Biking Across America by Paul Stutzman

I am so glad that Revell publishes these type of outdoor adventure books.  I still find myself thinking about Paul Stutzman's first book, Hiking Through.  I felt like I was taking the journey with 

him in that book.  When I saw he had written one about biking, I knew I would love it.

Paul writes in a way that is informative, yet exciting.  He captures each personal story and makes you feel like you're sitting there talking to these people.  He takes you on the long, long journey with him and when I close his books, I feel as though I've seen what he's seen.  I know I haven't, but I envision it so clearly that I feel like I have.

I'm so thankful that Revell gave his books a chance.  I was shocked by the first book and how much I liked the outdoors book.  I've thought a lot about it because I keep trying to figure out what is so refreshing about it.  I review a lot of books and I have yet to see any other author writing about these journeys that are in the Christian genre.  It's a nice break into a different type/style of book and one that will shock you in how much you like it.

Biking Across America is about his journey from Neah Bay, Washington to Key West, Florida.  In my mind, I had a hard time grappling with that distance.  It's a 5,000 mile ride.  Wow.  Paul is honest in his struggles and I like all of the detail he puts into his books.  I liked reading about his encounter with Hell's Angels.  Paul just seems like a down-to-earth man that can relate to anyone.  I even like hearing about what he ate and the times he needed to stop for more protein to help fuel his rides.  I'm not an adventure person but like to read about other people's adventures and I'm always amazed at how flexible they are and they are willing to sleep wherever they can find.  They aren't even afraid of interacting with so many different unknown people. 

I can't wait to see what challenge Paul Stutzman takes next.  I'm sure it'll make a great 3rd book and I'm awaiting to hear of his next adventures.  I saw he has a fiction book out called The Wanderers that apparently shares some of the lessons he's learned along his two long journeys in a fiction story.  I'll have to add that book to my reading list now!

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I received this book free from Revell Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

Hiking Through by Paul Stutzman

I'll be honest with you.  I fully expected to hate this book.  In fact, I was fairly certain that I would open the pages of this book and find it so extremely boring that I wouldn't even be able to finish it.  I was actually hesitant in reviewing this book, but then decided to do it because you never know what books you will end up liking.  Then when I got it, I was not enthused about reading it and kind of dreading it.  Now, are you ready for the shocker?!  I loved it!  This book was not a book of facts.  It was not a bunch of random stories about the AT thrown into a book.  It was not a book about some deep philosophical thing learned on the AT. 

First off, I love anything about the Amish/Mennonites, so you  can imagine how enthused I was after reading the chapter on his family and how he grew up Amish and then left to go to a Mennonite church.  When I flipped the book open to start what I through would be endless ramblings causing my eyes to cross, I actually found myself hooked from page 1 and so curious about his hike that I stayed up 2 hours past my bedtime each night to finish it.  I couldn't believe that reading someone else's story about the AT would be so wonderful.

My heart hurt for him as he walks through the death of his wife.  I can't imagine the pain and loneliness he must have felt some nights on the trail.  I laughed so hard in the chapter about how miserable and rainy it was.  I thought it was hilarious that someone from a church group had made a bowl of chili, so as people were going to sleep, endless noises were making him stay awake thanks to the snoring and well...other things.

Paul was honest about how he just needed to hear from God during this time of solitude.  He went from Georgia to Maine on the AT and completed his dream of hiking through the AT. 

Even if you aren't normally into reading books on hiking or nature, I think you'll find yourself as shocked as I was that you actually like this book.  Give it a try, even if it's not what you normally read.  Paul writes in such a way that  you journey along with him through the highs and lows of the AT and of life.

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I received this book free from Revell Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion.