Unlost: A journey of self-discovery and the healing power of the wild outdoors

by Gail Muller

Gail Muller was told she’d be in a wheelchair by the age of forty. At forty-one she set out to hike one of the world’s toughest treks, The Appalachian Trail – a 2,200-mile journey that would help her reclaim her life and heal her mind and body. An inspiring, moving and uplifting memoir for fans of Cheryl Strayed’s Wild and Elizabeth Gilbert’s Eat, Pray, Love.

As Gail took her first steps through the wilderness of the USA, she had no idea what lay ahead of her, but she knew she felt burnout from city life, lost and broken – ready to heal a mind and body that she had battled with for so long.

From the resilience-building mountain climbs, painful injuries and harsh reality of braving the raw elements, to the unexpected friendships forged with other hikers and the kindness of strangers offering food and shelter – with every step, Gail started to let go of a past dominated by chronic pain and reconnected with herself in a way she’d never been able to before.

A love letter to the healing power of the wild outdoors and an incredible testament to the strength of the human spirit, Gail’s story is for anyone who has ever felt stuck in a rut, lost or scared. She shows us that even in our darkest times, it’s possible to find our inner grit, face our fears and feel hopeful.

Genres: Nonfiction, Memoir, Audiobook, Travel, Adventure, Nature, Biography

316 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 7, 2021

Reviews

[Suzanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Too much talk of her illness and the pathetic boyfriend. At 41 seemed to behaving like a teenager. I wanted to read more about the trail and the lives of the hikers. Dissappointed.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unlost was a debut novel of a women determined to hike the AT. The Appalachian Trail is 2,190+ miles long. She honestly shares her experiences in this telling book. There was adventure, fear, pain and a lot of self discovery.
She narrated her own audiobook and it was lovely. I especially enjoyed her live clips while she was actually hiking. Her book gave me pause to think outside the box. Was I missing out? Has all my stuff been distracting me from growing, living? I found her journey most encouraging and I was so proud of her accomplishments. I’d love to hike the AT myself. It’s definitely on my bucket list.
Thanks Thread Books via Netgalley

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this book in exchange for an honest review.
I live vicariously through hikers who write about their long distance treks on trails like the AT, PCT, and CDT. This one especially caught my attention since the author is a sufferer of an invisible illness, as I also have an invisible illness plus I am visually impaired.
The courage it takes to take on a hike like these is inspiring, especially when they're doing this hike solo and depend on meeting and falling into various trail families. This book offers real life experience with dealing with every day chronic pain and then having other injuries along the way. The tough decision to keep pressing on or to take a zero day, or even harder decision, to go off trail, back to civilization and heal, are very real scenarios.
The friends and fellow hikers she meets along the way provide a lot of needed support to make these decisions and overcome disappointment.

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Things I liked about the book ...

1) I liked how each "State" chapter started with the State she was in and how many miles the AT went through it.

2) Her perseverance in continuing on through pain and heartache. I'm glad the walk helped her heal.

3) From reading other books by hikers it was fun to recognize some of the places she went or saw.

4) Love that her Mum is named Linda!!

Things I disliked about the book ...

1) I don't think it was necessary to read about her sex life with Buckshot.

2) In my opinion, I did not like how he treated her. He said he cared about her and liked her but sure didn't show it much.

3) I was really disappointed to read about all the drug and alcohol use by the hikers. As I said, I've read several other books by hikers and have never read about this.

I like her honesty about her walk, whether I agree or not with some things. She didn't seem to sugarcoat anything.

[Nathan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve read more trail adventure memoirs than I can count, and this legit could’ve been one of the better ones. There was a lot of good about it and so much I liked…but I could’ve done without 100% of the Buckshot storyline. My god that mofo was toxic and their relationship was exhausting and annoying as all hell. However, it got a lot better again following Buckshots departure from the story and the last part of the book was excellent.

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Flattening my palm on the bitterly cold letters, I closed my eyes, bowed my head and gave thanks. The lesson had ended, and now the living would begin.”


I loved that Gail takes us through the waxes and wanes of emotions and determination and STILL manages to reach the end goal. A lot of folks dont make it because they don’t flow with their feelings, they let it get the best of them and it eventually takes them out. This trail is unforgiving and makes you sit with some heavy thoughts.



I enjoyed this book so much. Gail, you truly are inspiring to so many of us! I admire your bravery and strength.
Adored every detail of this book, just remind me not to fall in love on the Appalachian trail 😅

[Michele · Rating 3 out of 5]

7 for Bookclub

[Ren · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this account of the ups and downs (both literal and emotional) of trekking the Appalachian Trail. I originally received the ebook version of this book, but then requested the audiobook when I saw it was available. I'm SO glad I did! The book is read by the author, nearly always a good thing for memoirs, and also includes some short recordings made along the trail which are nice little bonuses. With a chronic illness causing pain and limiting her physical abilities and thoughts of becoming wheelchair bound in her future per doctors, Gail Muller decides to challenge herself to hike over 2,000 miles along the AP. Though she begins with a friend, she spends most of the trail connecting with strangers - other hikers and trail angels - and forming small trail families for a time as they hiked together. There's a bumpy romance and several good friendships made along the way.

Muller learns about herself, what her boundaries are, what she can certainly live without, what's truly important in life and the healing power of nature. Funny enough, I'm also reading a book on minimalism that plays nicely with this one. It's about the relationships we make and adventures we take, not about the stuff we acquire in our lives. Looking forward to hearing about her next adventure!

Thank you Bookouture Audio, Thread Books and NetGalley for the eALC in exchange for my honest review.

[Helen Cooley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed this - very similar to Wild, which I also loved. As usual, it’s got me thinking should I plan a bloody long walk of my own 😆

[Eunice R · Rating 2 out of 5]

Those who suffer from chronic illness: the pain and mental stress, as well as the social reclusiveness, it causes, will relate to this autiobiography. Gail's journey through the maze of unwellness and her overcoming mechanisms will amaze, especially when she decided she'd ask her body to go hiking! Not the "safe" couple of hours hiking, but hiking the Applachian Montains for miles and months on end, echelon; a through hiker.

There's a glossary of hiker terminology which will be helpful. However, I would have greatly preferred that the author had refrained from using certain language, especially the despicable 'F' word, which is liberally sprinkled throughout the pages. There was also a bit too much information about Buckshot. This type of language and "information" ruined what would have been an otherwise remarkable account of the kindnesses of fellow-hikers, and of overcoming, and an in-spite-of, chronic illness torments.

~Eunice C., Reviewer/Blogger~

August 2021

Disclaimer: This is my honest opinion based on the review copy given by the publisher.

[Chantal Lyons · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book I've read about hiking the AT. Did I feel a tad fatigued, perchance? Not at all. Muller's story is inspirational, and reading it was an especially personal experience for me, as a sufferer of arthritis.

Muller is a fellow Brit, and so brings a fresh perspective to hiking in the USA (The friendliness of the people! The wilderness!). Her writing is warm and witty, and there were quite a few moments that made me snort or chuckle - or suck in my breath. I read the book in more or less a day - I just had to consume it.

The previous books I've read about the AT were by men, so it was a joy to read a woman's take on it all, let alone a woman suffering a chronic condition so similar in ways to my own. This book does all it can to communicate to its reader that there is worth and joy to be found in pushing the boundaries we perceive around us. I am now genuinely wondering if I could, in fact, hike the Pacific Crest Trail - something that has always been a distant fantasy.

(With thanks to Thread Books and NetGalley for this ebook in exchange for an honest review)

[Emilee (emileereadsbooks) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Netgalley and Bookouture for the gifted audiobook!

A memoir about Gail's journey along the Appalachian Trail, written in beautiful poetic language with interspersed flashbacks, Gail explores themes of self discovery, pain, strength, and human connection with beauty and humor and gracious self reflection. She is honest about her limitations and flaws which only elevates her tenacity and inspirational feats.

Gail narrates her own audiobook and her charming British accent just adds to the beautiful story and reflections she shares. Plus there are some interspersed clips of her recording her thoughts while on the trail that just add to the allure of her story.

Content warning: sexual assault, language

[Pipa · Rating 4 out of 5]

CW: Rape, sexual assault

This is the true story of a woman who took the plunge and decided to hike the AT, despite a life of chronic illness and insecurity.

I listened to the audiobook version of this, narrated by the author, and found it an enjoyable and insightful experience. I particularly enjoyed the few audio clips included in between chapters from when she was actually hiking the trail. As a woman (and fellow teacher!) suffering with chronic illness, I also felt a lot of affinity with Gail as I listened to her fears and I definitely felt invested in her journey and success.

One thing that I particularly loved was the raw honesty in some sections of this book. Hearing the details of her brutal attack and the psychological scars it left was hard to read at points. However, such intimacy was ultimately incredibly rewarding as the reader truly felt the highs and the lows more deeply than if these events had been brushed over.

