Call number
917.404 BRY
Collection
Publication
Broadway (1998), Edition: 1st, 274 pages
Description
Essays. Travel. Nonfiction. Humor (Nonfiction.) HTML: The Appalachian Trail trail stretches from Georgia to Maine and covers some of the most breathtaking terrain in America�??majestic mountains, silent forests, sparking lakes. If you�??re going to take a hike, it�??s probably the place to go. And Bill Bryson is surely the most entertaining guide you�??ll find. He introduces us to the history and ecology of the trail and to some of the other hardy (or just foolhardy) folks he meets along the way�??and a couple of bears. Already a classic, A Walk in the Woods will make you long for the great outdoors (or at least a comfortable chair to sit and
Subjects
Media reviews
Bryson's breezy, self-mocking tone may turn off readers who hanker for another ''Into Thin Air'' or ''Seven Years in Tibet.'' Others, however, may find themselves turning the pages with increasing amusement and anticipation as they discover that they're in the hands of a satirist of the first rank,
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one who writes (and walks) with Chaucerian brio. Show Less
[Bryson] was often exhausted, his ''brain like a balloon tethered with string, accompanying but not actually part of the body below.'' The reader, by contrast, is rarely anything but exhilarated. And you don't have to take a step.
User reviews
LibraryThing member lauralkeet
I am sure there are books about the Appalachian Trail that are jam-packed with facts, figures, topographical maps, photos, and so on. A Walk in the Woods is not such a book; rather, it is a humorous memoir of one person's effort to hike the trail from beginning to end. And along the way, the reader
Bryson and Stephen Katz were an unlikely pair. They were friends in their youth but their adult paths diverged. Neither man was in great physical condition. Bryson, at least, was an experienced hiker. Katz's top priority was pursuit of a hot meal and a real bed. But off they went. They met some interesting characters along the way, which Bryson recounted with great humor. He also used this memoir as a platform for giving the National Park Service a performance review for their preservation efforts, and conveying his disappointment in humankind's lack of respect & appreciation for the world around them. Bryson clearly thrived on the natural beauty found on the trail, and the hike itself had a profound personal impact on him, which he managed to communicate without getting overly philosophical. He also wove in a lot of trail history, and useful details for anyone considering an AT hike, such as the best and worst states for trail maintenance, the condition of shelters, and even amenities in some towns near the trail.
I'm unlikely to attempt such a hike myself, but I do enjoy nature writing and stories about taking on a challenge or overcoming adversity. Bryson's memoir was a very enjoyable read in all of these respects.
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picks up an astonishing amount of information about the Appalachian Trail (AT)'s history, flora & fauna, weather, etc. The trail is over 2,000 miles long, and runs from Georgia to Maine. There are entry/exit points along the way, and shelters about every 10 miles. It's possible to hike pieces of the trail, but the mother of all hikes is "thru-hiking" from end to end. This endeavor takes several months and requires careful planning to accommodate the harshest weather conditions at each endpoint. In the mid-1990s, Bill Bryson recruited a friend from his hometown to join him in "thru-hiking" the AT. His book, A Walk in the Woods, recounts their journey.Bryson and Stephen Katz were an unlikely pair. They were friends in their youth but their adult paths diverged. Neither man was in great physical condition. Bryson, at least, was an experienced hiker. Katz's top priority was pursuit of a hot meal and a real bed. But off they went. They met some interesting characters along the way, which Bryson recounted with great humor. He also used this memoir as a platform for giving the National Park Service a performance review for their preservation efforts, and conveying his disappointment in humankind's lack of respect & appreciation for the world around them. Bryson clearly thrived on the natural beauty found on the trail, and the hike itself had a profound personal impact on him, which he managed to communicate without getting overly philosophical. He also wove in a lot of trail history, and useful details for anyone considering an AT hike, such as the best and worst states for trail maintenance, the condition of shelters, and even amenities in some towns near the trail.
I'm unlikely to attempt such a hike myself, but I do enjoy nature writing and stories about taking on a challenge or overcoming adversity. Bryson's memoir was a very enjoyable read in all of these respects.
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LibraryThing member pbjwelch
Having grown up in New England, my childhood was marked by periodic visits to sites along the New England Appalachian Trail. Because my brother and I were still young in those years, our hiking was limited to about four hours--first there was the drive from Boston to our destination, then 2 hours
So Bryson's book brought back all those memories in addition to putting the trail, which I really hadn't given much thought to, into context. Like many other readers, I loved the details--the salamanders, the fear of bears and cougars, the chance encounter with a shy moose, the history, and even the statistics. Today, I turn over rocks looking for small salamanders for my grandchildren, and point out which side of a tree moss grows on, as my father did for me as we learned about forests. As Bryce notes, the trail was quite empty in the 50s and 60s; we rarely encountered other families and only an occasional 'hiker' on our weekend walks...even though they were all well within range of a road or parking lot. I suspect the same pattern holds true today. The forest in many parts of America is still thick and relatively unexplored. When, as young marrieds, we chanced upon the crash site of a small private plane dense in the Maine forest and reported it to the local authorities, we were waved off with a "Too much trouble to clean out" (and no one seemed to know or remember if there had been survivors or not).
