|
| |||||||||||||||||
What are readers saying about A Walk in the Woods Rediscovering America on the Appalachian Trail?
| Reviews of A Walk in the Woods Rediscovering America on the Appalachian Trail - Page 1 of 36 |
|
A Reader posted a review at 2009-03-16 11:05:16.
(Language: English)
 
I got introduced to Bryson with this book. I nearly never read him again. The book is slow. The place is just so unexciting and dry and boring, you wonder about why the trail is maintained at all. You cant use any part of this book at a party, it wont help you on any trip. In this lifetime I am never going there. But, Bill - he made me stay the course on the book. He was suddenly Jerome K Jerome packing for a boat trip and then nearly as bored as me treading the trail - just made me pity his itch,scratch, hunger and slowly fall in love with him. I have read every single book of his. Recommend this one after you have read the others. Understanding the map of the Appalachian Trail will make it relevant :)
|
Yes (0) 
No (0) |
|
A Reader posted a review at 2011-12-06 09:50:36.
(Language: English)
I listened to the abridged version on CD while on a road trip. It was a great story and I actually enjoyed the silly antics of the walking buddy. I would love to read a story just about him.
|
|
|
A Reader posted a review at 2008-07-06 10:49:59.
(Language: English)
While markedly more cynical than some of Bryson's other works, 'A Walk' delivers the same brand of observational humor, quirky adventure, and random, but engaging caveats that are his trademark.The reader may very well turn the last page feeling as bewildered as Bryson describes himself towards the tale's end. After more than 800 miles (or 270 pages), while certainly in a different place, either physically and mentally, neither Bryson nor the reader entirely understand what this new place is.The book is filled with all sorts of interesting facts about bears, incompetent hikers, unfortunate hikers, the National Park Service, and trail clubs.Intensely 'human', this is a fun, mostly quick, read.
|
|
|
A Reader posted a review at 2011-06-08 09:24:12.
(Language: English)
Excellent! Devoured this in 2 days. A travelogue of two friends (inexperienced hikers) who backpack through the Appalachian Trail (a 2000+ mile trail from Maine to Georgia). Laugh out loud funny, instructive, inspiring, and a wealth of information. Perfect time of year to read it now that hiking season is upon us. Will definitely be seeking out this author's other books--he's now on my list of favorites. Highly recommend!
|
|
|
A Reader posted a review at 2010-10-10 11:20:09.
(Language: German)
Nicht nur für Treckingbegeisterte.... Wer schon mal eine mehrtägige Wanderung in einer abgelegenen Gegend gemacht hat, wird von diesem Hörbuch begeistert sein. Bill Brysons Geschichte ist keine Sekunde langweilig und auch vom Sprecher toll erzählt.Zeitweise habe ich tränen gelacht, trotz der vielen heikelen Situationen die unsere zwei "Helden" erleben. Mann erinnert sich an die eigenen Wanderungen und möchte sofort die Wanderstiefel rausholen und ebenfalls den Appalachian Trail laufen. Während des Hörens habe ich begonnen den Trail zu Planen, ob ich's je verwirkliche weiß ich nicht. Mit 3440 km gehört der Trail zu den längsten seiner Art, er befindet sich in den USA und führt von Georgia nach Maine.
|
|
|
A Reader posted a review at 2009-04-22 07:22:42.
(Language: English)
W.I.T.W. is really two books in one. The first part hilariously describes Bryson's preparation and hike of part of the A.T. His interactions with his hiking partner, Katz, are brilliant, the funniest stuff I have ever read. Unfortunately, the good times don't last. Katz leaves the trail and with him goes Bryson's sense of humor. The second half of the book is a bore and Bryson gets a little too preachy with his tales of environmental woe. Near the end, Katz rejoins him and the pace picks back up. My recommendation is to read the first and last parts, and skip the manifesto in the middle and enjoy. You will laugh.
|
|
Greg posted a review at 2009-04-23 01:48:34.
