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

Reading 3 MPH is a treat. Polly writes about her desire to walk around the world at age 12 and her perseverance in figuring out how to do it. Her humor and tenacity get her through a five year trek across all the continents, step by step, and she becomes the first woman to walk the world--a feat most of us would not even consider trying. We learn about different foods, different traditions, how an American and Jewish woman is perceived around the world, and how eager some countries are to help Polly reach her goal of raising money for breast cancer awareness--some of the countries with the least awareness turning out to be the most helpful. We laugh with and are scared for Polly when she fights off insects, uses her pepper spray to ward off men and animals, and walks through desert and snow. We learn of her feelings about being an American and gain perspective on the current state of affairs as we relive the early 2000's, the time of 9/11 and the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. Hats off to Polly for an amazing walk and a great read.

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.

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.

The author of "3 MPH", Polly Letofsky, accomplished something so incredible that had not been done before...she literally walked around the world while bringing awareness to breast cancer. Her Global Walk started from her home in Colorado and she completed it upon returning to Colorado nearly 5 years later. Her adventure took her to some uneasy locations and experiences, both with nature and human contacts that she made throughout her walk. Readers will learn so much about other cultures, languages, and religions, as well as the human heart of those who helped her along her way. Years of careful planning went into accomplishing her goal. In many countries, she had the support of several Lions Clubs members who offered home stays, meals and some members even walked with her. Her story leaves no detail unturned. Our book club hostess chose this book and invited the author to join us. We were so fortunate as Polly agreed to attend our club meeting in which she personally shared her incredible adventures! A must read for all who love world travel!

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

Such an entertaining book, on so many levels. Funny, sad, inspirational - a sincere "must read". Polly is an amazement!

Read this book for 2 different bookclubs and both clubs loved it. It took great courage for her to set out on this adventure and stick with it for the entire journey. Also, she worked tirelessly to get it written and published which ultimately provided her with a whole new career in the publishing world. I appreciated her writing a book that told her story and didn't try to add things to make it more "interesting". It already was plenty interesting. I'm fortunate to live in Denver where she lives so we were able to spend the afternoon with her in person for our bookclub. It's a great bookclub book and even if you can't get her in person she might do a zoom. She's a very engaging speaker too!

ripper yarn took a lot of guts. to be admired

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.

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 it It 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.

This is a great book. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience of Polly and Bob in her walk around the world. Touching and funny it totally absorbed me. Would recommend to anyone who likes non-fiction that transports you.