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North: Finding My Way While Running the Appalachian Trail Hardcover – April 10, 2018
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Scott Jurek is one of the world's best known and most beloved ultrarunners. Renowned for his remarkable endurance and speed, accomplished on a vegan diet, he's finished first in nearly all of ultrarunning's elite events over the course of his career. But after two decades of racing, training, speaking, and touring, Jurek felt an urgent need to discover something new about himself. He embarked on a wholly unique challenge, one that would force him to grow as a person and as an athlete: breaking the speed record for the Appalachian Trail.
North is the story of the 2,189-mile journey that nearly shattered him. When he set out in the spring of 2015, Jurek anticipated punishing terrain, forbidding weather, and inevitable injuries. He would have to run nearly 50 miles a day, every day, for almost seven weeks. He knew he would be pushing himself to the limit, that comfort and rest would be in short supply -- but he couldn't have imagined the physical and emotional toll the trip would exact, nor the rewards it would offer.
With his wife, Jenny, friends, and the kindness of strangers supporting him, Jurek ran, hiked, and stumbled his way north, one white blaze at a time. A stunning narrative of perseverance and personal transformation, North is a portrait of a man stripped bare on the most demanding and transcendent effort of his life. It will inspire runners and non-runners alike to keep striving for their personal best.
- Print length320 pages
- LanguageEnglish
- PublisherLittle, Brown Spark
- Publication dateApril 10, 2018
- Dimensions6.5 x 1.25 x 9.5 inches
- ISBN-100316433799
- ISBN-13978-0316433792
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Editorial Reviews
Review
"Scott Jurek's record-setting journey on the Appalachian Trail was the most punishing, most demanding, most grueling feat I've ever personally witnessed. By mile 2,000, he was a hollowed-out, broken-down carapace of a person. And unless he found something, some way not just to keep going but to speed up, he was going to miss the record. Over those final 200 miles, I watched him dig deeper than I thought humanly possible: he not only claimed the fastest known time, but - most impressively - never failed to greet a fellow blaze-hiker with a smile and a cheery, 'How far ya' going?' Now, reading his immersive and engaging book, where he asks and pushes himself to find the answers to all of the 'whys,' I almost don't want his suffering to end, just so I can enjoy another chapter."
―Aron Ralston, adventurer and author of 127 Hours: Between a Rock and a Hard Place
"When Scott first shared with me that the AT would be his next record setting challenge, I was in awe at the stamina it would require and the precision in planning and preparation that it would ultimately entail. Scott, and Jenny, are both living proof that what you dream you can also make manifest. Read this book and redefine your own personal limits."
―Christy Turlington Burns, Founder & CEO Every Mother Counts
"What sucks you in is the fact that the Jureks' daily struggles matter. Their candid sharing of each day's minutia places you on the trail alongside them."―American Trail Running Association
"North chronicles the highs and lows of an epic journey, both inward and outward."―New York Post
"North will cement Jurek's position and reputation. It is a heartfelt, honest, exciting account of an inner, metaphorical journey."―The Daily Camera
"Like his first book, Eat and Run, Jurek's journey is nothing less than inspirational."
―Live Kindly
About the Author
He has also been named a National Geographic Adventurer of the Year and one of Sports Illustrated's Fittest 50. The New York Times bestselling author of Eat and Run and a main character in the book Born to Run, Jurek has been featured in the New York Times, CNN, USA Today, Wall Street Journal, TIME, and ESPN Magazine. A passionate vegan, he lives in the mountains of Boulder, Colorado with his wife, Jenny, and daughter, Raven.
Product details
- Publisher : Little, Brown Spark
- Publication date : April 10, 2018
- Language : English
- Print length : 320 pages
- ISBN-10 : 0316433799
- ISBN-13 : 978-0316433792
- Item Weight : 1.22 pounds
- Dimensions : 6.5 x 1.25 x 9.5 inches
- Best Sellers Rank: #165,911 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #13 in Running & Jogging (Books)
- #191 in Traveler & Explorer Biographies
- #517 in Memoirs (Books)
- Customer Reviews:
About the author

Scott Jurek is a world renowned ultramarathon champion and the 24-hour American record holder of 165.7 miles--6 1/2 marathons in one day. His wins include the Western States 100 Mile Endurance Run an unprecedented seven consecutive times, the 135 mile Badwater Ultramarathon twice, Hardrock Hundred and the 153 mile Spartathlon three times. He powers his body on a plant based diet and is a passionate cook, physical therapist and coach. Scott prominently appears in two New York Times Bestsellers "Born to Run" and "The 4-Hour Body." He has been featured in the The New York Times, CNN, USA Today, Wall Street Journal, EPSN Magazine and numerous other media. He makes his home near the mountains of Boulder, CO. For more information visit http://www.scottjurek.com.