This is a lovely book, a joy to read--a story enhanced by the author's brio and wildly unsuitable walking companion. My daughter, who loves to run in the woods, recommended it to me, for which I will be forever grateful. If you, too, like to walk in forests, I heartily recommend A Walk in the Woods.
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up a trail, 2 hours back down the trail to the parking lot, and the return trip home. These trips remain, however, amongst the highlight memories of my childhood, and as a later parent, I understood the amount of work and patience they required of our parents--the long car ride, the need to pack small 'motivational' snacks, the lack of toilet facilities for shy 8-year-old girls, my younger brother's demand to be carried on our father's shoulders for most of the trip back down. Later, as a young newlywed, my husband and I would often go hiking and camping around Moosehead Lake in Maine (where you saw not only moose but also way more snakes than I ever want to see again). So Bryson's book brought back all those memories in addition to putting the trail, which I really hadn't given much thought to, into context. Like many other readers, I loved the details--the salamanders, the fear of bears and cougars, the chance encounter with a shy moose, the history, and even the statistics. Today, I turn over rocks looking for small salamanders for my grandchildren, and point out which side of a tree moss grows on, as my father did for me as we learned about forests. As Bryce notes, the trail was quite empty in the 50s and 60s; we rarely encountered other families and only an occasional 'hiker' on our weekend walks...even though they were all well within range of a road or parking lot. I suspect the same pattern holds true today. The forest in many parts of America is still thick and relatively unexplored. When, as young marrieds, we chanced upon the crash site of a small private plane dense in the Maine forest and reported it to the local authorities, we were waved off with a "Too much trouble to clean out" (and no one seemed to know or remember if there had been survivors or not).
This is a lovely book, a joy to read--a story enhanced by the author's brio and wildly unsuitable walking companion. My daughter, who loves to run in the woods, recommended it to me, for which I will be forever grateful. If you, too, like to walk in forests, I heartily recommend A Walk in the Woods.
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LibraryThing member bardsfingertips
This is my first sojourn into the delightful world as seen from Bill Bryson's eyes. Well, maybe "delightful" is too pretty of a word.
Anyway, this is a memoir, thus making it nonfiction, thus making it a piece of the written letters I normally do not tread. Regardless, his approach here is very
What we have here is a story about a man who decided, somewhat out of the blue, that he wants to hike the Appalachian Trail. This is, of course, quite an undertaking, therefore, he does not wish to do it himself. So, he writes to all of his friends and gets one person to respond much to his surprise. His name is Katz. He is well overweight and has recently stopped drinking due to the fact he is an alcoholic. Plus, as I am sure you, gentlereaders, have guessed, quite out of shape.
Bill Bryson takes note of their journey in a manner that is both hilarious and melancholic. Bryson successfully mixes narration with factoids about the trail, the environment, animals, plants, history all without causing any discomfort.
If there were more writers like Bryson retelling aspects of their lives, I would be more thrilled to read them.
…And, I sort of feel like taking a bit of a walk.
Anyway, this is a memoir, thus making it nonfiction, thus making it a piece of the written letters I normally do not tread. Regardless, his approach here is very
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narrative in spirit and makes you feel as though you really want to see this first-person (and his companion) through his journey.What we have here is a story about a man who decided, somewhat out of the blue, that he wants to hike the Appalachian Trail. This is, of course, quite an undertaking, therefore, he does not wish to do it himself. So, he writes to all of his friends and gets one person to respond much to his surprise. His name is Katz. He is well overweight and has recently stopped drinking due to the fact he is an alcoholic. Plus, as I am sure you, gentlereaders, have guessed, quite out of shape.
Bill Bryson takes note of their journey in a manner that is both hilarious and melancholic. Bryson successfully mixes narration with factoids about the trail, the environment, animals, plants, history all without causing any discomfort.
If there were more writers like Bryson retelling aspects of their lives, I would be more thrilled to read them.
…And, I sort of feel like taking a bit of a walk.
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LibraryThing member TheLoopyLibrarian
I had long heard great things about Bill Bryson’s A Walk in the Woods, but I had yet to read it. I had the perfect reason to finally pick up a copy when Bill Bryson came to Georgia Center for the Book to promote his new book One Summer: America, 1927. I was immediately caught up in Bryson’s
Favorite quotes:
Regarding the hike, Bryson muses: “Life takes on a neat simplicity, too. Time ceases to have any meaning. When it is dark, you go to bed, and when it is light again you get up, and everything in between is just in between. It’s quite wonderful, really” (p.100).
An example of learning and laughter combined regarding a time in America where bounties were paid for the killing of predatory animals and wherein some became extinct or endangered as a result: “Rationality didn’t often come into it. Pennsylvania on year paid out $90,000 in bounties for the killing of 130,000 owls and hawks to save the state’s farmers a slightly less than whopping $1,875 in estimated livestock losses. (It is not very often, after all, that an owl carries off a cow.)” (p.291)
“A moose is a cow drawn by a three-year-old” (p. 347).
