Force of Nature: Three Women Tackle the John Muir Trail

4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars | 2,859 ratings

Price: 21.83

Last update: 01-11-2025


About this item

Three friends, women in their fifties, set out to hike "the most beautiful long-distance trail in the world," the John Muir Trail. From the outset, their adventure is complicated by self-inflicted accidents and ferocious weather, then enriched when they "adopt" a young hiker abandoned by her partner along the trail.

The women experience the terror of lightning at eleven-thousand feet, the thrill of walking through a towering waterfall, and the joy of dancing among midnight moonshadows. For a month, they live immersed in vast natural beauty, tackle the trail's physical demands, and find camaraderie among an ensemble cast of eccentric trail characters. Together, they are pulled forward toward the trail's end atop the highest peak in the High Sierra, Mt. Whitney, and the culmination of their transformative journey.

Force of Nature is equal parts gripping adventure tale, personal memoir, and vivid nature writing.


Top reviews from the United States

Julie S.
5.0 out of 5 stars Daring and Fun adventure on the John Muir Trail
Reviewed in the United States on February 24, 2024
Well written account of 3, then 2, then 3 again women making the 210-mile trek across this famous trail in the Sierra Nevada's. The author describes the beauty, perils and delights in an engaging way for the reader to feel they're trekking along, contemplating those next few miles. I thoroughly enjoyed learning about the mountain and meadow areas, wildflowers, high mountain lakes, unusual snow formations on the peaks and the hikers they met along the way. Surviving an early terrifying lightning storm at 11,000 ft was just one of many obstacles the girls faced. Coping with balance issues carrying heavy packs, blisters, sore feet and weather changes made for a read of sheer determination and perseverance. Undeniably much personal growth, heightened spirits and bonded friendships were made along the way. I loved this book.
Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars I couldn’t put it down for a minute
Reviewed in the United States on March 12, 2024
The JMT is many things to many people. Important, transitional,beautiful, difficult, wild and free.
The book is wonderful in its detail. Every day is a recorded adventure. The small stories, the views, the wandering thoughts we have on great adventures bring it all back.
Barbara R
4.0 out of 5 stars Enjoyable, entertaining, engrossing
Reviewed in the United States on April 23, 2024
The Three Women, their JMT trail name, is a delightful read. You experience the beauty of nature and the wonders seen in the trail. You also experience the fear and anxiety that come with making such a trek. The bonds of friendship and support between the three and also all the other through hikers. An amazing read, the perfect balance of nature, friendship, compassion, struggle, and determination. Immerse yourself in this well written book.
PiaL
5.0 out of 5 stars Next best thing to being there…
Reviewed in the United States on May 9, 2024
I wanted a relaxing book to read before going to bed and this turned out to be the perfect one. I was surprised at how well written it was. I read a review saying it was “like Wild meets A Walk in the Woods” and I agree. The descriptive passages never get old, they vary with every camp site and elevation they pass through. I missed having a map in the book and photos as well and made up for that by checking places on line and seeing the posted photos there. It surprised me to see how different they were in comparison to the book’s depiction. Perhaps in 2006 the area had had more rainfall, less drought, because everything sounded so much more lush and filled with colorful wildflowers. I took my time with the book and enjoyed every chapter. I felt the anxiety of returning to civilization and the mix of dread and elation of returning to normal life. I am truly grateful to the author for taking us through this journey. Well done, Joan Griffin.
Darly Abbott
5.0 out of 5 stars Interesting Holds your attention
Reviewed in the United States on April 30, 2024
How many ways can you say “we climbed a mountain, forded a river, and hiked in weather” and keep the readers interested? But this writer does it. Very descriptive of even scents and relationships, interesting people met, food cravings and extraordinary beauty! So much so I wanted to get my own bear proof canister and head out to see it all for myself. If you have the hiking bug and think you are past your prime or even if you are just planning to hike for the first time you will enjoy this book.
K. Edney
5.0 out of 5 stars Captivating from Beginning to End
Reviewed in the United States on March 15, 2024
Many books about long distance hiking start out strong, then end in a tired voice. This is definitely not the case with “Force of Nature”. The story is well written and engaging to the end. It paints a beautiful picture of nature along the John Muir Trail, explores the personal growth of the three women, and makes the reader feel like they are the fourth member of the hiking group.
Jennifer L Haykin
4.0 out of 5 stars See Author's Note Before Reading
Reviewed in the United States on May 5, 2024
This book was an enjoyable, detailed account of the nearly 200 mile John Muir Trail trek. My only complaint is that through the entire book I wanted to see photos of what was described. After reading the 378 page story, then I read the author's note at the end. The last sentence of it tells the reader where to find a website with the photos.
Kelly Behr
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent
Reviewed in the United States on May 22, 2024
Awesome read for most everybody but a great read for hikers and lovers of the wilderness areas. Beautifully written and articulated, I thoughly enjoyed it

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