Customer reviews

5 star 63% (63%)		63%
4 star 17% (17%)		17%
3 star 8% (8%)		8%
2 star 7% (7%)		7%
1 star 5% (5%)		5%

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Top international reviews

rebecca prost

a fun book to read!

Reviewed in Canada on 1 November 2019

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a very interesting book and fun to read, makes you feel you were there!

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Amazon Customer

I enjoyed it

Reviewed in Canada on 21 June 2019

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Good read. Realistic, descriptive, enjoyable

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Colleen Francis

A long hike with an interesting author

Reviewed in the United States on 9 October 2017

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To start my review, I must disclose that I am a brother of the author (my wife and I share this Amazon account). The Gail presented in the book is pretty much the Gail I know: fun, clever, stubborn, tough, (a bit) naive, friendly, (a bit) snarky, kind, goofy, and a darn good writer. The book is a fun tale of her experiences, her thoughts during the experiences, and a glimpse into the life of a really interesting person.

One disagreement I have with the author is her characterization of herself as a weak hiker. As the book mentions, after completing the PCT, Gail and Knut hiked in the Swiss/Italian Alps. I joined them for a multi-day hike on the Tour des Muverans in Switzerland. I'm not a super strong hiker, but I have climbed several mountains with friends and family, and I am typically not the weakest person in the group. Gail was substantially stronger than me on the mountain (and the grin on her face when hiking through Alpine meadows made me think she appreciated the experience more than me too). Gail's self assessment in the book might be because Knut was a stronger hiker than Gail by about the amount Gail was stronger than me. The casual reader of the book might think that if a weak hiker like Gail can do the PCT then anyone can. I disagree; what is described in the book is a demonstration of strength and toughness. Still, the book is fun to read whether you plan to hike the PCT yourself or just want to experience it through the eyes of someone else.

43 people found this helpful

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Susan Newell

A great story well told!

Reviewed in the United States on 4 January 2018

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If you're looking for a book about how an arduous journey in the wilderness can help heal great psychic pain, then you can't do better than Cheryl Strayed's "Wild." But if you're looking to vicariously share a wonderful, though still arduous, journey in the wilderness with a remarkable and funny woman, you should definitely read "Bliss(ters)".

Francis is a natural storyteller, with a wry sense of humor and a clear-eyed appreciation for the world around her and the people in it. If you need an antidote to cynicism, this is it. Time and again, Francis' incredibly difficult trek through miles of beauty and physical hardship was made just a bit easier by the kindness of "trail angels" that are apparently a part of the culture of the Pacific Crest Trail. Whether you're a fellow traveler or a confirmed couch potato who just wants to find out what makes these crazy long-distance backpackers tick, you'll enjoy this adventure with her. And you won't have to carry a pack or brave cold rain to do it!

21 people found this helpful

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Tri Chic

Okay if you don’t mind her politically motivated statements

Reviewed in the United States on 4 May 2019

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I couldn’t choose zero stars.
Honestly, I wanted to get through the first chapter, but the author insists on putting her sexual and political views at the forefront, so I sent it back.
I hope if she ever needs the protection of Immigration and Border Patrol or LEO, she rethinks her statements in her book.

13 people found this helpful

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SallyM

Enjoyed my vicarious hike on the PCT

Reviewed in the United States on 7 March 2018

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I read a lot of hiking books. This was one of the best, I thought. Especially well-written with the use of picturesque descriptive language and colorful personal observations. I had a better sense of the terrain & scenery of the PCT, as well as the usual cast of characters one meets along the way. The author had her own special challenge in that she suffers from prosopagnosia - the inability to recognize faces, and therefore she had to rely upon voices, gaits, physical attributes and clothing. When she began the hike, she wasn't goal-focused on making it all the way, but somehow she did. And, I found myself sad when I realized she was nearing the Canadian border and, therefore, the end of the book.

8 people found this helpful

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Walljito

Good Read ... Well written story + Well written hiker stuff

Reviewed in the United States on 9 February 2018

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I've tried to hike PCT twice ... 400 miles was max. The "samples" for PCT books usually cover this part, so I know an accurate account. When it's also interestingly written, I buy the book. I bought this book. I'm glad I did. She does a good job of conveying the early thoughts to go home verses the compulsion to go on. Read this carefully & you known what you would be thinking very near that same place on the map.

10 people found this helpful

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MimzyCatz

Realistic Enjoyable Read

Reviewed in the United States on 13 March 2018

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Well balanced, realistic read that was about the rigors and joys of long-distance hiking. The author brought us along on the trail, introduced us to the PCT without getting too technical. We get a glimpse of the difficulties, along with the people who hike this amazing trail. Some travelogues are more about an authors emotional turmoil that they carry and work through while hiking. This book is a reflection of hiking for the love of the hike. It is rare to step into a travelogue and not feel like an intruder. The reader is welcomed along as a friend. There is no bad language or graphic scenes. Highly recommend. Pack light and travel far.

