Becoming Odyssa

Adventures on the Appalachian Trail

By: Jennifer Pharr Davis

Narrated by: Jennifer Pharr Davis

After graduating from college, Jennifer isn't sure what she wants to do with her life. She is drawn to the Appalachian Trail, a 2,175-mile footpath that stretches from Georgia to Maine. Though her friends and family think she's crazy, she sets out alone to hike the trail, hoping it will give her time to think about what she wants to do next. The next four months are the most physically and emotionally challenging of her life. She quickly discovers that thru-hiking is harder than she had imagined: coping with blisters and aching shoulders from the 30-pound pack she carries; sleeping on the hard wooden floors of trail shelters; hiking through endless torrents of rain and even a blizzard.

With every step she takes, Jennifer transitions from an over-confident college graduate to a student of the trail, braving situations she never imagined before her thru-hike. The trail is full of unexpected kindness, generosity, and humor. And when tragedy strikes, she learns that she can depend on other people to help her in times of need.

©2010 Jennifer Pharr Davis (P)2020 HighBridge, a division of Recorded Books

Her story, her voice

It’s hard to imagine so many odd things can happen to one person while hiking the AT. Many young women may have given up but Odyssa didn’t. She pushed on despite the hardships. It’s great to hear her tell this story.

A Heroine’s Journey -

This book stays with me as few others have. The open-road search for a Self that began with engagement in the natural world turned and twisted and broke my heart as the author’s journey unfolded. Beautifully read by the author.

Odyssa love

Omg where to start. She is a great writer and reader. She makes you want to go take a hike! Even if you are not a huge hiker this is a great read.

enjoyable perspective of thru hiking the AT

Overall, I going Jennifer's story of her thru hike to be interesting and informative. Looking at other reviews, she gets some flack for sounding judgmental and I did react a little to her comments about people above the Mason Dixon line which seemed to imply none are Christians (which made me laugh). That aside, I thought her story was an interesting one. Personally, I love hiking and wish I could drop everything for a few months and hike the AT, but for now I live vicariously through the stories if others!

Outstanding, AT Living Guide Book

Children and adults alike loved Finding Odyssea! We listened to this book as a family in the beginning stages of preparing a northbound hike thru of the Appalachian trail. Jennifer's story telling abilities empower the reader to feel as if they are venturing right alongside; experiencing the interesting, awkward, spiritual awakenings, laughs, tears and beauty that the AT trail has to offer.
Just bought via audible another of her books.