Emma Gatewood was the first woman to hike the entire Appalachian Trail alone, as well as the first personman or womanto walk it twice and three times and she did it all after the age of 65. This is the first and only biography of Grandma Gatewood, as the reporters called her, who became a hiking celebrity in the 1950s and ’60s. She appeared on TV with Groucho Marx and Art Linkletter, and on the … the pages of Sports Illustrated. The public attention she brought to the little-known footpath was unprecedented. Her vocal criticism of the lousy, difficult stretches led to bolstered maintenance, and very likely saved the trail from extinction. Author Ben Montgomery was given unprecedented access to Gatewood’s own diaries, trail journals, and correspondence. He also unearthed historic newspaper and magazine articles and interviewed surviving family members and hikers Gatewood met along the trail. The inspiring story of Emma Gatewood illustrates the full power of human spirit and determination.
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When a 67 year old grandmother walks the Appalachian Trail alone in one journey that takes her five months, anything is possible.
I first listened the audio version. I liked it so much I bought a copy of the book. It is the story of an inspirational woman intertwined with American history in the 60s. I shared it with my study club. Several read the book and have recommended it to their friends.
What I like most was reading the story of Grandma Gatewood on the trail. This was a definite up part of this book. I gobbled every word, looked up places mentioned, and was especially excited to read she did the walk not once but twice more and other amazing walks. This is one inspirational lady.
I also enjoyed the history portions threaded …
What an inspiring book. Along with the amazing story of Emma’s walk is the History that goes along with the story.
The best book I have read this year!
Grandma Gatewood is an inspirational character. She went on an incredible journey using the skills she had learned as a woman hiding from an abusive husband. Love to learn about the accomplishments of strong women!
Emma Gatewood is an amazing 67 year old mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who “on a lark” decided she was going to thru-bike the Appalachian Trail, all 2050 miles of it. She left her Ohio home without telling anyone where she was going and headed to Georgia to begin her quest. This book details her long, grueling trek that most would …
I’m not yet finished with “Grandma” but I felt a need to review this wonderful, simply written and inspiring book by Ben Montgomery now. I’m so pleased that he decided to tell this plucky woman’s story of her walk the full length of The Appalachian Trail at age 67 in 1955……and alone to boot. She was the mother of 11, raising them on various …
Fascinating story of the woman who may have single-handedly saved the Appalachian trail for the future. What a brave woman!
This is my go to book when asked for a book to recomend
Emma Gatewood or Grandma Gatewood as she was called by most, was a a 67 year old woman who after her having raised 11 children, 23 Grandchildren and having been beaten for years by her ex husband, decides to do something for herself. She told her children she was going for a walk, which they were used to but never expecting to hear about what she …