Customer reviews
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Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers find this book to be a fantastic read, with one completing it in two readings. They describe it as an excellent recounting of the prevailing human spirit and a compelling adventure, with beautiful photos and maps throughout. Customers appreciate the two-perspective approach to writing, with one particularly praising the parts written by his wife, and consider it a must-read for ultra runners. They describe it as an incredible test of endurance, with one noting how the author pushes himself both mentally and physically to the brink.
AI Generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers find the book highly readable and enjoyable, with one customer noting it's better than Eat And Run, and another mentioning it's particularly suitable for ultra runners.
"This was an excellent read! It reads as a story, and is filled with great detail. I am awestruck by Jureks willpower...." Read more
"...Scott is an incredible athlete and a badass record breaker but what I love most is that he always displays humility and kindness, and it’s so..." Read more
"Book was good. It both made me want to find ways to push myself again and also rediscover my outdoor camping trail life...." Read more
"...perspective offered by Jenny's support crew stories was unique and appreciated, the only downside to this is the words sometimes flowed so smoothly..." Read more
Customers find the book inspirational from beginning to end, describing it as a great motivator and excellent story of perseverance.
"...through my mind in the future to provide strength and inspiration during difficult times...." Read more
"...Beautifully written and well detailed, it reveals the emotional depths of their very souls...." Read more
"...This was a tale of how a personal goal turned into a story of strength and friendship, of how there is nothing in the world like the community of..." Read more
"...But it really was more about business. Thought it was incredible how many people helped. The kindness of the trail life was very cool to see...." Read more
Customers enjoy reading about the adventure in this book, describing it as a compelling and incredible journey that is both fun and challenging.
"This was an excellent read! It reads as a story, and is filled with great detail. I am awestruck by Jureks willpower...." Read more
"...If anything, despite Jurek already being so open and inviting, I think it just makes us all want to know even more about what's going on his life...." Read more
"...that he always displays humility and kindness, and it’s so refreshing to read a story that is less about him personally as much as it is about the..." Read more
"...I was riveted by the rawness of the story, and intrigued by how different the writing style and content was from Mr. Jurek's first book...." Read more
Customers find the book well written and easy to read, with one customer particularly appreciating the two-perspective approach to the narrative.
"...Beautifully written and well detailed, it reveals the emotional depths of their very souls...." Read more
"...His writing is so vivid; it’s almost like being there, but not at grueling and beautiful." Read more
"...This story was well written, highlighting the good and terrible parts of the journey...." Read more
"...It's fantastic writing, and highly inspirational, you may not get far into it before you jump out of bed and start hitting the trails yourself...." Read more
Customers appreciate Scott's athletic achievements, describing him as an amazing super athlete and a great classic in running literature.
"...He's an incredible athlete - it's amazing to what extremes he is able to push himself...." Read more
"...Scott’s to Jenny’s, as they described their own experiences was gracefully executed...." Read more
"...Scott is an incredible athlete and a badass record breaker but what I love most is that he always displays humility and kindness, and it’s so..." Read more
"...While Scott's run was monumental, he wasn't able to fully experience the AT. He was only chasing a record...." Read more
Customers appreciate the appearance of the book, particularly its photos and maps, with one customer noting the love for the pictures at the end.
"...His writing is so vivid; it’s almost like being there, but not at grueling and beautiful." Read more
"...the hard strong tough souls that do the impossible.. Jurek is a beautiful beast!" Read more
"...Additionally the photos and maps are great! My only wish is that I could have heard more from Jenny since she played such a huge role in the effort...." Read more
"...This book isn’t only for runners, it’s such a beautiful representation of the east coast and the Appalachian Trail itself...." Read more
Customers appreciate the multiple perspectives in the book, particularly Jenny's viewpoint, with one customer noting the helpful commentary at the end of each chapter.
"...of view on things as well which provides not only interesting external perspective on Jurek but also some insight on the simultaneously monumental..." Read more
"...Really puts the AT in perspective." Read more
"...Their story is so amazing and it was wonderful to read Jenny's perspective...." Read more
"...simply an account of Scott’s journey along the trail as it offered much deeper insight as to why he undertook this adventure and included the..." Read more
Customers appreciate the book's portrayal of endurance, describing it as an incredible test of physical and mental strength, with one customer noting how the author pushes himself to the brink both mentally and physically.
