2010 BOOK OF THE YEAR BRONZE AWARD
ForeWord Reviews
Review Excerpts for
Over the Top & Back Again: Hiking X the Alps
by Brandon Wilson
“…Brandon Wilson explores not just three, but pushes the alpine experience to extremes by traversing eight countries, and they have been fortunate for this laureate. Wilson brings his considerable intellect and wry sense of humor to this epic adventure, and the result is brilliantly accessible and wonderfully subversive." ~ Richard Bangs, legendary adventurer/ author of Quest for the Sublime, PEAKS and other books that celebrate travel & adventure, (richardbangs.com)
"This lighthearted hiking narrative reflects the positives of such an experience: overcoming hardship, laughing at their inability to find trail blazes, Europe's apparent fear of switchbacks on trails ascending 1000-plus meters per col, and the bond and struggle with your trail partner. Another celebration of simply putting one foot in front of the other with everything you need on your back and faith in the trail ahead.… Recommended for armchair travelers and anyone interested in hiking the Alps." ~ Library Journal
“Marvelous account of the long hike across the roof of Europe…told with a fine eye for detail and a keen sense of humor.” ~ Royal Robbins, rock climbing pioneer
"Thanks to Wilson's gritty and often comedic portrayal of events and the characters they come across (like Mr. and Mrs. Mustache and their snails), Over the Top & Back Again suggests that maybe a little madness isn't too crazy after all." ~ Sarah Esterman, WEND Magazine
“Informative, entertaining, and original. Award-winning author Brandon Wilson is a pioneer in a groundbreaking genre of travel writing." ~ Richard R. Blake, Midwest Book Review
"Readers with a passion for the outdoors will particularly
enjoy Over
the Top & Back Again… Wilson's casual writing style
showcases his humor and pulls readers into his tales of dangerous
treks, eccentric characters, and uncooperative weather. For outdoor
enthusiasts, this book will awaken the travel bug within and
inspire adventure. For others, it's a worthwhile armchair journey
through beautiful country with friendly guides."
~ ForeWord Reviews,
naming it
Book of the Year Bronze Award winner (travel essays)
“Wilson walks the way Forrest Gump runs. He's driven to it… As for the connection between the outer journey and the inner journey, Wilson never pushes it. You get it in small bits, as he does, because that's the way it comes. It has a lot to do with savoring the simple pleasures of life that surround us every day. Wilson's books point the way toward this happy state of mind: just be bold and endure a few vicissitudes.” ~ Stephen Hartshorne, GoNOMAD.com read entire review
“Wilson is my favorite travel writer…Difficult to put it down. Throughout there is a sense of suspense in this wild adventure. This is perfect for armchair travelers as well as those who aspire to hike the same trail.” ~ Rebecca Review, Amazon Top 10 Reviewer
"Beware of muscle pain... in the belly, from laughing too much! …Full of idealism and tenderness towards human nature. With maps, unusual photos (black and white) and hilarious cartoons to top it off, the book is devoured much quicker than it takes to do the hike!" ~ Nathalie Morelle, Association Via Alpina, France/UK
"Wilson
is the king of ‘tell it like it is’ travel writing! Few writers
admit their missteps and appreciate that readers really do
want to know what happens on a long arduous trek, be it scary, life
changing or just downright painful. You'll feel the chill from the
sleet, steam from the shower and the aroma wafting from a
well-earned meal as you trek along from chapter to chapter!”
