Travel with a Book: Becoming Odyssa by Jennifer Pharr Davis

Travel with a Book is a bi-weekly travel book recommendation publication by Mark. This week’s recommendation is Becoming Odyssa by Jennifer Pharr Davis

———

In 2018, I spent five months hiking the Appalachian Trail, a 3,200 km trail that runs from Maine to Georgia. I had a kindle with me the entire time so I could read in my tent at night.

There’s a lot of books about the Appalachian Trail. It’s one of those terrifyingly difficult but beautiful experiences that make you want to write a book after you get through it. The most popular (and my least favourite) is Bill Bryson’s Walk in the Woods. Less popular, but definitely one of my favourites, Is Jennifer Pharr Davis’ Becoming Odyssa.

Just after graduating college, the burning flame of wanderlust led her to Springer Mountain in Georgia, the beginning of the Appalachian Trail. Her friends and family thought she was crazy. Once the wanderlust died down and the adversity seemed impossible, she started to think she was crazy too.

She not only finished hiking the entire trail, 6 years later in 2011, but she also hiked it again and set the fastest known time on the Appalachian Trail completing it in 46 days.

The book is less about hiking than it is about self-discovery and “learning to smile and laugh just for me, even if no one else was around”. If you’re an inspiring female solo traveller, this book will fill you with the courage to take the first step.

A quote from Becoming Odyssa:

“In college, we had a class discussion about whether the tale of Odysseus taking ten years to return home in the midst of magic, gods, distraction, and disaster could be a real story. I was the only one in the class who thought it was possible. Now it all made sense. I had just spent the past four months travelling a 2,175-mile footpath. And during that time, I had been struck by lightning and caught in a blizzard. I met a pirate, escaped a stalker, and encountered illegal drugs. I walked with a moose, avoided serpents of supernatural size, and fought with dark armies (of bugs).

I suffered unexplained ailments, underwent spells of fatigue, and was rescued countless times by complete strangers. My best friend was a travelling comedian and minstrel, and I happily took part in a romantic subplot with a mysterious and handsome man. I had been met by a higher power Who guided me along the path, and even when I came face to face with death, I continued to seek out life.”

Becoming odyssa

You can get the book here

2 comments

    1. Thanks, Emmanuel and thanks to Mark for recommending it too. That quote certainly inspires me to push the boundaries of solo travel more but hike the Appalachian Trail? I don’t know!

I love to hear from you, Leave a comment here!

Close
One beautiful day in 2018 🌞 , I awoke with the sudden urge to explore 3 countries on a budget! It was my first cross-country road trip but I took that chance and it led me straight to my husband 💕

Funny how life works out sometimes!
One beautiful day in 2018 🌞 , I awoke with the sudden urge to explore 3 countries on a budget! It was my first cross-country road trip but I took that chance and it led me straight to my husband 💕 Funny how life works out sometimes!
1 day ago
View on Instagram |
1/9
A little dramatic? But yes, this was exactly what I needed.

I was experiencing burnout, at the same time, facing the possibility of being laid off from work... going through a deeply personal and emotionally draining phase and needed an out!

It was a short getaway but it was the just the reset that I needed! 🦋
A little dramatic? But yes, this was exactly what I needed. I was experiencing burnout, at the same time, facing the possibility of being laid off from work... going through a deeply personal and emotionally draining phase and needed an out! It was a short getaway but it was the just the reset that I needed! 🦋
1 day ago
View on Instagram |
2/9
In this Nairobi Weekender Series, I'll be sharing some of the best weekend trips you can take from Nairobi.

Think beach getaways, hiking, camping, safaris and more! All within a short distance from the city!

In this video, we're visiting Amboseli National Park. This weekend getaway is perfect for a long 3-day weekend. Staying at least two nights in the area will give you enough time to enjoy a safari and your accommodation.

I recommend booking a place with a view of a waterhole - with this, you might even be tempted to skip the drive in the park completely!

