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Long Lost: Three Trails, 8,000 Miles, One Unexpected Journey Across America's Triple Crown
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
February 24, 2026
Some books entertain you. Others sit with you long after you’ve closed the cover. Long Lost did the latter for me.
Tami Asars has a way of telling her story that feels deeply human—messy, determined, funny, painful, and hopeful all at once. I cried more than once, laughed out loud at moments I wasn’t expecting, and found myself quietly reflecting on my own life in between chapters. This isn’t just a story about miles logged or trails conquered; it’s about persistence, passion, and what it really means to keep showing up for the things that matter to you.
What stayed with me most was the idea of a dream that’s never quite announced as a dream. In the introduction, Tami mentions that the Triple Crown “just happened,” and I believe her. But what unfolds across the pages is something bigger than a checklist or an achievement. It’s the story of a life shaped by doing what you love—especially when it’s hard, especially when it hurts, and especially when the cost feels high. Blisters so bad you can barely walk. Time away from the people you love. Moments when the finish line feels impossibly far away. And still, step by step, you keep going.
There’s something incredibly powerful about watching someone build a life this way—not all at once, not perfectly, but little by little. As you read, you realize that the “accomplishment” isn’t just the trail itself, but the legacy created along the way: a life spent fully, intentionally, and with heart. Long Lost reminded me how important it is to keep striving toward the things that light us up, no matter how big or small they may seem. For anyone who’s ever fought for a dream that felt just out of reach, Tami’s journey hits home—you’ll cry with her, cheer for her, and feel that quiet spark inside you burn a little brighter. This is a book for anyone who believes that a life well lived isn’t measured only by milestones, but by the courage to keep moving forward—one step, one mile, one imperfect day at a time.
Tami Asars has a way of telling her story that feels deeply human—messy, determined, funny, painful, and hopeful all at once. I cried more than once, laughed out loud at moments I wasn’t expecting, and found myself quietly reflecting on my own life in between chapters. This isn’t just a story about miles logged or trails conquered; it’s about persistence, passion, and what it really means to keep showing up for the things that matter to you.
What stayed with me most was the idea of a dream that’s never quite announced as a dream. In the introduction, Tami mentions that the Triple Crown “just happened,” and I believe her. But what unfolds across the pages is something bigger than a checklist or an achievement. It’s the story of a life shaped by doing what you love—especially when it’s hard, especially when it hurts, and especially when the cost feels high. Blisters so bad you can barely walk. Time away from the people you love. Moments when the finish line feels impossibly far away. And still, step by step, you keep going.
There’s something incredibly powerful about watching someone build a life this way—not all at once, not perfectly, but little by little. As you read, you realize that the “accomplishment” isn’t just the trail itself, but the legacy created along the way: a life spent fully, intentionally, and with heart. Long Lost reminded me how important it is to keep striving toward the things that light us up, no matter how big or small they may seem. For anyone who’s ever fought for a dream that felt just out of reach, Tami’s journey hits home—you’ll cry with her, cheer for her, and feel that quiet spark inside you burn a little brighter. This is a book for anyone who believes that a life well lived isn’t measured only by milestones, but by the courage to keep moving forward—one step, one mile, one imperfect day at a time.
June 16, 2026
Long Lost: Three Trails, 8,000 Miles, One Unexpected Journey Across America's Triple Crown is an inspiring and immersive adventure memoir that captures the challenges, discoveries, and personal transformation found along one of the most ambitious outdoor journeys. Tami Asars combines vivid storytelling, reflection, and adventure to create a narrative that goes beyond the physical miles traveled and explores the deeper meaning behind the journey.
One of the book's greatest strengths is its ability to bring the experience of long distance hiking to life. Through detailed observations and personal insights, Asars allows readers to experience the landscapes, challenges, emotions, and unexpected moments that define such an extraordinary undertaking. The result is a story that feels both adventurous and deeply human.
The writing is engaging and authentic, balancing moments of physical challenge with reflections on growth, perseverance, and self discovery. The journey across America's Triple Crown becomes more than an outdoor accomplishment. It becomes a story about resilience, connection, and the lessons gained through stepping beyond familiar boundaries.
Another notable aspect of Long Lost is the way it appeals to both adventure enthusiasts and general readers. While the book captures the excitement of exploration, it also speaks to universal themes of courage, change, and finding meaning through experience. This combination gives the memoir broad emotional appeal.