Favorite words:
desultory
pugnacious
promulgating
peregrinations
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storytelling with his droll sense of humor and keen, witty observations. For a middle-aged man who had never so much as gone camping to suddenly decide to tackle the Appalachian Trail is, in itself, fodder for much humor. He managed to turn a trip to the camping store into a laugh-out-loud adventure. His traveling companion provided bumbling comedy himself and, from what Bill said in his talk Friday night, has achieved his own measure of fame due to the book. First published in 1998, the book remains in print and is an official guide to the Appalachian Trail (the AT). Not only does the book contain humorous misadventures, but it is also a fascinating account of the history, geology, and ecology of the AT. I was never bored. I laughed and I learned, often simultaneously. Bryson also meets an amusing cast of characters along the trail (like Chicken John who became notorious for getting lost). I was inspired and thoroughly enjoyed the account of Bryson’s journey. He proved to be the ideal guide for the trail. Now that the fall weather has come to Georgia, I’m tempted to take a walk on the trail myself. I highly recommend this read to anyone who enjoys travel books, hiking, or just plain entertaining storytelling. Favorite quotes:
Regarding the hike, Bryson muses: “Life takes on a neat simplicity, too. Time ceases to have any meaning. When it is dark, you go to bed, and when it is light again you get up, and everything in between is just in between. It’s quite wonderful, really” (p.100).
An example of learning and laughter combined regarding a time in America where bounties were paid for the killing of predatory animals and wherein some became extinct or endangered as a result: “Rationality didn’t often come into it. Pennsylvania on year paid out $90,000 in bounties for the killing of 130,000 owls and hawks to save the state’s farmers a slightly less than whopping $1,875 in estimated livestock losses. (It is not very often, after all, that an owl carries off a cow.)” (p.291)
“A moose is a cow drawn by a three-year-old” (p. 347).
Favorite words:
desultory
pugnacious
promulgating
peregrinations
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LibraryThing member NellieMc
One of Bryson's most personal books, it's a lot less about observing others and more about his own personal feelings as he tackles the Appalachian Trail. It's a surprisingly nostalgic book, and more subtly humorous than most of his, almost as if he sees the part of America that he loves leaving as
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he's walking along. A very fast read, it becomes obvious early on that Bryson (and his old friend from Iowa, Katz) are not going to make the whole trail, the only question is whether they're going to feel that having at least done some of it, they will feel disappointed or exhilerated. Actually, they do both. After the first section, when they come down in Virginia, you do feel that they have triumphed, making it a lot further than their experience of fitness would imply they can. But the second half of the book, where Bryson does day trips in Pa and Vt, and esp. when Katz rejoins him to attempt the 100 mild wilderness portion of Maine, is a lot less triumphant. Although Bryson does ultimately decide that even though this latter trip is unsuccessful (it's very clear that Katz puts himself in danger due to stupid hiking), they had accomplished what they set out to do, I still felt a little disappointed that the end was flat. Show Less
LibraryThing member FictionZeal
Dried noodles! That’s basically what the hikers Bill Bryson, and his friend Steven Katz, had left to eat after their first full day of their hike on the Appalachian Trail. Both were out of shape before taking on their hike, but Katz even more so. During the halfway point of their first day, Katz
At the beginning, I was all in. It was funny and light-hearted and very enjoyable. As they are walking the trail, he tosses in some history and facts of the trail which was quite interesting. I loved his characterization of other hikers. I didn’t realize when I first began reading that he was eventually going to delve more into political and controversial aspects. There was a whole dissertation about the failings of the US Forestry; a part about tree science; and even his views on evolution. I rated A Walk in the Woods at 3.5 out of 5.
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saw fit to ‘fling’ stuff out of his pack in order to ease his load; much of it was food stuff. But, hey, it felt good to ‘fling’ it. This is Bryson’s first-hand account of their experience, and at first it was hilarious. He started us out with the reason why – because it’s there and because he’s reacquainting himself with America after spending 20 years in England. Then, he basically takes us with him as he’s shopping for the supplies he would need. In many respects, he was clueless, but it was enjoyable for the reader. The entire trail is over 2,100 miles long from Springer Mountain in Georgia to Mount Katahdin in Maine. As each day progresses, you can see their fitness level improve. They seem able to walk further each day taking it all in stride. However, occasionally, they do look for opportunities to go off the AT for the comfort of restaurants and motels.At the beginning, I was all in. It was funny and light-hearted and very enjoyable. As they are walking the trail, he tosses in some history and facts of the trail which was quite interesting. I loved his characterization of other hikers. I didn’t realize when I first began reading that he was eventually going to delve more into political and controversial aspects. There was a whole dissertation about the failings of the US Forestry; a part about tree science; and even his views on evolution. I rated A Walk in the Woods at 3.5 out of 5.
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LibraryThing member DeltaQueen50
A Walk in the Woods was my first, but certainly not my last Bill Bryson book. This one is a wonderful read about the Appalachian Trail told from the viewpoint of a amateur hiker. This book is really funny. The author is well able to find the humor in any given situation. I must admit, even though I
I guess his writing would fall under the category of ‘Travel Writing” but as he inserts himself into the story, it is taken to a different level, and allows the reader to participate in a fun adventure without leaving the comfort of your home. His writing is comfortable and cozy, but he does manage to insert plenty of facts and figures about the creation of the trail and it’s upkeep and history, along with many small tidbits about misfortune that has or could befall the hapless hiker.
I found myself really looking forward to picking up the book and losing myself on the Trail with him and Katz. I also drove my husband to distraction trying to read portions aloud to him, I finally gave up and will just pass the book along for him to enjoy quietly on his own. I recommend this book for the humor, the education, and the author’s basic love of the outdoors which shines through.
