A Walk in the Woods: Rediscovering America on the Appalachian Trail

I can't say much about this book which hasn't already been shouted in praise. Bill Bryson is an incredible writer - he writes in an interesting tone, using layman's terms, but the book never feels childish; moreover, there is true sincerity when he writes, and it's clear that his feelings about the AT are genuine; for example, there is palpable anguish when he discusses some of the horrible things which have happened or will happen to the AT and the forests it crosses.

The book is several things. First and foremost, it's a story about his and his hiking partner's (Katz) attempt at thru-hiking the AT; there are moments of sadness, gloriousness, utter frustration and, most of all, laugh-out-loud humor, and this is the main appeal of the book. Second, it has a fair account of history of the AT - there is history of the AT itself, the states it crosses, the people behind it, and some of the more popular cities and towns along the way - but it's never enough to become boring or to dissuade from reading (not that Bryson's writing style would allow that, in any case). Third, the book is about the people of the AT; there are several mentions of famous hikers, record-breakers, and interesting characters all-together, as well as words of praise for certain people who provided helping hands along the way - there are also accounts of some of the more unpleasant aspects of humanity which you might encounter.

What the book lacked the most was a detailed account of the preparations and costs of the voyage. As a prospective thru-hiker, this is information I was hoping to collect, but there was little of it. Not to imply that there weren't any lessons to be learned - Bryson did touch on these subjects in some detail, but they are the least represented in the book. I understand it is meant as an interesting story, but I would have liked some more detailed information - but that's just me.

The book is a fast read - I'm not a fast reader by any means, and I found, with much sadness, that after only the 3rd sitting (~1-3 hours each) I was 3/4ths the way through the book, despite it being ~400 pages. This is probably because of Bryson's elegant fluidity and use of common language, as well as the can't-put-it-down factor which keeps you interested and reading chapters at a time.

I can't recommend this book enough. Regardless of whether you're a recreational hiker, certified mountain man, ambitious future-thru-hiker, or merely looking for a fun, interesting and humorous story, you'll enjoy this book immensely.

This is quite a humurous book, I was often laughing out loud at the dialogue between Katz and Bryson. Couldn't have been a better unmatched pair to hike parts of the AT. Informative and provided some information about the hx of the trail and the places it goes through. I would have given it five stars, but he chose to plug some rants in the book that we could have done without. Things like how he feels about the environment, mining, hunting and so forth that took away from the book, but only a little. If you enjoy outdoors and all the hilarity in even the worse conditions then this book is for you.

This book for the most part had me in stitches. It was when Bill Bryson traveled the Appalachian Trail alone for a bit that the book got kind of slow going. Other than that, it is hysterical. A great read when you need to laugh hard at life.

This book is an instant classic. For those of us who consider "roughing it" not having room service, Bryson and his hilarious pal Katz have balls, my friends. And they have blisters. And bears. And bravery. Bryson hikes like a trooper, writes like an angel, and can be so funny so suddenly that you find it hard to breathe you're laughing so hard.

A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson is at times quietly humorous, at others belly laugh funny and at others contemplative. He tackles the walking of the Appalachian Trail in the spirit of the quest and manages to avoid the "letter of the law" trap that so many fall into when undertaking a daunting goal such as running the Boston Marathon under four hours or it doesn't count, or reading the Bible from cover to cover, including all the history at the front about how the King James version came to be. He doesn't cover the entire trail in one season and in fact doesn't cover every foot of the trail at all. He is content to cover some portions in day trips when it is more conducive to do so and the experience will be more appreciated. Some parts he doesn't cover at all if intelligence and wisdom dictate that it is better to forego a portion because of safety or time constraints.

He shares with the reader various thoughts and insights, historical information, hiking experiences and encounters with other hikers that gives a view into human nature, both good and bad, and the responsibility some people show and the irresponsibility of others. He gives examples that show the concern even strangers and people who have just met have for one another and their willingness to share and look out for each other.

One important requirement to appreciate A Walk in the Woods is that when reading this book the reader must do so in the same spirit in which it was written. There is useful information about backpacking, camping, monitoring the weather, what to take with you, but it is by no means a definitive "how to" text on trekking. This trek is one of feeling, sentiment and essence. This story is not one of instruction, but of discovery.

This is the story of a man who wants to get back to the feeling of the American wilderness and appreciate our country's more rustic nature. And it just so happens, that he has invited us along for the experience. Are you up for the trip? I traveled the trail with him through the pages, along the paths, over the mountains, through the valleys, in the heat, the rain and the snow. The vistas and landscapes were breathtaking. It was a wonderful adventure that didn't end with the last page.

Beyond the book itself, it inspires to other goals, aspirations and the ongoing learning and experiencing of American history, culture and nature. It motivates not to be content with our accomplishments because we got it done, but to be happy about what we have experienced, and felt, and ask ourselves, "What's next? Have you thought about the Pacific Crest Trail, from Mexico to Canada? Or perhaps the Continental Divide Trail?

Bill Bryson invites us to set the goal and enjoy the walk. He'll take the lead for us on the Appalachian Trail and show us its wonders. He's just about to leave. Are you coming along?