3mph: The Adventures of One Woman's Walk Around the World

Polly Letofsky left Vail Colorado in August 1999, and spent most of the next 5 years trekking across the globe on foot to raise money and awareness for breast cancer. Totally insane, right?! Reading her inspiring and engaging memoir of this incredible adventure makes you realize just how insane and improbable it was she could accomplish this feat. She did it all with a totally by the seat of her pants (soles of her shoes?) support system — an informal network of Lions’ Club chapters, friends, family and random strangers who went out of their way (literally) to help Polly accomplish her mission.The entire book is very readable and relatable. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, and you’ll shake your head at the outlandishness of it all.

Thoroughly enjoyed this book. Brave woman, unexpected events. So courageous and quick thinking. Take the book journey. You will be awed.

Overall I found Polly's journey really inspiring. The book is a page-turner. There are many adventures and characters, and unexpected experiences.My caveat is the writer needs to fact-check a couple of the historical contextual references. You say that Turkey is at the confluence of Africa, Asia, the Middle East and Europe. But there is no connection between Africa and Turkey.Also, I really do sympathise with the rabid anti-Americanism you endured in Europe. Most of those people were making unfair generalisations. Indeed you travelled during a period when the US was invading countries: Iraq and Afghanistan. But you seem to celebrate with your fellow countrymen when Iraq is invaded and Saddam Hussein is captured. But what did Saddam Hussein ever do to the US? The Iraq invasion was purely revenge for 9/11, yet Iraq bore no relation to the 9/11 attacks, and Americans, including you did not take a moment to consider critically whether your military was going after the right people. Invading countries is a serious business and involves death and destruction. Going after the 9/11 perpetrators is understandable, but patience was required to get Osama, which happened eventually.

When i stated reading this book, I couldn't put it down. No, I didn't read it non-stop. I had to rest and reflect on the story before moving on. I kept thinking, Polly is special, someone I'd like to meet and shake her hand and maybe even give her a hug, and thank her for what she did. Her tenacity and courage are unusual qualities only found in a few people. Breast cancer is a terrible affliction, a millstone of pain and sorrow."3 mph" is inspirational and informative mixed in with humor and joy. The author reminds us correctly that in spite of all our problems, we Americans don't live in utopia, just the closest thing to it. John C. Dailey, MD

I really enjoyed reading this book. It was a super interesting read that explored a lot of differences in cultures between countries from a first person perspective. It was also very inspiring as it tells about a woman walking an unimaginable distance and not giving up even as the world was falling apart.

This book was so enjoyable and educational! I liked seeing the world from Polly’s perspective, hearing of the different cultures and attitudes. I highly recommend this book.

I absolutely adored this book, as my husband will tell you, because I can't stop marching through the house sharing anecdotes of her remarkable adventure. It's inspiring, so funny, admirable, interesting, scary, heartfelt, and so relatable. I felt like I walked every mile with her, observing what she saw, sharing her challenges, and rooting for her endurance, both physical and mental. As a hiker, a traveler, and a woman -- I was awed by her guts, positivity, and commitment not only to her world walk, but to her humanitarian work along the way. And I learned so much! -- I've read a number of other walking/traveling books and this stands right up along with them. An exciting, inspiring read!

Polly Letofsky's book is a heartfelt, colorful and fun description of her singularly impressive walk around the world. Actualizing a childhood dream Polly in her 30's carefully prepares for the unknown challenges her five year - 14,125 mile trek but finds the reality of the road presenting new, unimagined hardships, thrills, dangers and friendships she never dreamed of. A chance encounter with a Lions Club leader in the early part of her journey turned into a most fruitful support network for Polly. After charming positive experiences in New Zealand, Australia, Malaysia, India and Turkey she is disappointed at her mostly cold reception in Europe with the exception of warm support in the U.K. and Ireland. With the horrific impact of "9-11" impacting of her journey her return to the USA is very positive and gratifying for Polly. This was a fun read with lots of good humor but mostly it was a graphic description of a huge personal accomplishment. Her dedication to the cause of breast cancer is certainly a worthy one. Three cheers for Polly.

Don't know (or why) this book turned up on my suggested reading list... But I'm sure glad I did.- To quote Mark Twain: She did not know it was impossible so she did itIt serves as a great reminder that many of the things were take for granted in North America, are not necessarily common in the rest of the world.

Great book

Really enjoyed this book. Must admit I started it with some reluctance but was curious at the same time. It could have been boring but it wasn't. Impressed with the networking Polly managed . Without that her task would have been even more difficult.A good read.

Good and easy read, funny at times. You can feel some of the pain. It goes by quite quick. No technical details of the route or suffering, just a story of a woman walking and some selected highlight from that journey. I basically read it in one go.

ripper yarn took a lot of guts. to be admired