How To Walk Across America: And Not Be an A**Hole

for many years, i've dreamed of walking across the country. i think most people enjoy fantasizing about leaving their ordinary lives to do something completely radical and unexpected... just because.if your specific version of that fantasy has involved walking across America--and you're relatively serious about making that fantasy a reality--this is the book for you.1. it won't take many pages of reading this book for you to fall from the stars to realize the blunt truth of what this kind of journey would be like. it's not a pretty walk in the park, it's not as easy as going camping for a weekend, and it really really isn't for everyone. but if you keep reading... you might have a chance.2. it's practical as hell. your idea of camping is buying a 3-day pass to Coachella... or you might be getting back from carving new paths through the Amazon: in either case, you're going to learn some very important practical things about a journey like this. Tyler's actually done it and that comes across. lots of little tips and big ideas in here.3. Tyler's a great writer. that's that. i picked this book up after finishing some Oscar Wilde and then when i finished, i picked up "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy" (funny coincident, right?). the point is... i enjoy quality writing, and Tyler delivers. it's not just good, it can sometimes be hilarious. some of his stories had me laughing out loud--an accomplishment for any writer!basically, i would recommend this book in an instant to everyone from the serious walker to the casual daydreamer.

I am "this close" to just finishing Tyler Coulson's "epic" book on whatit takes to walk across America. His approach to this unique subject ismasterfully presented. I really love his skillful linking of humor with"dead serious" advice about what is truly a fascinating and dangeroustopic. He writes beautifully and really accomplishes holding the(possible) to-be Walker's attention. One very cool thing is that heincorporates his "Model Walking Code" (M.W.C.) all throughout the book.Death is a fact of life and Tyler wonderfully warns his audience about avariety of things that can (and often will) come up as one makes his orher way out there day after day. I am one of the many who is thinkingpretty seriously about such a mega-hike. But, to be sure, I will takeevery word from Tyler with me and hold on to the dead honest truth aboutwhat is required. He inspires me greatly and scares me often, but I'mconvinced he not only knows how to do this (because he did it) but thathe also knows something about what REALLY matters ultimately in life --and that is how to be compassionate toward ourselves and others -- andto be truly be kind in a pretty chaotic world. Its a vast land withamazing weather and other natural and human obstacles. In being acommitted Walker, I envision he is completely correct in saying "Themoment you finish a cross-country hike (and in every moment thatfollows) you feel you are meeting yourself for the first time. Youare." I'm so glad I found his book and plan on reading it more thanonce!

Great book. It is exactly what the first part of the title says, basically a no nonsense "how to walk across America." Clothes, food, equipment, shoes, etc.If you are considering a trip like this or even just a walk across the state then you'd be foolish not to read Coulson's book first. Coulson has an interesting sense of humor. Perhaps a bit full of himself, but that's probably what happens when you accomplish something like this!

I bought the kindle version and read it in one sitting. I'd recommend this for entertainment value rather than as a serious guide to walking across the U.S. The book is a good starting point if you think you might want to try this little adventure. As much as I'd like to walk across the US this is probably as close to doing it as I will get. I like the author's quote in a NY Times article: “Almost everyone who does this has some sort of generalized unhappiness with themselves and the world”. It fits.

I read this book because I am planning to walk across the world. Thank you. I just have to decide between a backpack and a cart. I suppose I will get a cart and do some practice walks to see how I feel.

This is a very helpful book for those preparing for a long hike. Some parts may sound condescending and a lot of it has to do with opinion, but it gets you thinking about things that may have slipped your mind leading up to your journey. Great preparation, decent writing, and overall a good purchase for those looking to go on a long trek.

The book is very direct and does not overly romanticize the idea of walking across the country. There's no filler BS, just honest opinions from someone who actually did this. You might end up disagreeing with Tyler on some points, I did on quite a few things, but none of his advice is actually bad. The book is very well put together and there really aren't any questions left unanswered for a prospective hiker. If you are looking for a book that tells more about his story then check out By Men or By The Earth by Tyler. Also, the walker Nate who offers advice throughout the book has published his own book called Life on Foot that is also highly recommended.

I wanted to walk across America. This book is very practical and I realized that just the backpack that I have used in multi-day self-supported stage races will not do - pulling a cart with capacity for many gallons of water seems to be the best way to go. I no longer want to walk across America. Today, anyway. Maybe tomorrow.Humorous writing style, enjoyed the read.

I'm no book reviewer, but as I'm about to navigate across the USA, this book had some excellent little extra tips for me.It's mostly informative but written in a way that keeps you smiling, a nice, gentle insight into the writer.Recommended if you're planning long walks with camping that could change your life - I don't mean strolling a few hundred miles.It's also not too long and to the point.