Long Lost is a captivating and inspiring memoir that celebrates adventure, determination, and the transformative power of following an unexpected path. Readers who enjoy travel memoirs, outdoor adventures, and stories of personal growth will find this book both memorable and rewarding.
One of the book's greatest strengths is its ability to bring the experience of long distance hiking to life. Through detailed observations and personal insights, Asars allows readers to experience the landscapes, challenges, emotions, and unexpected moments that define such an extraordinary undertaking. The result is a story that feels both adventurous and deeply human.
The writing is engaging and authentic, balancing moments of physical challenge with reflections on growth, perseverance, and self discovery. The journey across America's Triple Crown becomes more than an outdoor accomplishment. It becomes a story about resilience, connection, and the lessons gained through stepping beyond familiar boundaries.
Another notable aspect of Long Lost is the way it appeals to both adventure enthusiasts and general readers. While the book captures the excitement of exploration, it also speaks to universal themes of courage, change, and finding meaning through experience. This combination gives the memoir broad emotional appeal.
Long Lost is a captivating and inspiring memoir that celebrates adventure, determination, and the transformative power of following an unexpected path. Readers who enjoy travel memoirs, outdoor adventures, and stories of personal growth will find this book both memorable and rewarding.
July 10, 2026
After finishing Long Lost, what stayed with me most wasn't simply the accomplishment of hiking America's Triple Crown—it was the realization that the longest journeys often lead us somewhere we never intended to go. While the miles, landscapes, and physical endurance are impressive, the memoir is ultimately about what happens internally when life strips away routine and leaves only the essentials.
What makes the book especially compelling is that it never feels like a checklist of trail milestones. Instead, every section reflects the emotional and mental evolution that comes with spending thousands of miles immersed in nature. The changing landscapes become mirrors for changing perspectives, making the memoir as much about self-discovery as adventure.
I also appreciated how the book captures both the beauty and the hardship of long-distance hiking. There are moments of awe, solitude, uncertainty, exhaustion, and unexpected human connection that make the experience feel authentic rather than romanticized. It reminds readers that the trail doesn't simply test physical endurance—it reshapes patience, resilience, and perspective.
Even readers who have never backpacked a single mile will find something meaningful here. Long Lost is less about hiking than it is about learning to embrace uncertainty, finding clarity through movement, and discovering that sometimes getting "lost" is exactly what allows us to find ourselves.
What makes the book especially compelling is that it never feels like a checklist of trail milestones. Instead, every section reflects the emotional and mental evolution that comes with spending thousands of miles immersed in nature. The changing landscapes become mirrors for changing perspectives, making the memoir as much about self-discovery as adventure.
I also appreciated how the book captures both the beauty and the hardship of long-distance hiking. There are moments of awe, solitude, uncertainty, exhaustion, and unexpected human connection that make the experience feel authentic rather than romanticized. It reminds readers that the trail doesn't simply test physical endurance—it reshapes patience, resilience, and perspective.
Even readers who have never backpacked a single mile will find something meaningful here. Long Lost is less about hiking than it is about learning to embrace uncertainty, finding clarity through movement, and discovering that sometimes getting "lost" is exactly what allows us to find ourselves.
July 28, 2026
Long Lost is a beautifully written memoir that reminds us the greatest adventures are often the ones that transform us from the inside out.
What I appreciated most is that Tami Asars never reduces the journey to statistics or accomplishments alone. Hiking America's Triple Crown is undeniably remarkable, but the true strength of the book lies in the emotional and personal discoveries made along the trail. Each mile becomes part of a larger story about resilience, reflection, and the courage to keep moving forward through uncertainty.
Another strength of the memoir is its vivid portrayal of the trail experience. The beauty of the landscapes, the physical demands of long-distance hiking, and the unexpected connections formed along the way create an immersive reading experience that allows readers to feel as though they are walking beside the author. Whether or not someone has ever set foot on a long-distance trail, the emotional journey feels universally relatable.
At its heart, Long Lost is about far more than hiking thousands of miles. It is about rediscovering purpose, embracing life's unexpected detours, and realizing that sometimes the path we lose ourselves on becomes the very one that helps us find ourselves again.