Let me know what other places you'd love to see and please share your best weekend or day trips from Nairobi in the comments! 💬
In this Nairobi Weekender Series, I'll be sharing some of the best weekend trips you can take from Nairobi. Think beach getaways, hiking, camping, safaris and more! All within a short distance from the city! In this video, we're visiting Amboseli National Park. This weekend getaway is perfect for a long 3-day weekend. Staying at least two nights in the area will give you enough time to enjoy a safari and your accommodation. I recommend booking a place with a view of a waterhole - with this, you might even be tempted to skip the drive in the park completely! Let me know what other places you'd love to see and please share your best weekend or day trips from Nairobi in the comments! 💬
2 days ago
View on Instagram |
3/9
Once again, I've found myself back in K-drama heaven! 🥰 I had left K-drama for anti-MLM and true crime content on YouTube for a bit, but this drama (Our Unwritten Seoul)? It dragged me right back in!

It reminds me of the golden days when Alchemy of Souls and Extraordinary Attorney Woo were airing at the same time! Those were weekends I eagerly looked forward to! 😂

In a season of my life that's felt a little uncertain, this drama is a small spark, something warm (and certain?) to look forward to every week(end).

If you're watching it too, let me know in the comment section. But no think pieces about what you don't like 😭 Let's all just enjoy this in peace and hope there's a very sweet and happy ending waiting for us in the next 2 weeks! 😂

And if you're not a kdrama fan, that's okay too! Maybe you'll enjoy this quick guide to Seoul and beyond! 🇰🇷🚀

#OurUnwrittenSeoul #seoulkorea @nigeriankoreanaddict @visitkorea_travel #kdramafeels #solotravel @kdrama_9jaddicts
Once again, I've found myself back in K-drama heaven! 🥰 I had left K-drama for anti-MLM and true crime content on YouTube for a bit, but this drama (Our Unwritten Seoul)? It dragged me right back in!

It reminds me of the golden days when Alchemy of Souls and Extraordinary Attorney Woo were airing at the same time! Those were weekends I eagerly looked forward to! 😂

In a season of my life that's felt a little uncertain, this drama is a small spark, something warm (and certain?) to look forward to every week(end).

If you're watching it too, let me know in the comment section. But no think pieces about what you don't like 😭 Let's all just enjoy this in peace and hope there's a very sweet and happy ending waiting for us in the next 2 weeks! 😂

And if you're not a kdrama fan, that's okay too! Maybe you'll enjoy this quick guide to Seoul and beyond! 🇰🇷🚀

#OurUnwrittenSeoul #seoulkorea @nigeriankoreanaddict @visitkorea_travel #kdramafeels #solotravel @kdrama_9jaddicts
Once again, I've found myself back in K-drama heaven! 🥰 I had left K-drama for anti-MLM and true crime content on YouTube for a bit, but this drama (Our Unwritten Seoul)? It dragged me right back in!

It reminds me of the golden days when Alchemy of Souls and Extraordinary Attorney Woo were airing at the same time! Those were weekends I eagerly looked forward to! 😂

In a season of my life that's felt a little uncertain, this drama is a small spark, something warm (and certain?) to look forward to every week(end).

If you're watching it too, let me know in the comment section. But no think pieces about what you don't like 😭 Let's all just enjoy this in peace and hope there's a very sweet and happy ending waiting for us in the next 2 weeks! 😂

And if you're not a kdrama fan, that's okay too! Maybe you'll enjoy this quick guide to Seoul and beyond! 🇰🇷🚀

#OurUnwrittenSeoul #seoulkorea @nigeriankoreanaddict @visitkorea_travel #kdramafeels #solotravel @kdrama_9jaddicts
Once again, I've found myself back in K-drama heaven! 🥰 I had left K-drama for anti-MLM and true crime content on YouTube for a bit, but this drama (Our Unwritten Seoul)? It dragged me right back in!

It reminds me of the golden days when Alchemy of Souls and Extraordinary Attorney Woo were airing at the same time! Those were weekends I eagerly looked forward to! 😂

In a season of my life that's felt a little uncertain, this drama is a small spark, something warm (and certain?) to look forward to every week(end).

If you're watching it too, let me know in the comment section. But no think pieces about what you don't like 😭 Let's all just enjoy this in peace and hope there's a very sweet and happy ending waiting for us in the next 2 weeks! 😂

And if you're not a kdrama fan, that's okay too! Maybe you'll enjoy this quick guide to Seoul and beyond! 🇰🇷🚀

#OurUnwrittenSeoul #seoulkorea @nigeriankoreanaddict @visitkorea_travel #kdramafeels #solotravel @kdrama_9jaddicts
Once again, I've found myself back in K-drama heaven! 🥰 I had left K-drama for anti-MLM and true crime content on YouTube for a bit, but this drama (Our Unwritten Seoul)? It dragged me right back in!

It reminds me of the golden days when Alchemy of Souls and Extraordinary Attorney Woo were airing at the same time! Those were weekends I eagerly looked forward to! 😂

In a season of my life that's felt a little uncertain, this drama is a small spark, something warm (and certain?) to look forward to every week(end).

If you're watching it too, let me know in the comment section. But no think pieces about what you don't like 😭 Let's all just enjoy this in peace and hope there's a very sweet and happy ending waiting for us in the next 2 weeks! 😂

And if you're not a kdrama fan, that's okay too! Maybe you'll enjoy this quick guide to Seoul and beyond! 🇰🇷🚀

#OurUnwrittenSeoul #seoulkorea @nigeriankoreanaddict @visitkorea_travel #kdramafeels #solotravel @kdrama_9jaddicts
Once again, I've found myself back in K-drama heaven! 🥰 I had left K-drama for anti-MLM and true crime content on YouTube for a bit, but this drama (Our Unwritten Seoul)? It dragged me right back in!

It reminds me of the golden days when Alchemy of Souls and Extraordinary Attorney Woo were airing at the same time! Those were weekends I eagerly looked forward to! 😂

In a season of my life that's felt a little uncertain, this drama is a small spark, something warm (and certain?) to look forward to every week(end).

If you're watching it too, let me know in the comment section. But no think pieces about what you don't like 😭 Let's all just enjoy this in peace and hope there's a very sweet and happy ending waiting for us in the next 2 weeks! 😂

And if you're not a kdrama fan, that's okay too! Maybe you'll enjoy this quick guide to Seoul and beyond! 🇰🇷🚀

#OurUnwrittenSeoul #seoulkorea @nigeriankoreanaddict @visitkorea_travel #kdramafeels #solotravel @kdrama_9jaddicts
Once again, I've found myself back in K-drama heaven! 🥰 I had left K-drama for anti-MLM and true crime content on YouTube for a bit, but this drama (Our Unwritten Seoul)? It dragged me right back in!

It reminds me of the golden days when Alchemy of Souls and Extraordinary Attorney Woo were airing at the same time! Those were weekends I eagerly looked forward to! 😂

In a season of my life that's felt a little uncertain, this drama is a small spark, something warm (and certain?) to look forward to every week(end).

If you're watching it too, let me know in the comment section. But no think pieces about what you don't like 😭 Let's all just enjoy this in peace and hope there's a very sweet and happy ending waiting for us in the next 2 weeks! 😂

And if you're not a kdrama fan, that's okay too! Maybe you'll enjoy this quick guide to Seoul and beyond! 🇰🇷🚀

#OurUnwrittenSeoul #seoulkorea @nigeriankoreanaddict @visitkorea_travel #kdramafeels #solotravel @kdrama_9jaddicts
Once again, I've found myself back in K-drama heaven! 🥰 I had left K-drama for anti-MLM and true crime content on YouTube for a bit, but this drama (Our Unwritten Seoul)? It dragged me right back in!

It reminds me of the golden days when Alchemy of Souls and Extraordinary Attorney Woo were airing at the same time! Those were weekends I eagerly looked forward to! 😂

In a season of my life that's felt a little uncertain, this drama is a small spark, something warm (and certain?) to look forward to every week(end).

