As someone who hopes to thru hike the AT someday, I was very excited to start this book. I wasn't sure what to think about it as it is much different than other hiking tales. It was not at all a day by day what happened guide. It gave a feel of all the major trails in the United States. I loved going from a trail in Wisconsin to the Florida trail where they walked through swamps with potential alligators. A really well written story that I was happy I got a chance to read. I hope the hiking doesn't end for the author and we get some new stories in the future.

I requested an ARC of this book because I rarely hear any accounts of less popular National Scenic Trails like the Natchez Trace or New England and wanted to learn more about them, the logistics of thru-hiking them and what they have to offer in terms of scenery and history. That’s not at all what this book is trying to do and so we had a fundamental disagreement from the start. This is more of a memoir written in a purple prose style with a generous helping of self-help style quips. Large sections of trail may go by without any description of scenery or what it was physically like to hike it, instead forcing on Bunting’s emotional state and life philosophy. I found the prose to be overly wordy, abstract, and needing aggressive editing to cut down on repetition and filler. If you’re looking for a thru-hiking account I’d look elsewhere

In this gripping memoir, Ryan Bunting shares his incredible feat of thru-hiking all 11 National Scenic Trails, inspiring readers with his passion for adventure and the boundless possibilities of the great outdoors.
With each page, Bunting's heartfelt narrative pulls you into the world of long-distance hiking, offering a glimpse into the challenges, triumphs, and profound moments of self-discovery that come with such a remarkable pursuit. Through his captivating storytelling, he paints a vivid picture of the Appalachian Trail, the Pacific Crest Trail, and other iconic trails that form the backbone of the American wilderness.

In this book, the author takes readers on an extraordinary adventure through the rugged landscapes of the United States. As the youngest person to ever thru-hike all 11 National Scenic Trails, Bunting's story is one of determination, perseverance, and a deep love for the wilderness. This work goes beyond the physical aspect of hiking and delves into the emotional and mental landscapes of a life dedicated to exploration. Bunting's candid portrayal of the trials and triumphs along the way is both inspiring and relatable.