Everyday Warrior Book
Book Review
Everyday Warrior Book
Everyday Warrior is an account of Trudie Marie’s 2023 journey on the 1000+km Bibbulmun Track in Western Australia.
However, this is not your usual account of a hiking adventure – it is an account of Trudie’s challenges with complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Trudie is a former police officer who rejected current PTSD treatment, including medication, and instead went for a very long, solo walk to find her peace.
The author leaves nothing for you to guess about – her writing is direct, honest and more than a little raw. I defy anyone to read the Preface and not be moved if not, like me, shed a tear. Trudie’s determination Shines throughout this book. An example is why she chose the trail name Everyday Warrior:
‘….because that’s how I feel, just an everyday girl who will fight to the finish.’
While I am sure you will be moved to tears a few times, this is not a sad book. Trudie is empowering, gracious and thankful. She is optimistic about the people she meets along the way and, in this world of hurry and self-interest, acknowledges those who consistently repaired her confidence in human nature.
Each of Trudie’s 64 days start to finish on the Bibbulmun (of which 56 were hiking days) are described under the following headings:
- People on the track
- Mind and body
- The hut
- Highlights
The book also includes a list of gear she took with her, her meal plan and a track summary that has some interesting telling such as one blister, 11+kg lost in weight and 18 days of rain!
This book was first published in 2024 and includes a touching epilogue ‘One Year On’ as well some deep thoughts along the way:
‘I felt like I needed a physical release too, and floating in the ocean was the best medicine
as there is nothing like being held in other nature’s arms.’
‘It really dawned on me how distracted we are by everything and always on the go.’
‘TODAY WAS BRUTAL!’
‘My faith in humanity has been restored.’
‘I am starting to notice my body return to her former shape, no longer needing the extra armour to keep her safe.’
‘I was able to face my past, my demons, my weaknesses, and my self-limiting beliefs.’
I really enjoyed this book and I’m sure you will too!
Chapters
Contents
- Acknowledgements
- Preface
- Section One – Albany to Denmark 85km
- Section Two – Denmark to Peaceful Bay 63.4km
- Section Three – Peaceful Bay to Walpole 62.6km
- Section Four – Walpole to Northcliffe 142km
- Section Five – Northcliffe to Pemberton 60km
- Section Six – Pemberton to Donnelly River 109km
- Section Seven – Donnelly River to Balingup 59km
- Section Eight – Balingup to Collie 86km
- Section Nine – Collie to Dwellingup 130km
- Section Ten – Dwellingup to Kalamunda 211km
- Final Reflection
- Epilogue
- Track Summary
- Appendices
- My Gear
- My Meal Plan
- My A-Z of the Bibbulmun Track
- The Poem Liz gave me
- My song, my anthem
We Like
- This book is empowering and will make the toughest heart soften!
- For a limited time, if you purchase this book through Trudie’s website you’ll get a signed copy
We Don't Like
- Nothing, just be prepared to feel!
Buy One
You can purchase Everyday Warrior from Amazon Australia
Disclosure: We may earn a small commission, at no additional expense to you, if you click through and make a purchase. Please note that our affiliations do not influence, in any way, the independence of our reviews. If we don’t like a product, you’ll hear about it from us!
Investment
- AUD $29.00 RRP (paperback version)
- Kindle version also available
Everyday Warrior book cover
Journey’s end; Trudie at the Northern Terminus
Page example
Disclaimer
This review was done with a copy of the book provided by Trudie Marie – complete with a beautiful message to Australian Hiker
Last updated
3 March 2025