6 people found this helpful

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tim j wall

Insecurity and whining...

Reviewed in the United States on 27 May 2018

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Worst book I’ve read on PCT (and I’ve read most, if not all). Very little about the trail, scenery, etc.. Mostly it’s just the author constantly whining.. she try’s to convince you (or herself) how independent and strong she is, while continuosly complaining, depending on others and being worried about what everyone else on the trail thinks of her. I feel sorry for the Norwegian guy she hooks up with... she wouldn’t have made it very far without him. I hope it was worth it for him, but I doubt it. Read Andrea Lankfork, Keith Foskett or Jim Hill...

8 people found this helpful

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Leanna Noble

Beautiful country, serious hiking tips, life lessons -- all in one very readable book!

Reviewed in the United States on 25 November 2017

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I can not rave enough about all the levels on which Gail Frnacis touched me with this outrageously funny, heartfelt, personal-connection, instructional (who knew serious hikers had so many hot tips!) and just all-round great read!!!
This was a book that made me laugh out loud, exhale serious sighs, cry "oh no!" and make other assorted noises out loud in public. Means I told several others they'd better buy and read this book!
The author really nailed introducing us all to another culture, picturing natural beauty, leaning into slow and fast paced movement, hunkered shoulders, RAW FEET...this hike is now a shared adventure and accomplishment that will be recurring inspiration.
I laughed out loud, cringed, cried a little with this GREAT READ!
The author's people observations and life lessons in the book are so clear and touchable -- making it possible to both appreciate who she is (evidently ever evolving) as well as being able to utilize it all or hope to store some away for future applications.
Wherever you are I hope your feet are comfy and warm, Gail Francis! I certainly appreciate mine more now.
I can't help but relate to your book as multi-layered lessons applicable on and off the trail.
I now have several new locations to check out for natural beauty in the West Coast states!
You and your book are both real gifts!
Perfect timing for the holidays and giving to people who love the outdoors or love to read about it all.

8 people found this helpful

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Valerie C.

Really?!!

Reviewed in the United States on 16 July 2019

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I wanted to enjoy the story. Instead, the book turned into a mess of political and social rantings and musings. For someone who doesn't care that much for her country, I hope she understands that the reason she and other long hikers are able to enjoy the privilege to do what they profess to love, is partly due to the freedoms they all derive from being Americans. Get over yourselves and grow up!!

5 people found this helpful

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Jillian McDow

I Can't Even

Reviewed in the United States on 24 June 2019

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It was difficult to finish this book. The author is thin skinned and self righteous; looking for reasons to be offended, judging people all the way up the trail. She knows it too, because she has to try and defend every action she took. Again, hard to get through.

4 people found this helpful

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Rachel P

A book for hikers and non-hikers alike

Reviewed in the United States on 4 December 2017

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Bliss(ters) is one of those books that you just can’t put down! Francis's story is straightforward, observant, and downright funny. Her pace kept me engaged the whole time, making me feel like I was right on the trail with her. The tale inspires awe in the feat of finishing the trail itself, but also in the kindness of people—a narrative that is sorely needed in these troubled times. This book is for hikers and non-hikers alike, inspiring new journeys and giving a glimpse of trail life and culture to those who have never experienced it. I really appreciated her text-box explanations and anecdotes, ranging from packing lists to to foot care (and even her past encounters with grizzly bears!), allowing the reader to learn the more practical elements and aspects of hiking while enjoying the journey itself. Francis’s tale is candid and honest, refreshing and fun. A must-read!

4 people found this helpful

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Joe Smith

she is a socialist

Reviewed in the United States on 1 November 2018

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just another trail shack up! one who thinks socialism is the way to go, without living under it. talk to someone who has lived it and then make an opinion! Norway does not count.

4 people found this helpful

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Helena

Wonderful book! This writer gives the reader a rich ...

Reviewed in the United States on 27 November 2017

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Wonderful book! This writer gives the reader a rich sense of both the bliss and the blisters; she brings a heroic hike joyfully to life. Vivid descriptions of spectacular beauty along the way, wonderful friendships forged, pain endured, delights shared, insights gained, wry (and sometimes hilariously slapstick) humor, gratitude for the kindness of both strangers and good buddies, useful trail tips, and reflections on the fabulous experience of hiking from the Mexican to the Canadian border through some of the most stunning scenery on the planet: a great read! Loved it.

2 people found this helpful

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