INTRODUCTION
Hiking the Appalachian Trail is a bucket list item for many hikers. The Trail, by Meika Hashimoto, details one boy’s mission to conquer the Trail and accept the coming of age pains that he encounters as he matures.
REVIEW
Tony and his friend Lucas make a summer bucket list. The last item on the list is to hike the App Trail from where Tony lives with his grandma in Norwich, Vermont, to the end of the trail in Mount Katahdin in Maine. The best friends are on the brink of hiking the trail when heartbreaking tragedy strikes and Tony determines to honor his friend’s memory by hiking the Trail alone.
As the novel unfolds, Tony wonders if he bit off more than he can chew. Hunger is his constant companion as he rations food, the fickle weather wears him down physically, and interactions with friends and foes along the Trail test his mental resolve. A stray dog that he affectionately names Moose, is one of Tony’s only consolations as he treks away the miles. Does Tony have what it takes to finish the Appalachian Trail? How will such a challenging hike shape his growth from boyhood to manhood? Is it all worth it in the end? I will warn you that this book has a few surprising twists and an unexpected but touching ending that almost made me cry.
Hashimoto portrays Tony’s growth from boyhood to manhood in a poignant way. In the beginning, Tony often soliloquizes his best friend and is super focused on accomplishing this hike because it is what his friend wanted to do. In Chapter 2 he reflects, “But here at night, I can’t help thinking about the reason I am here: my best friend Lucas. It was Lucas’ idea to hike the Appalachian Trail in the first place.” p. 7.
Tony imagines that Lucas and his dad are in the next tent over and it gives him fuel to keep going. “I can almost feel their presence and it helps me finally fall asleep” p.11. As the novel progresses, Tony realizes hanging on to his friend’s memory is good but it is not enough motivation to make it all the way. He learns not to be afraid to ask for help from people when the going gets tough and furry and human companionship can be a balm amid a storm. Tony reflects, “Maybe life isn’t about luck, good or bad. Maybe it’s a lot about leaning on others when things get rough. And being leaned on in return.” p. 126.
A detailed description of the tough spots that Tony goes through would ruin the plot so I will let the reader discover them. A quote from the end of the novel shows how Tony matures from dependence on his friend’s memory to get him through the Trail, to adult acknowledgement that reaching the finish line may not be so important after all. He comments, “It’s not about finishing the trail. It’s about finding what’s important in life and fighting for it. It’s about friendship an adventure and realizing how strong you can be.” p. 228.
Grab your hiking pack and this book and hit the reading trail today!
GIVEAWAY
I have a gently read paperback copy of The Trail to giveaway. To enter, leave a comment by October 8. U.S. addresses only.
OUR GUEST BLOGGER
Kate Lundeen last reviewed Children of the Ancient Heroes on my blog. She writes, “The Lord’s hand of watchful care and protection blessed my life from my start as a tiny premature infant. Doctors diagnosed me with cerebral palsy from birth complications which mainly affected my legs and motor skills. I also have a learning disability that does not allow me to write down or process thoughts as fast as other people. I am a former homeschooler and obtained an Associate in Arts degree from a North Carolina community college after five years of hard work! I discovered and developed a love for writing in college. Now I pen articles for my local church newsletter and write book reviews. I enjoy my current job as a part-time library assistant in a Christian library in Matthews, NC. I have a servant’s heart and a willing attitude to grow in old skills and develop new ones along whatever path the Lord chooses to take me.”
Make sure you read other great Middle Grade titles on Greg Pattridge’s blog.
I read Off the Map and now need to read all of this author’s books.
Your name starts the list!
Wow! This sounds like a great read. I love the way the stakes are set up. But the piece that stands out to me is the ability to ask for and accept help. This is so important – at every age people seem to need this reminder!
Thank you, Laura. I agree with your comment!
Dear Carol,
I enjoyed reading Kate’s review of The Trail, by Meika Hashimoto. Please do not put my name in the drawing.
Thanks, Joan!
What a great job you did on this review. Kate! It sounds like a book I’ll want to read, especially since I grew up in Maine!
Thanks, Kathy. I think you’ll love this book!
What a grabbing review! My kids and I have parts of the trail on our bucket list, so this is one I’ll have to pick up.
Your name is on the list, Tonja. Even if you don’t win it, I hope you get it and read it with your kids!
What a wonderful review. I do enjoy adventure stories so will keep my eye out for it. Happy MMGM
Thanks, Brenda. YOur name is on the list!
This sounds amazing! My cousin’s son has done some through hiking, and I’m so fascinated by books about it. I will have to get it! I also enjoyed reading about Kate’s background. Her story is inspiring.
Thank you, Jenni. Yes, Kate’s story is inspiring. your name is on the list!
Kate’s review has me anxious to read this one. I actually have a copy in my TBR pile so let someone else win the giveaway. Thanks for being a part of MMGM this week.
Thanks, Greg!
I really liked this book, too. Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Kate.
My backpacking days are over, but anyone who has taken part understands that the stories and memories are some of the best parts of being in the great outdoors.
Thanks for your comment, Pete. I think you’re spot on! I added your name to the giveaway.
Thank you everyone!
Thanks, Rosi. I can see why you and Kate liked it so much!
I presume Tony is an older teen but the thought of anyone hiking Appalachian Trail alone terrifies me (I’ve probably seen too many horror movies!!). Other than that, this sounds a great story, and I’m glad Moose turns up! Thanks for the recommendation!
I hadn/t thought of that, Valinora. Good point!
Sorry I missed the deadline, but I’ll add this to my list, anyway. I did wonder how old the main character is, to be out there hiking the trail, apparently solo!
Thanks, Rebecca. That’s a good question since this is a MG book!
I loved THE TRAIL! Plus Meika is my editor of the first two Unicorn Island books in my series. She is a wonderful writer and editor and this story is so heartfelt.
It looks like you checked out Kate’s previous review. What a small writing world it is!