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am listing this as a “non-fiction” book, I can’t quite believe that all the situations he found himself in are totally accurate. I guess his writing would fall under the category of ‘Travel Writing” but as he inserts himself into the story, it is taken to a different level, and allows the reader to participate in a fun adventure without leaving the comfort of your home. His writing is comfortable and cozy, but he does manage to insert plenty of facts and figures about the creation of the trail and it’s upkeep and history, along with many small tidbits about misfortune that has or could befall the hapless hiker.
I found myself really looking forward to picking up the book and losing myself on the Trail with him and Katz. I also drove my husband to distraction trying to read portions aloud to him, I finally gave up and will just pass the book along for him to enjoy quietly on his own. I recommend this book for the humor, the education, and the author’s basic love of the outdoors which shines through.
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LibraryThing member AmyElizabeth
I just read an amazing book. A Walk in the Woods: Rediscovering America on the Appalachian Trail was an informative, funny, eye-opening experience. I say "experience" because Bill Bryson pulls you onto the trail beside him. I feel as if I truly understand the hard work and stamina required for such
That's not true. I'm sure I could be persuaded by a hefty dollar amount.
While I enjoy hiking and experiencing nature and new things, from my own personal experience with hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains, I am very much an "indoor girl."
But that's what was so great about Bryson's writing. I could be inside in air conditioning, with a bottle of water next to me and absolutely no mosquitos, and still felt as if I was experiencing the trail with him. I felt as if I was there when he first set foot on the roughly 2,100 mile hike, felt exhilirated with the feeling of unknown adventure, terrified when his friend went missing, awed when he came face-to-face with a moose, and held my breath when something - or some thing - was just outside his tent in the middle of the night with nothing but a pair of staring, glowing eyes. I learned the importance of always packing (and double-checking that you packed) waterproof gear and how quickly the weather can change on a mountain. All of this took him months to learn and experience while fighting heat, exhaustion, rain, and wildlife. It took me just over 24 hours.
There are few books that I will read in less than 48 hours, and even fewer that I will read more than once. A Walk in the Woods has now fallen into both categories.
I enjoyed his wit (his humor is much the same as my own, which always makes a book more fun) and the hilarious banter between him and his friend Stephen Katz (who did most of the hiking with him). One aspect of the book that was incredibly informative but just as incredibly sad was the statistics that Bryson would seamlessly transition into when he reached a new part of the trail or came across a specific animal. I learned a lot about the different problems facing moose, bears (or the problems they present to us), and even specific species of trees.
This is a book I highly recommend. It's one I wish I hadn't waited to read.
Five out of five stars.
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an endeavor and, although I admire what Bryson accomplished and even fantasize about doing it myself, I know, based on what I've read, there's no way I would try to hike the Appalachian Trail.That's not true. I'm sure I could be persuaded by a hefty dollar amount.
While I enjoy hiking and experiencing nature and new things, from my own personal experience with hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains, I am very much an "indoor girl."
But that's what was so great about Bryson's writing. I could be inside in air conditioning, with a bottle of water next to me and absolutely no mosquitos, and still felt as if I was experiencing the trail with him. I felt as if I was there when he first set foot on the roughly 2,100 mile hike, felt exhilirated with the feeling of unknown adventure, terrified when his friend went missing, awed when he came face-to-face with a moose, and held my breath when something - or some thing - was just outside his tent in the middle of the night with nothing but a pair of staring, glowing eyes. I learned the importance of always packing (and double-checking that you packed) waterproof gear and how quickly the weather can change on a mountain. All of this took him months to learn and experience while fighting heat, exhaustion, rain, and wildlife. It took me just over 24 hours.
There are few books that I will read in less than 48 hours, and even fewer that I will read more than once. A Walk in the Woods has now fallen into both categories.
I enjoyed his wit (his humor is much the same as my own, which always makes a book more fun) and the hilarious banter between him and his friend Stephen Katz (who did most of the hiking with him). One aspect of the book that was incredibly informative but just as incredibly sad was the statistics that Bryson would seamlessly transition into when he reached a new part of the trail or came across a specific animal. I learned a lot about the different problems facing moose, bears (or the problems they present to us), and even specific species of trees.
This is a book I highly recommend. It's one I wish I hadn't waited to read.
Five out of five stars.
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LibraryThing member bell7
Bill Bryson recounts his bumbling travels on the Appalachian Trail with an old friend, Stephen Katz. With lots of humor, vivid descriptions, and a smattering of botany and geology, this was a hugely enjoyable read. I'm not sure if I entirely believe his encounters with fellow travelers (they seem a
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little too humorous not to be embellished), but the stories are fun and I learned a lot along the way. I only wish I'd picked up the book earlier. Show Less
LibraryThing member haleyo
The first half of this book was engaging and hilarious, a funny story about two guys hiking the AT. Bryson smoothly integrates the ecological history of the trail, its foundation and its current state. Unfortunately, the second part of the book in my eyes failed to live up to the first. I sludged
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through the second half, feeling as if I too were walking the tail end of the AT, as Bryson leaves the funny bits behind and spends an inordinate about of time going on rabbit trails of the ecological nature of the AT. Had the second part been like the first I would have most definitely given it a higher rating! Show Less
LibraryThing member shearon
This charming travelogue is full of very interesting information about the history, geology and weather along the over 2000 miles of the Appalachian Trail through 14 states in the eastern US. Bryson’s clever writing about the trials and tribulations he and his companion faced on the AT, and the
But this is also a story of the friendship between Bryson and his hiking companion, Stephen Katz. Unlikely friends, unlikely hikers, the evolution of their relationship along the Trail is a touching story within this very entertaining travelogue.
