryson’s Walk In the Woods as these seem to be the kind of people who would be hunting Bill down instead of helping him make his way along the trail. It was a good quick read a bit on the dark side which I seem to enjoy, although it doesn't make me want to hike the trail anytime soon.
October 30, 2012
I think I might have liked the book a bit more if one of the reviews on the back didn't cast it as making The Road by Cormac McCarthy seem like hallucegenic cotton candy. It set me up with certain expectations for a book that this book simply wasn't. Forrester has a great story with strong writing, especially in the little vignettes of some characters that are really peripheral to the story at best. There were a few details that probably brought my rating down from a 4 to 3 but discussion would require spoilers! Good read, overall, though not really as dark of a story as I initially expected.
January 6, 2013
Gripping but ultimately too dark and bleak for my taste. The pace was quick and so the book was just the right length.
October 29, 2022
didnt finish. none of the character's were likable, especially the mc who talks in monotonous, boring present tense. the setting didnt juxtapose against the story well at all. the events and actions didnt make sense. the author obviously has walked the trail and it just seemed like this book was a way to tell people that he had done it. i dont recommend this book
April 21, 2013
I’d recommend Black Heart on the Appalachian Trail by T.J. Forrester to anyone who enjoys a gritty, dark, compelling tale. And to anyone who ever questions whether or not they have free will.
The Appalachian Trail runs from Springer Mountain in Georgia to Katahdin, Maine; 2,160 miles total. It takes five to seven months on average to complete; people usually start in March or April and finish in late summer or fall. Hikers who attempt to complete the trail in one season are called “thru hikers.” Some hikers even continue into Canada and follow the 1,900 mile “International Appalachian Trail,” from Maine to the Appalachian Mountains at Belle Isle, New Foundland, and Labrador.
The Appalachian Trail is relatively safe but not without potential dangers, including: bears, snakes, wild boars, disease, poison ivy (especially in the southern states), extreme weather conditions, and crime (there are instances of murder).
In Black Heart, “hikers are dying along the trail, their broken bodies splayed on the rocks below. Are these falls accidental, the result of carelessness, or is something more sinister at work?”
Taz Chavis, newly released from prison, is certain that a hike along the Appalachian Trial will put enough distance from his toxic, drug fueled past. “On the street friends were like Styrofoam cups. Some got crushed, others blew out of sight.”
Scientist Simone Decker requires more than a thru hike to diminish her demons and she knows this deep within her black heart, but she’s willing to try anything. She’s comforted by the theory that “one secret of the human race is that every person is born with a genetic flaw that leads to his fall.” Because if this theory is fact, then her behaviors are beyond her control.
Richard Nelson, a Blackfoot Indian, is a free-spirited child stuck in a man’s body. This is his last hurrah before he returns to his life of mediocrity. His advice to Taz is: “White man, if you want to get laid on the trail, you best come up with some New Age shit mixed with nature.”
Black Heart explores the question, “Do people have free will?” Some people, like Simone are adamant that people don’t, Taz is hopeful that people do, and Richard isn’t sure either way.
“I am Taz Chavis, and I plan on living a good life after the trail.” Like Taz, I’m hopeful.
“I wear the chain I forged in life….I made it link by link, and yard by yard; I girded it on of my own free will, and of my own free will I wore it.”
― Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol
The Appalachian Trail runs from Springer Mountain in Georgia to Katahdin, Maine; 2,160 miles total. It takes five to seven months on average to complete; people usually start in March or April and finish in late summer or fall. Hikers who attempt to complete the trail in one season are called “thru hikers.” Some hikers even continue into Canada and follow the 1,900 mile “International Appalachian Trail,” from Maine to the Appalachian Mountains at Belle Isle, New Foundland, and Labrador.
The Appalachian Trail is relatively safe but not without potential dangers, including: bears, snakes, wild boars, disease, poison ivy (especially in the southern states), extreme weather conditions, and crime (there are instances of murder).