~ Donna Coomer,
Between the Lines
Reviews, Scotland
"Walking jazz – improvisation at its best, with stunning high notes
(it's the Alps!) and a trill of rain and wet, slick rythmns. Played
by ear, backed by deep experience, and a persistent off beat. (And,
a lot of humor)... it rocks." ~ Kathy Gower, American
Pilgrims
"Brandon Wilson's one-of-a-kind adventure makes you want to grab your walking stick, step into your hiking boots and climb a mountain." ~ Christopher Elliott, syndicated travel writer
“A gift to hikers… Bravo to this adventurous pair for putting "normal" life on hold so that they could trek the backbone of the Alps and bring this insightful tale to us.” ~ Susan Alcorn, author of Camino Chronicle: Walking to Santiago
“Wilson’s ultimate test, full of discovery, fear, laughter and, of course, a few tears, too…Fans of his other books will take much delight. It will please young and old alike…” ~ Jessica Roberts, Bookpleasures.com, UK
“Seeing this
ruggedly beautiful and challenging part of the world from ground
level, and at walking speed, also produces a frame of mind that
lives in the moment, reveres nature and appreciates the small
stuff, reminiscent of 19th-century American trailblazer Henry David
Thoreau… It's great fun trekking through the Alps with the Wilsons…
They do all the hard work — and we get all the pleasures — all
rendered with warmth, insight and humor in Brandon’s inimitable
style.” ~ Rick
Chatenever, Entertainment & Features Editor,
The Maui
News
“Wilson has reached his pinnacle of achievement, both in his
wonderfully written story and the adventure… A tale both grand and
simple, both exciting and humorous, both real and
spectacular.” ~
Jim Damico, WanderingtheWorld.com,
Mongolia
“Many travel books entice readers to follow in the writer's
footsteps. Bryson and Theroux have contributed to a global rise in
train and towpath travel and Paolo Coelho's "Pilgrimage" and Hape
Kerkeling's "I'm Off Then" sent thousands of copy-cat peregrinos
from Brazil and Germany onto the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage
trail in Spain. This latest offering from Brandon Wilson could
start an avalanche of adventure hikers on the Via
Alpina!" ~ Silvia Nilsen, author of
Your
Camino,
master long-distance trekker, South Africa
“The thrill of victory, the agony of de feet! …Wilson is superb at minute description of the topography as well as the chance encounters with other voyagers and the townsfolk along the way…The book is sprinkled with humor, and with some cartoons to make the journey special. Hikers and non-hikers will enjoy this travelogue of conquering the mountains and valleys of mittel Europa.” ~ Barbara Hudgins, author, Crafting the Travel Guidebook
“Fascinating and harrowing tale… A MUST READ for hikers, travelers, outdoors people and adventurers.” ~ Bonnie Neely, RealTravelAdventures.com
“Through their gripping 4 month
long journey not only do we discover idyllic, yet vanishing Alpine
villages and people who have made the mountains their home for
generations, but we are inspired and encouraged to summit our own
personal Alps.” ~ Simone diSanti,
ARoadReTraveled.com, Italia
"Their spirit of teamwork, love of nature and people, and great
courage facing and overcoming many difficult unknowns along the
Alpine trails makes this Brandon’s very best book and adventure to
date.” ~
Linda D. Delgado, Author and Publisher
"Over the Top & Back
Again is
an exciting read, sure to please and inspire readers to their own
mountaineering adventure." ~ Midwest Book
Review,
Travel Shelf
'The pure joy reflected in his eyes reminded me why I take to the trail. It’s the fresh air, the heart pounding, air-gasping pace; it’s the lure about something new around each bend and the freedom to explore. It’s the sweat and strain to accomplish something measurable each day. It’s the memorable views from a mountaintop. It’s reducing life to its primal essentials and finding satisfaction in the smallest things: a hot shower, a warm meal, a soft pillow, or word of encouragement. It’s the new people you meet everyday and experiences shared. It’s the personal peace you find when you reconnect with nature and the Universe.'
“Many dream. Some try. Brandon and Cheryl do. Well told.” ~ Marcus Wilder, author of the Naive and Abroad travel series
“Another unique adventure for the world nomad or armchair traveler alike to read and enjoy without getting your feet wet and cold. Part travelogue, part travel guide and all humor and adventure.” ~ Tammy Wetzel, Yileen Press
Interesting in seeing
larger photos? Check out this Via Alpina cover story by Brandon
Wilson in TravelWorld International, magazine for the North
America Travel Journalist Association.
©photos by Brandon Wilson, all rights
reserved. Actual book photos are in black and white. Not all these
photos appear in book.