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characters they met often has a laugh-out-loud effect and always keeps you smiling. But this is also a story of the friendship between Bryson and his hiking companion, Stephen Katz. Unlikely friends, unlikely hikers, the evolution of their relationship along the Trail is a touching story within this very entertaining travelogue.
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LibraryThing member Sean191
My first Bryson book, read appropriately enough, on a six day backpacking/camping trip in Ecuador. The book was laugh-out-loud funny, sad, and informative. Well worth reading, either for those really into the outdoors, or those having their outdoor interaction by looking out the window - it may
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change your mind! Show Less
LibraryThing member swbesecker
First I thought this book was hysterical. Then it became hard to complete even a chapter at a time. Took me a long time to force myself to finish this tale.
LibraryThing member Kristelh
A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson, narrated by Rob McQuay
4 stars
This is the of Bill Bryson's attempt to walk the Appalachian Trail which stretches from Georgia to Maine. I read his book Notes From a Small Island which was his walking England. I liked that one quite a bit. This one a little less.
4 stars
This is the of Bill Bryson's attempt to walk the Appalachian Trail which stretches from Georgia to Maine. I read his book Notes From a Small Island which was his walking England. I liked that one quite a bit. This one a little less.
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Mr Bryson provides besides a commentary about his experience, history of the trail, ecology and political commentary. Bill can be funny but some of his humor is a little edgy at times. I did like it more than his The Life and Times of the Thunderbolt Kid and a lot more than his A Short History of Nearly Everything. The narrator was okay. He tried to give different voices to the different people but I thought he mixed them up once in awhile and if you weren't paying attention you could end up wondering, who said that? I like travel books and I give it 4 stars but just barely. Show Less
LibraryThing member ChazziFrazz
Bill Bryson takes on a daunting tast of hiking the Applachian Trail...OK...maybe not all 2,100 miles but a pretty nice chunk for someone who is not a hiking enthusiast.
Bryson's style of writing makes you want to read on. His appreciation of the beauty of nature that is found in the woods he treks.
The book is not just humourous but also fact filled and eye opening to how frail our natural landscape has become. He includes the history of how the trail came into being, the loss of plant life and wildlife that has happened over they years due to Man. The need for conservancy of this natural asset is a running thread in the book.
A little more history and factoids than I usually like, but interwoven in such a way that reading it is all part of the enjoyment.
There has been a movie made of this book but I figure it is more of the highlights and humourous parts that the serious side that runs through it.
If you love Nature or humour this could be a Goodread for you.
Bryson's style of writing makes you want to read on. His appreciation of the beauty of nature that is found in the woods he treks.
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The challenge of walking with his hiking buddy, Katz; a man who is totally out-of-shape and diet tends towards Twinkies and soda. The number of characters they meet on their treks along the trail and the strange situations they go through to accomplish their hike.The book is not just humourous but also fact filled and eye opening to how frail our natural landscape has become. He includes the history of how the trail came into being, the loss of plant life and wildlife that has happened over they years due to Man. The need for conservancy of this natural asset is a running thread in the book.
A little more history and factoids than I usually like, but interwoven in such a way that reading it is all part of the enjoyment.
There has been a movie made of this book but I figure it is more of the highlights and humourous parts that the serious side that runs through it.
If you love Nature or humour this could be a Goodread for you.
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LibraryThing member lycomayflower
Typical Bill Bryson: an engaging memoir of something done or learned, which is by turns touching, informative, or hilarious. A quick but substantive read offering insights into the Appalachian Trail, some points along the trail, natural history, climate change, and American history. Particularly
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interesting to me because he talks about several places I have been or lived, but that was an added bonus. Should be a good read for anyone who likes nature or travel writing and enjoys a dry, sometimes sarcastic, humor. Show Less
LibraryThing member ALincolnNut
Bill Bryson is a noted popular, with several books to his credit. Finding humor in all sorts of bizarre situations, his books are popular. In "A Walk in the Woods," he describes his rather quixotic attempt to through-hike the Appalachian Trail, with almost no hiking or camping experience. Taking
Bryson's descriptions are invariably amusing, as he takes us along his slow journey. He intersperses descriptions of trail life with interesting bits about the creation and history of the trail and certain locations along the way -- or in one case, almost on the way.
Although I've never hiked the trail, Bryson's details seem accurate, providing a feel for the pain, giving way to monotony, giving way to acceptance, giving way to wonder. It continuously posits the question, "Why would anyone do this?" even as it suggests a few answers, including discovering a different type of life away from our modern conveniences and our modern schedules.
Several people have written books about hiking the Appalachian Trail over the years. Many are by hikers much more experienced than Bryson and his companion, but it's difficult to imagine any that are more entertaining. Of course, all is not fun and games, there is one story of true terror in the book, unexpected, which demonstrates Bryson's skill as a storyteller.
Likely this book will appeal to a broad audience. One does not need to be a forest ranger to understand or appreciate Bryson's story. And given that these hikers start with little experience, there's no wilderness jargon that will bewilder the uninitiated.
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along a friend who is even a more unlikely candidate, he sets out.Bryson's descriptions are invariably amusing, as he takes us along his slow journey. He intersperses descriptions of trail life with interesting bits about the creation and history of the trail and certain locations along the way -- or in one case, almost on the way.
Although I've never hiked the trail, Bryson's details seem accurate, providing a feel for the pain, giving way to monotony, giving way to acceptance, giving way to wonder. It continuously posits the question, "Why would anyone do this?" even as it suggests a few answers, including discovering a different type of life away from our modern conveniences and our modern schedules.
Several people have written books about hiking the Appalachian Trail over the years. Many are by hikers much more experienced than Bryson and his companion, but it's difficult to imagine any that are more entertaining. Of course, all is not fun and games, there is one story of true terror in the book, unexpected, which demonstrates Bryson's skill as a storyteller.
Likely this book will appeal to a broad audience. One does not need to be a forest ranger to understand or appreciate Bryson's story. And given that these hikers start with little experience, there's no wilderness jargon that will bewilder the uninitiated.
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LibraryThing member brenzi
What a joy to join Bill Bryson as he attempts to walk the Appalachian Trail. Part travelogue, part social commentary, always engaging and mostly very funny, Bryson lets you tag along as he and his overweight, out-of-shape friend Stephen Katz, start the hike in Georgia and head north. They soon
But it was Bryson’s easy-going style and engaging manner that won me over as well as his commentary on the mismanagement of the trail by the National Forest Service; the under-funding of the National Parks system; the history of the rebirth, erosion and rebirth of the Appalachian Mountains, over and over again, over millions of years; the demise and almost total abandonment of the town of Centralia, Pennsylvania where a fire in an underground coal seam has the potential to burn for a thousand years; and the presence of the savage moose on the trail in Maine:
”Hunters will tell you that a moose is a wily and ferocious forest creature. Nonsense. A moose is a cow drawn by a three-year-old. That’s all there is to it. Without doubt, the moose is the most improbable, endearingly hopeless creature ever to live in the wilds. Every bit of it---its spindly legs, its chronically puzzled expression, its comical oven-mit antlers---looks like some droll evolutionary joke. It is wonderfully ungainly; it runs as if its legs have never been introduced to each other. Above all, what distinguishes the moose is its almost boundless lack of intelligence.” (Page 241)
I loved this book, its style, its happy-go-lucky author and all the history about the trail and its surrounding regions. Highly recommended.
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discover that, even with a boatload of expensive, fancy camping equipment, the two inexperienced hikers faced a daunting task in tackling the 2,100 mile hike. There’s no way to underestimate the challenges from hot weather, hiking with a 40 pound pack on your back, cold weather, rain, deep snow, animals in the wild and an unending variety of quirky characters who travel along the AT. It soon becomes apparent that they are not going to manage to walk the whole trail and it was time for a scaled down hike.But it was Bryson’s easy-going style and engaging manner that won me over as well as his commentary on the mismanagement of the trail by the National Forest Service; the under-funding of the National Parks system; the history of the rebirth, erosion and rebirth of the Appalachian Mountains, over and over again, over millions of years; the demise and almost total abandonment of the town of Centralia, Pennsylvania where a fire in an underground coal seam has the potential to burn for a thousand years; and the presence of the savage moose on the trail in Maine:
”Hunters will tell you that a moose is a wily and ferocious forest creature. Nonsense. A moose is a cow drawn by a three-year-old. That’s all there is to it. Without doubt, the moose is the most improbable, endearingly hopeless creature ever to live in the wilds. Every bit of it---its spindly legs, its chronically puzzled expression, its comical oven-mit antlers---looks like some droll evolutionary joke. It is wonderfully ungainly; it runs as if its legs have never been introduced to each other. Above all, what distinguishes the moose is its almost boundless lack of intelligence.” (Page 241)
I loved this book, its style, its happy-go-lucky author and all the history about the trail and its surrounding regions. Highly recommended.
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LibraryThing member bremmd
Boy, can Bill Bryson tell a story. He made me want to hike the Appalachian Trail(AT) and to never hike a day in my life.
After coming back from living in England for 20 years Bill Bryson decides to hike the AT. All 2100 plus miles of it. An old high school friend decides to go with him even though
I didn't enjoy the second section of the book as much as the first. After splitting up for a while after finishing their first section of the hike, Bryson goes on several day hikes to complete more of the trail and seems to lose some of the charm of the first section. He also seems to be really effected by a horrible crime committed on the trail during the first part of his hike. So, there's a lot of depressing statistics of the down side of hike the AT in the second section. But, it is the smaller section and doesn't bring down the rest of the story.
