Stumbling Thru: Hike Your Own Hike

by A. Digger Stolz

This novel follows Walter, a sad-sack schlump of a protagonist, as he sets out to hike the Appalachian Trail against his will.

Genres: Travel, Nonfiction, Outdoors, Adventure, Nature, Wilderness

278 pages, Paperback

First published February 10, 2013

About the author

Digger Stolz thru-hiked the Appalachian Trail in 1999. In the fourteen years since, he's been trying to capture the magic of his hike on paper.

Reviews

[Panda Pantera · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Appalachian Trail as a metaphor for life.

In Stumbling Thru, the Appalachian Trail is alive. We walk with Walter, our reluctant hiker who only knows that he's standing before 2,000+ miles of trail at the start of his uncertain journey. Characters that crisscross his path early on may or may not turn out to be major players, but one cannot imagine the novel without them. On trail everybody gets a nickname, and how you area assigned one is not random at all – Walter’s ennui earns him the alias “Bartleby”, after Bartleby the scrivener. There is also “STD”, “Bawdy”, “Poohbah”, “Flutterby”, and “Coyote” among many others. You’ll have to find out for yourself how “Peg Master” becomes “Skunkers”, whether “Again” manages to complete the trail after countless attempts.

Stumbling Thru presents a mosaic of characters weaving in and out of each other’s lives and hiking adventures.

This novel also reads like an insider’s account of hiking the Appalachian Trail. It’s for hikers and non-hikers alike, whether you’re thinking of taking on the AT or just looking for an entertaining and engaging read.

[Clare · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thru-hiked many years ago and I really enjoyed the return trip this book took me on. Very Funny and Accurate to life on trail. Characters had real depth and am curious what becomes of them. So many have tried to capture the Appalachian Trail in words and, through dialogue and snapshots, Stolz does so with great style. Lots of obscure literary references too for all the fellow english majors out there. Highly recommend!

[Nick Stoffel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome book! A fictional story of life on the Appalachian Trail, told through multiple characters. This is pt. 1 and chronicles Amicalola Falls to Damascus (460 miles out of the total 2200 miles of Appalachian Trail.)

The book is not another tedious trail journal outlining one hiker's journey, but a well-rounded book covering many aspects of the trail - from friendships, to nature, to food, to hilarious antics! The book is a great introduction to long distance hiking for those who haven't hiked, and an amazing "flashback inducer" for those who have.

[Donna Pelletier · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have read several books about people's journey on the Appalachian Trail and enjoyed them. This book was not one of my favorites but I will still buy the next in the series. I find it odd that it is mainly written in the third person. There is actually very little about the author and his thoughts and experiences. Although the antics of the other hikers are amusing at times I find the trail names confusing. If you have any plans to one day hike the AT I guess there are some tidbits in the book to make it worth reading.

[Miss Lily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Am a self-proclaimed armchair hiker. Have tried to read any/all AT books I hear about. A friend recommended this one. It was fun to read a novel instead of a memoir. Definitely a fresh take on trail/hiking life.

I plan to hike a section of the AT this spring. If I meet hikers anything like characters in this book, my trip will be a hoot! Very funny, can't wait to see how Bartleby's journey continues in book 2. When will it be out???

[Doug Alcorn · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was good enough to finish, but not to start the second book. As I'm given to read trail journals, I was unaware this was fictional. Even still, the author never lets on and even denies it in the introduction. Maybe it's not fiction. The more I read, the more I was convinced it was. I've read a lot of trail journals, nothing that happens here seems that out of the ordinary for an AT through hike. Which makes this book all the more frustrating. Why didn't the author just tell their own story?

[M. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this book because of the simplistic way the author describes his personal encounters, his reason for hiking the Appalachian trail and the the numerous people and their personalities he befriends while hiking the Appalachian trail.

I would recommend this book for all who aspire to hike the AT as a opportunity to see how trail life really is.

[Miss Lily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Funny story. Sorry-sad protagonist and not much "action" but still, somehow very engaging.
As a subculture, the Appalachian Trail is fascinating. Would love to get out there and see some of these antics for myself. Can't wait to get my hands on book 2. When's it comign out?

[Barbara K Rathbun · Rating 5 out of 5]

Most enjoyable.

I was a bit surprised to find this is fiction. loved the characters and the story is very well written. definitely kept my attention. not a lot of details about the trail, but instead what it takes to make it emotionally.

[Ryan Chamberlain · Rating 4 out of 5]

Four stars is a strong rating for this book. There were some parts that got confusing and some was written in sentence fragments, which is easily forgiven if you keep in mind it's rustic nature. One complaint I have is the excessive use of descriptive bathroom visits. I do understand that's a big part of the trail and maybe one general story about the difficulties and challenges of the "call of nature". But, maybe just an understanding that it happens and should just be left at that.
However, this book gave me EXACTLY what I was looking for in a story about the AT. The characters were well established.