(Language: English)
a couple years before this book came out, Bryson drove through small town USA leaving a swath of vitriolic observations in his path. He described that journey in The Lost Continent. This time he takes on the Park Systems with his description of his attempt to hike the 2,100 mile length of the Appalachian Trail. While he didn't complete the full 2,100 miles he experienced enough to give us a good picture of the experience, and succeeds where I felt he failed in the Lost Continent. Where he sounded jaded, sarcastic and unpleasant in LOst Continent, he sounds awestruck, witty and friendly in A Walk in the Woods. Makes me want to grab a backpack and head out--on second thought... Smiles.
|
|
|
A Reader posted a review at 2009-09-20 11:06:05.
(Language: English)
This was the very first Bill Bryson I ever read and I was hooked. I now own almost all of his books and even my better half Serge who never "reads " loved it. It made me want to get out there and start walking but I just now the trip would end as badly for me as it did for some of the walkers in the book. For all you armchair travellers out there, start reading Bill Bryson. This was the first Bill Bryson I read and I was immediately hooked. I bought all his books and he is one of the few authors that both my husband and I enjoy.
|
|
|
A Reader posted a review at 2008-03-22 03:06:21.
(Language: English)
This will remain one of my all time favorite books. Bill Bryson is a gifted author, who has a way of writing that informs, yet also entertains. For nature aficionados like myself, it was absolutely perfect to read about Bryson's trip along the Appalachian Trail. I fell in love with his descriptions of the woods, his saucy attitude, and of course, his sidekick Katz. One of the most hilarious scenes in the wook was when Katz started throwing supplies off the side of a cliff. I guess that's what happens when you're first starting out hiking! Nonetheless, I recommend this book to anyone and everyone. It's a nice little escape into the woods.
|
|
Louise posted a review at 2012-01-12 09:52:06.
(Language: English)
Bryson...tellin' it like it is lol!
|
|
Lori posted a review at 2012-03-03 08:15:47.
(Language: English)
EXCELLENT READ AND EVEN BETTER AS AN AUDIO BOOK
|
|
|
A Reader posted a review at 2008-09-07 03:38:13.
(Language: English)
I typically watch documentaries and read non-fiction. Well, I needed a break and I remembered someone telling me about this book and how funny it was. So, I got it and have been laughing all week on my commute. I mean, having to put the book down to laugh laughing. Good shoulder- shrugging laughter. I even laugh just thinking about some of the stories this guy tells of his hiking expedition on the AT. Bill Bryson proves that people are the funniest creatures on this planet of ours. And, if you love nature, as I do, you'll appreciate the historical and environmental information he shares as well. (All told with candor and a good lack of respect for government authority.) If you want to exercise your tummy- read this book!
|
|
|
A Reader posted a review at 2008-06-06 08:47:18.
(Language: English)
Bill Bryson is an accessible and witty writer who endeavors to entertain and educate in every one of his books, this is no exception. The journey with Katz, who returns from the previous stories of Europe, and the various characters encountered along the way makes this a walk like no other. The fact that the walk in the woods is in fact a grueling some times risky trek through 800 miles of America's national forests means that we not only get an idea of the scope of the natural world but also are given a firm idea of the way in which this protected environment is being treated and the impact of America's government upon its preservation and maintenance. Let's ignore the threat of bears, snakes, various viruses, ticks, demented Moose and ravenous bears the scariest part of this tale is the use of the forest and the indiscriminate hacking down of the American woods.On a lighter note it also teaches us to give ladies with their knickers caught in the agitator a wide berth.
|
|
|
A Reader posted a review at 2007-09-29 01:38:01.
(Language: English)
Well...it was funny and I laughed so much...at Bryson and Katz! There are some interesting facts and snippets about the trail. But I have to wonder how accurate they are overall. For example, Bryson credits Williamstown as having a Burger King. Well, the Burger King is in North Adams. Why point out something that could be so insignificant, you might ask of me? Because if this is the fact checking for something "insiginificant", then how much care went into the larger details, such as the amount of public land that is leased out to private industry, amongst many examples. Overall it was an interesting read. Two books I hope he writes based on this...ummmm...work: 1). "I Don't Know How I Got Diabetes From Eating All These Processed Foods on the AP: What Every Weekend Warrior Who Wants to Pretend To Be a 'Mountain Man' Needs to Know About Dragging His Testicles Through The Underbrush" 2) "Another Walk in the Woods: Hey, I'm F@cking Up the Environment Just Like Every Other Sweater-Tied-Around-My-Neck-Yuppy With Whom I Would Wax Philosophical About Those Damn Sweater-Tied-Around-My-Neck-Yuppies Who Are F@cking Up the Environment. OH...and Picking Up the Trash Katz Left Behind on the AP!" I'm glad I borrowed this through the library. I'm sorry the library actually purchased it.
|
|
|
A Reader posted a review at 2010-09-29 04:08:13.
(Language: English)
Bill Bryson is a funny guy. That being said, there's some things that just aren't humorous to me. And some of those things are in this book. While the majority of the book is a great retelling of his trip on the Appalachia Trail, there are some things that Bryson wrote that put a damper on it. He decides one day that he is going to hike the Appalachia Trail. This trail is over two thousand miles long and spans from Georgia to Vermont. Its quite the task. Eager to get started, he proceeds to go out and buy all the "very needed very essential" expensive equipment. In his yearly Christmas card, he extends an invitation for anyone to join him and is surprised when his friend Katz responds in affirmative. Not knowing what they're getting themselves into, they take off for the beginning of the trail in Georgia. The first day is pretty overwhelming for them, but as they go on they start to get used to the trail and its inhabitants and other hikers. However, Bryson never gets over his fear of a bear attack. They cover a good bit of the first part of the trail before calling it quits for a few months. Then Bryson does little steps of the trail on his own as day hikes and he and Katz finally reunite to try the 100 mile wilderness towards the end of the trail. Once again they find themselves unprepared and have a hard time of it. Bryson goes into quite a bit of detail about the different campsites and provisions they suffer through along the way. While a lot of this book was interesting and informative, there were definitely parts I didn't like. First, the mention of Katz littering the trail happens several times. It wouldn't be so bad if it was disposable stuff, but food wrapped in plastic, camping gear, and shoes are part of the things that get thrown out. While Bryson doesn't do this himself, I find him guilty by association. Also, while hiking they meet a few people and while I can see poking fun at a few of them, he insults some of the people he meets for no good reason (like saying all hamburger managers are genetically derived from Goofy). Its just uncalled for. When he is on the trail by himself he doesn't do these things and I liken it to when you have a group of kids together; they do things together in a mob mentality they would never do by themselves. I did enjoy the second half of this book more than the first. Bryson is largely alone and gives better detail on its inhabitants and the surrounding areas. Especially interesting (although it had nothing to do with the trail) is his visit to Centralia, PA. I had never heard of the place but his description made me go put quite a few books about the place on my reading list. After all, who doesn't want to hear about a city who is sitting on a large "furnace" that will burn for at least another 250 years. He also gives better a better description of his hiking and why he enjoys the trip so much as opposed to the never ending whining when he was traveling with Katz. Bryson is a humorous writer and it shows in this book. He describes people and places extremely well, even if he is making fun of them at the time. I'd probably read more books by him; I'll just try to avoid the ones where he pairs up with Katz. A Walk In The Woods Copyright 1998 274 pages Review by M. Reynard 2010
|
|
Greg posted a review at 2009-04-23 02:17:53.
(Language: English)
A couple years before this book came out, Bryson drove through small town USA leaving a swath of vitriolic observations in his path. He described that journey in The Lost Continent. This time he takes on the Park Systems with his description of his attempt to hike the 2,100 mile length of the Appalachian Trail. While he didn't complete the full 2,100 miles, he experienced enough to give us a good picture of the experience, and succeeds where I felt he failed in the Lost Continent. Where he sounded jaded, sarcastic and unpleasant in Lost Continent, he sounds awestruck, witty and friendly in A Walk in the Woods. Makes me want to grab a backpack and head out--on second thought... Smiles.
|
|
|
A Reader posted a review at 2008-03-20 04:25:13.
(Language: English)
This is the first Bill Bryson book that I've read and I have to say that I cannot wait until I read another. His witty, and charming view of almost everything is so entertaining. A Walk in the Woods, details Bryson and his friend Katz' part hike through the Appalachian Trail in the United States. The 2200 mile stretch of trail through the American wilderness. A trek famous for its murders, bear attacks, and hikers who drop out after just a few days on the trail. Bryson's take on the trail is brilliant, it made me want to go and try out this ludicrously long hike. His visit to the town of Centralia where an underground fire has been burning for forty years causing its inhabitants to evacuate was really interesting. His few days with Mary Ellen, the pass remarkable ugly hiker who wouldn't leave them alone until the ditched her and got a taxi to the nearest motel. This is a highly entertaining read and one I would recommend to anyone who isn't sure whether or not they would enjoy travelogues. This book will have you hooked!!
|
|
Beth posted a review at 2009-09-17 11:35:36.
(Language: English)
What happens when two aging and inept individuals set out on a great adventure? Not what they expect. But at least they keep their sense of humor. This is Bryson's story: "The hardest part was coming to terms with the constant dispiriting discovery that there is always more hill.The hardest thing about being on a hill, as opposed to standing back from it, is that you can almost never see exactly what's to come... Each time you haul yourself up to what surely must be the crest, you ind that there is in fact more hill beyond, sloped at an angle that kept it from view before, and that beyond that slope there is another, and beyond that another and another, and beyond each of those more still, until it seems impossible that any slope could run on this long. Eventually you reach a height where you can see the tops of the topmost trees, with nothing but clear sky beyond, and your faltering spirit stirs - nearly there now! - but this is a pitiless deception. The elusive summit continually retreats by whatever distance you press forward, so that each time the canopy parts enough to give a view you are dismayed to see that the topmost trees are as remote, as unattainable, as before. Still you stagger on. What else can you do?" (p 35)
|
|
|
A Reader posted a review at 2010-07-06 05:46:00.
(Language: English)
This book was hilarious! I always heard it was a good read, though I never had any interest in it. I pulled it off the bookshelf the other day (it was put there by my husband), and decided to try it out. I was happily surprised. There is a lot of interesting information, not to mention dry humor, and I found myself turning each page quickly. While reading, I found in myself a desire to hike the AT myself. After finishing, I must say, the thought of hiking the entire trail at once sounds a little too ambitious for me. But, I would like to try it out in short bursts. A very informative, humorous, and enchanting read!!
|
|
|
A Reader posted a review at 2010-01-03 11:16:34.
(Language: English)
This book is a roll on the floor, laugh out loud story that combines a frank discussion of our earth's forests and resources through interesting historical research by the author. Bill Bryson's walking companion - "Katz" - absolutely made the book for me and I laughed so hard that I cried :) when he and Katz were walking. For anyone who's ever thought they'd like to do a major hike, Bill Bryson shows that even a rank amateur in poor shape can tackle a hike like the Appalachian Trail. Although he and his even more out of shape companion don't do the entire 2000 miles, the portion they do finish is an adventure in itself, and the way Bill tells it is hilarious. A must read!
|
|
|
A Reader posted a review at 2008-12-03 07:58:39.
(Language: English)
While reading "A Walk in the Woods," I never once doubted Bryson's reverence for nature. I did, however, come to question the ruggedness of his spirit. (To his credit, the book ends with a sobering, humble admittance that he is no "mountain man.") No doubt, Bryson's prose is sharp and his research is thorough. His hike seems to bear more significance as he rehashes the Appalachian Trail's history and anecdotes of its past hikers. It's his persistent yearning for everyday comforts that starts to annoy you, though, and his fear of predatory wildlife flirts with melodrama. If you've ever hiked through woods that are home to black bears, you know they very rarely attack unprovoked. In other words, if you are going to fear this sort of thing, you might as well cower inside your house during a rainstorm out of fear of being struck by lighting. Bryson, however, tries to create suspense by tossing in stories of unprovoked - but, in actuality, extremely rare - maulings on the AT. In the end, Bryson and his overweight hiking buddy Katz bow out before even completing 40-percent of the trail. "A Walk in the Woods" might indeed pique your interest - but probably only if you've never set foot on a trail.
|
|
|
A Reader posted a review at 2008-11-05 02:35:02.
(Language: English)
"A Walk in the Woods" is laugh out loud funny and completely compelling. I haven't read such an excellent piece of non-fiction human interest in a while. It's told like a tall tale someone would tell around a campfire. It's a thrilling journey from Georgia to Maine on the Apalachian trail. I didn't know too much about the trail before this book but it sounds beautiful and formidable. The story is chalk full of memorable characters -- most memorable of all is Bryson's fellow journeyman Katz who is the source for most of the laughs. This book is a page-turner. I read it in less than two days.
|
|
|
A Reader posted a review at 2010-06-11 03:46:47.
(Language: English)
I could not have imagined myself reading a book on nature and wilderness before. I am very much a city girl, having lived my whole life in a single city, and travelling throughout Europe this past year has made me realize this. Picture a twenty-one-year-old girl climbing up a snowy mountain all hunched up like an old woman and giving shrieks of fear every so often. This said, Bryson has managed to renew my interest in climbing mountains. Or maybe the wilderness save for the mountains bit. Having had no knowledge of the Appalachian Trail before I picked up the book, I would say that Bryson has done a pretty good job in giving his readers plenty of information, evoking much laughter throughout the book (not just by showing us how dumbfoundingly dumb some people can be) and even eliciting worry about the world we live in today, where all change, even ugly and harmful change, is deemed to be for the better. Bigger, better, faster, newer seems to be the answer to everything, while the world is struggling to renew its resources. This is the first book I've read by Bryson, and I intend to get my hands on the rest. Highly accessible, and strongly recommended.
|
|
|
A Reader posted a review at 2007-07-13 10:05:47.
(Language: English)
LOVED it(!) - laughed out loud the entire way through (also managed to learn a thing or two as well) - the only thing that was missing was Katz boxing Mary Ellen's ears... "For two days, Katz barely spoke to me. On the second night, at nine o'clock, an unlikely noise came from his tent - the punctured-air click of a beverage can being opened - and he said in a pugnacious tone, 'Do you know what that was, Bryson? Cream soda. You know what else? I'm drinking it right now, and I'm not giving you any. And you know what else? It's delicious.' There was a slurpy, intentionally amplified drinking noise. 'Mmmmmmmm. De-light-ful.' Another slurp. 'And do you know why I'm drinking it now? Because it's 9 P.M. - time for the X-Files, my favorite program of all time.' There was a long moment's drinking noise, the sound of a tent zip parting, the tink of an empty can landing in the undergrowth, the tent zip closing. 'Man, that was SO good. Now f*ck you and goodnight.' And that was the end of it. In the morning he was fine." haha - I think Katz and I could be friends...
|
|
|
A Reader posted a review at 2009-08-28 07:09:48.
(Language: English)
This was definitely my favorite Bryson book I've read to date. I'm really not much of a reviewer, and I can never do any book I thoroughly enjoy reading any real justice. However I feel it necessary to at least try and convince people to read the books that come along and implore me to keep reading. I could not put this book down for three nights, well into the wee hours of the night. I laughed out loud in some parts, and really developed a relationship with him and his mate as they traveled the Appalachian Trail. It's a fantastic read, and if you are familiar with any of Bryson's work, you will most assuredly enjoy this as well.
|
Share your views!
Similar books