All and all a great read and I think I'll be looking for more of Bryson's books
After coming back from living in England for 20 years Bill Bryson decides to hike the AT. All 2100 plus miles of it. An old high school friend decides to go with him even though
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he's overweight, out of shape, and not a hiker at all. Neither is Bryson and think that's why I found it accessible and enjoyable. At times it's laugh out loud funny and almost always fascinating. The amount of research on this history and details of the AT are amazing.I didn't enjoy the second section of the book as much as the first. After splitting up for a while after finishing their first section of the hike, Bryson goes on several day hikes to complete more of the trail and seems to lose some of the charm of the first section. He also seems to be really effected by a horrible crime committed on the trail during the first part of his hike. So, there's a lot of depressing statistics of the down side of hike the AT in the second section. But, it is the smaller section and doesn't bring down the rest of the story.
All and all a great read and I think I'll be looking for more of Bryson's books
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LibraryThing member creynolds
This had some good information, but overall I was disappointed because I knew it had been well received and I was expecting more. I think he gave too little attention to his actual experience -- and I can't believe that he and his friend subsisted on only noodles and candy bars while walking all
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day long for weeks on end! It just didn't add up. The sidebar information about how the trail was created and the wildlife was definitely the best part. Show Less
LibraryThing member Carolesrandomlife
I am terribly disappointed by the fact that I did not fall in love with this book. When I was choosing a book to read, I took one look at the ratings for this book on Goodreads and knew that I had to read this book right away. Seriously, every single one of my friends on Goodreads gave this book
I didn't love it. I was actually bored for most of this book. I do admit that this isn't the kind of book that I usually read but a humorous non-fiction story about hiking the Appalachian Trail sounded fabulous. I really did enjoy the parts of the book that focused on Bill and Stephen's adventures on the trail. I just wish that the focus of the book would have stayed with Bill and Stephen.
The problem was that there was just too much other stuff crammed into this book. I sometimes felt like I was reading a textbook....a well-written textbook...but a textbook nonetheless. In this short little book, I learned about the history of the Appalachian Trail, some geology, information about bears, trees, the National Park Service, birds, and various other things. A lot of the time the book just felt dry and information packed. I was glad that some of this information was shared in a fun way that actually put a smile on my face. All too often, I felt like skipping entire sections of the book so that I could get back to the actual hike.
I had hoped that this was going to be one of those side splitting funny kind of books. It had its moments of humor but nothing that made me do anything more than crack a smile. There was no laughing out loud and the parts that were funny seemed to be rather sparse. Don't get me wrong, I can tell that Bill Bryson is a very funny guy but I need a lot more of those kind of moments to offset the parts of the book that were dry.
I did notice that there is a movie based on this book that is soon to be released. I actually am looking forward to that movie because I suspect that it will focus on the parts of the book that I really enjoyed....the actual hike. I don't think that there will be too many geology or history lessons found in the film. I am thinking that I actually want to go an see the movie when it comes out and I never go see movies.
I am not going to be recommending this book but I am seriously in the minority with this one. I would tell readers to pick it up if it sounds interesting to you. You may be one of the many who really love it. I still really wish that I was one of the many readers who love it.
I received an advance reader edition of this book from Blogging for Books for the purpose of providing an honest review.
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either a 4 or 5 star rating. And they said it was funny. I love funny. I knew that I would just love this book.I didn't love it. I was actually bored for most of this book. I do admit that this isn't the kind of book that I usually read but a humorous non-fiction story about hiking the Appalachian Trail sounded fabulous. I really did enjoy the parts of the book that focused on Bill and Stephen's adventures on the trail. I just wish that the focus of the book would have stayed with Bill and Stephen.
The problem was that there was just too much other stuff crammed into this book. I sometimes felt like I was reading a textbook....a well-written textbook...but a textbook nonetheless. In this short little book, I learned about the history of the Appalachian Trail, some geology, information about bears, trees, the National Park Service, birds, and various other things. A lot of the time the book just felt dry and information packed. I was glad that some of this information was shared in a fun way that actually put a smile on my face. All too often, I felt like skipping entire sections of the book so that I could get back to the actual hike.
I had hoped that this was going to be one of those side splitting funny kind of books. It had its moments of humor but nothing that made me do anything more than crack a smile. There was no laughing out loud and the parts that were funny seemed to be rather sparse. Don't get me wrong, I can tell that Bill Bryson is a very funny guy but I need a lot more of those kind of moments to offset the parts of the book that were dry.
I did notice that there is a movie based on this book that is soon to be released. I actually am looking forward to that movie because I suspect that it will focus on the parts of the book that I really enjoyed....the actual hike. I don't think that there will be too many geology or history lessons found in the film. I am thinking that I actually want to go an see the movie when it comes out and I never go see movies.
I am not going to be recommending this book but I am seriously in the minority with this one. I would tell readers to pick it up if it sounds interesting to you. You may be one of the many who really love it. I still really wish that I was one of the many readers who love it.
I received an advance reader edition of this book from Blogging for Books for the purpose of providing an honest review.
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LibraryThing member samfsmith
First, a disclaimer: I have hiked a considerable portion of the Appalachian trail in the South, I am a volunteer with the my local Appalachian Trail Club, and I live in north Georgia. I also belong to and support the Appalachian Trail Conference. If you are going to read my opinion of this book, I
Bill Bryson is a man who sees his glass half-empty. In this book he trashes the U. S. Forest Service, the National Park Service, the Army Corps of Engineers, and the Appalachian Trail Conference. He denigrates every locale that he hikes: North Georgia, Gatlinburg, Hiawassee, the Great Smoky Mountains, Pennsylvania, and his own adopted hometown. He dwells on the dangers of bears, panthers, weather, and attacks on hikers. Does he ever say anything good about anybody or any institution?
