A Walk in the Park: The True Story of a Spectacular Misadventure in the Grand Canyon

In the Epilogue, Fedarko uses the Navajo tradition of the “spirit line” to highlight the significance of imperfection. How does this metaphor inform the book’s larger exploration of human ambition and limitation?

How does A Walk in the Park address the intersection of Indigenous cultural heritage and the preservation of natural landscapes? Consider the conflicts between tribal autonomy, economic development, and/or environmental stewardship.

Analyze the juxtaposition of recklessness and reverence in the narrative. How did Fedarko’s initially naïve and ill-prepared journey evolve into an act of deep respect for the Grand Canyon? What lessons does the book offer about the cost of hubris?

Discuss the significance of memory in A Walk in the Park. How does Fedarko’s reflection on his journey deepen his understanding of himself, the land, and his relationships, particularly with his father and Pete McBride?

How does the book explore the theme of humanity’s relationship with nature? How did different figures throughout Fedarko’s journey conceive of this relationship, and how were their views different or similar?

In what ways does Fedarko personify the Grand Canyon, making it a central “character” in the narrative? Analyze how this literary technique shapes readers’ understanding of the landscape’s beauty, danger, and resilience.

Compare and contrast A Walk in the Park with another narrative about the Grand Canyon, such as Colin Fletcher’s The Man Who Walked Through Time. How are the two texts different or similar in their depiction of the canyon? What key themes and ideas do they share?

Explore the motif of the journey as a means of personal transformation. How did the physical trek through the Grand Canyon parallel Fedarko’s internal evolution, and what larger truths about life and growth did his journey reveal?