The Unlikely Thru-Hiker: An Appalachian Trail Journey, Paperback

" Derick's] story takes us into a world where his lack of AT knowledge, his unique perspective, his appearance, and his sense of humor open the minds and hearts of those he encounters along the way. Change has come, and the AT will never be the same again."--Jennifer Pharr Davis, author, speaker, AT fastest-known-time setter, and 2011 National Geographic Adventurer of the Year "A candid and clear-eyed account of a contemporary thru-hike, with engaging humility."--David Miller, author of AWOL on the Appalachian Trail and The A.T. Guide 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 2,192 miles of it. Suddenly he found himself asking, Could he do it? The Unlikely Thru-Hiker is the story of a young black man setting off from the city with an extremely overweight pack and a willfully can-do attitude. What follows are lessons on preparation, humility, race relations, and nature's wild unpredictability. Through it all, Lugo refuses to let any challenge squash his inner Pollyanna, persevering with humor, tenacity, and an unshakeable commitment to grooming that sees him from Georgia to Maine.

About the Author: Derick Lugo had never hiked or camped a day in his life. This Brooklyn-born, New York City urbanite hopped a train to Georgia, grabbed a taxi at the station, and told the cab driver to drop him off at the beginning of the Appalachian Trail. Then he did as he has always done--put one foot in front of the other and never looked back. After hiking for more than 2,000 miles, he now feels invincible and plans to cross the Sahara barefoot. (Not really, but when an ambitious spirit is successful, it will strive for even greater accomplishments.) The Unlikely Thru-Hiker is his debut memoir. Find him online at: @dericklugo (Instagram), @dericklugo (Facebook), and at dericklugo.com.