General 4 — Author Brian Livingston | The Habits Of Squirrels Out July 12, 2022

. . . presents the reality of a thru hike; I felt the culture of trail towns and their connections with the hikers; Gabe and his life story felt real, especially his relationship with Claire and Billy; and Gabe's life is changed and fulfilled by the experience. Well done!

Tim Mathis - Author of The Dirtbag's Guide to Life

Livingston has an endearing and pleasant writing voice, the story flows well, and it's a unique approach to the thru hiking genre, as a fictional account of a hiker's journey on the Great Eastern Trail (a lightly fictionalized version of the Appalachian Trail). While there are a lot of similar non-fiction accounts of thru hiking experiences that this book reminded me of (it has a memoir-esque feel, flows chronologically and focuses a lot on the characters encountered a bit like Thru Hiking Will Break Your Heart, for instance), telling a fictional story gave the author freedom to work in fun anecdotes and humor that reality sometimes doesn't allow. Long trails are their own little universes, and it's a good venue to create a fictional world. Brian did a good job with it - it was lots of fun, the protagonist was relatable, and the characters he created were good caricatures of the actual (often eccentric) people you meet along long trails.

Lu’s Reviews

An outstanding read, the characters are so relatable, you find yourself seeing a little bit of yourself in each of the characters. It's obvious from the book the author has extensive knowledge of the trail within the book, making it easy to read and very believable.

The vivid writing and eclectic characters kept me turning the pages and needing to read on. Equal parts humorous and inspiring, and will absolutely put a smile on your face, a definite must-read.

5.0 out of 5 stars You'll find yourself in these vibrant characters

I was impressed. It is not often a novel by a first-time author captures my interest. The story is excellent and well-paced, and the characters are outstanding.

There was a little bit of me in every character but there was a lot of me in the main character, Old Gabe. He lived his whole life as a mailman. Doing one thing every day, day in and day out. And now that he is retired, he is looking for what he missed. What he missed in himself, his career, and his closest relationships. On the trail, he finds some excellent guides to show him the wonder of his life.

The backdrop for this book is an Appellation Trail-like hike. But you don't need to be a hiker to take this walk.

Great read. The characters will always be with you...like old best friends. Enjoy.

5.0 out of 5 stars Off the beaten path

Excellent debut book from Brian Livingston. I always love a book with a journey that is an allegory for the growth and enlightenment of a character. From the lowest lows to the highest highs we root for Gabe and his family. It is clear that Mr. Livingston has "trail experience" which helps make this book easy to read and believable. Besides, who couldn't love a book whose Author is also known as "Mr. Frodo" and whose outstanding cover art invokes the first edition of "The Hobbit"... I am looking forward to more works by Mr. Livingston!

wenslittleedits

5.0 out of 5 stars Favorite Book this Year!

This is a must read for the long-distance hiker as well as anyone looking for an enjoyable reading experience. This fictional account of one man's journey is relatable to many of us in the backpacking community; however, my non-hiking wife loved it as much as I did. Readers may find themselves reflecting as they turn the pages, “I’ve had that happen to me” or “I've met someone like that.” This book is a reminder that if we are paying attention, life is full of many little and colorful moments that make a lasting impression.

5.0 out of 5 stars Outstanding Debut Novel!

I couldn’t put this book down when I first started it. And then when life got in the way, I kept pocketing moments to return to it, like a trusty friend. Brian (Mr. Frodo) has a gift for storytelling and an astute confidence as a writer. This is evident in his choice to treat his readers with the respect of knowing they’re intelligent enough to savor the subtleties of humor, the dapples of detail, and the profound narrative arc of this wonderful book. He writes with ease and a distinctive voice: the hallmarks of an excellent author. All of this is richly layered in the delightful characters he introduces us to and in the consistency of tone and plot throughout. There were lines in this book I re-read several times and shared with others; there’s an artistry but also level-headed simplicity that’s refreshing and engrossing. It’s simply an outstanding book, that I highly recommend! Hope to see many more from Brian.

5.0 out of 5 stars A little bit of trail magic (by a real life Thru-Hiker!)

It’s like taking a trip down Memory Lane, but if Memory Lane was a comically long, stupidly steep, eternally wet, and inherently smelly path through the woods, instead of an actual Lane.

The author managed to create characters and events that are somehow both fiction and non-fiction; fiction in the sense they are fabricated, but non-fiction in the sense that they are very very real (or could be). Every one was completely viable in its context, and to anyone who thinks some might sound exaggerated, I can assure you are not.

I felt the phantom blisters and hunger pangs from years past. I rejoiced in the tiny- and not so tiny- triumphs of survival. And, I cherished the warmth of camaraderie that can only come from such shared experience.

Thank you Brian, for giving life to a transformative experience that, for many, lives on only in one’s memories, and now on your pages.

Rocks and Roots Podcast

5.0 out of 5 stars A great story with a classic archetype.

Brian has created a story outlining a classic archetype. Mr. Gabe goes through his entire life being lead by others. As Cark Jung would say, he never confronts and masters the unknown or the darkness we all have inside. That leaves him a rather weak and passive man lead by others. He's pushed onto the Great Eastern Trail by others.

By exploring the unknown he learns to confront other in a healthy way, finds his inner strength, and is then able to help those along the trail.

While not based on the real AT you can see Mr. Livingston's own experiences coming through. A fun read with all the classic Appalachian Trail characters.

4.0 out of 5 stars Great first book!!

I did not expect to like it, but I did!!

It is about a subject that I have heard of, but have never done and that is interesting. The main character is an old retired guy, like me, and some of the introspection that goes with that. It is funny and poignant, and there are plenty of weird characters to keep it interesting.

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Read

Just an excellent read. Equal parts humorous and inspiring, and will absolutely put a grin on your face. Livingston’s lived experience on the Appalachian Trail shines through. This book is an uplifting reminder that it is never too late to discover your purpose.

5.0 out of 5 stars Filled with humor and wisdom, never a dull moment through this read

This book encapsulated many of the experiences I've had hiking, traveling, or generally trying to find myself. Brian did a great job bringing to life relatable characters through engrossing plot lines. Look forward to seeing future publications from the author.

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent read!

Loved reading about the adventures of Gabe and the squirrels. The book was such a great read and I could not wait to see what was around the next bend in the trail. You will enjoy your the journey through the Appalachian trail!

5.0 out of 5 stars Fun read!

Clever and entertaining read that made me want to get outside to enjoy nature!

5.0 out of 5 stars Awesome. That’s all there is to it.

It’s just the best read I’ve I’ve come across in a long time.

5.0 out of 5 stars Great read!

Such an enjoyable read, I highly recommend! It's thoughtful, introspective, and a fun read. Makes me want to get on the AT!

5.0 out of 5 stars Mongrel come, Mongrel go. This is a book you want to know.

Your next addition to the cannon of great trail stories! Move over Wild and Grandma Gatewood's Walk -- Mr Gabe, Jewel, Mongrel and Monroe had me ready to lace up my boots, find some dank sauce, and hit the trail. Tender, funny, insightful. Recommended to multiple nature-loving buddies. More from this author, please!

5.0 out of 5 stars A Delightful and Inspiring Journey of Friendship, Fulfillment, and Family on the Trail!

A delightful and inspiring novel that made me long for the adventure and camaraderie of the trail. It was a joy getting to journey with Gabe (of No Appellation) as he found friendship, fulfillment, and ultimately his family along an ever-changing backdrop of creatures and creation. The author’s bio indicates that he once hiked the Appalachian Trail under the name “Mr. Frodo,” and, as we revel in the narrative of Gabe putting one foot in front of the other day after day, I was reminded of the wisdom shared with the author’s namesake by his uncle Bilbo in recounting another grand adventure: “It’s a dangerous business, Frodo, going out of your door. You step into the Road, and if you don’t keep your feet, there is no telling where you might be swept off to.” May you be swept off your feet as you read Brian Livingston’s first novel—and may we have the opportunity to be swept off again as Brian hopefully continues this journey of sharing stories from the Road!