[Tom Marsh · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was an enjoyable read, especially if you are interested in what hiking the AT is like. I thought the story was interesting and characters entertaining though I was disappointed at how immature and rather rude some of them were. I am sure the AT attracts all kinds of people and personalities and that is part of what makes the experience so interesting and memorable, but many if not most of the characters were...well, rude, immature, selfish, strange or self-absorbed. That said, this is the first book I have finished in a reasonable amount of time. I guess that makes it somewhat of a page turner?

[Erin Squires · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book. The characters come to life on the pages. Coyote and Skunkers are amazing together. Bartleby needs to come out of his shell and when he finally did reveal something about himself at the end I had to purchase part 2 without hesitation. This is a journey I want to make soon and seeing a glimpse of the people I will be surrounding myself with makes me want to pack my backpack now. I really like how the author describes when they start getting sick of each other and their ticks become thunderous. I hope Jane and Pony become friends in the end.

[Mike Pat · Rating 4 out of 5]

"And I know I haven't felt this worked up, Haven't felt anyhting. Makes me think that maybe this Appalachian Trail is, well, it's gotten into my blood now. So t
what I need to do is buck up, stick it out and see."

This is my fifth AT book and it was great. All my reads about the AT have been very different and entertaining. This one doesn't disapoint. As I get ready to hit the AT for a week long section hike, I really appreciated this read !

Just order part two !

Highly recommended if you're interested in what goes on at the AT.

[Jerry Carnes · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm surprised this book has not received more acclaim. It is a funny, well written work of fiction that provides accurate insight into a hike on the AT. I like the characters and their interaction. Looking forward to reading the second book.

[Dwayne Mchottie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story

The is a very down to earth well told story with likable characters. It will make you long to hike the AT!

[Don Paske · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book several years ago. It was slightly better than ok. I was a little disappointed the book didn't go farther along the AP.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was fun to read, but in no way makes me more inclined to want to do an AT through-hike myself (which was my husband's hope when he recommended the book to me).

[Judi Niermann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very entertaining story of a cast of characters hiking the AT. I'm looking for book 2.....

[Vizma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed it - it is a work of fiction but a fun look at thru-hiking the AT!

[DeAnn Kohlbeck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book! A must read for hiking lovers.

[Nancy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Amusing journal of thru- hiking the AT.

[Ciam7578 · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was choppy but held my attention. The book just ended suddenly with no closure.

[Nancy Lachance · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

I have read more Appalachian trail books than I care to admit as well as a good sprinkling of PCT tales. This was by far the most engaging and read-worthy one to date. The story is not so much about the hike but more about the parallel journeys of an assortment of fascinating characters. Their bonding besides their clearly parallel but never intertwined singular journeys are fascinating. They are consistent in their individual ways. I highly recommend this book to both those who appreciate the hike and to those who just like the odd twists and turns humanity can take.

[Frank Rezack · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've hiked sections of the AT and other long trails and this story is as true as it gets. The premise of the book is that a guy is so screwed up that he needs a "reset" so his wife drops him on the trail with little to no preparation and he sets off to find his "new self". It is fiction, based on the authors experiences and really reads like a true account. Thoroughly enjoyable and one of the best books I've read on hiking long trails. Good read!!

[Jenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful read about thru-hiking the AT

For some reason, I had a hard time getting into this book. The author's writing style was different and kind of confusing. But then, I "got it." And I couldn't put the book down. Found myself cringing at parts and laughing out loud in my office as I read this book during lunch hour. Love it. Every bit. Gonna hit the second half, and I am rooting like h-e-double hockey sticks for Bartleby!

[Mom2atornado · Rating 4 out of 5]

I genuinely enjoyed this fiction story set on the AT. The author did a wonderful job of pulling me into this mish-mosh group of hikers. I found myself laughing out loud quite a few times at many of the descriptions or scenarios. I will never forget the explanation of the group attempting to hang a bear bag - I was in stitches. I will definitely look at ordering the next book.

[Blind Mouse · Rating 5 out of 5]

As an old, old thru-hiker myself, I was pleasantly surprised with this book. Often felt like my own memories had been scooped up and set down on the page. Easily the best fiction I've read about the AT. One of the best AT books for that matter.

[Lucy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is not my typical pick for a book. A friend told me that it was worth a try and I am glad I listened. Bartleby and Flutterby were two of the characters I really connected with. I am routing for both of them and hope they find what they are looking for.

[Ellen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Only recommended for those interested in every twist and turn of the trail, as the book is definitely not plot-driven. That said, the author did not need to spend so much time prefacing the book with warnings about said lack of plot. A great window into trail life for those interested.

[Blindmouse96]

As a (way) past thru-hiker, this novel really spoke to my fading memories of trail life. Made me want to go out and do it all over again.

Blind Mouse GA>ME '96