A Walk in the Woods
Rediscovering America on the Appalachian Trail
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4.2 • 937 Ratings
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- $9.99
Publisher 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
APPLE BOOKS REVIEW
In A Walk in the Woods, Bill Bryson—author of A Short History of Nearly Everything and One Summer—turns his trademark wit, intellect, and enthusiasm for discovering new places to the Appalachian trail. Bryson vividly catalogues the deprivations, physical challenges, and threats—wildlife, hypothermia, and even the odd creepy murderer—encountered along his demanding 870-mile journey, offering intriguing reflections on history, ecology, and manmade destruction. He takes us on a hugely entertaining journey, making us laugh out loud with his delicious portraits of larger-than-life locals, self-obsessed hikers, and his traveling companion, Katz.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Returning to the U.S. after 20 years in England, Iowa native Bryson decided to reconnect with his mother country by hiking the length of the 2100-mile Appalachian Trail. Awed by merely the camping section of his local sporting goods store, he nevertheless plunges into the wilderness and emerges with a consistently comical account of a neophyte woodsman learning hard lessons about self-reliance. Bryson (The Lost Continent) carries himself in an irresistibly bewildered manner, accepting each new calamity with wonder and hilarity. He reviews the characters of the AT (as the trail is called), from a pack of incompetent Boy Scouts to a perpetually lost geezer named Chicken John. Most amusing is his cranky, crude and inestimable companion, Katz, a reformed substance abuser who once had single-handedly "become, in effect, Iowa's drug culture." The uneasy but always entertaining relationship between Bryson and Katz keeps their walk interesting, even during the flat stretches. Bryson completes the trail as planned, and he records the misadventure with insight and elegance. He is a popular author in Britain and his impeccably graceful and witty style deserves a large American audience as well.
Customer Reviews
Travel Humor
Book Report: A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson
Introduction
A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson is an engaging and humorous memoir that chronicles the author’s attempt to hike the Appalachian Trail, one of the most iconic and challenging long-distance trails in the United States. Spanning over 2,000 miles from Georgia to Maine, the trail is as much a test of physical endurance as it is a journey of self-discovery. Through Bryson’s witty storytelling, readers are taken on a vivid adventure filled with moments of humor, reflection, and insight into the natural world.
Summary
The story begins with Bryson, recently returned to the U.S. after years abroad, deciding to take on the Appalachian Trail. His enthusiasm is matched by a lack of preparation, and he enlists an old friend, Stephen Katz, to join him. Katz, a grumpy and out-of-shape companion, provides comic relief and heartfelt moments as the two navigate the trail’s challenges.
The book is divided into episodes from their journey, including their encounters with quirky hikers, unpredictable weather, and physical hardships. Bryson mixes his narrative with fascinating historical and ecological asides about the trail, the surrounding environment, and the National Parks system. While the duo doesn’t complete the entire trail, their journey highlights the beauty of nature, the difficulties of wilderness survival, and the importance of preserving natural spaces.
Themes
1. Man vs. Nature: The book explores humanity’s complex relationship with the wilderness. Bryson’s struggles illustrate both the awe-inspiring beauty of the natural world and its unforgiving challenges.
2. Friendship: The dynamic between Bryson and Katz is central to the book. Their banter and camaraderie reflect the ups and downs of friendship in stressful situations.
3. Environmental Awareness: Bryson uses the journey to raise awareness about environmental issues, such as deforestation, habitat destruction, and the need for conservation efforts.
Writing Style
Bryson’s writing is conversational and filled with humor. He seamlessly blends personal anecdotes with researched facts, making the book both entertaining and informative. His descriptions of the trail are vivid, capturing both its majesty and its monotony.
Personal Reflection
A Walk in the Woods is not just about hiking; it’s a reflection on life, friendship, and the natural world. The book is an enjoyable read that balances humor with serious environmental commentary. Bryson’s wit and Katz’s antics keep the narrative lighthearted, while the underlying message about preserving nature gives the book depth.
Conclusion
Bill Bryson’s A Walk in the Woods is a captivating and humorous account of his attempt to conquer the Appalachian Trail. It’s a reminder of the importance of reconnecting with nature, even in the face of challenges. For anyone who loves travel writing, humor, or the great outdoors, this book is a must-read.
Absolute classic! Hilarious!
This book was brought to my attention about 5 years ago from my mom, I gotta tell u I was skeptical, but wow!!!
Lol this book is hilarious! It is by far my favorite book of all time, I have NEVER read anything remotely close to as funny as this book... Well done, absolutely brilliant!
Tedious
Rather boring and uninspiring. I kept waiting for the exciting part to take place, but it never transpired.