October 3, 2007 -- Leslie Mass, a 60-year-old suburban wife and grandmother, started hiking the entire Appalachian Trail in the spring – and she finished it – all 2,000+ miles. The riveting story of her journey is told in the book In Beauty May She Walk: Hiking the Appalachian Trail at 60 (416 pgs, hardcover, $21.95). The book won positive praise in the Library Journal and was finalist for ForeWord magazine's Book of the Year award.

“I was so green, I didn't even know how to set up a tent by myself,” Mass said. “I was totally on my own, having to rely on myself and my resources.”

But she learned quickly. Readers across America have been impressed by the struggles Leslie handled while hiking, which included efforts as basic as staying well-fed and hydrated to other struggles such as how to cope with her unenthusiastic son-in-law when her family joins her for the weekend. On the trail, Leslie had to cope with personality issues and other encounters people often deal with at home or work, with the added stress of trying to hike a difficult trail for at least 15 miles each day.

“Every single day was a challenge, it was the hardest thing I've ever done,” Mass said.

When the events of September 11 interrupt her hike, Mass figured out a way to complete her hike while mourning for her country. She took a break and returned the following spring to complete her journey. During the winter, she discovered a new sense of confidence inspired from the trail that she'd never felt before.

In the end, Mass learns a lesson valuable for anyone, at any age: how to make yourself a priority. “In Beauty May She Walk” is an excellent book appropriate for anyone, not just readers interested in hiking outdoors. It is available at www.rockspringpress.com or your favorite online or neighborhood bookstore; just ask!

Contact:
Alice Platt
Rock Spring Press
(904) 208-0795
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www.rockspringpress.com

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