A Walk in the Woods: Rediscovering America on the Appalachian Trail |  | Author: Bill Bryson
Publisher: Anchor
List Price: $7.99
Buy New: $4.25
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Seller: AtonaBooks
Rating:  1130 reviews
Sales Rank: 622
Media: Mass Market Paperback
Edition: 2nd
Pages: 397
Number Of Items: 1
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.4
Dimensions (in): 6.8 x 4.2 x 1.2
ISBN: 0307279464
Dewey Decimal Number: 917.40443
EAN: 9780307279460
ASIN: 0307279464
Publication Date: December 26, 2006
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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Amazon.com Review
Your initial reaction to Bill Bryson's reading of A Walk in the Woods may well be "Egads! What a bore!" But by sentence three or four, his clearly articulated, slightly adenoidal, British/American-accented speech pattern begins to grow on you and becomes quite engaging. You immediately get a hint of the humor that lies ahead, such as one of the innumerable reasons he longed to walk as many of the 2,100 miles of the Appalachian Trail as he could. "It would get me fit after years of waddlesome sloth" is delivered with glorious deadpan flair. By the time our storyteller recounts his trip to the Dartmouth Co-op, suffering serious sticker shock over equipment prices, you'll be hooked. When Bryson speaks for the many Americans he encounters along the way--in various shops, restaurants, airports, and along the trail--he launches into his American accent, which is whiny and full of hard r's. And his southern intonations are a hoot. He's even got a special voice used exclusively when speaking for his somewhat surprising trail partner, Katz. In the 25 years since their school days together, Katz has put on quite a bit of weight. In fact, "he brought to mind Orson Welles after a very bad night. He was limping a little and breathing harder than one ought to after a walk of 20 yards." Katz often speaks in monosyllables, and Bryson brings his limited vocabulary humorously to life. One of Katz's more memorable utterings is "flung," as in flung most of his provisions over the cliff because they were too heavy to carry any farther. The author has thoroughly researched the history and the making of the Appalachian Trail. Bryson describes the destruction of many parts of the forest and warns of the continuing perils (both natural and man-made) the Trail faces. He speaks of the natural beauty and splendor as he and Katz pass through, and he recalls clearly the serious dangers the two face during their time together on the trail. So, A Walk in the Woods is not simply an out-of-shape, middle-aged man's desire to prove that he can still accomplish a major physical task; it's also a plea for the conservation of America's last wilderness. Bryson's telling is a knee-slapping, laugh-out-loud funny trek through the woods, with a touch of science and history thrown in for good measure. (Running time: 360 minutes, four cassettes) --Colleen Preston
Product Description
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 entertaing 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 read in).
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Showing reviews 1-5 of 1130
 "Let The Challenge Begin" November 11, 2009
Robert Bower (Hendersonville, NC)
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
Of all the books I have read in the last year, Bryson's "A Walk In The Woods", is by far the most amusing and captivating.
It was a referral from my sister, who, as an avid hiker, read the novel and insisted I share the time with her. I have laughed, and been angered, been surprised, and prompted to finally take a hike on the AT (Appalchiatian Trail), and that is quite a challenge for me at 70. Truley a "must read" for the adventuresome.
Bob Bower
Witty rambles through the brambles November 9, 2009
William J Higgins III (Laramie, Wyoming United States)
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
Bill Bryson is a funny man...plunking down a humorous spin on hiking the Appalachian Trail. The upshot is a spirited, clever and pleasurable read.
Not only an amusing jaunt through the Appalachians, but also a reality check as to what has happened and is occurring from Georgia to Maine along this trail. We read of Bryson's opinions of the National Parks, Forest Service, local governments, etc. and everything in between, all with an obvious and bantering twist.
Although he completed only 870 of the 2200 miles of the Appalachian Trail, that in itself was a major accomplishment for someone who simply wanted to sense the ambiance.
Bryson plays off of history, landscapes and especially the people he meets on the trail.
A quippy and gifted approach to learning about this trail corridor.
 A disappointment November 3, 2009
L. Addoms (Northeast USA)
0 out of 3 found this review helpful
If you are looking to be inspired by someone who thru hiked the Appalachian trail then dont read this book. If you want inspiration by someone who actually accomplished something amazing then read something by Dean Karnazes or by someone who actually thru hiked it. Bryson quit a fraction a the way through. Then hiked bits and pieces of it with his car and lunches packed by his wife the day before.
Plus he criticizes nearly every other hiker on the trail including his out of shape, poorly chosen hiking partner. He also criticizes nearly every organization on the way from the Forest Service to the Army Corp of Engineers.
Bits and pieces of the book were funny. I actually like Bryson's works but this book was a huge let down.
So if you want to know what its like to thru hike the AT then this is NOT the book to read.
Disappointing
Simply delightful for the hiking enthusiast October 19, 2009
Nuthin' But Blue Skies (PA)
People had recommended this book to me for years. I am so happy I finally bought it and read it. It truly did make me laugh out loud, which is so refreshing. I love to hike, and to laugh. I have not hiked the AT, but have done day hikes in the north east on it. I know "through-hikers" and I'm sure it is even more poignant for them.
I highly recommend this book for anyone who loves to hike, even if you are only a fare weather enthusiast. It makes you appreciate the sheer tenacity of the through hiker and what wisdom, or confirmation of foolishness can be achieved by hiking the AT.
A Slow Walk October 17, 2009
Michael J. Russo (Long Island, NY)
This is my introduction to Bill Bryson. I find his writing open, honest and inviting. This story is of true fascination, little surivival, and little talking. If you're interested in 2100 miles of rugged wilderness known as the AT (Appalachian Trail), or if you don't give a damn, like I did, then this book is also for you believe it or not. Very few authors manage to weave boring facts of political, scientific and historical significance to a story, and make it readable, as well as Mr. Bryson. He doesn't brag, he doesn't toot his horn, nor does he belittle himself, he just tells a story we should all know. If someone were to offer me this book, and tell me it's about someone who walks in the woods...I'd probably take it heartily and use its pages to line my bird cages with. This book, is not one of those books! Ok, I've been nice enough, so I can start to do a little critic shredding. I should warn...the chapters are heavy, they're drawn out. You may reach points, when you'd wish, the author would hog-tie his friend Katz squirt some bee honey on him, crush some Snicker bars around him and leave him for the bears...but Bill's a nice guy, he checks his patience regularly and moves on. I like this story, I don't love it. If you've ever walked under a tree, you should read this book.
Showing reviews 1-5 of 1130
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