'A Walk in the Park: The True Story of a Spectacular Misadventure in the Grand Canyon' by Kevin Fedarko

A Walk in the Park: The True Story of a Spectacular Misadventure in the Grand Canyon, Kevin Fedarko (3.5)

Many people hike the main trail down to the canyon floor, but very few people through-hike the Grand Canyon from northeast to southwest. Reading Mr. Fedarko’s account of his trip makes one realize why this is true. He and his photographer friend attempt to document their backpacking trip for National Geographic. Given their lack of experience, ‘attempt’ becomes ‘attempts’ and their experience is harrowing. This book is very similar to ‘Wild’ by Cheryl Strayed – albeit exchanging the Pacific Coast Trail with the Grand Canyon. The author also spends a significant time describing the actual hiking while also discussing the history of the Canyon with respect to the indigenous people of the area. While I really enjoyed reading about the hike, I found the lack of training and knowledge abhorrent. It’s hard to take someone seriously when they continue to say how stupid they were. In addition, the author admits at the end that he may have exaggerated their incompetence.

'Rules of Civility' by Amor Towles

Rules of Civility, Amor Towles (4)

I really enjoy Mr. Towles’s writing. He does a great job painting the era and surroundings of his chosen environment. In this case, his first novel, it’s New York City post-stock market crash/pre-WWII. We follow a young woman who bridges between working people and high society. By day, she works as a secretary and by night she and her roommate enjoy jazz clubs and diners. Their wit, charisma and unique circumstances propel them into the upper echelons of society. As in his later books, Towles emphasizes the characters’ relationships and creates a mood appropriate to the time. The book reads quickly - the prologue cleverly pulls you in with a subtle mystery and off you go!