A Walk in the Woods: Rediscovering America on the Appalachian Trail (Official Guides to the Appalachian Trail)

Never start reading a Bill Bryson book in a public place. This is the mistake I made with A Walk in the Woods, and I found myself giggling embarrassingly. Starting with the selection of equipment, and then the preparation for the journey by reading several terror-inducing stories of bear attacks, Bill Bryson continually amuses, educates and entertains.

Bryson sets off on one of the most physically and psychologically demanding tests of stamina that he could attempt: a hike along the Appalachian Trail. With his long-suffering friend Katz in tow, he encounters brutal weather, crazy hikers, price-gouging hostels, and random acts of kindness that make the whole thing worthwhile. I was especially touched to read about people who come to the AT specifically to leave things like snacks and books for the hikers.

Given that I am not in any kind of shape to attempt even a day hike on the AT, I enjoyed living vicariously through Bill Bryson's experiences. The vistas he got to view sounded amazing, and I could almost taste the wonderful, satisfying meals enjoyed when he was able to reach "home cooking" after many days on the Trail. In addition, his turns of phrase had me laughing out loud over and over again. The first Bryson book I've ever read, but definitely not the last.

Simply put - what a delightful read! I laughed so hard at times I needed to go "potty". What a great light-hearted book! This goes on my "keeper" pile for a future re-read for sure!

Bill Bryson's travel writing is filled with humor, introspection and fascinating information. In this work, Bryson takes us through the trials, tribulations an joys of hiking the Appalachian Trail. On the way, we learn of the origins of the trail, of the flora and fauna along it, of the tragedies that have occurred in it, but most of all, we are left with a deep and profound respect, and even awe, for nature's wonders. Adding to the flavor of the tale is Bryson's companion, an old friend who resumes his friendship with Bryson to join him on the trail, and is a foil to Bryson's personality, a sort of Sancho Panza to Bryson' Don Quixote.

Bryson is a skilled craftsman with words, and gives vivid, memorable accounts of his ramble through the trail, all the while interjecting his own persona, his witty observations relating to the woods, environmental issues, the lore of the trail, without diminishing the powerful presence of the nature and environment in which he moves. As a very average Joe, in many respects, it becomes easy for the rest of us to identify with Bryson, with his fears and failures on the trail, with his frustrations and his triumphs. We are left with all the emotions and experience of the trail but without the bumps and bruises.

I am a big fan of Bill Bryson, and this is one of my top two or three favorite books by him, which is saying quite a bit. In this outing he takes us with him as he and a friend hike sections of the Appalachian Trail. I don't say "takes us with him" lightly, as with his descriptive style and expert narrative, you really feel as though you're slogging through the eastern US right along with him- and laughing every step of the way. When I finished this book, I actually felt as though I had walked the trail (in spirit, at least) and gained a greater respect for it and the folks who take care of it.

The hilarity starts before the hike, as Bryson goes into a sporting goods and buys all of the requisite items for the hike. It is here that we first get an idea of a) how funny this is going to be and b) how expensive it is to hike and camp. As he arrives at the airport in Georgia to start the trail at its southern terminus, you're actually psyched- you really feel like you're with Bryson and Katz on their journey. Along the way, they meet many other people, many of whom Bryson pokes fun at, as he tends to do. Instead of hiking the entire trail from Maine to Georgia, they take it in sections over a period of time, which actually makes for more interesting reading.

Especially interesting is Bryson's philosophical musings on the whole hiking experience and how it has changed his life. He brings up a good point: after months of doing nothing but walking along a trail in the woods, what do you DO with yourself? It makes you think about larger issues, like nature, the earth, life... which is most likely his point all along.

Who would want to read a book on running by someone who tried to run a marathon but didn`t have the dedication to stick with training and finish one? Who would read a book on physics by someone who didn`t have the motivation to finish graduate school and become an expert in the subject? We read books by people who have excelled in their field and can offer insight and perspective that we might not be able to get on our own. Unfortunately Bryson is not an expert on the AT in that he didn`t even finish half of the trail, thus cannot offer the perspective that only comes from experiencing the physical and psychological change that comes from this challenging experience.

So, this leaves the book to the realm of comedy. Yes it does start off funny as we see how unprepared Bryson and his friend are. However, this is where the humor stops as Bryson points a critical eye at everything except himself. Every hiker, town and geographical region (except his beloved New England) are ruthlessly criticised - even the ruggedness of the trail and the volunteers that maintain it and clean up after slobs like Bryson. This would be okay if Bryson pointed an equal share of criticism at himself (the key to Dave Barry`s humor), but instead he gives the impression that he is superior to the entire South, the TRUE thruhikers, other AT dropouts, the state of PA, etc.

You will find neither humor or perspective in this book, only wasted hours.