Grandma Gatewood's Walk by Ben Montgomery

My cousin Robin Kubler mentioned this book on Facebook, and when I read the reviews on Amazon, I decided it was worth a try. I'm so happy I did! This Grandma is incredible! And her story is very well told.  Ben Montgomery put great effort into trying to piece together her story, and it's very well-written. Grandma Gatewood had great challenges in her life, primarily because of an abusive husband. The story goes back and forth between her early life and her hike on the Appalachian Trail. It's so amazing to read about how determined she was and how tough!!! No good hiking equipment or shoes and yet, no excuses...just grit and walking day after day. I also enjoyed reading about how she stayed with farmers and others along the trail. It was a simpler time --the 1950's, and the trail was just being developed. Because of her "walk," it made news that enabled the trail supporters to gain funding and support to improve it. What an inspiring pioneer... There's also a children's version of this book that I bought and read to John and Henry. It's also very good and has beautiful illustrations.