Customer Reviews: Read 960 more reviews...
 Great Travel Memoir November 4, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
Having fell in love with the audio version of Bryson's The Life and Times of the Thunderbolt Kid, I decided to give A Walk in the Woods a try. This audio is also read by the author.
Bill Bryson moved to Hanover, New Hampshire, and soon after realizes the the Appalachian Trail, at least part of it, is close by. After doing some reading about the trail, he thought it would be pretty cool to hike the trail which runs from Georgia to Maine. He solicits friends and family to join him, and even puts notes in his holiday cards inviting people to hike "the trail".
The only person to respond to his invitation was an old college buddy, that he never got along with too well...Steven Katz. The two of them are like the "odd couple". Bryson is very prepared, having shopped for all the essentials for the trip, and packed very well. Katz, is like Oscar with his duffle bag well packed with Snickers Bars and Little Debbie cakes, all the essentials he felt he'd need. When Katz' bag gets a little too heavy, he tosses the water bottle...who needs water on a hike in the South right?. Their hike began in Georgia, and last about 6 weeks or 500 miles.
The book was very amusing. In addition there is a bit of history about the Appalachian Trail, as well as environmental and ecological issues neatly laced into the story. Great travel Memoir.
 A Warm & Funny Book October 29, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
Like all the other Bryon books I have read, this gem will make you howl with delight. It also has a more serious side than his other works I have enjoyed. In addition, don't be surprised if you finish inspired to take a long hike of your own...
A Walk in the Woods October 14, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
Bill Bryson once again brings his reader's along with him on an adventure in the wilderness. No disappointment here. Whether looking for a light read with a little satire and humor or really looking for some information to help you along the trail, this read does it all. Bill Bryson invites the reader along the trail with the ability to laugh at himself and in a non-offensive manner laugh at other's misfortunes the reader is not merely stuck on the 2100 mile trail with "Bill" but also finds himself in Bill's footsteps. A must read: 1) for plain entertainment; 2) for the information about embarking upon such an expedition, or 3) to have a laugh. This book has it all. Share it with your children.
A Walk in the Woods September 19, 2008
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
Having spent many nights on the AT and the surrounding towns I found this book delightful. It's full of great snapshots of life under the canopy, trudging up and down the muddy trail, encountering people who seems equally strange to you as you do to them. Bryson brings his experience of living abroad and the subsequent well-honed observational skills to the simple act of walking and being part of nature. A fun, thoughtful and well done book.
 walk in he woods, skim through the book September 11, 2008
0 out of 4 found this review helpful
I started out really enjoying this book, the first half is pretty funny. The second part, not so much. Bryson contradicts his words with his actions. He berates the forestry dept.(often with good reason) but writes about his friend Katz leaving a trail of trash as they walk the trail. The part where he gives up and drives a portion is boring and negative. The second and last parts seem to be filler, making a longish short story in a book. The author didn't seem interested in finishing the book and frankly neither was I. Borrow it from the library and skim the first part.
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