In Black Heart, “hikers are dying along the trail, their broken bodies splayed on the rocks below. Are these falls accidental, the result of carelessness, or is something more sinister at work?”
Taz Chavis, newly released from prison, is certain that a hike along the Appalachian Trial will put enough distance from his toxic, drug fueled past. “On the street friends were like Styrofoam cups. Some got crushed, others blew out of sight.”
Scientist Simone Decker requires more than a thru hike to diminish her demons and she knows this deep within her black heart, but she’s willing to try anything. She’s comforted by the theory that “one secret of the human race is that every person is born with a genetic flaw that leads to his fall.” Because if this theory is fact, then her behaviors are beyond her control.
Richard Nelson, a Blackfoot Indian, is a free-spirited child stuck in a man’s body. This is his last hurrah before he returns to his life of mediocrity. His advice to Taz is: “White man, if you want to get laid on the trail, you best come up with some New Age shit mixed with nature.”
Black Heart explores the question, “Do people have free will?” Some people, like Simone are adamant that people don’t, Taz is hopeful that people do, and Richard isn’t sure either way.
“I am Taz Chavis, and I plan on living a good life after the trail.” Like Taz, I’m hopeful.
“I wear the chain I forged in life….I made it link by link, and yard by yard; I girded it on of my own free will, and of my own free will I wore it.”
― Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol
October 12, 2012
Black Heart on the Appalachian Trail is the story of Taz Chavis finding himself. Recently released from prison, and after traveling to his hometown to settle his father’s estate, Taz sets off on a through hike of the Appalachian Trail to leave his life in the gutter behind.
The Editorial Reviews compare Forrester to Daniel Woodrell and Cormac McCarthy, which is unfortunate. Forrester suffers for it. It doesn’t have the deep sense of place in the hills like Woodrell’s works set in the Ozarks or McCarthy’s works set in Appalachia. The AT isn’t a part of the hills, it just happens to pass through. Forrester does do a good job capturing the unique culture of the AT, but it’s given too short shrift.
This would be less problematic if the characters and the plot could carry the story, but unfortunately they do not. Unlike Tolstoy’s unhappy families, Forrester’s unhappy couples are all unhappy in the same way. He rotates freely among POVs, but every POV has the same voice. Nor is Black Heart on the Appalachian Trail a page-turning thriller. It falls into that uncomfortable space between success in the high arts of literature and success in the low arts of literature.
Black Heart on the Appalachian Trail isn’t bad by any means. But it’s mediocre-to-good at best in its major components, and what it does well it does too little of. I felt like we barely brushed on the AT, on Taz’s personal journey, etc.
The Editorial Reviews compare Forrester to Daniel Woodrell and Cormac McCarthy, which is unfortunate. Forrester suffers for it. It doesn’t have the deep sense of place in the hills like Woodrell’s works set in the Ozarks or McCarthy’s works set in Appalachia. The AT isn’t a part of the hills, it just happens to pass through. Forrester does do a good job capturing the unique culture of the AT, but it’s given too short shrift.
This would be less problematic if the characters and the plot could carry the story, but unfortunately they do not. Unlike Tolstoy’s unhappy families, Forrester’s unhappy couples are all unhappy in the same way. He rotates freely among POVs, but every POV has the same voice. Nor is Black Heart on the Appalachian Trail a page-turning thriller. It falls into that uncomfortable space between success in the high arts of literature and success in the low arts of literature.
Black Heart on the Appalachian Trail isn’t bad by any means. But it’s mediocre-to-good at best in its major components, and what it does well it does too little of. I felt like we barely brushed on the AT, on Taz’s personal journey, etc.
