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Becoming Odyssa: Adventures on the Appalachian Trail
After graduating from college, Jennifer isn’t sure what she wants to do with her life. Through inexperienced and unprepared, she feels drawn to the Appalachian Trail and sets out along on the long-distance footpath that stretches 2, 175 miles from Georgia to Maine.
The next five months are the most physically and emotionally challenging of her life—coping with blisters and aching shoulders, hiking through endless torrents of rain and a blizzard, facing unwanted company and encountering tragedy. The trail becomes a modern day Odyssey that tests Jennifer’s faith in God, humanity and herself. But even at her lowest points, it provides enduring friendships, unexpected laughter, and the gift of self-discovery.
With every step she takes, Jennifer transitions from an over-confident college graduate to a student of the trail. As she travels along the ridges of the ancient mountain chain, she realizes that she isn’t walking through nature—she realizes she is part of nature. And she learns that the Appalachian Trails is more than a 2,175 mile hike: it is a journey that will change a person forever.
The next five months are the most physically and emotionally challenging of her life—coping with blisters and aching shoulders, hiking through endless torrents of rain and a blizzard, facing unwanted company and encountering tragedy. The trail becomes a modern day Odyssey that tests Jennifer’s faith in God, humanity and herself. But even at her lowest points, it provides enduring friendships, unexpected laughter, and the gift of self-discovery.
With every step she takes, Jennifer transitions from an over-confident college graduate to a student of the trail. As she travels along the ridges of the ancient mountain chain, she realizes that she isn’t walking through nature—she realizes she is part of nature. And she learns that the Appalachian Trails is more than a 2,175 mile hike: it is a journey that will change a person forever.
321 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 2010
475 people are currently reading
9662 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Pharr Davis
14 books141 followersJennifer Pharr Davis grew up in the North Carolina Mountains, where she developed a love for hiking at a young age. At age twenty-one, Jennifer hiked the entire Appalachian Trail as a solo female and fell in love with long-distance backpacking.
Since then, Jennifer has hiked more than 8,000 miles of trails in North America, including the Pacific Crest Trail, Vermont’s Long Trail, and the Colorado Trail, and completed two thru-hikes on the Appalachian Trail. She has hiked and traveled on six continents; some of the highlights include Mount Kilimanjaro, the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, and the 600-mile Bibbulmun Track in Australia.
Jennifer holds endurance records on three long-distance trails. In 2008 she became the fastest woman to hike the Appalachian Trail, averaging thirty-eight miles a day and completing the trail in fifty-seven days.
Jennifer has written for Trail Runner magazine, Away.com, and is a frequent contributor to Blue Ridge Outdoors Magazine, and has written two guidebooks. Jennifer lives in Asheville, North Carolina, with her husband, and is the owner and founder of Blue Ridge Hiking Co.
Since then, Jennifer has hiked more than 8,000 miles of trails in North America, including the Pacific Crest Trail, Vermont’s Long Trail, and the Colorado Trail, and completed two thru-hikes on the Appalachian Trail. She has hiked and traveled on six continents; some of the highlights include Mount Kilimanjaro, the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, and the 600-mile Bibbulmun Track in Australia.
Jennifer holds endurance records on three long-distance trails. In 2008 she became the fastest woman to hike the Appalachian Trail, averaging thirty-eight miles a day and completing the trail in fifty-seven days.
Jennifer has written for Trail Runner magazine, Away.com, and is a frequent contributor to Blue Ridge Outdoors Magazine, and has written two guidebooks. Jennifer lives in Asheville, North Carolina, with her husband, and is the owner and founder of Blue Ridge Hiking Co.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 842 reviews
July 24, 2012
I cannot believe that there are not more raw reviews of this book! In the spirit of the author, here is my review: I tried really hard to like this author and her story but at about halfway through I could not stand her at all. She spends most of her time complaining about the people that she encounters on the trail and victimizes every situation that doesn't suit her. She defines herself by her faith but acts with little compassion and respect and a "better than you" attitude. Part of the story finds her, a grown woman, hiding in the bushes to avoid hiking with a man that she initially approached because she does not have the decency to simply tell him such. Seriously? Her trail journey starts out via her judging other's capability based upon their extroversion. This book is not so much a novel but rather a pretentious girl's diary about her complaints on the trail. I stopped reading at the point in which she encounters a suicide on the trail and goes on to be angry at the victim to have put her through something like that. Attitudes like that absolutely disgust me. The only thing that got me mostly through the book was an, "Oh my god, what will she do next," view. There is very little humility and depth going on in this book and I'd like to think that she has matured in her second book but I doubt I'll give it a chance after being sucked in to her petty drama in this book.
January 14, 2014
The author strikes me as one of those hypocrite Christians--constantly talking about how much she's into God and then a paragraph later criticizing someone else for... well... pretty much anything and everything. This girl has a serious problem with being a judgmental prude. She also makes fun of other people's religious choices.
I am usually uplifted by AT thru hike accounts. This book left me with a sour taste in my mouth. I guess the author never heard the mantra "hike your own hike" because she sure thought that hers was the way to do it and said snarky awful things about others.
I am usually uplifted by AT thru hike accounts. This book left me with a sour taste in my mouth. I guess the author never heard the mantra "hike your own hike" because she sure thought that hers was the way to do it and said snarky awful things about others.
August 24, 2015
I've read numerous hiking memoirs and this is one of the weaker ones.
Jennifer has a good story -- hiking the Appalachian Trail solo when she was 21 -- but the writing was too florid and she had long digressions about her Christian faith and her relationship with God.
I also found her naivete frustrating. She claimed she had been thinking about hiking the trail for years and had been preparing, so I had trouble believing that she didn't know she needed a water filter, or that she had to protect her food from bears, or that there would be mice in the trail shelters. Girl, I haven't walked a foot of the trail and even I know that stuff. She was either pretending to be stupid to gain sympathy or she really is that dense -- regardless of which one, it was annoying.
However, once I got past her early fumblings and skimmed the God passages, I enjoyed reading about her adventures along the trail. The last chapter mentions that a few years after her first AT hike, she set the women's record for hiking it. She also went on to do other long-distance hikes, including the Pacific Crest and Colorado trails.
Despite my complaints about the writing, Jennifer's story about how she became the hiker she is today is inspiring.
Jennifer has a good story -- hiking the Appalachian Trail solo when she was 21 -- but the writing was too florid and she had long digressions about her Christian faith and her relationship with God.
I also found her naivete frustrating. She claimed she had been thinking about hiking the trail for years and had been preparing, so I had trouble believing that she didn't know she needed a water filter, or that she had to protect her food from bears, or that there would be mice in the trail shelters. Girl, I haven't walked a foot of the trail and even I know that stuff. She was either pretending to be stupid to gain sympathy or she really is that dense -- regardless of which one, it was annoying.
However, once I got past her early fumblings and skimmed the God passages, I enjoyed reading about her adventures along the trail. The last chapter mentions that a few years after her first AT hike, she set the women's record for hiking it. She also went on to do other long-distance hikes, including the Pacific Crest and Colorado trails.
Despite my complaints about the writing, Jennifer's story about how she became the hiker she is today is inspiring.
August 15, 2022
Another AT memoir under my belt. Hopefully someday I will read them all. 😉
December 5, 2021
I feel more inspired to go on a long trek.
Every experience shared from the start to the end was very valuable. We could feel the trek ourselves. No doubt she earned awards for it.
Every experience shared from the start to the end was very valuable. We could feel the trek ourselves. No doubt she earned awards for it.
June 1, 2017
As an incredible athlete and an honest writer, I have respect for Davis. Her hiking ability is unrivaled and the attention to detail in this story impressive. Moreover, the presentation of a female perspective-- the depiction of the special difficulty women have in attempting to assure their own safety alone in a situation like the AT is important. I'm not sure that I could complete a thru-hike at all, never mind doing so at half her rate. However, I have to side with those who find this story, as a book meant to inspire others and be inclusive in its scope, to be self-involved and off-putting in its accounting.
At the outset, despite being an agnostic myself, I found her religious openness refreshing. If Christianity was an important part of her journey, it's vital that it be included in an honest autobiography, and it's her book, so it's her right. However, the self-righteous tone of her specific religious interjections were still distracting further along. She speaks sanctimoniously of God's love for her to multiple people with no regard for the suffering they might have endured themselves and apparently no awareness of her privilege. Her general judgment of those around her, only to often conclude with, essentially, "oops! dirty bearded man I was forced to trust was nice after all! ain't God the best!?" comes off more naive and self-righteous than suits me. She felt superior to those who didn't have the money, health, or time to thru-hike with no awareness of how lucky she was to have that luxury. Add this to the fact (noted by others) that she went without any knowledge of how to filter water or prepare for the unknown, etc, does not make her any more praiseworthy a protagonist than anyone else who's ever completed a difficult endurance challenge, AT speed record holder or not.
Essentially: I found her narrative somewhat intriguing due to my interest in the AT in general, but her "voice" distinctly unappealing.
At the outset, despite being an agnostic myself, I found her religious openness refreshing. If Christianity was an important part of her journey, it's vital that it be included in an honest autobiography, and it's her book, so it's her right. However, the self-righteous tone of her specific religious interjections were still distracting further along. She speaks sanctimoniously of God's love for her to multiple people with no regard for the suffering they might have endured themselves and apparently no awareness of her privilege. Her general judgment of those around her, only to often conclude with, essentially, "oops! dirty bearded man I was forced to trust was nice after all! ain't God the best!?" comes off more naive and self-righteous than suits me. She felt superior to those who didn't have the money, health, or time to thru-hike with no awareness of how lucky she was to have that luxury. Add this to the fact (noted by others) that she went without any knowledge of how to filter water or prepare for the unknown, etc, does not make her any more praiseworthy a protagonist than anyone else who's ever completed a difficult endurance challenge, AT speed record holder or not.
Essentially: I found her narrative somewhat intriguing due to my interest in the AT in general, but her "voice" distinctly unappealing.
December 9, 2011
I just started this book and was in tears in 5 minutes. Mostly because the topic is so close to my heart - a woman's journey on the Appalachian Trail. I just finished my 2nd hike on the AT in early September and already feel the pull to return. I love the way Jen describes her initial excitement and fears. She's clear about her mistakes and learning curves. So far, her descriptions are spot on. It's a difficult read for me because I miss the trail so much; it is such a part of my being and history. Now I need to be settled and doing other things but I feel I'm always planning how I can do another hike. For now, I will live vicariously through someone else's experience.
Next day: won and done. This was an easy read but mostly because, like the AT, I was compelled to keep moving. I started it last night and finished it this morning. I cried in the beginning - excited and completely relating to Jen's anticipation - and I cried when it ended. I wanted to immediately pack my pack and head east. Again - for the billionth time - shed my things and pursue the life of aesthetic simplicity. Jen nails it - she describes the pain, the euphoria, the trepidation, the exhaustion and the ultimate joy. It's all here. The beauty of my life is that former thru-hikers will always have the trail experience in their heart. We can always return.
Next day: won and done. This was an easy read but mostly because, like the AT, I was compelled to keep moving. I started it last night and finished it this morning. I cried in the beginning - excited and completely relating to Jen's anticipation - and I cried when it ended. I wanted to immediately pack my pack and head east. Again - for the billionth time - shed my things and pursue the life of aesthetic simplicity. Jen nails it - she describes the pain, the euphoria, the trepidation, the exhaustion and the ultimate joy. It's all here. The beauty of my life is that former thru-hikers will always have the trail experience in their heart. We can always return.
December 10, 2014
The author is the National Geographic Hiker of the Year Award for 2012, the current speed record holder for thru-hiking Appalachain Trail (2011), and a compelling writer. I could not put the book down, and read it in one day.
How is it that this book isn't more widely read?
How can it be that this book is absent on bookshelves in stores, while "Wild", Cheryl Strayed's account of a partial 1100 mile hike from 1995 on the Pacific Crest Trail is now known by practically everyone in America?
It's got to be politics and marketing.
I first heard about "Wild" sometime early in 2012, in a brief paragraph in Outside Magazine, focused on the fact that Knopf was publishing an initial 100,000 hardbound copies of the $26 book. They questioned how a book about hiking could be interesting, suggesting that they may not have even read it themselves. How could they? I scooted over to Amazon to look at the book, and check it out, where I learned that the book had not even been released to the pubic ! I didn't rate Wild very highly, because it wanted to read a book about backpacking, which doesn't appear in Wild until you've reached page 100. My own Goodreads review of that book is here http://wp.me/pa3BR-LZ .
But enough with Wild, this is a much better book, a book that stands on its own as a personal account of what it is like to experience the Appalachian Trail, and also to grow up.
Jennifer Davis was a complete novice when she completed her first thru-hike of the AT in 2005. At the time, she had never never slept alone, nor had she ever ate alone a restaurant. She endured far more discomfort than was necessary, due to her lack of knowledge about what to do out there. Farr Davis is believable, you feel for her loneliness, discomfort, and her considerable triumph. And to see what has become of her after her perseverance, visit her website at http://blueridgehikingco.com/about-bl....
How is it that this book isn't more widely read?
How can it be that this book is absent on bookshelves in stores, while "Wild", Cheryl Strayed's account of a partial 1100 mile hike from 1995 on the Pacific Crest Trail is now known by practically everyone in America?
It's got to be politics and marketing.
I first heard about "Wild" sometime early in 2012, in a brief paragraph in Outside Magazine, focused on the fact that Knopf was publishing an initial 100,000 hardbound copies of the $26 book. They questioned how a book about hiking could be interesting, suggesting that they may not have even read it themselves. How could they? I scooted over to Amazon to look at the book, and check it out, where I learned that the book had not even been released to the pubic ! I didn't rate Wild very highly, because it wanted to read a book about backpacking, which doesn't appear in Wild until you've reached page 100. My own Goodreads review of that book is here http://wp.me/pa3BR-LZ .
But enough with Wild, this is a much better book, a book that stands on its own as a personal account of what it is like to experience the Appalachian Trail, and also to grow up.
Jennifer Davis was a complete novice when she completed her first thru-hike of the AT in 2005. At the time, she had never never slept alone, nor had she ever ate alone a restaurant. She endured far more discomfort than was necessary, due to her lack of knowledge about what to do out there. Farr Davis is believable, you feel for her loneliness, discomfort, and her considerable triumph. And to see what has become of her after her perseverance, visit her website at http://blueridgehikingco.com/about-bl....
November 18, 2015
DNF. This book is probably the most boring outdoor adventure book I've ever read. I mean I'm sure she had some pretty awesome experiences while on the Appalachian Trail, but she's horrible at emotionally conveying her experiences. This book reads more like a step by step process, there really is no emotion. Her writing even comes off as somewhat snooty. I really did try to like it... I read about 25% just to make sure that it wasn't going to get better.
I think the problem is that I love Wild. It also has the same premise - a woman decides to hike a long distance thru hike by herself. However, Cheryl Strayed is able to capture all of the emotion and convey the trail magic in a way that inspires and makes you feel like you could do this too. Becoming Odyssa just doesn't even compare. If you want to read a good adventure memoir just go read Wild. It's much more worth your time.
I think the problem is that I love Wild. It also has the same premise - a woman decides to hike a long distance thru hike by herself. However, Cheryl Strayed is able to capture all of the emotion and convey the trail magic in a way that inspires and makes you feel like you could do this too. Becoming Odyssa just doesn't even compare. If you want to read a good adventure memoir just go read Wild. It's much more worth your time.
August 18, 2019
Jennifer Pharr Davis is like a superhero but better. We are alike in some ways. We are only a year apart in age. We both spent part of 2005 in different areas of Maine. But Jennifer is the superhero. I couldn't imagine walking alone on the Appalachian Trail as a young female. I once tried to walk a couple miles around a lake after having eaten only a couple donuts the entire day and didn't get very far. As if I didn't think that was pathetic enough, imagine my shame when Jennifer hikes over 2,000 miles on a diet mostly consisting of junk food! Candy bars! Toaster pastries! The way she withstands the black flies alone amazes me. I've had the experience of dealing with black flies in Maine. They are ten times worse than mosquitoes. Jennifer says she starts to fall apart because most of her gear is falling apart, but I believe it is really due to those pesky black flies.
I have already read a memoir about hiking the Appalachian Trail. I was worried this book wouldn't be as good as Bill Bryson's 'A Walk in the Woods' and maybe a bit redundant. Bryson is hilarious which made his book a favorite. Hilarity is here also in bits of 'Becoming Odyssa', maybe not as much as Bryson's book, but 'Becoming Odyssa' is important for so many other reasons. The humor is just a bonus. Bryson may go on interesting tangents, but Jennifer's book is much more courageous and inspirational. Jennifer is the sort of person you wish all memoirs were based on. I don't like reading memoirs about horrible people. From her writing, Jennifer seems like a genuine, kindhearted, amazing person. Her personality alone is something to aspire to. Her writing style makes it seem like she is a friend telling you her experiences. Jennifer goes through some tough stuff: a creepy stalker, being hit by lightning, a thru-hiker that reminded me of The Office's Dwight Schrute (though hilarious on TV is not someone I would want to be walking the Appalachian Trail with). One particular event Jennifer goes through is horrible and heartbreaking. But when she is doing well on the trail, it is lovely to read. You want to see her succeed on the trail. And she goes above and beyond succeeding.
I really have nothing negative to say about this book. It is definitely a new favorite in the memoir genre. 'Becoming Odyssa' should be read by armchair hikers, those who actually are hikers and would like to read another persons experience, those planning on hiking the Appalachian Trail and trying to find a primer on the topic beforehand, or really anyone who likes a great adventure.
I have already read a memoir about hiking the Appalachian Trail. I was worried this book wouldn't be as good as Bill Bryson's 'A Walk in the Woods' and maybe a bit redundant. Bryson is hilarious which made his book a favorite. Hilarity is here also in bits of 'Becoming Odyssa', maybe not as much as Bryson's book, but 'Becoming Odyssa' is important for so many other reasons. The humor is just a bonus. Bryson may go on interesting tangents, but Jennifer's book is much more courageous and inspirational. Jennifer is the sort of person you wish all memoirs were based on. I don't like reading memoirs about horrible people. From her writing, Jennifer seems like a genuine, kindhearted, amazing person. Her personality alone is something to aspire to. Her writing style makes it seem like she is a friend telling you her experiences. Jennifer goes through some tough stuff: a creepy stalker, being hit by lightning, a thru-hiker that reminded me of The Office's Dwight Schrute (though hilarious on TV is not someone I would want to be walking the Appalachian Trail with). One particular event Jennifer goes through is horrible and heartbreaking. But when she is doing well on the trail, it is lovely to read. You want to see her succeed on the trail. And she goes above and beyond succeeding.
I really have nothing negative to say about this book. It is definitely a new favorite in the memoir genre. 'Becoming Odyssa' should be read by armchair hikers, those who actually are hikers and would like to read another persons experience, those planning on hiking the Appalachian Trail and trying to find a primer on the topic beforehand, or really anyone who likes a great adventure.
October 14, 2012
I enjoyed "Wild" so much that I went searching for similar books. This is one woman's story of her first time on the Appalachian Trail. I so admire the drive and physical ability to take something like this or the Pacific Coast Trail on. I was exhausted reading of all the miles covered, especially the side trips into town over miles then trekking back to pick up the trail. It was fascinating to learn of the shelters set up for thru-hikers and sometimes the politics and annoyances when weekend hikers would stop early in the day then spread their stuff all through the shelter leaving little room for others. Jen struggled with the thought that thru-hikers should be given priority but she maintained her cool and just asked for room for herself. I loved hearing about the relationships, good and bad, with other hikers. Some became great supportive friends while others didn't seem to understand the concept of wanting to hike alone. This book inspired me to think about what sort of goal I could set for myself that would be even half as fulfilling. Nothing has come to mind yet but hopefully I'll find something.
May 4, 2023
Nah. This author is continually judgmental, and childish about other hikers. She believes she is the only hiker who is hiking the AT correctly. Spoiler alert, she ain’t. I also get the feeling most of the terrible people she talks about are either completely made up to fit her weird narrative or absurdly exaggerated. I guess every book needs a bad guy? She’s certainly the type of entitled person who cuts someone off in traffic then calls the police when someone does it to her.
January 14, 2013
Okay - first off, it didn't take me almost a year to read this book!! I started it last year and got sidetracked with book club books and reviews I was trying to finish up. So I started fresh after the first of the year.
This is my first AT memoir and I thoroughly enjoyed it. From the people Pharr Davis encountered to the situations in which she found herself, I was intrigued the entire way. One of the first things I found after starting is that I wanted to visit this trail. I'm not a hiker, I've never been a hiker, and I'd probably make for a horrible hiker, but Pharr Davis brings the trail to life here and into perspective as well.
The stark difference between our harried existence of today and the blissful, quiet of nature (especially at the AT) is mesmerizing. Her descriptions of her lone segments made me hunger for the opportunity to experience such a beautiful place in complete silence. No interruptions, no jumping from obligation to obligation, no littered, oily highways or sidewalks...just pure nature and all it has to offer.
I've read through some of the recent reviews and was surprised by some of the reactions to this book and the negativity shown towards the author because she wrote so much about her relationship with God and complained or whined a lot. I enjoyed her reflection on her faith and her relationship with God. I think that was one of the most defining portions, for her, on the journey. As I would expect it would be of any Christian. I also enjoyed the fact that she didn't handle all of the "discomforts" of the trail with a smiley, happy demeanor because let's be honest - that would be total untruth. Pharr Davis made it clear that she was uncomfortable and that she seriously contemplated quitting during the book. She made it clear that this was not a recreational hike (as did her mentor in the beginning of the book), but instead a trying, frustrating, mentally & emotionally draining job.
Had she treated her trials like she was running around with unicorns on rainbows it would have made for quite a different and less satisfying book.
From someone who had no previous AT knowledge, has never really hiked a day in her life, and is the epitome of the busyness this world has created - go read this book; you will appreciate what it has to offer!
This is my first AT memoir and I thoroughly enjoyed it. From the people Pharr Davis encountered to the situations in which she found herself, I was intrigued the entire way. One of the first things I found after starting is that I wanted to visit this trail. I'm not a hiker, I've never been a hiker, and I'd probably make for a horrible hiker, but Pharr Davis brings the trail to life here and into perspective as well.
The stark difference between our harried existence of today and the blissful, quiet of nature (especially at the AT) is mesmerizing. Her descriptions of her lone segments made me hunger for the opportunity to experience such a beautiful place in complete silence. No interruptions, no jumping from obligation to obligation, no littered, oily highways or sidewalks...just pure nature and all it has to offer.
I've read through some of the recent reviews and was surprised by some of the reactions to this book and the negativity shown towards the author because she wrote so much about her relationship with God and complained or whined a lot. I enjoyed her reflection on her faith and her relationship with God. I think that was one of the most defining portions, for her, on the journey. As I would expect it would be of any Christian. I also enjoyed the fact that she didn't handle all of the "discomforts" of the trail with a smiley, happy demeanor because let's be honest - that would be total untruth. Pharr Davis made it clear that she was uncomfortable and that she seriously contemplated quitting during the book. She made it clear that this was not a recreational hike (as did her mentor in the beginning of the book), but instead a trying, frustrating, mentally & emotionally draining job.
Had she treated her trials like she was running around with unicorns on rainbows it would have made for quite a different and less satisfying book.
From someone who had no previous AT knowledge, has never really hiked a day in her life, and is the epitome of the busyness this world has created - go read this book; you will appreciate what it has to offer!
March 10, 2019
Maybe it's the hiker in me, but I don't think you can call yourself a thru-hiker and write a memoir on that experience when you are constantly breaking up the hike to go home. With that in mind, I recognize that my initial reaction to Davis' story as I read along was biased. However, my inclination towards her proved to be correct.
Right away, David begins her hike by judging those around her on their abilities to complete the Appalachian trail by their extrovertedness. This coming from a Christian who hears a woman crying in a tent nearby, does nothing to comfort her and even presumed to believe that the woman crying won't be finishing the hike and feels better than her for it. Again, all this coming from a woman who spouts her faith at any given opportunity.
Her story is a mangled hodge-podge of recollections written in such a way as to make a chronological time frame impossible. She is hiking with friends and distrustful of everyone else, so she spends the majority of her time waiting for her friends to catch up and regretting almost every interaction she has with others. She attends an institute to prepare for her hike, but throws her food in the woods, doesn't string up her food out of the reach of bears, doesn't use a trowel for her feces, and pollutes water sources. As a hiker, I find it difficult to admire anything about this memoir.
Right away, David begins her hike by judging those around her on their abilities to complete the Appalachian trail by their extrovertedness. This coming from a Christian who hears a woman crying in a tent nearby, does nothing to comfort her and even presumed to believe that the woman crying won't be finishing the hike and feels better than her for it. Again, all this coming from a woman who spouts her faith at any given opportunity.
Her story is a mangled hodge-podge of recollections written in such a way as to make a chronological time frame impossible. She is hiking with friends and distrustful of everyone else, so she spends the majority of her time waiting for her friends to catch up and regretting almost every interaction she has with others. She attends an institute to prepare for her hike, but throws her food in the woods, doesn't string up her food out of the reach of bears, doesn't use a trowel for her feces, and pollutes water sources. As a hiker, I find it difficult to admire anything about this memoir.
August 12, 2018
I was hoping for something comparable to Cheryl Strayed's great adventure on the West Coast Trail, and I was disappointed. The details of the trail itself are fine, and Ms Pharr Davis' struggles etc, but I disliked a central philosophy - which seemed to underpin her decision to hike the Appalachian Trail: that it's important to take on challenges in life - and power through, and this is backed by a sort of Christian emphasis on put yourself out - don't take the soft option in terms of your interactions with others.
Ok, that's fine but - I think everyone is entitled to make up their own mind in how they develop and create their particular set of ethics, so basically it was a little preachy for me - given that I was expecting a focus on Nature: wildlife, scenery and the through-hike experience.
Publishers you know - they try and flog every possible "Maybe" - it's like Strayed's 'Wild' - NO it isn't.
Ok, that's fine but - I think everyone is entitled to make up their own mind in how they develop and create their particular set of ethics, so basically it was a little preachy for me - given that I was expecting a focus on Nature: wildlife, scenery and the through-hike experience.
Publishers you know - they try and flog every possible "Maybe" - it's like Strayed's 'Wild' - NO it isn't.
January 17, 2012
I found this book incredibly dull for the most part, and only managed to finish I out of shear stubbornness. The trouble wasn't so much the book itself, rather with how it sets the expectations so far off from what it actually ends up being.
For example, neither the description or first chapter Kindle sample gave me any hint at how much of the book would be focused on religion rather than the actual Appalachian Trail. In some places religion and spirituality were extremely relevant, but at many points it just seemed to grind on and distract from the topics I was hoping to read about.
I know people will probably disagree with me on that point, or assume That I'm anti-religion. But if you replaced the talk of God and Faith with other topics, my criticism would remain: It's too much focus on one topic for a book marketed as being about another topic.
All that said, there were some parts of this book that I enjoyed very much. And I do have a huge amount of respect for the author's accomplishments.
For example, neither the description or first chapter Kindle sample gave me any hint at how much of the book would be focused on religion rather than the actual Appalachian Trail. In some places religion and spirituality were extremely relevant, but at many points it just seemed to grind on and distract from the topics I was hoping to read about.
I know people will probably disagree with me on that point, or assume That I'm anti-religion. But if you replaced the talk of God and Faith with other topics, my criticism would remain: It's too much focus on one topic for a book marketed as being about another topic.
All that said, there were some parts of this book that I enjoyed very much. And I do have a huge amount of respect for the author's accomplishments.
August 5, 2025
Jennifer, you are a gift to this world and to women and especially to those who seek adventure!!! This book explores doubt, strength, fear, hope, beauty, and honesty while detailing the adventure of a lifetime. I am inspired to say the least…
Quotes!
If you want to hear the voice of the Divine, then return to the garden, hike the trail, go outside and listen.
Now my mirror was the mountains. And the reflection didn’t just make me feel beautiful; it convinced me that I was capable (and a little bit wild).
It was emancipating to perform based on my ability as opposed to other people’s expectations- including my own.
It was times like these that I grew frustrated with God. I knew He had the power to create us with the capability to understand the divine, but He chose not to. So I was left trying to explain my relationship with an all-powerful, highly controversial Creator of the universe using the intangible evidence of miracles, the mystery of faith, and the concept of grace.
Adults usually asked questions rooted in fear…. The children on the other hand, asked questions rooted in curiosity.
It was a simple truth, but I finally realized that the more people I invested in, the smarter and better equipped I would be.
One of my favorite things about the trail is that you don't see your face. I mean, I guess you can see it in the reflection of the watet, bur there are no mirrors, no vanities, and no places to check yourself out.
I used to think that people perceived me based on how I looked, bur now that I don't see my face, I feel like people perceive me by how I treat them—that is, by what I say to them and how well I listen.
Now I feel beautiful when I make other people smile.
Quotes!
If you want to hear the voice of the Divine, then return to the garden, hike the trail, go outside and listen.
Now my mirror was the mountains. And the reflection didn’t just make me feel beautiful; it convinced me that I was capable (and a little bit wild).
It was emancipating to perform based on my ability as opposed to other people’s expectations- including my own.
It was times like these that I grew frustrated with God. I knew He had the power to create us with the capability to understand the divine, but He chose not to. So I was left trying to explain my relationship with an all-powerful, highly controversial Creator of the universe using the intangible evidence of miracles, the mystery of faith, and the concept of grace.
Adults usually asked questions rooted in fear…. The children on the other hand, asked questions rooted in curiosity.
It was a simple truth, but I finally realized that the more people I invested in, the smarter and better equipped I would be.
One of my favorite things about the trail is that you don't see your face. I mean, I guess you can see it in the reflection of the watet, bur there are no mirrors, no vanities, and no places to check yourself out.
I used to think that people perceived me based on how I looked, bur now that I don't see my face, I feel like people perceive me by how I treat them—that is, by what I say to them and how well I listen.
Now I feel beautiful when I make other people smile.
July 22, 2024
The previous book I read by this author really annoyed me (46 days on the Appalachian Trail). Because that wasn't really a book, I tried this one, a more proper book. It was even worse than 46 Days. I DNF'd about halfway. Her opinions on her fellow hikers are really horrible. She has something to say about everyone, no one is spared: "iPod listeners, left-wing anti-fundimentalists, weekend hikers" etc. She dislikes them all. Meanwhile she is trying to preach Christian ideals on people she encounters. The judgemental opinions are disgusting and she definitely hasn't heard of the term "Hike Your Own Hike". This book is trash and will likely only appeal to people exactly like her.
February 4, 2012
This is the story of Jennifer Pharr (trail name: Odyssa) who at 21, decided to hike the Appalachian Trail alone. And it the hike from Georgia to Maine, she transforms her life, faces her fears, and embraces her inner Odyssa.
Another great AT memoir. I loved it. The part that I find most fascinating is that the author has since set the speed record for hiking the trail. Not the women's speed record, the speed record. The adventure of her first hike is a coming of age journey, but also can touch the heart of anyone who has felt the need to truly find themselves.
Highly recommend this one!
Another great AT memoir. I loved it. The part that I find most fascinating is that the author has since set the speed record for hiking the trail. Not the women's speed record, the speed record. The adventure of her first hike is a coming of age journey, but also can touch the heart of anyone who has felt the need to truly find themselves.
Highly recommend this one!
December 16, 2020
Okay so this book was pretty good-ish. I wish I could give half stars bc its more like 3 1/2 - 3 3/4. It didn’t blow my mind but it was interesting and inspired me to begin planning an eat, pray, love type of excursion. Brb I need to ~find myself~. Might just drop off the face of the earth and hike for 5 months idk.
August 6, 2025
I read this quickly but it left a bad taste in my mouth most of the time. Theres a lot of praising god while being incredibly judgmental towards others she encounters. There were just so many parts of this that came off as immature and from such a place of privilege that it was upsetting.
January 31, 2024
I started reading this book because I had just finished Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail by Cheryl Strayed, and I wanted to see what it was like to hike the Appalachian Trail, especially since I had driven along a good section of where the trail goes many years ago.
The best I can say about this book is if you are a devout Christian and also a hiker, or interested in hiking, you will probably enjoy it. Jennifer Pharr Davis now holds the record for completing the trail in the shortest time, just 46 days. This book chronicles her first attempt at the trail, and despite the fact that she prepared for the trip, even going to a three-day class taught by a trail expert, she really was not fully prepared, or even minimally. First, the man who ran the seminar suggested that good walking shoes were a perfectly acceptable substitute for hiking boots, so that was what she chose. As a result, because of the snow, sleet, and almost constant rain in certain areas of the trail, her feet were wet all the time. Even when they weren't wet because of the elements, she neglected to get socks made of wicking material which draws moisture away from the body, so she developed what was apparently a severe fungus infection that covered the entire bottom of her feet and was extremely painful. Several times she had to stop hiking because of the pain.
The main thing I didn't like about this book was Jennifer's character. She was timid and shy. Despite her confidence that she could complete the trail on her own, Jennifer couldn't find the courage to ask a rather large, muscular man who was blocking the door to a store which contained supplies she desperately needed to move so that she could enter. Instead, she simply left and hiked quite a few more miles before she found another store. When Jennifer found herself stuck with an unwanted companion on the trail and her gentle hints that she preferred to hike alone fell on deaf ears, instead of telling him straight out how she felt, she tried all kinds of things, such as getting up before dawn and hiking as fast as she could, even hiding under some bushes waiting for him to pass, rather than acquiring a little backbone and standing up for herself.
Also, Christianity is a big part of Jennifer's story. So if extensive talk of religion isn't your thing, you might want to skip this book and find another one about hiking the AT. There are plenty of them out there. I understand that religion is important to Jennifer and it is her right to talk about it. If that's the type of book you like, you will probably love this one. If not, steer clear.
The best I can say about this book is if you are a devout Christian and also a hiker, or interested in hiking, you will probably enjoy it. Jennifer Pharr Davis now holds the record for completing the trail in the shortest time, just 46 days. This book chronicles her first attempt at the trail, and despite the fact that she prepared for the trip, even going to a three-day class taught by a trail expert, she really was not fully prepared, or even minimally. First, the man who ran the seminar suggested that good walking shoes were a perfectly acceptable substitute for hiking boots, so that was what she chose. As a result, because of the snow, sleet, and almost constant rain in certain areas of the trail, her feet were wet all the time. Even when they weren't wet because of the elements, she neglected to get socks made of wicking material which draws moisture away from the body, so she developed what was apparently a severe fungus infection that covered the entire bottom of her feet and was extremely painful. Several times she had to stop hiking because of the pain.
The main thing I didn't like about this book was Jennifer's character. She was timid and shy. Despite her confidence that she could complete the trail on her own, Jennifer couldn't find the courage to ask a rather large, muscular man who was blocking the door to a store which contained supplies she desperately needed to move so that she could enter. Instead, she simply left and hiked quite a few more miles before she found another store. When Jennifer found herself stuck with an unwanted companion on the trail and her gentle hints that she preferred to hike alone fell on deaf ears, instead of telling him straight out how she felt, she tried all kinds of things, such as getting up before dawn and hiking as fast as she could, even hiding under some bushes waiting for him to pass, rather than acquiring a little backbone and standing up for herself.
Also, Christianity is a big part of Jennifer's story. So if extensive talk of religion isn't your thing, you might want to skip this book and find another one about hiking the AT. There are plenty of them out there. I understand that religion is important to Jennifer and it is her right to talk about it. If that's the type of book you like, you will probably love this one. If not, steer clear.
June 27, 2019
This book crossed my radar a couple of years ago, since I'm interested in nature and hiking memoirs, but I'll confess that I decided not to read it due to numerous negative reviews that criticized the author for being judgmental, preachy or otherwise obnoxious. Then when I got notice it was on sale for kindle for $1.99 (I think) a few weeks ago, I decided it couldn't possibly be so bad that I would regret buying it for that price...and I ended up really enjoying this book.
This book is the author's account of the time, fresh out of college at age 21, she walked the entire Appalachian Trail, from Georgia to Maine. While the writing could be a bit more polished (the kindle edition has multiple editing problems, for example), I would like to point out that she (unlike certain better edited authors *cough* Bill Bryson *cough*) actually walked the whole damn trail, and I will give her credit for that alone, because...damn. That's a really long walk.
On top of admiring her achievement, I also enjoyed the book quite a lot. The author's two greatest strengths are her flair for description and her honesty. As for the description--I've never walked the AT and I currently live in an entirely different ecosystem (a.k.a. the remains of the Tallgrass Prairie of central Illinois), and yet, reading Davis's description, I could picture each landscape she traveled through--the "green tunnel" of most of the trail, the barren rock fields of Pennsylvania, the mosquito filled bogs of New England, etc. This meets my primary requirement of reading travel/nature writing: to allow me to picture places I have never been.
She also is adept at detailing her internal landscapes along the way--including her impressions of and reactions to other people--and this is where things might get a bit more problematic. Jennifer Pharr Davis is no saint. She judges some people based on superficial impressions, does not always act in the most mature manner, and has a tendency to whine (whilst simultaneously believing herself to be chosen for some greater purpose). If this sort of thing bothers you in a narrator, then you may not enjoy the book. But it didn't really bother me (even when I could see that she was being petty), because...it's honest. She was only 21, undergoing an extreme journey for her first time, and dealing with some truly challenging moments along the way: under the circumstances, I think it's acceptable she wasn't always perfect. The book felt honest. For me, that's the most important thing in a memoir.
Long story short: if you like hiking memoirs, I would recommend giving this book a try.
This book is the author's account of the time, fresh out of college at age 21, she walked the entire Appalachian Trail, from Georgia to Maine. While the writing could be a bit more polished (the kindle edition has multiple editing problems, for example), I would like to point out that she (unlike certain better edited authors *cough* Bill Bryson *cough*) actually walked the whole damn trail, and I will give her credit for that alone, because...damn. That's a really long walk.
On top of admiring her achievement, I also enjoyed the book quite a lot. The author's two greatest strengths are her flair for description and her honesty. As for the description--I've never walked the AT and I currently live in an entirely different ecosystem (a.k.a. the remains of the Tallgrass Prairie of central Illinois), and yet, reading Davis's description, I could picture each landscape she traveled through--the "green tunnel" of most of the trail, the barren rock fields of Pennsylvania, the mosquito filled bogs of New England, etc. This meets my primary requirement of reading travel/nature writing: to allow me to picture places I have never been.
She also is adept at detailing her internal landscapes along the way--including her impressions of and reactions to other people--and this is where things might get a bit more problematic. Jennifer Pharr Davis is no saint. She judges some people based on superficial impressions, does not always act in the most mature manner, and has a tendency to whine (whilst simultaneously believing herself to be chosen for some greater purpose). If this sort of thing bothers you in a narrator, then you may not enjoy the book. But it didn't really bother me (even when I could see that she was being petty), because...it's honest. She was only 21, undergoing an extreme journey for her first time, and dealing with some truly challenging moments along the way: under the circumstances, I think it's acceptable she wasn't always perfect. The book felt honest. For me, that's the most important thing in a memoir.
Long story short: if you like hiking memoirs, I would recommend giving this book a try.
March 9, 2015
I really enjoyed this book. Of course I love anything about hiking and backpacking. It wasn't action packed or anything but it was a great break from my textbooks. Since I am planning a week long AT hike this summer I enjoyed the details. I did notice that she didn't seem to complain or mention all the difficulties of backpacking on the AT as much as other similar books I have read. I loved the spiritual insights and experiences she had along the trail!
December 8, 2010
i won this book on this site as a giveaway. the minute i picked it up i barely put it down. it's hard to explain the emotions that this book conjured up but one thing i know for sure....i cannot wait until spring so i can walk 10 minutes down my road and start hiking up that trail! Now, this book will be passed along to my neighbors who are dying to read it!
May 2, 2021
While I absolutely love trail memoirs and really did enjoy this read, there was just too much God Talk and not enough gratitude for my taste! I admire her grit and strength as a solo female thru-hiker and appreciated her honesty, but there was something about her often judgmental and near-sighted perspective that left a bad taste in my mouth.
November 7, 2021
I've been reading memoirs on thru hiking the AT. Although I found this informative, it has been my least favorite. The author's attitude toward and remarks about her fellow hikers was annoying as hell. She had a superior attitude and was judgmental. Sure, she is fast and she is a Christian with supposed higher morals than others on the trail, but it got old.
January 22, 2023
Had a copy of this courtesy of my mother, who indulged me with a few books about the AT during one of my previous hyperfixations.
This was alright. I feel bad rating it low, because there were definitely portions I enjoyed, and the writer is obviously a very accomplished hiker and an inspiration for outdoorswomen. I enjoyed the detailed descriptions of each portion of the AT: the flora and fauna; the trail conditions; the vibes of the towns; etc. It was especially neat to read her descriptions of sections of the AT that I’ve hiked or hiked near. Wish she had mentioned the footbridge over I-70.
Overall, I didn’t really get much from the “coming of age” story that I feel like the author was trying to tell. While her thru hike was obviously transformative on a personal level, a lot of the “lessons” that Odyssa claimed to have learned from her hike just seemed like normal adult life lessons that any naive, sheltered college grad would go through after any jaunt in the real world. Creepy men following you around and saying inappropriate things? Average day in a customer service job. Weird kids smoking pot in your trail shelter? Take a trip down to your local park and I’m sure you will find some similar hooligans. It felt like she thought that she was having all these crazy new experiences and needed to document them, which is fine, but I was kinda just like “yeah this is just life in a society.”
I also did not gain anything at all from her discussions of her religious beliefs. She brings them up so much that I was anticipating some type of development in her personal beliefs, but at no point was she able to coherently explain or discuss them with any type of nuance. In fact, she literally devotes a section to talking about how she was NOT able to talk about or defend her beliefs when speaking about religion with one of her hiking partners. She defaults to claims along the lines of: “I just know that God is with me, I can feel him everywhere”, etc. Which, again, is FINE, but just reads like a journal entry. In fact, the whole thing does.
I wanted to like this, and it definitely left me impressed with the author’s tenacity and eventual accomplishments as a speed hiker. That’s about it.
This was alright. I feel bad rating it low, because there were definitely portions I enjoyed, and the writer is obviously a very accomplished hiker and an inspiration for outdoorswomen. I enjoyed the detailed descriptions of each portion of the AT: the flora and fauna; the trail conditions; the vibes of the towns; etc. It was especially neat to read her descriptions of sections of the AT that I’ve hiked or hiked near. Wish she had mentioned the footbridge over I-70.
Overall, I didn’t really get much from the “coming of age” story that I feel like the author was trying to tell. While her thru hike was obviously transformative on a personal level, a lot of the “lessons” that Odyssa claimed to have learned from her hike just seemed like normal adult life lessons that any naive, sheltered college grad would go through after any jaunt in the real world. Creepy men following you around and saying inappropriate things? Average day in a customer service job. Weird kids smoking pot in your trail shelter? Take a trip down to your local park and I’m sure you will find some similar hooligans. It felt like she thought that she was having all these crazy new experiences and needed to document them, which is fine, but I was kinda just like “yeah this is just life in a society.”
I also did not gain anything at all from her discussions of her religious beliefs. She brings them up so much that I was anticipating some type of development in her personal beliefs, but at no point was she able to coherently explain or discuss them with any type of nuance. In fact, she literally devotes a section to talking about how she was NOT able to talk about or defend her beliefs when speaking about religion with one of her hiking partners. She defaults to claims along the lines of: “I just know that God is with me, I can feel him everywhere”, etc. Which, again, is FINE, but just reads like a journal entry. In fact, the whole thing does.
I wanted to like this, and it definitely left me impressed with the author’s tenacity and eventual accomplishments as a speed hiker. That’s about it.
August 17, 2025
Some aspects of the thru-hike were interesting, but overall the book is weak, void of emotion, and even self-reflection sounded artificial.
What I disliked the most about this book is how judgemental the author (hiker) was. She complained about almost everything and everyone she encountered on the trail. The exaggerated tone of entitlement and unhappiness with other hikers, restaurants, hostels, trail, etc right after preaching about her faith made it sound so hypocritical, I could barely continue. As a Christian, I was cringing at some comments when author mentioned she deserved more than other hikers, and how she described everyone she didn't like with disdain and disrespect. If the author felt this entitled on her first hole, I can only imagine how she acted when she hiked for the record. Don't want to waste time finding out.
But I did like learning about different parts of the trail, the terrain, animals, weather and towns on the way.
What I disliked the most about this book is how judgemental the author (hiker) was. She complained about almost everything and everyone she encountered on the trail. The exaggerated tone of entitlement and unhappiness with other hikers, restaurants, hostels, trail, etc right after preaching about her faith made it sound so hypocritical, I could barely continue. As a Christian, I was cringing at some comments when author mentioned she deserved more than other hikers, and how she described everyone she didn't like with disdain and disrespect. If the author felt this entitled on her first hole, I can only imagine how she acted when she hiked for the record. Don't want to waste time finding out.
But I did like learning about different parts of the trail, the terrain, animals, weather and towns on the way.
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November 30, 2018I'm sure that I am not the first person to compare "Becoming Odyssa" to a similar book, "Wild". Both books are about Young women hiking long distances and finding themselves. Yet in many ways they are completely different. For that fact alone I absolutely loved both books.
"Wild" is about a women who is hiking after a troubled life growing up. It's a hard "R" rated book that has many flashbacks to her past.
"Becoming Odyssa" is a PG book about a middle class women who graduates college and is not sure what to do. The Answer; Hike the Appalachian trail. Jennifer Pharr Davis has to overcome the physical hardships that go along with four months of unsupported hiking of over two thousand miles. She also needs to learn about spending time with only herself and natures mysteries and obstacles that happen along her way. She encounters all kinds of people along the way and the relationships she makes is one of the best parts of the book.
If you need an inspirational book about finding yourself, I can find none better. I will be rereading this book soon.
"Wild" is about a women who is hiking after a troubled life growing up. It's a hard "R" rated book that has many flashbacks to her past.
"Becoming Odyssa" is a PG book about a middle class women who graduates college and is not sure what to do. The Answer; Hike the Appalachian trail. Jennifer Pharr Davis has to overcome the physical hardships that go along with four months of unsupported hiking of over two thousand miles. She also needs to learn about spending time with only herself and natures mysteries and obstacles that happen along her way. She encounters all kinds of people along the way and the relationships she makes is one of the best parts of the book.
If you need an inspirational book about finding yourself, I can find none better. I will be rereading this book soon.
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