by Joan M. Griffin
Published
September 28, 2023
Pages
397 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.
Blending the brutal beauty of nature with the intimate journeys of friendship and self-discovery, "Force of Nature: Three Women Tackle The John Muir Trail" takes readers on an unforgettable adventure through one of America's most breathtaking landscapes. This gripping tale follows three diverse women as they challenge not only the formidable wilderness but also themselves, navigating the delicate balance between personal fears and triumphs. The rugged path of the John Muir Trail becomes a catalyst for deeper understanding and transformation, leaving each character profoundly changed by the power of nature.
The journey showcases the profound impact of nature on personal growth and resilience. Friendship and teamwork empower the women to overcome challenges and fears. A deeper appreciation of nature's beauty is cultivated through personal exploration and reflection.
In the enchanting yet daunting terrains of the John Muir Trail three women embark on a transformative journey that tests their limits. Set against the backdrop of towering peaks and serene valleys Force of Nature" delves into their unique stories shaping an inspirational narrative of adventure and self-discovery. As the trail unfolds its challenges unforeseen obstacles forge the path to resilience and friendship.
The story reveals deep insights into the characters' personal lives portraying their raw emotions and unyielding courage. Each step taken on the 211-mile trail echoes with struggles and joys amplifying the human connection to nature. The women confront fears that run deeper than the rugged paths they traverse.
There's a fusion of vulnerability and strength as nature strips away pretense. The wilderness becomes not only a setting but also a character guiding them to unearth truths about themselves and each other. With every sunrise over the Sierra Nevada mountains the women draw closer bonded by sweat tears and laughter.
Their expedition transcends the physical journey sparking introspection and growth. The natural world becomes both a showcase and a test of their inner force of nature.
What makes this book genuinely unique is its vivid portrayal of the John Muir Trail as both adversary and ally The evocative descriptions bring to life its formidable beauty allowing readers to experience the trail's grandeur and peril alongside the protagonists. The diverse perspectives of the three women add depth and richness showcasing different facets of human interaction with nature Their backgrounds and personalities weave a multifaceted narrative providing relatable and thought-provoking insights about life fear and self-discovery. At its core Force of Nature" is a celebration of empowerment and resilience It offers readers a heartfelt exploration of how nature can transform lives encouraging personal growth and friendship in ways few experiences can.
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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!