Appalachian hiker to sign books at library
Published 12:44 am Sunday, March 9, 2014
The fastest woman to hike the Appalachian Trail will sign copies of her most recent book at Warren County-Vicksburg Public Library on March 22.
Jennifer Pharr Davis will read excerpts from her 2013 book, “Called Again: A Story of Love and Triumph” in the library’s auditorium as part of a discussion of her trail hike. She’ll sign copies after the program, which begins at noon.
Her book details three of her thru-hikes — a thru-hike of the trail in 2011 that set an overall endurance record on the 2,181-mile area in 46.5 days, the 525-mile GR11 through the Spanish Pyranees, and a number other trails throughout Europe. Her 2011 Appalachian trail hike was named “Performance of the Year” by Ultra Running Magazine and she was named a National Geographic Adventurer of the Year in 2012. Overall, she has hiked more than 12,000 miles on six different continents.
In 2008, Davis set the woman’s speed record on the trail by hiking it in 57 days, 8 hours and 35 minutes.
In the book, Davis writes about staying humble and the values of accomplishing any goal.
“Most people think that a book about a record is going to be about boasting, but this is really a book that talks about teamwork, passion and a love of family and the trail,” said Davis.
Davis was emotional.
“Nervous and excited,” Davis said. “Releasing an honest memoir makes me feel very vulnerable. But I am proud of the book and the story and I know that people can get something positive from it, even it they are not hikers.”
Davis has already planned to write another book in the future.
“I am writing a kids book aimed at getting children outside.”