Overall, it’s a book of hope; that people, regardless obstacles, can work to improve themselves in ways that may seem impossible.

[Natalie Bertram · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not what I was expecting. Gail walks the AT chasing a love interest who she knows is bad for her. For three-quarters of the book I was desperately hoping she would ditch him and spread her wings with some self-belief that she could do it by herself, but it just didn't come. She overcomes physical pain to progress but clings on to various trail buddies as she travels and never seems to branch out and go it alone. There are some good bits of information about life on the trail and I liked the way the book is split into chapters (each state with the mileage).
This writing was obviously her experience of the journey and how she wished to hiked it, but I wanted her to see she was capable of going it alone. Maybe I came to this book with the wrong expectations, it's easy to criticise, she was the one out there living it...

[Michele Wolpe · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a well written, captivating memoir. In my view better-written than Wild. However, once again we have a female character who suffers from demons and insecurities which propel her to make foolish choices that endanger her mental and physical well-being. I like the writing and it’s intriguing to read about attempting such a grueling physical feat as hiking the Appalachian Trail. However the well-worn trope of falling for a selfish toxic man and needing him in order to feel whole s disappointing. Ultimately, the character perseveres and does fine without him but that aspect of the story detracted for me.

[Lori · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not really a book about hiking and outdoor challenges. It is more about the author's wild social times while hiking, as well as her "boyfriend" she meets. He treats her terrible yet she wants to continue the relationship. More is written about her partying in towns than about actual hiking. She writes a lot about being dependent on pain killers, and yet she drinks all the time. What does she learn about herself or the natural world? Nothing, other than the fact that she can complete the trail. I was disappointed.

[Kelly Knight · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the second book about the Appalachian Trail that hasn’t hit the mark for me. It started off great with the usual (but harrowing in places) back story of the author and their motivations for attempting this feat, but it quickly took a nosedive when it turned into a teen style diary about her trail romance and her anxieties. I admire her drive and determination to push through her pain and ailments, but I would have very much preferred to hear more about the walk and her experience in the wild rather than her evening destinations and antics.

[Victoria Gibbs · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5*. I found her a little irritating to be honest!

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gail Muller lives with chronic pain and feared she would end up in a wheelchair at a young age. Luckily, while working a job in another country (Gail is from Cornwall, UK) she was recommended to see a chiropractic group who helped her significantly. Even with pain that still exists, along with a lot of mental baggage, she decides to fly to America and walk the Appalachian Trail from North to South, Maine to Georgia.

I have enjoyed reading several accounts of thru hiking the AT, and follow several people’s journey on social media and I enjoy them all. I am always impressed by this feat which always includes the loss of toenails and other pain and suffering that goes along with such an adventure. But I’m always struck with how much a person learns along the way, and all the joys experienced in the months that follow. I love hearing about the Trail Angels, the characters met along the way who all have a different story and a different way of doing their individual trail experience. My soul is always yearning towards the wilderness, which is a bit beyond my grasp. So I live vicariously and find it endlessly fascinating as I enjoy these books and videos from an armchair adventurer’s point of view.

This book was no exception. Told from a British point of view, which was an interesting twist, Gail finds her way in a foreign country walking the infamous AT and finding more than one trail family along the way simultaneously feeling the balm of the wilderness and majestic mountains.

Once again I am reminded that everyone has a story you can't possibly know simply by just looking at them. We all share this very human experience on earth and when the layers get stripped away on such an adventure, the best and most important aspects become clear. It's then that a person finds what they are looking for - themselves.

[Alison · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have always loved books about people who hike long distance. I love to discover their reasons for doing it, and with those reasons, how they were able to keep going through many harsh elements or physical challenges. This is something that I wish I had done when I was younger.
This is the story of a British woman Gail Muller, who has suffered from chronic pain for a lot of her life, and decides that she wants to challenge herself and decides to take the 2,200-mile journey on the Appalachian -Trail from Maine to Georgia which is the route she chose.
The author has a very nice writing style which drew me in quickly, and kept me wanting more of her adventure.
I love to hear of the camaraderie that the hikers develop, always willing to help each other out or just give an encouraging word.
This story has a lot of challenges for her to overcome, very harsh terrain, long hours hiking, all of which really tested her physically, but she quite often hiked with a group of trail made friends who kept her moving.
She learned a lot about herself along the journey but also about her fellow hikers.
A great read.
I would like to thank NetGalley and Thread Books for a copy of this book.

[Colleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing debut novel!

OMG! about how bad Gail's foot was on her final days up Springer!

