Book of the Year Bronze Award 2010 (travel essays category),
ForeWord Magazine
After hiking some of the world's great trails, Brandon Wilson
was excited to hear about the Via Alpina, paths running across
eight countries on the backbone of the Alps. Besides promising
immersion into Alpine life and wilderness, it was the ultimate
adventure. It meant climbing 3000 feet from valley to mountain hut
each day 1200 miles for months. Optimistically, Wilson envisioned
it as a European Appalachian Trail, only with better food and
wine.
Faster than you can say "schnitzel," he coaxed his desk-jockey
wife into joining him. Unlike their trek across Tibet, the couple
wouldn't dodge bullets. Who knew ice fields, relentless rain,
winds, lethal ticks and cow patties could be more dangerous? Then
again, the beauty, weird situations and bizarre characters they'd
meet would help put peril into perspective.
It's all here, the daily triumphs and agony of de feet, captured
in Wilson's witty, gritty, award-winning style. "Over the Top &
Back Again" sweeps you along for an inspiring, yet slightly crazed
look at the peerless Alps and at an everyday couple who dare to
follow their gonzo dream.
Written by Brandon Wilson, a Lowell Thomas Award-winning author,
it is fourth in his series of true travel adventures. This first
Via Alpina travelog published in English includes 53 photos, maps
and illustrations by Ken Plumb.
Reviews: "This is my favorite kind of adventure tale: Against
all odds, in the face of health, weather, interpersonal,
navigational and culinary issues, Brandon Wilson and his somewhat
reluctant wife hike it because it's there or, it's supposed to be.
I laughed, I winced, and then I started checking to see when I was
next scheduled to be anywhere near the Via Alpina." Kyle Wagner,
travel editor, Denver Post
"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.. Recommended for
armchair travelers and anyone interested in hiking the Alps."
Library Journal
"Informative, entertaining, and original a pioneer in a
groundbreaking genre of travel writing." Midwest Book Review
"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, author of Quest for the
Sublime and PEAKS
"Marvelous account of a long hike told with a fine eye for
detail and a keen sense of humor." Royal Robbins, legendary rock
climber
"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 Magazine
""Over the Top & Back Again" suggests that maybe a little
madness isn't too crazy after all." WEND Magazine
"It's great fun trekking through the Alps with the Wilsons They
do all the hard work and we get all the pleasures rendered with
warmth, insight and humor in Brandon's inimitable style." Maui
News
"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." GoNOMAD.com
"Makes you want to grab your walking stick, step into your
hiking boots and climb a mountain." Christopher Elliott, syndicated
travel writer