Grandma Gatewood's Walk: The Inspiring Story of the Woman Who Saved the Appalachian Trail
64 pages • 2-hour read
Ben MontgomeryGrandma Gatewood's Walk: The Inspiring Story of the Woman Who Saved the Appalachian Trail
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Book Brief
288
Biography • Nonfiction
•
Action & Adventure•
BiographyAppalachian Trail • 1950s
•
Perseverance•
Emotions/Behavior: Courage•
Trauma & Abuse2014
Adult
15+ years
Super Short Summary
In Grandma Gatewood’s Walk, Ben Montgomery recounts Emma Gatewood's inspiring journey as a 67-year-old grandmother who became the first woman to solo hike the Appalachian Trail in 1955. Drawing on interviews, documents, and photographs, Montgomery chronicles Gatewood's 2,050-mile trek, her earlier life of hardship, and the historical backdrop of the era, highlighting her legacy in hiking and trail conservation. The book includes graphic descriptions of prolonged physical abuse.
Inspirational
Adventurous
Challenging
Contemplative
Heartwarming
Reviews & Readership
35,782 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Grandma Gatewood's Walk by Ben Montgomery receives acclaim for its compelling portrayal of Emma Gatewood’s resilience, capturing her journey on the Appalachian Trail with engaging storytelling. Critics praise the narrative for its historical insights and inspirational tone, though some note a lack of deeper personal revelations. Overall, it’s a heartening and well-researched tribute.
Who Should Read Grandma Gatewood's Walk?
A reader who enjoys Grandma Gatewood's Walk by Ben Montgomery likely appreciates biographical adventures, stories of resilience, and historical narratives. Fans of Cheryl Strayed's Wild or Bill Bryson's A Walk in the Woods will find this true account of Emma Gatewood's solo hike of the Appalachian Trail inspiring and compelling.
35,782 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
An American journalist and author who explores Emma Gatewood’s life through investigative reporting and narrative nonfiction, connecting her struggles with her role as a conservation icon.
Emma Gatewood’s husband, whose public respectability masks his role as an abuser, catalyzing Emma’s journey and highlighting societal issues of the time.
A Sports Illustrated reporter who consistently followed Emma Gatewood's journey, helping to raise public awareness and contributing to her national recognition.
288
Biography • Nonfiction
•
Action & Adventure•
BiographyAppalachian Trail • 1950s
•
Perseverance•
Emotions/Behavior: Courage•
Trauma & Abuse2014
Adult
15+ years
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