North

If you're a runner and you want to understand the reason we push ourselves, and see that need unfold to its extreme, this is a must read.

Naturally 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.

The 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.

Can’t be put down. I enjoy how Scott weaves in suspense and drama with motivation. The power of friends and his payback are inspiring.

Read this masterpiece in 2 readings, I couldn't put it down.Pure adventure of heart aching, body punishing miles layered upon miles, with highs and lower lows, finishing with awe and a profound respect of all the hard strong tough souls that do the impossible.. Jurek is a beautiful beast!

Really enjoyed this book and will be adding "Eat & Run" to my Kindle List. Having thru-hiked the AT in 2014, I was transported back to the trail and caught myself tearing up as his words landed my feet back on that perfect, narrow strip of dirt. His feat was challenged by "purists" but he did this trail more justice than most. The love and support he received from the community and random supporters reminded me of the magic that is apparent all along the AT corridor. The perspective offered by Jenny's support crew stories was unique and appreciated, the only downside to this is the words sometimes flowed so smoothly between transitions that I missed the *** break and didn't realize I was reading Jenny's section until a story was repeated or Scott was mentioned. I'm always hesitant to read books about long trails because I worry it won't do them justice, but I was proven wrong by the Jurek's. Excuse me, I gotta go research my next thru-hike now..

Scott Jurek isn't just an extraordinary runner. He is an empathetic person who is living vegan and he is an outstanding author as well. His book “North” touched me deeply. I just could not stop reading, although I knew the outcome before. It was exciting up to the end. Thanks to “Jurker” and his wife “JLu” for sharing these insights with hobby runners like us.

Loved this book

I’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!

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.

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.