A Walk in the Woods

by Ted Smart

The Appalachian Trail stretches from Georgia to Maine and covers some of the most breathtaking terrain in America—majestic mountains, silent forests, sparking lakes. If you’re going to take a hike, it’s probably the place to go. And Bill Bryson is surely the most entertaining guide you’ll find. He introduces us to the history and ecology of the trail and to some of the other hardy (or just foolhardy) folks he meets along the way—and a couple of bears. Already a classic, A Walk in the Woods will make you long for the great outdoors (or at least a comfortable chair to sit and read in).

Genres: Nonfiction

320 pages, Hardcover

Published January 1, 1997

Reviews

[Simon Evans · Rating 4 out of 5]

Don't bother with the appalling movie. This is the real deal.

I bought and read this on release in 1997 but have not revisited it until this year after watching the unfathomably dull movie.

This is as much about Bryson's diversions into the history surrounding the trail – the hikers, the towns and the scenic places it passes though – as it is the story of his walk.

Well worth a (re)read!

[H. Rider · Rating 5 out of 5]

Has to be one of the funniest books I've ever read...Id also recommend the audiobook version read by Kerry Shale.

Bill Bryson decides to take on the Appalachian trail on his own, goes and reads about camping in the wilds and all manner of things that can befall you and decides he needs a friend along for the journey. The problem is no one else wants to go apart from his old college buddy Katz, who happens to know as much about camping and hiking as him.

I can't describe enough how good this book is, I've read it so many times! Hilarious, interesting, can't put it down!

“Black bears rarely attack. But here’s the thing. Sometimes they do. All bears are agile, cunning and immensely strong, and they are always hungry. If they want to kill you and eat you, they can, and pretty much whenever they want. That doesn’t happen often, but-and here is the absolutely salient point-once would be enough.”

[Ethan Loughrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I get the feeling a lot of people won't like this book. I did - I thought it was great actually - but I understand some criticisms I see of Bryson coming across as a bit of a know it all, maybe even a bit of a jerk to other people he meets.

The thing is, this book is funny. I laughed out loud a good few times through its relatively short span and that's moderately rare. I've no doubt the anecdotes are slightly exaggerated as they are in the vast majority of travel books, and even if they're not, Bryson is at worst that good friend of yours that says shite that will make you laugh and cover your face at the same time.

I admit I found myself a huge Katz fan by the end and was genuinely worried about him twice (when he was drinking again and then when he went missing.) I thought, "this'll be a hell of a dark twists if if turns out he fell off some cliff."

Thankfully that obviously wasn't the case and the book gave me a really sound impression of the personality of the AT and the people that frequent it. From the beauty in Georgia to the ruts of Pensylvenia to the brutal challenges of Maine. From the horror stories of the past to the fleeting encounters that stood out for him, along with the history of the trail and the environmental concern that existed even in the 90s.

Another really enjoyable read.

[Susan Kent · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've had this book for many years and never read it - along with many others! It's done now. Pleasant enought read, gives you a lot of information and history about the Trail. Leaves you with the feeling that you should go and walk in Bryson's footsteps.

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun and entertaining

[Kristeen Foster · Rating 5 out of 5]

Funny very inspiring story