October 28, 2012
More story collection than novel, the stories are loosely connected through references to the Appalachian Trail. The most compelling for me are the seven tracking Taz Chavis’ journey along the Appalachian Trail. Forrester writes Taz in a distinctive first person with vivid raw details that ring true. Taz is a fascinating character with a criminal past trying to escape an addiction to drugs and a fear that his genes and his obsessions have doomed him. He sets out on the trail after colorful encounters with a one-legged woman and his girlfriend Roxie, both representative of the life he wants to leave behind. He meets the intriguing Simone and Richard along the way. I would have preferred to meet Simone initially through Taz as I wasn’t as convinced by her POV as I was by Taz’s. And while the stories involving other characters Taz never meets are unusual and well-written, they felt like strange detours from his more interesting journey. The tone throughout is dark, yet strangely hopeful, and the stories are full of surprises. A highly entertaining read.
March 31, 2015
Things to like about this book: its length; colorful, often over-the-top, characters; a variety of ages and situations are represented; the setting just lends itself to good characterization. I grew fond of the main protagonist, Taz Chavis, and was rooting for him to stay focused on his goal of completing the trail.
Some problematic areas: heavy drug use and crass language (can we just find another word for crotch already?). When I say "crass," please know I am not a prude. But the language used to describe some things just seemed so, well, SIMPLE, that I really just wonder if I've read too much Nathaniel Hawthorne to be able to enjoy a regular-ass book. My BIG beef with this is that the "reveal" does not get the gravity it deserves. The rising action is meh, and that's about it. I had it figured out very early on, but I wanted A SHOW for that climax, and I didn't get it.
Some problematic areas: heavy drug use and crass language (can we just find another word for crotch already?). When I say "crass," please know I am not a prude. But the language used to describe some things just seemed so, well, SIMPLE, that I really just wonder if I've read too much Nathaniel Hawthorne to be able to enjoy a regular-ass book. My BIG beef with this is that the "reveal" does not get the gravity it deserves. The rising action is meh, and that's about it. I had it figured out very early on, but I wanted A SHOW for that climax, and I didn't get it.
September 3, 2012
Stayed up late last night reading to the end of this book, as Taz Chavez came to the (satisfying) end of his hike. I especially enjoyed the intersections of other characters from the towns the trail passes through. The shifting points of view brought a nice new twist to the traditional "hero's journey" narrative.
November 21, 2012
Gross, promiscuous, prolific sex is not very interesting nor is it uplifting. Nor is the use of drugs and alcohol. I love the outdoors, hiking and find it very wholesome and I have read several books on hiking the AT. Sex can also be very wholesome, but as I always say in my reviews, "PEOPLE! it is a PART of life, not the whole of it."
March 4, 2018
This is a tough book to review.There were definitely parts on the actual trail that I enjoyed.But there were other stories that seemed a bit random and just seemed to be like page fillers
.Overall it was a likeable look of those walking the Appalachian Trail.
.Overall it was a likeable look of those walking the Appalachian Trail.
August 2, 2021
This was a difficult one to review, but unfortunately I think the negatives outweighed the positives on this one for me. Still, it's a short enough book that I was able to finish in one sitting without feeling like I was robbed of my time.
Honestly the most interesting thing about this book is its structure; there is a main character that we follow in first-person narration, but every other chapter cuts away to introduce a new character in a concurrent but separate vignette told in third person. Sometimes these side characters appear in each others' chapters or in the main character's chapters, but not always. Can't think of another book I've read that did that.
The central theme of the book could be described in the simple question, "can people change who they are?", and it was successfully reinforced throughout. The answer I took away from the ending was "some can, some can't." Whether or not a reader will agree with that is entirely subjective, but I appreciate that it came to a concise conclusion rather than ending with some wishy-washy ending that was up to the reader's interpretation.
And while I appreciated the ending, I was less enthused about the journey up to that point. The synopsis on the back cover sort of led me to expect a mystery/thriller/horror story, which this book decidedly is not. There are a lot of sex scenes that feel largely unnecessary, multiple unhappy couples, and just a lot of unlikable characters (and I don't know how much of that was by design on the author's part). I liked the premise and setting of this story, I just wished it had leaned more into the mystery aspects and maybe trimmed out some of the more tangential vignettes.