"...and struggle, and I felt like I was with him through the incredible test of endurance posed by the AT record attempt...." Read more
"...Tough challenge. Tough people...." Read more
"...Scott, you are an amazingly kind and strong person. Thank you for taking us on this journey with you...." Read more
"...He pushes himself mentally and physically to the brink, time and time again, along one of the most notable trails in the world...." Read more
Reviews with images

North - Such an amazing book by Scott and Jenny Jurek
Top reviews from the United States
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- Reviewed in the United States on December 28, 2024Format: KindleVerified PurchaseThis was an excellent read! It reads as a story, and is filled with great detail. I am awestruck by Jureks willpower. It is simply amazing what the human body can do when the heart is filled with an idea!
- Reviewed in the United States on January 10, 2025Format: KindleVerified PurchaseThis book inspired me and drew me in to the experience of running 50 miles a day form over 40 days.
- Reviewed in the United States on May 14, 2018Format: KindleVerified PurchaseThe title says it all - this book chronicles Jurek's 2015 attempt at the Appalachian Trail FKT (fastest known time). He made the attempt with a tremendous amount of help from his wife Jenny and some friends. Every chapter ends with Jenny's point of view on things as well which provides not only interesting external perspective on Jurek but also some insight on the simultaneously monumental undertaking required to assist with an endeavor of this scope.
He's an incredible athlete - it's amazing to what extremes he is able to push himself. I also found the book refreshingly honest from both Scott and Jenny's view points with regards to their struggles in life and the difficulties of tackling a very personal endeavor for them in an incredibly open, social-media way. If anything, despite Jurek already being so open and inviting, I think it just makes us all want to know even more about what's going on his life. He's just such a likable guy that you want to know more about all the gossip he alludes to in his books. This was a "criticism" some had about Eat & Run - we all wanted to know the nitty gritty of his divorce!
Understandably, for a man who already shares and opens up so much, it seems he tries to balance this with his level of comfort as to how much he wishes to reveal. Nevertheless, being huge fans our gossip-mongering hearts always yearn for more. I honestly think a lot of us, myself included, just want to hear more from him about his divorce and how it affected him - to learn how a man with the capacity to endure the tempests of physical human suffering made it through what is generally a very devastating life event.
I would give the book 4.5 stars if I could - the half star off solely because I continue to yearn to know even more about his life.
Suffice it to say, I won't fault him for not going more in-depth, but I mention this all because it's possible, like me, you will read North and enjoy it and enjoy getting to know Scott Jurek, but you may also find yourself wanting even more depth and insight. It is otherwise an interesting read about attempting the AT (which I have never done myself). I did not realize what a harrowing challenge it is and the unique dangers of each portion of the trail.
It has been a while since I read Eat & Run but I believe I enjoyed it a bit more (including the wonderful recipes at the end of each chapter). Of course that book and this are about two different times in his life. North is definitely motivational. No doubt that many pieces of it will play through my mind in the future to provide strength and inspiration during difficult times. Thank you Scott and Jenny for sharing this very personal endeavor with the world - both back then in the moment and now.
- Reviewed in the United States on April 23, 2018Format: HardcoverVerified PurchaseNaturally I thought this book would be good but NORTH is SPECTACULAR! It has elevated both Scott and Jenny into masterful story tellers. Beautifully written and well detailed, it reveals the emotional depths of their very souls. Shifting voices, from Scott’s to Jenny’s, as they described their own experiences was gracefully executed. I am thoroughly impressed by this tome and couldn’t put it down until I reached the end, leaving me emotionally moved and finally relieved.
At the time, I followed their journey on social media, who didn’t? This book answered questions that I had about the cast of all-star ultra-community characters that showed up to assist them.
Having had a close eye on Scott’s glorious career and thrilling seven wins at the Western States 100, (my favorite era) I’m well acquainted with his phenomenal capabilities, including continuing on a badly sprained ankle at 50-miles into the race. He has a force about him that I found hard to identify, I settled on “warrior spirit” within. This book unwraps the layers revealing his heart, soul, and the core energy of his true champion spirit.
Jenny’s role was equally important as the Crew Chief, I could easily relate to her daily routines having had the experience myself of crewing on a New York to California horse race, including the entire Pony Express Trail. It’s a lot of work! Her contribution to the book characterized the tasks of being in charge of Castle Black and embodied they phase “Home is where you set the parking brake.” With every mile, she endured the elements and unknown conditions with bravery and courage. Well done, Jenny, well done.
