A Walk in the Woods
By Bill Bryson
- Release Date: 1998-05-04
- Genre: Travel Essays & Memoirs
Description
NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • The classic chronicle of a “terribly misguided and terribly funny” (The Washington Post) hike of the Appalachian Trail, from the author of A Short History of Nearly Everything and The Body
“The best way of escaping into nature.”—The New York Times
Back in America after twenty years in Britain, Bill Bryson decided to reacquaint himself with his native country by walking the 2,100-mile Appalachian Trail, which stretches from Georgia to Maine. The AT offers an astonishing landscape of silent forests and sparkling lakes—and to a writer with the comic genius of Bill Bryson, it also provides endless opportunities to witness the majestic silliness of his fellow human beings.
For a start there’s the gloriously out-of-shape Stephen Katz, a buddy from Iowa along for the walk. But A Walk in the Woods is more than just a laugh-out-loud hike. Bryson’s acute eye is a wise witness to this beautiful but fragile trail, and as he tells its fascinating history, he makes a moving plea for the conservation of America’s last great wilderness. An adventure, a comedy, and a celebration, A Walk in the Woods is a modern classic of travel literature.
NOW A MAJOR MOTION PICTURE
Reviews
Marvelous tale
5By XIowaNewsGuyA quixotic endeavor wonderfully told. The reader is taken on a journey through the wilderness of the eastern spine of the nation and you are made to feel like a partner in every, often beleaguered step.Nature Is Great But This Book Reeks Of Arrogance
3By emily-wallieThere are redeeming qualities of this book. Anyone can enjoy reading and learning about nature. What bothered me most about this book is the arrogance and hypocrisy of the writer. Him and his partner actively do things that are harmful to their environment but then he tries to call out others for it? Additionally, there are a few stories he talks about that didn’t seem legit and once fact checked I learned they were not. I know he is trying to come off as funny but the way him and his buddy treat the trail and people they meet along is just obnoxious.Decent and interesting
3By jmit22First half was really interesting with some very funny parts. But the back half dragged on with a lot of facts about the AT, nature, what man has done to harm it, etc. I ended up skimming a lot of the second half.Very entertaining
5By wctennisnutNot only was this book entertaining, it is also very informative. Having lived in sev of the areas in which he speaks about, I found it all to be an honest depiction of the areas.Bill Bryson keeps it real…
4By John H B.For the Everyman who thinks or dreams about doing something completely out of the ordinary, A Walk in Woods does just that. The stories are funny and genuine, his research is meticulous and interesting. And what happens to him versus what he wanted to have happen is what would happen to most of us. Great read.Just can’t go wrong
5By DebbySawSo, Bill Bryson writes books of his travels. His wonderful humorous sarcastic opinion all along the way. This was my first and I’ve read almost everything else he wrote. Step into the world as Bill sees it. You won’t regret the step.Entertaining Read
5By Polar ZI thoroughly enjoyed Bryson’s humor while chronicling his hike on the Appalachian trail. His descriptions and historical references make this book very interesting as well.Highly recommended
5By Arthur XingCan’t stop till the end, and start to do it again.Enjoyable and funny
5By jillfromfloridaMy favorite book of all time. I could read it again and again. After reading, I made a trip to the AT from Florida and walked a small portion in NC.Laugh out loud reading
5By sparticus NorticusThe only other author who I have read who makes me laugh out loud is the late great political satirist Art Buchwald. Bill Bryson is a great storyteller. His interweaving of fact fantasy and fiction makes for truly enjoyable times. I find his and Katzs' quips to repeatedly cause bouts of gut busting laughter. Read this book near people who need cheering up. Do not read this book while drinking beverages unless you want to spray a mouthful or worse a nose full at your nearby surroundings.Disappointed
1By LambertMVery disappointed. I agree with another reviewer in saying that it was difficult to finish after you realize he gave up. Not worth my money.The Best Book You Will Ever Read
5By RedRoseAlwaysI am still laughing at Bryson's witty, hilarious description of moose!!!! Best book ever. Period. As always, Bryson always writes the most informative, fact filled, entertaining book on the market.Waste of time
1By Jenx7You wouldn't let a stranger speak to you for an hour about his weak attempt to hike the trail. Don't waste time with this essay.Walk in the Woods
5By Resq449Humorous, thought provoking, and delightfully descriptive. I could almost feel blisters popping up on my feet, or the strain of a heavy pack. The crisp clean smell of forests and wooded streams and facts were blended into am armchair adventure for all ages.A Walk in the Woods
5By Roaming_GnomeA great mix of humor and history.This book is terrible.
1By TD85936I am ashamed I paid for this. What a waste of money.Tedious
2By Mont JoiRather boring and uninspiring. I kept waiting for the exciting part to take place, but it never transpired.A very enjoyable read
5By lilyperiwinkleI really enjoyed this, very humorous!Dull
2By Vike99Started out ok but could not finish it when i realized neither would the author. Appropriate title - just a walk in the woods.