Honestly the most interesting thing about this book is its structure; there is a main character that we follow in first-person narration, but every other chapter cuts away to introduce a new character in a concurrent but separate vignette told in third person. Sometimes these side characters appear in each others' chapters or in the main character's chapters, but not always. Can't think of another book I've read that did that.
The central theme of the book could be described in the simple question, "can people change who they are?", and it was successfully reinforced throughout. The answer I took away from the ending was "some can, some can't." Whether or not a reader will agree with that is entirely subjective, but I appreciate that it came to a concise conclusion rather than ending with some wishy-washy ending that was up to the reader's interpretation.
And while I appreciated the ending, I was less enthused about the journey up to that point. The synopsis on the back cover sort of led me to expect a mystery/thriller/horror story, which this book decidedly is not. There are a lot of sex scenes that feel largely unnecessary, multiple unhappy couples, and just a lot of unlikable characters (and I don't know how much of that was by design on the author's part). I liked the premise and setting of this story, I just wished it had leaned more into the mystery aspects and maybe trimmed out some of the more tangential vignettes.
October 10, 2018
The cover blurb from A.M. Homes read like a personal list of my favorite items found in books. From "the weird heart of American darkness" to name-checking O'Connor, Faulkner, Carver, and McCarthy, this seemed like the perfect story for me. What I discovered is sometimes the end result of mixing your favorite ingredients isn't always satisfying. Furthermore, the back-cover summary hints at suspense and mystery surrounding the deaths of several hikers on the Appalachian Trail. But we know exactly what happened long before Taz and Richard discover the first body.
Still, it had its moments. I enjoyed the exploration of whether or not a person can change or if we are who we are down to our DNA. There are also a host of interesting secondary characters and side stories, and the writing is tight while being stylistically complex, which shows Forrester is a skilled writer, just not one in the league with O'Connor and the others.
But in the end, it was a disappointment. Maybe if I'd read it without the blurbs my expectations wouldn't have been so high. I'm still wondering which book Homes read because this one didn't seem to match his description!
Still, it had its moments. I enjoyed the exploration of whether or not a person can change or if we are who we are down to our DNA. There are also a host of interesting secondary characters and side stories, and the writing is tight while being stylistically complex, which shows Forrester is a skilled writer, just not one in the league with O'Connor and the others.
But in the end, it was a disappointment. Maybe if I'd read it without the blurbs my expectations wouldn't have been so high. I'm still wondering which book Homes read because this one didn't seem to match his description!
March 7, 2018
This novel felt more like a series of short stories had been chopped up and rearranged to mostly-kinda-sometimes relate to each other. I feel there were too many narratives for a book under 200 pages, and enough gratuitous sex to fill a far longer book than this. Don't get me wrong; I like a steamy scene as much as the next person. What I don't like is when it's thrown in just as something to do, like any other overly used plot device.
January 11, 2020
Very quirky. Not at all like Cormac McCarthy, so the author should get that horrible blurb off his book. I liked it, but be prepared that it is offbeat. Series of vignettes that eventually come together. Some really beautiful and poetic writing along the way. Also an interesting look at life on a through hike, which I always wanted to do, until I read this book. Now I think I will stay in my own backyard, thanks.
October 5, 2023
Where to begin with this horrible book? The narrative was disjointed. Characters were presented who had nothing to do with the story. Most of the characters were unlikable, including the protagonist. No one seems to have experienced any redemption except maybe the junkie whore girlfriend, and we know how that goes. How long before she returns to her life of squalor giving blow jobs for her next fix? Just yuck. What a waste of time.
June 23, 2022
It was a pretty good story, but the description on the back is misleading. There is a mystery but it is super easy to solve immediately. The characters are also on a journey, but only one really shows any growth. All in all it was a fast paced book that was enjoyable to read, but it does feel like it is missing a few things.
October 12, 2019
The quote of "this book makes Cormac McCarthy's 'The Road' look like hallucinogenic cotton candy" was a huge load of BS, I kept on reading thinking it was going to get better or maybe more interesting but sadly it didn't. Not recommended.
