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New Book Trailer for Hermit
When you happen upon the story of a lifetime, you are destined to follow it, nurture it and bring it out into the light. Read more…
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Reader’s Favorite Ranks “Hermit” a 5-Star Read
The author’s holy grail is the story that readers can’t stop reading. I was grateful to receive that kind of feedback when I was drafting and editing my manuscript from a hand-selected audience of publishing professionals and friends. A few weeks ago, I sent a review copy of my manuscript for Hermit: The Mysterious Life of Jim Whyte to the folks at Reader’s Favorite. Read more…
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Pakpod tripod is my new favorite piece of gear
As many of you know, I spend a lot of time on the road and on the trails. Way back when I spent six months on the Pacific Crest Trail, I brought along a packable tripod. It was deficient in most ways. For one, it was too small. The legs weren’t long enough to support a camera with a long lens. It took a lot of maneuvering (including propping up the lens with rocks, sticks or what-have-you to take a decent shot). Over the years, I started carrying my packable tripod less and less. Read more…
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Blazing Ahead book review in Appalachia Journal
It is not surprising that an enterprise as monumental as a 2,190-mile hiking trail would be fraught with challenges: conceptual, physical, political, and financial. Blend in strong personalities, deeply held beliefs, and competing interests, and you’ve got yourself quite a story. Jeffrey Ryan has written a tightly researched, well-crafted book that will interest both hiking enthusiasts and history buffs, while also satisfying readers who like their sagas spicy and their heroes flawed. Read more…
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Nice review of Blazing Ahead by The Conway Daily Sun
I visited North Conway, New Hampshire last week, where I had a chance to be interviewed by intrepid hiker, Ed Parsons. Old hikers usually get along famously, which was certainly the case here. Ed writes a great weekly article about day hikes in the White Mountains for The Conway Daily Sun and had recently finished reading my book about the history of the Appalachian Trail, Blazing Ahead. I have a feeling we could have talked trail all afternoon, but we were both on deadlines. No worries. I’m sure we’ll reconnect for a hike somewhere down the road. Thank you, Ed. Read more…
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Kudos for Appalachian Odyssey
“I like wandering through the woods and doing some light hiking, but I have absolutely no desire to camp out anywhere that doesn’t involve a cabin, a bed, and a hot shower. So it may surprise people that I thoroughly enjoyed a memoir about hiking the Appalachian Trail. Read more…
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Recent reviews
“You have to give Jeff Ryan credit for his determination, stamina, and love of the outdoors. … He loved every hike, and that love and enjoyment comes through in his book, Appalachian Odyssey, published by Down East Books.” — George Smith, Bangor Daily News “Wonderful read; engaging story. Live the trail; read this book.” — Rich K. (via Facebook) “Engaging and at times quite funny. Also a very different style of Appalachian trail book. It’s right up there with Awol’s book in my trail library.” — Will S. Read more…
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Everett Potter’s Travel Report weighs in on Appalachian Odyssey
It was an honor to be interviewed by Everett Potter for his esteemed travel blog. Everett has a well deserved worldwide following due to his travel writing for the New York Times, USA Today and Forbes Travel among dozens more. His website is among the most visited by travelers. He also asks great interview questions!
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Latest reviews of Appalachian Odyssey
Thank you to the many readers that have taken the time to share your thoughts about Appalachian Odyssey. I am grateful beyond words (which sounds like a stretch for those who know me I’m sure, but is 100% true nonetheless). “Beautifully written, this book takes you right back to the earlier days of new camping materials and a generation of young people who hit the trails in the mountains – and grew up along the way. Read more…
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Appalachian Odyssey interview with the Falmouth Forecaster
I sat down with Colin Ellis from the Forecaster for a cup of coffee and a nice discussion about my book amidst the woods that inspired my lifelong love of the outdoors. Read more…