A deeply inspiring read for lovers of adventure memoirs, nature writing, personal transformation, and stories that celebrate the enduring resilience of the human spirit.
What I appreciated most is that Tami Asars never reduces the journey to statistics or accomplishments alone. Hiking America's Triple Crown is undeniably remarkable, but the true strength of the book lies in the emotional and personal discoveries made along the trail. Each mile becomes part of a larger story about resilience, reflection, and the courage to keep moving forward through uncertainty.
Another strength of the memoir is its vivid portrayal of the trail experience. The beauty of the landscapes, the physical demands of long-distance hiking, and the unexpected connections formed along the way create an immersive reading experience that allows readers to feel as though they are walking beside the author. Whether or not someone has ever set foot on a long-distance trail, the emotional journey feels universally relatable.
At its heart, Long Lost is about far more than hiking thousands of miles. It is about rediscovering purpose, embracing life's unexpected detours, and realizing that sometimes the path we lose ourselves on becomes the very one that helps us find ourselves again.
A deeply inspiring read for lovers of adventure memoirs, nature writing, personal transformation, and stories that celebrate the enduring resilience of the human spirit.
June 15, 2026
Having long loved Tami Asar's hiking guides (such a great writer!), I'm glad I got to read a more narrative piece. It was fun to hear about her hiking style, her life as a hiker, and feel like I got a little behind-the-scenes intel of her hiking guides. I am now also a fan of Lord Huron's "Long Lost" song, which I listened to on repeat after finishing this book. She sounds like she has a full and enriching life all around, and so she brings a kind of contentedness to her hike. Hiking for joy, not to find healing, and that's beautiful in its own solid way. Another hiking memoir I liked that this reminded me of was "Bliss(ters)" - though that was on the Pacific Crest Trail, whereas Long Lost mostly takes place on the Appalachian Trail.
Speaking of, I must say that the AT has become much more fleshed out for me after reading this. I have a lot of respect for people who hike it - storms, and rocks, and roots - and falling? I will take my friendly PCT any day!
Speaking of, I must say that the AT has become much more fleshed out for me after reading this. I have a lot of respect for people who hike it - storms, and rocks, and roots - and falling? I will take my friendly PCT any day!
July 11, 2026
I enjoyed reading Asars tale of thru-hiking and greatly appreciated her honesty and vulnerability. It wasn't a soul searching adventure - it was a physical and mental trek. As an occasional day hiker, I can't imagine what thru-hiking is like but she did an excellent job of sharing the good, bad and ugly, and still managing to give me a niggling desire to attempt longer hikes.
I do think the subtitle is a little misaligned - it mostly follows her 3rd hurdle: the Appalachian Trail. She recounts moments from her other hikes but they aren't the focus and at times, the weaving of multiple trail stories could be a little disorienting.
I do think the subtitle is a little misaligned - it mostly follows her 3rd hurdle: the Appalachian Trail. She recounts moments from her other hikes but they aren't the focus and at times, the weaving of multiple trail stories could be a little disorienting.
April 25, 2026
Full disclosure, I know the author. I was delighted to find that the Tami I know accurately represented herself. She was/is honest, vulnerable, down for anything and a lot of fun. I enjoyed getting insight into a part of the country I haven’t explored, and into the semi- masochistic, driven psyche of someone who’d embark on a multi-month backpack with COVID.
May 21, 2026
I wasn't sure I wanted to read another hiking book, but a friend recommended this one and said "no- it's different." I was struck by the humility of the author and the challenges she faced on these trails. She writes with purity and an honesty that you can't help but love. I had a hard time putting it down.
February 24, 2026
Excellent book about the adventures and perils of hiking the Appalachian Trail. Tami makes you feel like you’re hiking right along with her. A must read!
March 13, 2026
Wonderful book. I really felt like I was out on the trail while reading it. A great view of the true ups and downs of hiking such a grueling trail.
August 4, 2026
I thoroughly enjoyed this read. Tami's descriptions brought her tale to vivid life. Although I've never set foot on the Appalachian Trail, she painted images with her words that took me there. Her perseverance despite blisters, illness, weather, and terrain challenges is inspiring, and the fact that she kept her sense of humor despite all of it speaks to her strength. I also appreciated the way she shared how she and Five Star navigated their partnership.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews