When I took the train from Boston to Chicago about 3 or 4 years ago, I met and dined with the parents of the Barefoot Sisters who had hiked the Appalachian Trail barefoot, northbound and southbound, and had written books about their hikes. Since my daughter had hiked the AT only a two or three years before (and had read their books but had no intention of hiking barefoot), we had a great time talking about their various experiences. I haven't read their books yet but intend to - just got done reading a Walk in the Woods a couple months ago.