Book Review: NORTH

Scott Jurek’s memoir about finding his way while running the Appalachian Trail

North: A Memoir About Finding My Way While Running the Appalachian Trail is a deeply personal account of ultrarunner Scott Jurek’s ambitious quest to set a new fastest known time (FKT) on the legendary Appalachian Trail (AT). The book is co-authored with Scott’s wife, Jenny Jurek, and provides a dual perspective on the duo’s challenges and triumphs as they set out on the monumental endeavor to set the Appalachian Trail FKT.

For those who are not aware, Scott Jurek is a seasoned ultramarathoner who has compiled numerous running accolades throughout his storied career. Scott embarks on the grueling 2,189-mile journey along the AT during a pivotal point in his life. First and foremost, Scott is facing the inevitability of aging and trying, like all humans, to deal with this natural process in a productive way. Scott also has a desire to reignite his passion for running and ultra-related pursuits. There is not a clear objective left to tackle for this individual who enjoys pushing himself to the brink of physical and mental endurance. The memoir vividly captures the brutal realities of the trail and an FKT attempt on a trail of such notoriety: the relentless fatigue, the unforgiving terrain, and the constant battle against time.