Only When I Step On It: One Man's Inspiring Journey to Hike The Appalachian Trail Alone

Peter has written an incredibly unique story, in an incredibly unique way. This is not a typical biography. It reads more like a diary, or better, like talking with a friend in a cafe. What Peter has done is offer an unfiltered look into the life and thinking of someone who has experienced trauma and is trying to heal from it. To move past it. As a reader, and someone processing through his own trauma, this book was like a Balm of Gilead. Each time I picked it up, I learned something new about me, even as I learned about Peter. I have not only highlighted sentences but entire paragraphs and thoughts. This is introspection at a deep level. If you are familiar with the practice, you will likely fly through this book. If not, you should still read it, but take your time. Really absorb it. You'll be glad you did. At the same time, Peter takes time to describe a number of the days he spent on the trail, including details that at first glance seem mundane. Maybe they are, but to this reader, they serve a purpose. Healing can happen in the every day, one step at a time. I was skeptical of this book at first. I am beyond glad that I started reading it, and have now finished it. I believe you, future reader, will be too. Thank you for sharing your story Peter. This is an incredible and meaningful work.

Good read, a nice thru hiking book that’s a little bit different than the others I’ve read.

I bought this book as the title got me. Having suffered a fractured hip and not being able to have surgery (had pneumonia) and missing my daughter's wedding ( as I was in traction for 47 days), the title hit me. And it certainly didn't disappoint. I definitely was able to relate to all the obstacles the author encountered and the desire to be completely healed. Having walked the 2,189 mile Appalachian Trail was more than an amazing feat. The strength, endurance, courage and determination Peter has, encouraged me to look at my own situation. It gave me that "if he can do it. I can do it" mentality! Though the Appalachian Trail is not on my list, I look at my pain and disability in a new light. Thank you Mr. Conti!

I enjoyed this book quite a bit. I have read several other books about long distance hiking. I will say that the author's attitude and presentation of his struggles made all the difference in liking this particular rendition of hiking the AT. The book is not a how-to-hike-the-AT guide but is really about ways to persevere under adversity and to get out of your own way, essentially. I personally have daily chronic pain and was feeling down about this prior to reading the book. I feel a little better now after having finished it. I at least have a notion that it could be possible to help myself feel better. The book is well written, very straight forward and specific enough so that you get a good flavor of the AT and how it works. There are even beautiful photos, at least in the KIndle version. The message is very much that big things can happen when you do the little things first; one small step at a time. And there is nothing wrong with that. I highly recommend the book! Thank you Peter!

I’m not a hiker, but my daughter is a huge fan of the outdoors and hiking. She is dreaming of a 6 month hike. As a mother it terrifies me because she is going to do it by herself. After reading “Only When I Step On It” I’m not as worried. Peter shares so many details of how the other hikes give you advice and park rangers. The hostels are safe and helpful. I now know about tracking beacons in case she has trouble. I read this book in two days. I loved every minute of it. I love how Peter found his own way of doing the trail. Just like in life there is more than one way to achieve your goal. He thought outside the box to figure how to do it injured and more enjoyable. He is an inspiration to all about not giving up when life gives you a hard curve ball. He shares so many poignant messages about acceptance, true happiness and hope. I especially like how he shared that when we want to make change we expect it happen the next day. Life doesn’t work like that. We then get frustrated and disappointed when it doesn’t happen fast enough. He reminds us to pick a path and work towards your goal and don’t give up. Thank you for sharing your story Peter. Btw, I suffered with through chronic head pain from a dead nerve for 18 months. I can relate to how you felt. All you feel is pain. It robs you of everything. Thankfully, am mostly healed.

I'm a published writer and I know how excruciatingly hard writing is, so I'm trying to be kind to this author, but as I read through his book (I'm over halfway through), I'm really struggling to stay with it because I don't really like how he presents as a person. From his excitement at the thought he could pass another hiker because she was fat, to the awful revenge he takes on a hiker who disses his career, to writing snarky things in a trail journal, to getting angry when people ask about his well-being, to wanting to tell his kids as a joke that he broke his leg - none of that feels, well, nice. (He also lies and tells people outright or implies that he's a thru-hiker, when he's not.) I'm hoping that what surely must be a holy and spiritual journey - tackling the Appalachian Trail and living amongst nature's wonders for an extended period of time - will have a soul-uplifting effect on him. Take away his need to compete and to be vengeful, and perhaps encourage him to be a kinder, gentler person. Because it's really hard to root for his success when you're wincing at his behaviors. Don't get me wrong: I suffer from chronic pain and I know what it can do to one's disposition. Kudos to the author for even tackling such a monumental feat under the circumstances of his suffering. Impressive! I just hope that as his foot and leg get better, maybe they will inspire him to want to be better as well.

Eigentlich müßte man den Autor bewundern, dass er so durchhält, obwohl er kurz vorm Aufgeben stand. Andrerseits ist er selber schuld an der Misere und sieht das lange nicht ein und seine Familie, vor allem seine Frau, muss es büßen. Sehr egoistischer Typ, der immer sich in den Vordergund stellt, wirkt echt arrogant auf mich. Trotzdem Respekt vor seiner Leistung.

Loved this book, as someone with a disability I can relate with the struggles one goes through. Your grit,determination, and focus is admiring. I hope one day I will complete a thru hike until then I will enjoy reading everyone's journey's.

I've read lots of long distance hiking, biking or motorcycling books, and I initially thought, 'do I really want to read another?' After reading one chapter, the answer was a definite 'yes'. It was refreshing to read a book so honest and realistic about the challenges both physical and mental that Peter Conti faced recovering from a motorcycle accident and deciding to walk the Appalachian Trail to further his recovery. Dive in, you'll enjoy this one.

An inspirational book with plenty of funny and witty bits. It's amazing what someone can achieve with a positive mindset and determination. Many congratulations to Peter for what he has achieved and continues to achieve.

Lovely read about the AT and having a go despite a life changing injury. Super achievement, persistence and inspiring story.