Joan Griffin’s Force of Nature is a beautifully written trail memoir woven with rich storytelling and vivid descriptions. Griffin’s journey on the John Muir Trail (JMT) in 2006 might have taken seventeen years to translate into this book, but the result is an exquisitely crafted narrative that stands out as one of the best in its genre.
Force of Nature is refreshing in its departure from the usual ultramarathon-style memoirs that feature 30-mile days. Instead, Griffin chronicles a slower, more deliberate pace of 6-7 miles a day—a nod to older or less experienced hikers. Since the book is pitched to a general audience, experienced hikers might find the pace and focus less gripping. Still, Griffin’s thoughtful approach offers a welcome change of perspective.
The memoir begins with a heavy emotional undertone. Following the tragic death of a close friend, Griffin, divorced and battling depression, finds solace in her desire to hike the JMT. Her goal isn’t just to complete the trail but to reconnect with nature and herself—a quest for healing and communion with the wilderness.
The book opens with a gripping account of Griffin and companions caught in a terrifying electrical storm at high elevation—a scene so vivid you can almost feel the static in the air. From there, she endures a series of challenges: a bad fall early on, blisters by day two, and her personal fear of log bridges. Navigating dangerous snowfields and mastering water crossings reflect her growing confidence as the trail tests and strengthens her resilience.
The people Griffin hikes with and meets along the way add a unique flavor to her journey. As part of “The Three Women,” Griffin offers insights into her trail family’s dynamics, from Cappy’s compulsive map-reading and landmark-labeling to the youthful enthusiasm of Zoe, a thru-hiker they rescue from an unsympathetic partner. Griffin herself thrives in solitude, often meditating as she walks, making her journey both external and deeply personal.
Where Force of Nature truly shines is in its breathtaking descriptions of the natural world. Griffin’s words bring to life voluptuous vegetation, wildflower meadows sliced by streams, and the ethereal light of alpenglow at dusk. The trail feels alive under her pen, with numerous scenes meticulously painted in vivid detail.
The book also hints at deeper emotional themes—like the edge between civilization and wilderness—but doesn’t fully delve into them. Griffin touches on profound ideas, such as her sense of unity with the universe while sky gazing at night on the trail, but these moments are brief and leave you wanting more.
The book’s final third, though still well-written, feels a bit anticlimactic. Mount Whitney, the symbolic culmination of the journey, is overshadowed by crowds, noise, and a focus on practicalities like food, feet, and showers. It’s a subdued finish to an otherwise inspiring tale.
Force of Nature is a superbly written memoir that will resonate with occasional hikers and nature enthusiasts alike. Joan Griffin’s ability to capture the sensory beauty of the trail is unparalleled. Her book is a heartfelt and inspiring account of three women’s journey to find themselves in the wilderness.
Trail Memoir 