The book Journeys North The Pacific Crest Trail, written by Barney Mann is a biographical and nonfiction read, that follows many small groups as they hike their way through the deserts of Southern California, trail towns in the San Bernardinos, the vistas and lakes of the Sierra Nevadas, and the lush forests through Oregon and Washington, all the way to the finish at the Canadian border. on the PCT. The book explores the fascinating stories of groups on trail, including what brought them to the trail in the first place, everyone has their own story. The book follows them through all of the challenges they face along the way, both against the trail, and for some as a fight to escape their past. On the trail people connect with each other. Yet only some connections last. I thought this book was an extremely unique take on a topic that can usually only be found in guidebooks. As the book progresses, you begin to connect with the characters, know what they've been through, both on and off the trail, the connections made with both those around them, and those just there to help. The book takes a deep dive into peoples humanity, both good and bad. Some characters use the trail as a way to escape previous trauma in life, and for this reason the book can take some dark turns that may be triggering for some readers. These include things like child abuse, alcoholism, drugs, and sexual assault. Though dark and bleak at times, the bad is most certainly balanced with much good in the pure kindness seen by those on the trail and their helpers. This book taught me that kindness is the connector between all people, no matter their story. All in all, this book is a must read for anyone interested in hiking, and the outdoors in general. It gives great information through the challenges of hiking, in a way that makes it difficult to stop reading. Characters are written in depth so that the reader can root for them on their treacherous journey, through the many highs and lows.
Forest S.
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