June 8, 2020
Picked this short book up from goodwill....easy and entertaining summer book. I liked the main characters. I love reading about hikers on the trail. There were a few unnecessary storylines---and a few things that were rushed at the end. But overall it was entertaining.
September 4, 2017
Hmm. Compared to McCarthy's The Road. I don't see it.
October 1, 2017
Poor, poor, poor dialogue. Yikes.
January 3, 2018
I sat down today and read this in one sitting , it’s a very short book but really good I love the writing style , I was thoroughly engrossed.
August 11, 2018
Odd book.
March 21, 2019
Horrible book. Poorly conceived, poorly written, terrible plot, terrible character development. The worst piece of fiction I've read in many, many years.
July 18, 2019
Disappointed by this one. Dark. Sad. Ending was very unbelievable. No one walks 2200 miles of trail for an ending like that.
January 27, 2024
Following a couple of through hikers on the AT, we also meet people on the edges of the trail. A lot of desperation, addiction, and death. But also some hope. Just keep walking.
June 14, 2025
Interesting just because I was waiting to see if the main character got killed. Spoiler: he doesn’t. You can kinda figure out the end from the second chapter. Meh
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 7, 2013
Everyone who sets foot on the Appalachian Trail (AT) writes a book, blog, journal, or an essay. Forrester has not only traversed the trail itself but also written from self-exploration and although not a trail guide, he’s put as much knowledge and lore into the storyline as a David Miller trail journal. This one adds darkness to the peacefulness of the long-distance hike.
Taz Chavis, recently released from jail with a yearning for open-air freedom and a chance to make a clean break from an alcohol and drug-addled past, starts his journey on Springer Mountain in Georgia, intent on the northbound journey culminating at Katahdin in Maine, 2170 miles away. We are treated to not just stories of intertwining journeys of his soon-to-be trail partners—Simone Decker, a scientist with a hidden past, and Richard Nelson, intent on discovering his Native American heritage and avoiding working in the family business—but to those who help other hikers.
These side stories are as much a treat to the AT reader, or hiker, as the story Forrester presents us with, that of the possibility that perhaps the deaths on the AT are no accident. As the bodies of hikers pile up along steep and precipitous portions of the trail, it dawns on Chavis that there is a murderer in their midst, “…a hiker murdering hikers is a defilement, the worst of mankind…” The fragile and temporary nature of the relationships these three pals form is tested repeatedly, culminating in a fraught, tense scene in the dying embers of the novel.
Like real life, there is always life after the journey and Forrester guides us home to the same helplessness or loneliness that drives many out on the AT, the pervading melancholy of drab lives that persuades many to take that long walk in the first place. After all, it is, as Forrester reminds us, better than the alternative…death, because, “Death is never the answer.”
Taz Chavis, recently released from jail with a yearning for open-air freedom and a chance to make a clean break from an alcohol and drug-addled past, starts his journey on Springer Mountain in Georgia, intent on the northbound journey culminating at Katahdin in Maine, 2170 miles away. We are treated to not just stories of intertwining journeys of his soon-to-be trail partners—Simone Decker, a scientist with a hidden past, and Richard Nelson, intent on discovering his Native American heritage and avoiding working in the family business—but to those who help other hikers.
These side stories are as much a treat to the AT reader, or hiker, as the story Forrester presents us with, that of the possibility that perhaps the deaths on the AT are no accident. As the bodies of hikers pile up along steep and precipitous portions of the trail, it dawns on Chavis that there is a murderer in their midst, “…a hiker murdering hikers is a defilement, the worst of mankind…” The fragile and temporary nature of the relationships these three pals form is tested repeatedly, culminating in a fraught, tense scene in the dying embers of the novel.
Like real life, there is always life after the journey and Forrester guides us home to the same helplessness or loneliness that drives many out on the AT, the pervading melancholy of drab lives that persuades many to take that long walk in the first place. After all, it is, as Forrester reminds us, better than the alternative…death, because, “Death is never the answer.”
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews