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Blind Man Walking: The American Landscape, Up Close and Personal on the Appalachian Trail
Two old college buddies contemplate hiking the Appalachian Trail. The problem is, one of them is severely vision impaired and his ability to follow a simple footpath is in serious question. They decide to first try an overnight hike in Arkansas; an unmitigated disaster. Upon their return, one fellow's wife declares he is too old, fat, and blind to be crashing about in the woods. The other’s wife notes how lucky they are to have learned their lesson before attempting anything as seriously challenging as the Appalachian Trail. Humiliated, their dignity in tatters, (and perhaps not the fastest learners), they decide to go anyway. This is their story, traveling America’s greatest footpath; the places, the people, the history.
- GenresNonfictionMemoir
280 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 26, 2021
48 people are currently reading
866 people want to read
About the author
Brian Thompson
119 books7 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
He read English at Cambridge. Since 1973 he has written for a living as a radio and television playwright and a documentary film maker. He is also the author of several acclaimed biographies: A Monkey Amongst Crocodiles, Imperial Vanities and The Nightmare of a Victorian Bestseller.
He read English at Cambridge. Since 1973 he has written for a living as a radio and television playwright and a documentary film maker. He is also the author of several acclaimed biographies: A Monkey Amongst Crocodiles, Imperial Vanities and The Nightmare of a Victorian Bestseller.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
November 21, 2025
Fantastic in every way: Compelling throughout. An outstanding read—I feel like I hiked the trail right along with them. I especially appreciate the post-publishing addendum.
May 24, 2023
What an enjoyable book! I really enjoyed the hiker’s experience and all the great stories of the hikers he met along the trail. So many highs and lows but with determination, the author and his friend survived the AT. Such a great read!!!
July 30, 2022
I love reading about the experiences of hikers on the Appalachian Trail. I enjoy both the challenges and triumphs as I cover the miles from my couch. Blind Man Walking adds another dimension by introducing the difficulties of a visually impaired hiker, companion to the author Brian Thompson.
Unfortunately, the title is really a misnomer. John Durrett is legally blind to be sure, but he was able to manage a long business career and is definitely not helpless in the face of his disability.
That doesn’t mean he doesn’t face real challenges on this journey, and I think it would be fascinating to read firsthand what he had to endure. Unfortunately, Thompson’s narrative is very much from the author’s perspective with the two hikers often traveling at different speeds and only meeting up at the end of the day. Sometimes the difficulties were such that John doesn’t make it to the campsite and has to hunker down on the trail, but readers only get a very abbreviated version of what John faced. Frankly, the author comes across as a man who happened to be traveling with a companion who tended to slow him down. He even describes Durrett as too stubborn to accept help which is apparently justification for letting him travel on his own.
The book itself as a realistic journal of one man’s experience completing this 2200 mile trail from Georgia to Maine is lively and engaging and would be a great read for anyone contemplating such a challenge. It conveys the exhilaration and the dangers facing a hiker and especially includes lots of the Trail Magic that makes thousands a year put on their hiking boots and try it for themselves.
Unfortunately, the title is really a misnomer. John Durrett is legally blind to be sure, but he was able to manage a long business career and is definitely not helpless in the face of his disability.
That doesn’t mean he doesn’t face real challenges on this journey, and I think it would be fascinating to read firsthand what he had to endure. Unfortunately, Thompson’s narrative is very much from the author’s perspective with the two hikers often traveling at different speeds and only meeting up at the end of the day. Sometimes the difficulties were such that John doesn’t make it to the campsite and has to hunker down on the trail, but readers only get a very abbreviated version of what John faced. Frankly, the author comes across as a man who happened to be traveling with a companion who tended to slow him down. He even describes Durrett as too stubborn to accept help which is apparently justification for letting him travel on his own.
The book itself as a realistic journal of one man’s experience completing this 2200 mile trail from Georgia to Maine is lively and engaging and would be a great read for anyone contemplating such a challenge. It conveys the exhilaration and the dangers facing a hiker and especially includes lots of the Trail Magic that makes thousands a year put on their hiking boots and try it for themselves.
February 8, 2021
Two friends tackle the AT.
This is an inspiring story about two friends who tackled the Appalachian Trail. It tells of the challenges they faced, the people they met and the things they saw. I totally enjoyed this book.
This is an inspiring story about two friends who tackled the Appalachian Trail. It tells of the challenges they faced, the people they met and the things they saw. I totally enjoyed this book.
January 22, 2026
This is one of the better books about hiking the AT, with the added dimension of the author’s hiking partner being legally blind. The accomplishment is amazing, yet the book has its pluses and minuses.
On the plus side:
Better written than most hiking books. There are a few sections where the misplaced commas take over, but most of the book reads easily and smoothly.
Interesting descriptions of the history of the trail, towns, and points of interest. I’ve read many AT books and I learned several things that I hadn’t read before.
Nice storytelling style. One of the most engaging AT books I’ve read (and thank you for not describing what you ate for every meal!)
On the minus side:
The descriptions of people tend to be sexist. He would never describe a man as “an attractive brunette” so why are women described that way? That’s just one example.
The blindness of the author’s hiking partner is central to their story. However, he comes across as a pretty unlikable person. I was still interested in whether he finished the hike and I was glad for the epilogue that brought the story to closure.
Overall, I highly recommend this book for anyone interested in stories of hiking the AT.
On the plus side:
Better written than most hiking books. There are a few sections where the misplaced commas take over, but most of the book reads easily and smoothly.
Interesting descriptions of the history of the trail, towns, and points of interest. I’ve read many AT books and I learned several things that I hadn’t read before.
Nice storytelling style. One of the most engaging AT books I’ve read (and thank you for not describing what you ate for every meal!)
On the minus side:
The descriptions of people tend to be sexist. He would never describe a man as “an attractive brunette” so why are women described that way? That’s just one example.
The blindness of the author’s hiking partner is central to their story. However, he comes across as a pretty unlikable person. I was still interested in whether he finished the hike and I was glad for the epilogue that brought the story to closure.
Overall, I highly recommend this book for anyone interested in stories of hiking the AT.
April 1, 2023
One of the best books I've read by an AT hiker. Well written, easy and interesting to read. I'm not sure why I enjoy reading these books on hiking the AT - I have no personal interest in going through the agony, despite the beauty and glory - but this is probably my fourth or fifth book by those who do make the decision to hike the over 2,000 miles of trails from Georgia to Maine. A compelling side-story is the author's long-time friend who joins him, and who is legally blind. He can see a little - he can see is out-stretched hand but not his fingers. He is the real hero of the adventure! Amazing fortitude! But the story would not have been told, and told so beautifully, except that Brian Thompson pulled the adventure together to create this book. I applaud both of these accomplished human beings.
January 10, 2022
This was a very good one. I was intrigued by the challenges that were met by the author, the challenges overcome by the author, the challenges that his vision-impaired friend struggled with, and how it all came together in a great AT story.
There are at least three editorial errors in the form of wrong words (similar to the intended ones). It's a bit like finding Easter eggs in Pixar films. :o)
There are at least three editorial errors in the form of wrong words (similar to the intended ones). It's a bit like finding Easter eggs in Pixar films. :o)
June 10, 2022
Good Read about the AT
This book is extremely readable and the author doesn’t suffer from a “hiker superiority complex.” You just keep walking along with him up and down the mountains and enjoying the “zero days.” It’s also entertaining because it’s about a couple of older guys, not super fit twenty somethings looking to find the meaning of life. It’s about putting one foot in front of the other over and over.
This book is extremely readable and the author doesn’t suffer from a “hiker superiority complex.” You just keep walking along with him up and down the mountains and enjoying the “zero days.” It’s also entertaining because it’s about a couple of older guys, not super fit twenty somethings looking to find the meaning of life. It’s about putting one foot in front of the other over and over.
May 14, 2023
This is a wonderful step by step (literally) account of Brian Thompson and his friend who is visually impaired and their epic hike on the Appalachian trail. His description of the beauty, pain, people they meet and tough decisions is relatable, funny and real. He does not pity his friend he walks in front of him most of the way and meet up at night... most of the time. It makes you want to hike the Appalachian trail!
May 23, 2023
Good AT Narrative
This was a good narrative of the author's journey hiking the AT with much interesting history and colorful characters thrown in. However, not so much as I'd hoped about the challenges faced by his determined, low vision companion John. I would like to have heard more of this story from John's perspective. Also, editing was not always so great with the occasional typo.
This was a good narrative of the author's journey hiking the AT with much interesting history and colorful characters thrown in. However, not so much as I'd hoped about the challenges faced by his determined, low vision companion John. I would like to have heard more of this story from John's perspective. Also, editing was not always so great with the occasional typo.
January 28, 2025
If you are, or ever have been a long-distance hiker, you’ll find “Blind Man Walking” interesting. The language utilized is genuine and the pace of the story holds your attention. Chapters are logical and written so that when you finish a chapter, you’re ready and anticipating the next one. Reading the book on Kindle allows the reader to pause the reading and explore images on a search engine or maps application. Try it, you’ll find it fascinating!
March 1, 2023
This was a good book, with plenty of interesting facts about the Appalachian Trail. What was missing for me was the feeling of being on the trail with them. I was also hoping for more insight on what it would be like to hike the trail with such limited eyesight. In that regard, this book fell short for me.
November 26, 2025
If I was a long distance hiker with an interest in hiking the AT, I would give this a four star rating -- five if he'd included an index by location and maps. As a casual reader with no genuine interest, it was a three. It became a slog just reading it, as I would imagine the actual hike would become a slog over time.
February 22, 2023
Great book
Good details about the trail. Beautiful adventure. Historic details thoroughly enjoyed. I would recommend this book to all who like to hike and all who like to read about hiking . Good job on both hiking and writing.
Good details about the trail. Beautiful adventure. Historic details thoroughly enjoyed. I would recommend this book to all who like to hike and all who like to read about hiking . Good job on both hiking and writing.
March 30, 2023
I looked forward to reading this book every night before bed. While I was reading this book, I really felt like I was right there walking along the Appalachian trail with the author and his friend. I enjoyed learning the tidbits of history for the New England states. However, I would never be brave enough to attempt such a feat. This book was fascinating and very well written!
February 4, 2026
A funny, moving true story about two friends one nearly blind who take on the Appalachian Trail against all odds. Full of heart, humor, and inspiration, this book celebrates friendship and perseverance A great read for adventure lovers and anyone who enjoys uplifting real-life stories
March 23, 2021
Great Details! Loved it!
I learned so much the trail I had never heard before.
Great story. I can't wait until I get my opportunity!
I learned so much the trail I had never heard before.
Great story. I can't wait until I get my opportunity!
May 16, 2021
Best book
This is the best book I have read this year.... Perhaps because of my intent to thru hike in the future but it was riveting nevertheless. Well done Brian
This is the best book I have read this year.... Perhaps because of my intent to thru hike in the future but it was riveting nevertheless. Well done Brian
May 17, 2021
Excellent enjoyable informative inspiring read. One of the better trail books out there.
August 31, 2021
Great Read
Awesome story told exceptionally well. Thank you for your time, sweat, blood, passion and honesty. Keep walking. Semper Fi Bob
Awesome story told exceptionally well. Thank you for your time, sweat, blood, passion and honesty. Keep walking. Semper Fi Bob
February 11, 2023
Excellent
I love reading books written by hikers of the AT. I’ve read many and this is one of my favorites. Thank you for sharing your experience!
I love reading books written by hikers of the AT. I’ve read many and this is one of my favorites. Thank you for sharing your experience!
July 4, 2023
a well written, enjoyable read. two college friends, one legally blind, embarked on a quest to hike the Appalachian Trail. their story of determination, fortitude, disappointment and achievement throughout this journey. kudos Mr. Durrett!
August 17, 2023
Exceptional!
As a section hiker that completed the AT, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this account. It's exceptionally well-written. Granddaddy Longlegs 2008.
As a section hiker that completed the AT, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this account. It's exceptionally well-written. Granddaddy Longlegs 2008.
June 26, 2025
great read
One of my favourite hiking books. The AT is not for the faint hearted. Very interesting as we follow the decisions of different gear and lighter packs.
One of my favourite hiking books. The AT is not for the faint hearted. Very interesting as we follow the decisions of different gear and lighter packs.
November 17, 2025
A well written memoir about the author and his visually impaired friend who walk the entire Appalachian Trail over a period of years.
March 25, 2025
Great book, but this is not the correct author. It is a different Brian thompson
January 26, 2024
I happen to be the author, and my name is indeed Brian Thompson. BUT, the Brian Thompson you are showing with this book is not me. It is the wrong guy. Please correct this.
Brian Thompson
Brian Thompson
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews