Book Review from Shanna Klucar, Program Administrator:
Many outdoors enthusiasts today bemoan the lack of interest their children and grandchildren have in exploring nature. Psychologists and educators are concerned about the prevalence of the so-called "Nature Deficiency Disorder," a possible side-effect of helicopter parenting, excessive scheduling of activities, and trends towards 'plugging in' to electronic devices for hours each day.
Rita Floriani - a KTA member - recently wrote this book, to help entice adolescents and young adults to get their boots on the trail. She did a remarkable job of accurately describing the Appalachian Trail in Pennsylvania, and even included a fictional (but easily replicated) "log book" of the miles the characters hiked each day of their journey, and the shelters in which they lodged. The photos of trail highlights were an excellent compliment to the engaging story, and well represent the beauty and diversity of the A.T. in PA.
I recommend this book for the adolescent or teenager in your life, whether they are an avid trail enthusiast or a video-game addict! Who knows, this just might spark an interest in nature and an enthusiasm for adventure that will last for a lifetime.
Snyopsis:
J.D., aka the Juvenile Delinquent, is fifteen year old Collin Talley, a restless truant and runaway from Nebraska. Apathetic about life until a teacher gives him a book about an Appalachian Trail thru-hiker, Collin is inspired to take part in the life changing undertaking of hiking the 2,180 mile long footpath. Fleeing from an unhappy existence and a close call with the law, Collin hitchhikes east to hike the Appalachian Trail.
The Princess is sixteen year old Brooke Setree, the out of control, self-absorbed daughter of the wealthy Senator and Presidential Candidate John Gordon Setree. For Brooke, it’s all about money, parties, and Brooke.
Before Collin can step one foot on the trail, fate brings the two teens together on a road in Pennsylvania. While out joyriding on her birthday, Brooke strikes Collin with her car and leaves the scene, but it is all recorded by the media and paparazzi who constantly follow Brooke.
Recovering in the medical ward of a juvenile detention facility, Collin learns who hit him.
As the media frenzy builds, both Brooke and Collin soon stand before a judge who sees Collin as a young man who doesn’t care about school or rules, and Brooke as a young lady who doesn’t care about anything or anybody. Known for using his creative sentencing with delinquent teens, the judge announces his verdict: they must spend time together while hiking the rugged and rocky Appalachian Trail in Pennsylvania.
Hiking the trail was what Collin wanted, but not at this midway point of the trail and definitely not with a Spoiled Little Princess and her ceaseless arrogance. Having to give up her smartphone and stuck with a Juvenile Delinquent out in the wilderness far from any comfort or luxury was a nightmare far worse than anything Brooke could ever have imagined. But together they must start the trail at Pen Mar Park on the Maryland state line and together they must finish it at the Delaware Water Gap in New Jersey 230 long trail miles away.
They are as different as two teenagers can be. The only thing they have in common is that they hate each other. But things have a way of changing when they share the trail together.
Click here to find J.D. and the Princess on Amazon.