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.

Good but monotone

I loved the story but the performance was very monotone. There was lack of excitement at some points.

perfect depiction

I thoroughly enjoyed listening to this. I hiked 850 GA to the Shenandoahs in 2011. I loved trying to figure out if this was before or after me. Every description was spot on! His ability to convey the feeling of camaraderie, how relationships can form without even ever talking to fellow thru hiker. The awe of nature and his depictions of it evoke images that are some of the best memories of my life. Yes, his reading isn't animated. I felt like I was having a story read to me.... which it's just what it was and I loved that. I think that lends even more to the success of it. Akin to the poles in Baxter. (dont want to give away anything)
Congratulations!

Awesome story

This was the absolute best story of any thru hiker books that I’ve read. Thank you for sharing this adventure

Motivational and encouraging

Loved this story. Cried at the end, laughed throughout. Thoroughly enjoyed this! Avid hiker through several states of the US and never thought I would do the AT. I now can’t stop thinking about doing it! Your positive attitude to push through was the encouragement I needed! You were such a breath of fresh air to listen to! My hope is to meet more people like you on trail and in life!

Fun story!

I really enjoyed this story. I love that the author is also the narrator because for me, that adds an extra element of feeling to a story. But I felt it was a bit monotone and read more like a an educational textbook than a story. Still, overall a very fun listen.

A Favorite

I love AT books! Wanted one that was fresh and different. This is that book! He shared so many incidences that I have often wondered about. I still long to climb the Appalachian Trail.

this story made me want to do the Appalachian Trail

I found a story very riveting the characters that were within it with real live people and that made it all more interesting

Entertaining and fun to listen to

His reading of his own story felt little stiff at times, the content was good though but think his humor would’ve come across even better with more flowing narration. Nice to hear about another black person out hiking, in the woods, lol, I am frequently the only other one out there as well, but I know we exist

Fabulous love

What a great story of the AT. Thank you for sharing your heart warming adventure. You are an inspiration. Your positive attitude thru out this journey was amazing! Any book that warms my heart and moves me to tears is a treasure.

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!