If you're watching it too, let me know in the comment section. But no think pieces about what you don't like 😭 Let's all just enjoy this in peace and hope there's a very sweet and happy ending waiting for us in the next 2 weeks! 😂

And if you're not a kdrama fan, that's okay too! Maybe you'll enjoy this quick guide to Seoul and beyond! 🇰🇷🚀

#OurUnwrittenSeoul #seoulkorea @nigeriankoreanaddict @visitkorea_travel #kdramafeels #solotravel @kdrama_9jaddicts
Once again, I've found myself back in K-drama heaven! 🥰 I had left K-drama for anti-MLM and true crime content on YouTube for a bit, but this drama (Our Unwritten Seoul)? It dragged me right back in!

It reminds me of the golden days when Alchemy of Souls and Extraordinary Attorney Woo were airing at the same time! Those were weekends I eagerly looked forward to! 😂

In a season of my life that's felt a little uncertain, this drama is a small spark, something warm (and certain?) to look forward to every week(end).

If you're watching it too, let me know in the comment section. But no think pieces about what you don't like 😭 Let's all just enjoy this in peace and hope there's a very sweet and happy ending waiting for us in the next 2 weeks! 😂

And if you're not a kdrama fan, that's okay too! Maybe you'll enjoy this quick guide to Seoul and beyond! 🇰🇷🚀

#OurUnwrittenSeoul #seoulkorea @nigeriankoreanaddict @visitkorea_travel #kdramafeels #solotravel @kdrama_9jaddicts
Once again, I've found myself back in K-drama heaven! 🥰 I had left K-drama for anti-MLM and true crime content on YouTube for a bit, but this drama (Our Unwritten Seoul)? It dragged me right back in!

It reminds me of the golden days when Alchemy of Souls and Extraordinary Attorney Woo were airing at the same time! Those were weekends I eagerly looked forward to! 😂

In a season of my life that's felt a little uncertain, this drama is a small spark, something warm (and certain?) to look forward to every week(end).

If you're watching it too, let me know in the comment section. But no think pieces about what you don't like 😭 Let's all just enjoy this in peace and hope there's a very sweet and happy ending waiting for us in the next 2 weeks! 😂

And if you're not a kdrama fan, that's okay too! Maybe you'll enjoy this quick guide to Seoul and beyond! 🇰🇷🚀

#OurUnwrittenSeoul #seoulkorea @nigeriankoreanaddict @visitkorea_travel #kdramafeels #solotravel @kdrama_9jaddicts
Once again, I've found myself back in K-drama heaven! 🥰 I had left K-drama for anti-MLM and true crime content on YouTube for a bit, but this drama (Our Unwritten Seoul)? It dragged me right back in!

It reminds me of the golden days when Alchemy of Souls and Extraordinary Attorney Woo were airing at the same time! Those were weekends I eagerly looked forward to! 😂

In a season of my life that's felt a little uncertain, this drama is a small spark, something warm (and certain?) to look forward to every week(end).

If you're watching it too, let me know in the comment section. But no think pieces about what you don't like 😭 Let's all just enjoy this in peace and hope there's a very sweet and happy ending waiting for us in the next 2 weeks! 😂

And if you're not a kdrama fan, that's okay too! Maybe you'll enjoy this quick guide to Seoul and beyond! 🇰🇷🚀

#OurUnwrittenSeoul #seoulkorea @nigeriankoreanaddict @visitkorea_travel #kdramafeels #solotravel @kdrama_9jaddicts
Once again, I've found myself back in K-drama heaven! 🥰 I had left K-drama for anti-MLM and true crime content on YouTube for a bit, but this drama (Our Unwritten Seoul)? It dragged me right back in!

It reminds me of the golden days when Alchemy of Souls and Extraordinary Attorney Woo were airing at the same time! Those were weekends I eagerly looked forward to! 😂

In a season of my life that's felt a little uncertain, this drama is a small spark, something warm (and certain?) to look forward to every week(end).

If you're watching it too, let me know in the comment section. But no think pieces about what you don't like 😭 Let's all just enjoy this in peace and hope there's a very sweet and happy ending waiting for us in the next 2 weeks! 😂

And if you're not a kdrama fan, that's okay too! Maybe you'll enjoy this quick guide to Seoul and beyond! 🇰🇷🚀

#OurUnwrittenSeoul #seoulkorea @nigeriankoreanaddict @visitkorea_travel #kdramafeels #solotravel @kdrama_9jaddicts
Once again, I've found myself back in K-drama heaven! 🥰 I had left K-drama for anti-MLM and true crime content on YouTube for a bit, but this drama (Our Unwritten Seoul)? It dragged me right back in!

It reminds me of the golden days when Alchemy of Souls and Extraordinary Attorney Woo were airing at the same time! Those were weekends I eagerly looked forward to! 😂

In a season of my life that's felt a little uncertain, this drama is a small spark, something warm (and certain?) to look forward to every week(end).

If you're watching it too, let me know in the comment section. But no think pieces about what you don't like 😭 Let's all just enjoy this in peace and hope there's a very sweet and happy ending waiting for us in the next 2 weeks! 😂

And if you're not a kdrama fan, that's okay too! Maybe you'll enjoy this quick guide to Seoul and beyond! 🇰🇷🚀

#OurUnwrittenSeoul #seoulkorea @nigeriankoreanaddict @visitkorea_travel #kdramafeels #solotravel @kdrama_9jaddicts
Once again, I've found myself back in K-drama heaven! 🥰 I had left K-drama for anti-MLM and true crime content on YouTube for a bit, but this drama (Our Unwritten Seoul)? It dragged me right back in!

It reminds me of the golden days when Alchemy of Souls and Extraordinary Attorney Woo were airing at the same time! Those were weekends I eagerly looked forward to! 😂

In a season of my life that's felt a little uncertain, this drama is a small spark, something warm (and certain?) to look forward to every week(end).

If you're watching it too, let me know in the comment section. But no think pieces about what you don't like 😭 Let's all just enjoy this in peace and hope there's a very sweet and happy ending waiting for us in the next 2 weeks! 😂

And if you're not a kdrama fan, that's okay too! Maybe you'll enjoy this quick guide to Seoul and beyond! 🇰🇷🚀

#OurUnwrittenSeoul #seoulkorea @nigeriankoreanaddict @visitkorea_travel #kdramafeels #solotravel @kdrama_9jaddicts
Once again, I've found myself back in K-drama heaven! 🥰 I had left K-drama for anti-MLM and true crime content on YouTube for a bit, but this drama (Our Unwritten Seoul)? It dragged me right back in!

It reminds me of the golden days when Alchemy of Souls and Extraordinary Attorney Woo were airing at the same time! Those were weekends I eagerly looked forward to! 😂

In a season of my life that's felt a little uncertain, this drama is a small spark, something warm (and certain?) to look forward to every week(end).

If you're watching it too, let me know in the comment section. But no think pieces about what you don't like 😭 Let's all just enjoy this in peace and hope there's a very sweet and happy ending waiting for us in the next 2 weeks! 😂

And if you're not a kdrama fan, that's okay too! Maybe you'll enjoy this quick guide to Seoul and beyond! 🇰🇷🚀

#OurUnwrittenSeoul #seoulkorea @nigeriankoreanaddict @visitkorea_travel #kdramafeels #solotravel @kdrama_9jaddicts
Once again, I've found myself back in K-drama heaven! 🥰 I had left K-drama for anti-MLM and true crime content on YouTube for a bit, but this drama (Our Unwritten Seoul)? It dragged me right back in! It reminds me of the golden days when Alchemy of Souls and Extraordinary Attorney Woo were airing at the same time! Those were weekends I eagerly looked forward to! 😂 In a season of my life that's felt a little uncertain, this drama is a small spark, something warm (and certain?) to look forward to every week(end). If you're watching it too, let me know in the comment section. But no think pieces about what you don't like 😭 Let's all just enjoy this in peace and hope there's a very sweet and happy ending waiting for us in the next 2 weeks! 😂 And if you're not a kdrama fan, that's okay too! Maybe you'll enjoy this quick guide to Seoul and beyond! 🇰🇷🚀 #OurUnwrittenSeoul #seoulkorea @nigeriankoreanaddict @visitkorea_travel #kdramafeels #solotravel @kdrama_9jaddicts
4 days ago
View on Instagram |
4/9
This country truly has it all! 😍

Lovely weather ✅️
Pristine whitesand beaches with warm waters ✅️
Incredible Wildlife and Safaris in your backyard!✅️
Stunning mountains and hiking trails ✅️ 
Lovely outdoor spaces, waterfalls, gardens and forests ✅️

From Maasai Mara to Mount Kenya, from Watamu to Lake Naivasha - Kenya really said "why choose when you can have everything?"

Have you visited or is it on your travel wishlist? Tell me your favourite experiences/what you're most looking forward to in the comment section!💬
This country truly has it all! 😍 Lovely weather ✅️ Pristine whitesand beaches with warm waters ✅️ Incredible Wildlife and Safaris in your backyard!✅️ Stunning mountains and hiking trails ✅️ Lovely outdoor spaces, waterfalls, gardens and forests ✅️ From Maasai Mara to Mount Kenya, from Watamu to Lake Naivasha - Kenya really said "why choose when you can have everything?" Have you visited or is it on your travel wishlist? Tell me your favourite experiences/what you're most looking forward to in the comment section!💬
1 week ago
View on Instagram |
5/9
If you're tired of crowded tourist spots, save this hidden gem before everyone finds out!

📍Suncheon Bay National Garden ❤️
If you're tired of crowded tourist spots, save this hidden gem before everyone finds out! 📍Suncheon Bay National Garden ❤️
2 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
6/9
The most beautiful African sunset🌙✨️🦒
The most beautiful African sunset🌙✨️🦒
2 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
7/9
While you're working hard, don't forget to schedule time for rest. 🤎☯︎
While you're working hard, don't forget to schedule time for rest. 🤎☯︎
2 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
8/9
Listen, you don't have to tell me twice! I'm a 9-5 woman who loves to travel. I don't joke about my PTO and public holidays! 😂

If you're planning to combine your vacation days with a public holiday, here are the upcoming ones for the second half of the year...

🇳🇬 × 🇰🇪
- Jun 06 (and 9?): Eid Al-Adha
- Jun 12: Democracy Day 🇳🇬
- Sep 04 - 05?: (Tentative for Mawlid
- Oct 01: 🇳🇬 Independence Day
- Oct 10: 🇰🇪 Utamaduni (Moi) Day
- Oct 20: 🇰🇪 Mashujaa Day
- Dec 12: 🇰🇪 Jamhuri Day
- Dec 25-26: Christmas & Boxing Day

You're welcome! 😊
Listen, you don't have to tell me twice! I'm a 9-5 woman who loves to travel. I don't joke about my PTO and public holidays! 😂 If you're planning to combine your vacation days with a public holiday, here are the upcoming ones for the second half of the year... 🇳🇬 × 🇰🇪 - Jun 06 (and 9?): Eid Al-Adha - Jun 12: Democracy Day 🇳🇬 - Sep 04 - 05?: (Tentative for Mawlid - Oct 01: 🇳🇬 Independence Day - Oct 10: 🇰🇪 Utamaduni (Moi) Day - Oct 20: 🇰🇪 Mashujaa Day - Dec 12: 🇰🇪 Jamhuri Day - Dec 25-26: Christmas & Boxing Day You're welcome! 😊
2 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
9/9
Latest Posts
  • Slow Days in Fast-Paced Tokyo

  • A Serene Weekend at Tawi Lodge, Amboseli

  • Top 10 Easiest Countries for Nigerians to Visit (Visa-Free or Easy Visa)

  • 1000 Days of Learning Swahili – I Quit!

  • A Quiet Spring Day in Matsumoto

Translate
Become an Insider!
Archives
Close

Travel with a Pen

Seek out New Adventures, Travel Differently

Travel with a Pen © Copyright 2025
Close