This book was less dense than The Emeral Mile and more lighthearted. I have hiked in the Canyon in some of the same areas and Fedarko's descriptions feel like an accurate representation of the landscape: it's sights, sounds, and the effects it has on you. I have heard him describe this journey at in-person speaking engagements at the Grand Canyon. Like The Emerald Mile, the author presents a lot of history relating to the canyon and the politics surrounding it today. I appreciated the extensive bibliography provided at the end. The only cons I have are the predictability of his writing style well into the book; he ends many paragraphs with a simile. Sometimes this led to feeling forced and flat for me. Overall, I appreciated how he used the journey to educate others about the issues effecting the canyon today.

I was turned off from this book. The author portrays himself and his friend as people who are reckless and who took on more than they could, even though they knew that it would be a dangerous trip. I've been in the Grand Canyon twice and hiked down to Hermit's Rest and Indian Gardens, you shouldn't go in with the attitude that the author did. I wouldn't do that even with the mountains around here, it not only treats the land with disrespect, it also shows how little regard you have for the people who might have to come and get you out of a tight spot.

This book is a disappointment (at least for me, not for some others). It strikes me as a wannabe Bill Bryson “A Walk In The Woods” without the humor (although there are numerous attempts at being humorous, but most fall flat) nor the engaging writing style. I had high hopes for this book as I am a fan of the Grand Canyon, but alas it was not to be.

I received a free Kindle copy of this book courtesy of Net Galley and the publisher with the understanding that I would post a review on Net Galley, Goodreads, Amazon and my nonfiction book review blog. I also posted it to my Facebook page.

I've gone to the Grand Canyon before so I was excited to read this misadventure from Kevin Fedarko. It had a great overall concept that I was hoping for. The story was interesting and was a great story to it. I enjoyed the way Kevin Fedarko wrote this and hope he writes more.

This was a book about much more than a hike. I really appreciated the time and attention to detail spent on the native history. I would have liked to see more pictures, especially when the story is about a writer and a photographer. The writer was self aware enough to keep the reader from thinking he was a complete idiot to even attempt the feat.

I have previously read Emerald Mile and was very excited to get access to this title. Fedarko has a way with words and the chapters just flow by. I enjoyed the tale and ultimate success of the trip. Grueling as it was, the author left nothing out about how they assumed they could hike the entire Grand Canyon fresh off the couch to them ultimately coming to grips with what was needed to succeed. I really enjoyed how some history of the area and native people was sprinkled throughout the book to give some grounding to the tale. A really fun read for anyone who enjoys the outdoors or even just a good story.

I was very much looking forward to reading this book, as it is about one of the most awesome and beautiful places on earth. I have been there. I was disappointed in this book, as I found it to be more about the author and his friends and their attempt to hike the canyon. I was surprised that they seemed to go about this rather flippantly without respect for the canyon. I thank NetGalley and Scribner for the advance read.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for letting me review this book. The author and his friend set out to hike the Grand Canyon. They realize they are way unprepared their first time heading into the canyon. I like that they still hide it another go. I hadn’t realized how much noise pollution happens in the Grand Canyon. It’s still sacred to several groups of Native Americans.

Meeting the high expectations set by The Emerald Mile was a tall order for this follow-up but Fedarko nails it.

A Walk in the Park is so much more than a memoir. It contains a lot of historical information as well as detailed information about the Grand Canyon. I live in Arizona and have always been amazed and intrigued by the Grand Canyon and the secrets the canyon floor holds. This is a glimpse into all that has been undiscovered and unknown. In addition, there is a great story behind it all. A really great read for anyone who admires the grandness of the Grand Canyon.

Thanks to NetGalley and Scribner for a digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.

When Kevin Fedarko and his best friend, a National Geographic photographer, decided to attempt a traverse of the Grand Canyon, they had woefully little knowledge of what they were attempting to do. It is a miracle they survived. This (mis)adventure, along with a deep dive into the park’s history, is beautifully chronicled in this book.

Fedarko has a wonderful self-deprecating humor as he tells his story, beginning with his family background and the roots of his wanderlust. It is personal accounts like this that make this story not only a history of trekking this park but also of why some people seek out such dangerous goals.

As we follow Kevin’s adventure, we learn about so many aspects of the Grand Canyon: flora, fauna, geology, the history of exploration, and most importantly the indigenous peoples who lived there and were forcibly removed. How some of them today are trying to preserve the area, the sacred land of their people, and how some have tried to survive in modern times by using it for tourism. I thought Fedarko was very thoughtful and respectful in his exploration of these themes.

This is a perfect book for nature lovers, explorers, fans of national parks, or anyone interested in the Grand Canyon.

Perfect read for a late winter afteroon. I used to enjoy hiking, but nothing this rough! I love reading about young people still setting out to explore the world. I'll live it viacariously these days. And it's entertaining (and sometimes worrisome) when I read about their adventures. I'd still like to walk some of the AP or even Smokies, but for the most part I'll just enjoy other's tales and adventures. I will be promoting this book to other vicarious adventure lovers (get a few as gifts, too, I warrant,,). I'm glad Mr. Fedarko lived to tell the tale! It's right up there with Colin Fletcher's Man Who Walked Through Time and Bill Bryson's Walk in the Woods.

The True Story of a Spectacular Misadventure in the Grand Canyon
by Kevin Fedarko

A delightful memoir of discovery of Fedarko’s growth and his experiences in the Grand Canyon. This is my kind of armchair adventure, following his nearly lifelong obsession with the Grand Canyon and the Colorado River, from the comfort of my HVAC and cozy reading nook. Whether hiking or rafting, the challenges were sensational fun, at least for this reader. I particularly enjoyed the historical and archaeological experiences. He is frank about his ineptitudes, and while these created serious issues for them, I found it very amusing. If you enjoy Bill Bryson’s “Walk in the Woods”, read this book. If you like connecting with Nature, read this book.

Thank you NetGalley and Scribner for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

Wonderfully written and most enjoyable nf,A Walk in the Park by Kevin Fedarko. Thank you NetGallery,Scribner Publisher and author for the opportunity to read this ebook.It will be available on May 28,2024 at your bookstore. If you love author Bill Bryson,as much as I do,you will certainly want to read this book. It’s amazing how two “couch-to-trail” buddies take on a most marvelous and strenuous walk through through the Grand Canyon National Park w/o getting into physical shape to w.alk hundreds of miles and climb up and down mountains,etc. Insane,but brave and adventurous with much humor thrown into the mix.Having gone to all U.S. National Parks mainly West of the Mississippi River,I never would attempt 99% of what these two buddies did and not give up to achieve their final goal! Please give this book a try,you will get hooked right from the beginning.

I love adventure and this book delivered on the adventure. What an interesting captivating story about the Grand Canyon. I very much appreciated the opportunity to read this one! Thank you.

I loved this one . If you like the outdoors, adventure and our national parks you will love it . It was a joy to read

What an incredible book, journey, and story. I’m reminded of Edward Abbey and Desert Solitaire. This book captivated me deeply.

A Walk in the Park is a funny, informative, entertaining read. If you love national parks, the outdoors, adventurous activities, or just funny stories, this book by Fedarko is for you.