The Unlikely Thru-Hiker

An Appalachian Trail Journey

By: Derick Lugo

Narrated by: Derick Lugo

Derick Lugo had never been hiking. He certainly couldn't imagine going more than a day without manicuring his goatee. But with a job cut short and no immediate plans, this fixture of the New York comedy scene began to think about what he might do with months of free time. He had heard of the Appalachian Trail, but he had never seriously considered attempting to hike all 2,184.2 miles of it. Suddenly he found himself asking, Could he do it?

The Unlikely Thru-Hiker is the story of how a young Black man from the city, unfamiliar with both the outdoors and thru-hiking culture, sets off with an extremely overweight pack and a willfully can-do attitude to conquer the infamous trail. What follows are lessons on preparation, humility, and nature's wild unpredictability. But this isn't a hard-nosed memoir of discouragement. What sets Lugo apart from the typical walk in the woods is his refusal to let any challenge squash his inner Pollyanna. Through it all, Lugo perseveres with humor, tenacity, and an unshakeable commitment to grooming - earning him the trail name "Mr. Fabulous" - that sees him from Springer Mountain in Georgia to Katahdin in Maine.

©2019 Derick Lugo (P)2021 Audible, Inc.

Great Easy Breezy read

If you're like me, you read nonfiction to challenge yourself and learn. This book was refreshing because it was consistently light- hearted and easy. I had a great time listening and it felt like a late-night tale a new friend would tell. I think the author reading his own story was great. I agree that some parts were monotone but it was in a chill relaxed way that the author seems to tackle everything. Finally, I think the characters were strong. We only get glimpses of a lot of characters but each had distinctive charactertistics.

Wonderful personal thru hike story

I honestly read every thru hiking memoir I can get my hands on, and I love how they’re all different even though they’re about the same journey. This one is less about the technical minutiae of the hike and more about the hiker’s internal personal experience, which was wonderful. He’s so genuine and humble, he gives off this youthful innocence that’s really refreshing. Like the opposite of cynical. I’m so glad he took the time to share his adventure with us through this book.

Fun and easy going

I definitely enjoyed this story. I liked the fun perspective Derick brings to the story.

So inspired

I have been reading AT and PCT memoirs for years and had never read one from the perspective of a person of color. I always wondered what a thru hike would be like for me and now I know. I appreciate Derick’s honesty and humor. I also appreciate his artistry. As a writing teacher and a fellow POC trekker I can appreciate every aspect of this book. Thank you Derick for sharing this beautiful experience.

Loved it

Mr. Fabulous lives up to his name on the page as well as in this picturesque, challenging adventure ! Thanks for the ride,

Epic AT Memoir

Mr. Fabulous is an excellent writer! This story took me right back to my time on the AT. So much humor and a refreshing perspective on thru-hiker life! Well done!

Authors experiences on the AT

Too few funny parts. Seems mild to me. I related to his need to clean up every day and changes he went through as a result of his relationships.

Great read!

Loved it. Had me dreaming about doing the Trail! Been a life goal for awhile now. I'll get there!

Very entertaining!

Thank you Mr. Fabulous for taking us along on your very entertaining journey. This is one of the best thru hiking books I have listened to.

entertaining!

This is a fun story, unique perspective. The author isn't a seasoned hiker or camper. He doesn't dwell on the blisters and hardships but the relationships. I thoroughly enjoyed this book!