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Rating: 
Summary: Fits its purpose
Review: I found this book to be helpful in offering specific information about things that are encountered on the AT itself. Curran writes the book like many other hiking books offering general advise, but he keeps it aimed at the AT. It is a wonderful starting point for getting information about the trail.
Rating: 
Summary: Mediocre Literature
Review: I personally have bought every book possible concerning the Appalachian Trail while planning my thru-hike. However, if you are concerned about money, or wasting time reading for that matter, I would advise not to buy any of Jan Curran's books. I have read all three of his on the AT and have found them very boring, to the point of difficult to finish. Other books out there are much worthwhile.Nonetheless, this book would be voted as the best of the three, with decent general purpose advice for long distance hikes. But there is nothing unique about the information. Pick up any hiking book and it will provide the same background. It just seems to skim the surface.
Rating:
Summary: Mediocre Literature
Review: I personally have bought every book possible concerning the Appalachian Trail while planning my thru-hike. However, if you are concerned about money, or wasting time reading for that matter, I would advise not to buy any of Jan Curran's books. I have read all three of his on the AT and have found them very boring, to the point of difficult to finish. Other books out there are much worthwhile. Nonetheless, this book would be voted as the best of the three, with decent general purpose advice for long distance hikes. But there is nothing unique about the information. Pick up any hiking book and it will provide the same background. It just seems to skim the surface.
Rating: 
Summary: disappointing
Review: Just as disappointing as Curran's "TheAppalachian Trail: A Journey of Discovery." Much is promised, but little is delivered.
Rating:
Summary: disappointing
Review: Just as disappointing as Curran's "TheAppalachian Trail: A Journey of Discovery." Much is promised, but little is delivered.
Rating: 
Summary: Lacking in useful information
Review: The book is titled as if it is providing a lot of useful information. Instead, what you will find is 192 pages of mostly generalized backpacking information. It's mostly "take what you need" and have fun. I would not recommend this book for any purpose - although it has a list of P.O.'s in the back which some may find of value. I would suggest the A.T. Data Book for this info. though.
Rating:
Summary: A good overview of the necessaries for hiking the AT.
Review: The book provides a general overview of the many issues that face Appalachian Trail thru-hikers. It is well-organized, beginning with the trail's history, moving through planning and equipment/food, injuries and first aid, etc. Also covered are animal issues, sanitation and etiquette. The final chapter lists some information about portions of the trail which might be interesting to those who only wish to hike certain pieces of the trail. Most useful are the appendices, which provide necessary information about equipment manufacturers, Post Offices near the trail, ATC trail-maintaining clubs and maps. The book could be more detailed, however it does provide a lot of information in a small format.
Rating:
Summary: This books DOES have information.
Review: This book gives a lot of general information for people who want to learn more about thru-hiking in an average sort of way. Obviously, it should not be the only book read in preparation for a thru-hike. The Data Book, more books with personal stories, and many other resources are neccessary for this. This book tells you a lot about thru-hikers on average. One should note that this is impossible to do- they're an ecclectic bunch, but still, this book does well at an impossible task. I liked this book because it was a unique source of information; few other books about the AT present information in this way or in this particular type of depth. Anyway, keep hiking...
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