In the character of Katz, Bryson describes some of the worst behavior you see on the trail: he routinely litters, with aluminum cans, cigarette butts, and discarded food and equipment, yet Bryson makes no effort to correct him or point out how he is wrong.
I am sure Bryson went into this project knowing that he wanted to write a book, with the intention of gathering material for the book, and yet he did not finish his hike. So he has the effrontery to present himself as some sort of authority, someone qualified to write a travel memoir about the AT, even though he gives up his hike every time the challenge is too much for him.
So if you are looking for a memoir about a successful hike of the AT, don't bother with this pseudo memoir by a great pretender. Instead, go to the ATC website, where you will find a large number of excellent hiking memoirs for sale.
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may as well be honest with you - I love hiking the Appalachian Trail, and I spend time and money supporting it.Bill Bryson is a man who sees his glass half-empty. In this book he trashes the U. S. Forest Service, the National Park Service, the Army Corps of Engineers, and the Appalachian Trail Conference. He denigrates every locale that he hikes: North Georgia, Gatlinburg, Hiawassee, the Great Smoky Mountains, Pennsylvania, and his own adopted hometown. He dwells on the dangers of bears, panthers, weather, and attacks on hikers. Does he ever say anything good about anybody or any institution?
In the character of Katz, Bryson describes some of the worst behavior you see on the trail: he routinely litters, with aluminum cans, cigarette butts, and discarded food and equipment, yet Bryson makes no effort to correct him or point out how he is wrong.
I am sure Bryson went into this project knowing that he wanted to write a book, with the intention of gathering material for the book, and yet he did not finish his hike. So he has the effrontery to present himself as some sort of authority, someone qualified to write a travel memoir about the AT, even though he gives up his hike every time the challenge is too much for him.
So if you are looking for a memoir about a successful hike of the AT, don't bother with this pseudo memoir by a great pretender. Instead, go to the ATC website, where you will find a large number of excellent hiking memoirs for sale.
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LibraryThing member ThoughtsofJoyLibrary
Bill Bryson with his college buddy, Stephen Katz, take on the Appalachian Trail (AT) without much experience in the great American outdoors. The desired outcome was to complete the 2,100+ mile trail that traverses Georgia to Maine.
Traveling on the AT with Bryson and Katz was the highlight of the
Ultimately, the expedition was filled with witty and comical comments, along with some blunders and eye-opening experiences. Katz, being a one-of-a-kind character, together with Bryson, made quite a team. I could have listened to their conversations forever. (4.25/5)
Originally posted on: Thoughts of Joy
Traveling on the AT with Bryson and Katz was the highlight of the
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book, while the other half, which was dispersed throughout the book, was the preparation and history of the AT. The history was interesting (it really was), but I was so entralled with getting back to walking the trail with the guys that I didn't care to hear it.Ultimately, the expedition was filled with witty and comical comments, along with some blunders and eye-opening experiences. Katz, being a one-of-a-kind character, together with Bryson, made quite a team. I could have listened to their conversations forever. (4.25/5)
Originally posted on: Thoughts of Joy
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LibraryThing member Polaris-
This was a lot of fun. Probably won't be the best Bryson I'll read, but totally enjoyable. I like the way he's always ready to go off an a good tangent and there's loads of diverting commentary. Shame the whole AT wasn't covered by Bryson and his mate Katz - but somehow that isn't really the point.
LibraryThing member iayork
A Walk in the Woods with a Wonderful Guide: Bill Bryson's travel writing is filled with humor, introspection and fascinating information. In this work, Bryson takes us through the trials, tribulations an joys of hiking the Appalachian Trail. On the way, we learn of the origins of the trail, of the
Bryson is a skilled craftsman with words, and gives vivid, memorable accounts of his ramble through the trail, all the while interjecting his own persona, his witty observations relating to the woods, environmental issues, the lore of the trail, without diminishing the powerful presence of the nature and environment in which he moves. As a very average Joe, in many respects, it becomes easy for the rest of us to identify with Bryson, with his fears and failures on the trail, with his frustrations and his triumphs. We are left with all the emotions and experience of the trail but without the bumps and bruises.
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flora and fauna along it, of the tragedies that have occurred in it, but most of all, we are left with a deep and profound respect, and even awe, for nature's wonders. Adding to the flavor of the tale is Bryson's companion, an old friend who resumes his friendship with Bryson to join him on the trail, and is a foil to Bryson's personality, a sort of Sancho Panza to Bryson' Don Quixote. Bryson is a skilled craftsman with words, and gives vivid, memorable accounts of his ramble through the trail, all the while interjecting his own persona, his witty observations relating to the woods, environmental issues, the lore of the trail, without diminishing the powerful presence of the nature and environment in which he moves. As a very average Joe, in many respects, it becomes easy for the rest of us to identify with Bryson, with his fears and failures on the trail, with his frustrations and his triumphs. We are left with all the emotions and experience of the trail but without the bumps and bruises.
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Awards
Pages
274
ISBN
0767902513 / 9780767902519