Reviewed by Leonard Smuts for Readers' Favorite

Sometimes triumph follows tragedy. For Greg West, a series of misfortunes began in 2008, culminating in the death of his wife. In 2009, he lost his job. He was lonely, but met Stephanie, who had moved into the neighborhood some years before. He decided to attempt the daunting Appalachian Trail, which spans over 2,000 miles from Georgia to Maine, passing through 14 states. He planned to cover 12 miles per day for six months, carrying a 50-pound backpack. At the time, he was aged 60 and suffered from arthritic knees. He began the epic hike in 2012, initially accompanied by his nephew Michael, adopting the trail name “Hoot”. His sister Pam and Stephanie acted as their support team. This monumental adventure is described in Tenacity: Hoot on the Appalachian Trail by Gregory F. West, co-authored by Dr. Stephanie F. West, who became his wife in 2013. Logistics included regular food drops, as only a few basic provisions could be carried comfortably. He endured rain and snow, becoming used to wet maps and soggy clothes. At times, there was no phone signal or fresh water. He encountered bears, the odd snake, and wild ponies. His knees ached, he had sore feet, and suffered serious illness from a tick bite, so he was forced to take time off the trail to regroup on several occasions. He entertained thoughts of quitting, but support from Stephanie, his family, friends, and co-workers gave him the strength to carry on.

Tenacity by Gregory F. West lives up to its title in full measure. It is a saga of challenging terrain, camping overnight in shelters or in a small tent in all weathers. Hoot missed Stephanie and his family. This is a tale of courage and of never giving up. There were emotional and physical highs and lows, just like the trail route. The comradeship of other hikers and striking scenery is described along with the author's personal hopes and fears. The mental and physical toll was enormous. A medical check confirmed Lyme disease, a serious setback to his timetable. Hoot elected to press on through the aches and pains and went into hiker mode, by his own admission, too stubborn to quit. The writing style is conversational, warm, charming, and informative. It will have readers cheering Hoot on and wondering whether he will reach the end of the trail intact. This is an absorbing account of resilience in the face of adversity, cushioned by kindness and support along the way. It is an enthralling and inspirational work that will appeal to a wide audience.