I so wish Gail had met FitBit from the beginning; but she grew so much along the way. Always walking home, but the place was inside Gail all along!

The Appalachian Trail ... that provides the gift of self-acceptance.

Dear Gail, I am really looking forward to hear about your future adventures. Let the living begin! (Seems crazy to say that after walking 2100+ miles!) You live large and we would love to continue to hear about it!

My cousin's son just finished thru hiking as a NoBo. Our plans to catch up with him in Virginia were crushed at the last minute when my husband couldn't travel due to a pending surgery (but Thank God we avoided disaster!) and we finally caught up with ARROW 10 days before his completion in Maine. It was absolutely fabulous to walk a smidgeon of the AT; an indescribable feeling to be on the trail. Almost reverent for me. All the folks I met on the trail were so friendly. We were able to provide ARROW with a day of slackpacking. As I was listening to UNLOST, ARROW just happened to give me a call at almost the exact point in the audiobook where our paths crossed. So uncanny!!!

I really loved your book! And so glad that you made this journey! Loved the clips from along the trail! I'm not a crier, but your last chapter had me almost in tears. So (wonderfully) emotional. Gail - you did such an awesome job narrating your book! Just loved every time you said Appalachian Girl!

Thank you to NetGalley, Gail Muller the author and the publisher Bookouture Audio, Thread Books for the opportunity to review UNLOST: A journey of Self-discovery and the healing power of the wild outdoor!

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

As someone who lives with chronic illness and sometimes does feel like giving up or like nobody understands you - reading some of the small passages where she discusses this in detail or brings it up and describes EXACTLY how you feel was really really emotional.

I loved that we got to visit every place she visited on the trail. The people she met and bonded with, however they all seemed very party like in their personalities and I didn’t like reading about how the second trail family she was with treated her like shit. Grow up you’re grown adults.

Feel like also it should’ve been a solo journey but heavily relied on other people the entire time, buckshot literally made me evil. I hate men that give you literal CRUMBS and make you unable to get over them. My friend called it ‘trauma bonding’ always chasing that high of someone who picks you up and drops you constantly. Just want to scream at someone to protect their heart. Love yourself. You are capable.

I loved it, and it made me realise I’m so capable of more than I realise. But also if I’m in pain I’m in pain and fuck everyone who doesn’t believe me

[Julie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I've read a number of trail books, this one focusing on the Appalachian Trail, and I wasn't overly fond of this book. While I appreciated the parts where the author talked about how her chronic pain held her back, and she finally was able to find something to help her achieve this goal, I really hated the long drawn out relationship with "Shotgun". It made me judge her, harshly, for not giving herself more credit and needing this terrible guy to help her on trail. That she never really hiked alone, but constantly relied on hiker friends was also a detriment to her. Overall not a fan.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

1000 reasons I loved this book

As someone who also has chronic pain and is hiking the AT…I found it really interesting that we both oddly suffered less while on the trail than in normal life. The Smokies continue to taunt me as well….never having weather safe enough to hike them through when I have the time. Overall very much worth the read! I can’t imagine you wouldn’t enjoy this book.

[Cassandra Manning · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you can, I highly recommend catching the audiobook of Gail Muller's story. There's something endearing about hearing the author's own voice for their biography and this one does not disappoint. I just so happened to be hiking a few times while listening to recount her epic tale of hiking in the U.S. Although I think 'Buckshot' should just go home and grow up, sorry Buckshot. Muller's brave journey is one of enlightenment, perseverance, and strength against all odds, a testament to pushing beyond the boundaries of what our physical bodies limit us. A Great Read!

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Equal amounts of self-discovery, funny stories, AT highlights this book was an easy and joyful read.

[Simon Ackroyd · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a really good book. I read the last 100 pages in one sitting, but it didn't move me as I had expected it might. For those who seek adventure, I'm sure you'll enjoy this.

[Jenna · Rating 4 out of 5]

listened to this while doing my training walks for the Via Francigena. I enjoyed this very much. I also have unseen chronic health conditions. when I'm in a flare, it can be very painful, but others have no way of seeing it. congratulations to Gail on her journey! I hope she is still taking hiking adventures

[Francis Pellow · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written with great honesty and insight. I appreciate that there are times along such a long journey when there's less drama and Gail never tries to create it her account.

[Laura Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this! I’ve had a small obsession with AT for a while now and this book did not disappoint! Gail writes with humour and honesty. I was hooked from start to finish! Thank you for this wonderful look into your journey and the life you have lived and are now conquering!