To both Scott and Jenny, I am so proud of you both and remain your biggest fan.
- Reviewed in the United States on November 5, 2024Format: PaperbackVerified PurchaseCan’t say enough on how inspirational this book was for me👍
- Reviewed in the United States on August 17, 2024Format: KindleVerified PurchaseScott brings us along on his journey through the Appalachian trail. His writing is so vivid; it’s almost like being there, but not at grueling and beautiful.
- Reviewed in the United States on July 17, 2019Format: KindleVerified PurchaseI just finished North, and I’m in awe again. I loved Eat and Run for its easygoing narrative, the way that Scott weaved race day stories, yummy vegan recipes, and memories from his childhood into a motivational biography. This was a tale of how a personal goal turned into a story of strength and friendship, of how there is nothing in the world like the community of runners. Scott is an incredible athlete and a badass record breaker but what I love most is that he always displays humility and kindness, and it’s so refreshing to read a story that is less about him personally as much as it is about the trails, the people, the melding of runners both competing and simultaneously championing each other. I absolutely loved reading his wife Jenny’s portions, it added so much and gave such a richer perspective to the whole adventure. I cried the last few chapters and it made me want to lace up my shoes now and conquer some personal roadblocks. Can’t wait until the next adventure and the next book, Team Jurek!
- Reviewed in the United States on August 12, 2021Format: KindleVerified PurchaseBook was good. It both made me want to find ways to push myself again and also rediscover my outdoor camping trail life. Which is really what I was hoping for in starting this book. I wish there would have been more fun or funny stories like the bear and Cubs. But it really was more about business. Thought it was incredible how many people helped. The kindness of the trail life was very cool to see. Loved how we got two perspectives the whole way through seeing how his wife and crew chief saw things. It wasn’t a page turner like I had to get back to it to see what happens next, but I thoroughly enjoyed reading it at my pace just like the book preaches. Wish there was a documentary to watch his attempt now .
Top reviews from other countries
- 5t4n5 Dot ComReviewed in the United Kingdom on July 27, 2019
5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing...
I really enjoyed reading Scott’s earlier book ‘Eat and Run’, so i was really looking forward to giving this a read.
To sum this book up, this is one of the greatest ultra runners of all time who, after having retired from professional competition, gets his outdoor fix by going hiking along stretches of the PCT with his wife and best friend, Jenny. During one of these hikes they have a big argument and Scott has a bit of a existential crisis and decides he needs to fix himself by returning to suffering and tells Jenny that he’s going to attempt the Appalachian Trail FKT.
Best of all is that he manages to rope Jenny in as his sole support crew member in a converted van suitably named ‘Castle Black’ by telling her that it’ll be a great family summer holiday for their small family of two.
As we go through each chapter of the book we are introduced to each section of the trail, beginning with Scott’s perspective on it followed by Jenny’s. And what a journey it is. It’s utterly ridiculous, but also utterly amazing at the same time. And if you aren’t a bit soggy eyed at the end then you is heartless.
An amazing journey with an amazing couple of human beings — and a ton of friends, old and new, who helped big time along the way and made it all possible.
If, like me, you enjoyed Scott’s first book, then make sure you give this a read some time.
- BfcrigReviewed in Australia on August 16, 2019
5.0 out of 5 stars Sharing an epic adventure
I felt like I was there with Scott and Julie every step of the way. Scott has been a hero of mine for many years. I haven’t been able to run for a longtime. I am now recovering from bilateral knee replacements and I am hoping to start running again. This is the first book on running I have read in years. Everyone tells me I cant run after knee replacements. Scott’s epic adventure has given m the hope that I will be able to return to running.
- CherylReviewed in Canada on July 7, 2020
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent
Format: PaperbackVerified PurchaseI’ve read both of Scott Jurek’s books. They are interesting, inspiring and very well written. You don’t have to be an endurance athlete to enjoy this book, but when I start to get tired on my 10 km runs I remind myself what Scott endured!
- Shadaab KadriReviewed in India on May 15, 2021
5.0 out of 5 stars A different kind of love story
Every runner should read this at least once. My words can't do justice to the brilliance. A fantastic insight into a beast of a runner and a beautiful human being. A story about a woman who has no quit in her. Absolutely mesmerising.
- Michela FossaReviewed in Italy on May 29, 2018
5.0 out of 5 stars beautiful and inspiring!
This is a great book, one that makes you feel happy and insipred. Perfect for sporty people and nature lovers. Thanks Scott for another beautiful book packed with positivity and awesome characters.