by Joan M. Griffin
Published
September 27, 2023
Pages
395 pages
Language
English
Publisher
Not found
Hardcover
$25.95
Paperback
$16.99
Audiobook
$0.00
Audio CD
Not found
Lace up your hiking boots! Let Griffin guide you over granite mountains, through thunderstorms, and wildflower-studded meadows." –Barbara Olson Lawrence, author of the forthcoming Drawing Water Three friends, women in their fifties, set out to hike "the most beautiful long-distance trail in the world," the John Muir Trail. From the outset, their adventure is complicated by self-inflicted accidents and ferocious weather, then enriched when they "adopt" a young hiker abandoned by her partner along the trail.
The women experience the terror of lightning at eleven-thousand feet, the thrill of walking through a towering waterfall, and the joy of dancing among midnight moonshadows. For a month, they live immersed in vast natural beauty, tackle the trail's physical demands, and find camaraderie among an ensemble cast of eccentric trail characters. Together, they are pulled forward toward the trail's end atop the highest peak in the High Sierra, Mt.
Whitney, and the culmination of their transformative journey. Force of Nature is equal parts gripping adventure tale, personal memoir, and vivid nature writing.
In the heart of California's rugged Sierra Nevada mountains lies the famed John Muir Trail, a 211-mile trek that lures adventurers with its breathtaking vistas and challenging terrain. In "Force of Nature: Three Women Tackle The John Muir Trail," readers embark on a profound journey with Alice, Sarah, and Meaghan, whose shared determination and enduring friendships are tested by the natural elements. As they navigate through stunning landscapes, the trio's courage, resilience, and bond compel them to push their limits and discover the true essence of nature and self-discovery.
The John Muir Trail presents challenges that test physical and emotional limits. Enduring friendship can empower individuals to conquer seemingly insurmountable odds. Nature often serves as a backdrop for personal growth and introspection.
Venturing into the wilderness, Alice, Sarah, and Meaghan unite to tackle the iconic John Muir Trail, each driven by their unique motivations and personal stories. Capturing the spirit of adventure, their experiences reveal the often-overlooked challenges faced in the wilderness. As they encounter obstacles like unpredictable weather and physical exhaustion, they learn valuable lessons about survival and adaptability.
Despite differing backgrounds and personalities, the three women find common ground in their love for nature and a shared goal that forges an unbreakable bond. Through their eyes, the reader is invited to see the mesmerizing beauty and harsh realities of the trail. Photos and anecdotes offer glimpses into the transformative effect the journey has on each participant—pushing them to confront fears and insecurities.
The narrative beautifully encapsulates the journey from apprehension to self-assurance, showing how the trials of the trail match the struggles inside each woman. As the story unfolds, the power of nature serves not only as a backdrop but as a catalyst for friendship and personal growth. Each page is a testament to determination, illustrating how these brave women draw strength from each other and the wilderness surrounding them.
Striking the perfect balance between adventure and introspection, this book is a refreshing exploration of courage and camaraderie. The rich descriptive language transports the reader to the trail itself, revealing the importance of nature in self-discovery and resilience. While the John Muir Trail stands as a challenging endeavor, it also becomes a metaphor for life's trials, teaching the importance of support, trust, and personal perseverance.
This compelling narrative shows readers how seemingly insurmountable obstacles can lead toward empowerment and transformation.
Force of Nature" distinguishes itself through its intimate portrayal of the emotional and physical challenges faced by women in the wilderness The narrative succeeds in weaving together personal stories that highlight the power of companionship against nature's formidable backdrop The vivid descriptions of the Sierra Nevadas bring to life the raw beauty and unpredictability of the trail Through evocative prose readers are drawn into each scene feeling the highs and lows experienced by the trio as they traverse this majestic path This book celebrates resilience and empowerment offering inspiration to adventurers and dreamers alike Its engaging story resonates with readers looking to overcome their personal obstacles and find deeper connections with the world around them promoting a profound appreciation for nature's transformative power.
1685132812
978-1685132811
6 x 0.99 x 9 inches
1.28 pounds
Based on 2165 ratings
The story was so good,it was hard to put the book down. The writing and description of the mountains were perfectly discribed. Once you start reading this book "the journey and trails begin".
It was an amazing adventure for ladies in their 50's! I would have loved having the pictures along with the descriptions. I admire them for sticking with the journey through pain and some adversity.
Joan's tale of personal growth and strength through camaraderie on a grand adventure inspired wanderlust within me. Her words painted a vivid picture of awe-inspiring natural beauty through canyons, wild rivers, placid lakes and majestic mountains while balancing the grittiness of rigorous physical demands placed on her and her companions' bodies. Joan invites readers to take a peek into the through hiker's experience from meeting trail buddies and navigating group dynamics to encountering obstacles and problem solving. It was hard to put down and left me wanting to on my own adventure!
Even if you aren’t a backpacker, this novel is so well written and engaging, that you are drawn in. Descriptions of the trek, the amazing scenery and the challenges of friendship all come to life on the pages. Dive in, great reading awaits!!
I bought this book after reading a sample. My partner and I had talked about hiking the Sierra since college, but had never gotten around to it. Now, in our early 60s, my partner is facing a full knee replacement and we're both a little scared. Every morning we get up have coffee and I read aloud a day or two of Joan's wonderful story. Strength, Courage, and Spirt. We may not be hiking the beautiful JMT, but in spirit we are and learning some of her hard-earned lessons. And....there are two new backpacks in the mail......future adventure. Strength. Courage. Spirit. Thank you Joan.
The Three Women, their JMT trail name, is a delightful read. You experience the beauty of nature and the wonders seen in the trail. You also experience the fear and anxiety that come with making such a trek. The bonds of friendship and support between the three and also all the other through hikers. An amazing read, the perfect balance of nature, friendship, compassion, struggle, and determination. Immerse yourself in this well written book.
This book is excellently written, beautiful, descriptive prose of the day to day struggles and adventures on the trail. From a 50 something woman’s perspective, it was refreshing and different from the many other trail stories I have read. You will thoroughly enjoy this epic adventure with the author.
I didn't choose to read this book. It was assigned as part of a book club. A book about someone's hiking trip sounded terribly dull. VERY VERY WRONG! THIS BOOK IS FANTASTIC!!!! Completely converted me! Kept me interested the WHOLE time, which is really rare for me. The book has excellent pacing, moving from one thing to the next with just the right amount of details for each day of her journey, it doesn't repeat itself. If something is explained in detail in one place, it's only mentioned again in passing, as it should be. It'a an engrossing read which walks thru a lot of self-reflection and growth. Somehow, much like our every day lives, shifts that eventually culminate into big change in your life have happened. And that goal is reached! Very well written with lots of detailed and a bit flowery of descriptions, which I very much enjoyed the creativity of. Buy this book!