The Appalachian Trail 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).
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"This novel was a required read for my English class at the community college I am attending. I initially purchased the book in paperback form but with the busy schedule I have, I wasn't able to sit down and read like I needed to. I decided to purchase the audio book version so that I could listen to the novel to/from work and while I was doing daily duties around the house and was able to "read" the book within the time frame I was allotted for the class.I really enjoyed the story that was presented in the novel. The way that author Bryson told his story was funny and enthralling. I really felt like I was there with Bryson and Katz on their journey on the Appalachian Trail. The way that Bryson interjected various aspects of history into his story helped bring everything into perspective. I have been thinking about hiking the Appalachian trail either in whole or in part.I would definitely recommend this book - whether in book form or audio-book to anyone looking for a good story about a journey on the AT."
— Rebecca (4 out of 5 stars)
“Short of doing it yourself, the best way of escaping into nature is to read a book like A Walk in the Woods.”
— New York Times“A terribly misguided and terribly funny tale of adventure…The yarn is choke-on-your-coffee funny.”
— Washington Post“Bill Bryson could write an essay about dryer lint or fever reducers and still make us laugh out loud.”
— Chicago Sun-Times“Bryson is a very funny writer who could wring humor from a clammy sleeping bag.”
— Philadelphia Inquirer“A consistently comical account of a neophyte woodsman learning hard lessons about self-reliance…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.”
— Publishers Weekly“This often hilarious account of the foibles of two inept adventurers is sprinkled with fascinating details of the history of the AT, its wildlife, and tales of famous and not-so-famous hikers…Entertaining and insightful.”
— School Library Journal“Bryson’s book is a marvelous description and history of the trail and the mountains, providing an informal record of the trail’s founding and many of its hikers. Bryson’s great good humor makes this a journey worth taking.”
— Booklist“Bryson is a very funny writer who could wring humor from a clammy sleeping bag.
— The Philadelphia InquirerShort of doing it yourself, the best way of escaping into nature is to read a book like A Walk in the Woods.
— The New York TimesA terribly misguided, and terribly funny tale of adventure.... The yarn is choke-on-your-coffee funny.
— The Washington PostBill Bryson could write an essay about dryer lint or fever reducers and still make us laugh out loud.
— Chicago Sun-TimesDelightful.
— The Plain DealerIt’s great adventure, on a human scale, with survivable discomforts, and, happily, everybody goes home afterwards.
— Times Picayune" Brilliant listen.good narration brings brysonshumour and experiences to life.would.like to buy more of Bryson audio books but the offers to handoff the r.r.p are not tempting enough to tempt me. "
— Corty, 7/12/2024" Having personally walked the AT from Harriman NY to Mt Katahdin 50 years ago, Bryson gives his humorous touch and unique perspective to his trip on the AT. True to form he does it in a way which captures the reality which can be appreciated both by an armchair hiker or a thru hiker. This should be required reading before taking to the trail. "
— Rickhoff, 5/31/2022" What a wonderful writer for people who love to travel and experience the extraordinary. Currently my 70 year old cousin is thru hiking the Appalachian Trail. He has completed 60% of the trek. I have been able to follow his adventure through the words of Bill Bryson. We hope to visit my cousin as he treks through Massachusetts in July on his way to Maine. Bill, continue to share your experiences through your writing. "
— Sarah, 2/19/2014" We listened to this on CD. His stories concerning preparing for or being on the trail were entertaining but I didn't care for his soapbox tangents which seemed to drone on to me. "
— Kristin, 2/14/2014" I think this book is interesting and has a lot of facts in it so far. "
— Nico, 2/11/2014" Ordinary guy, author walks the Appalachian trail with great anticipation, fear, humor and friends. "
— T, 2/1/2014" I just loved this book. "
— Steffenie, 1/29/2014" Loved this book. Kept the copy and revisit it often. Have read other of Bryson's book, but this is my favorite. "
— Darlene, 1/27/2014" You will laugh out loud... "
— Bill, 1/22/2014" This was a delightful way to analyze contemporary American culture. It sparked in me a desire to walk, get lost, meet moose, and even eat noodles. "
— Meredith, 1/19/2014" Fantastic, except for the final 35 pages. Entertained, with quite the build-up. Then the author rushed the ending, and his trip. "
— John, 1/18/2014" If you wish to forgo the actual adventure of hiking through some or all of the Appalachian trail, without the commentary of a brilliant bearded fellow, without the conservationist ideology, then by all means read this book...then take a hike anyway. You'll be glad you did both. "
— Jonathan, 1/9/2014" Three stars is almost unfair. It's 3 stars compared to his other books, but probably four compared to the wide world of memoir. Really can't go wrong with Bryson. "
— Andrew, 1/9/2014" The honesty in taking on an epic adventure like walking through the Appalachian trials was refreshing. Loved Bryson's sense of humor too! Highly recommend! "
— Muriel, 12/21/2013" I thought this was an entertaining story told through the eyes of someone who is just not a hiker... definitely an enjoyable read. "
— Tif, 12/9/2013" If you ever thought of hiking the AP trail, be sure to read this first. It will lighten your load. Kind of disappointed he didn't finish the trek. Entertaining none the less. "
— Lilyj, 11/27/2013" A terrible tale of a fuddy-duddy taking a walk. "
— Aaron, 11/19/2013" Enjoyed it. Quick read. Could have done with less of a history lesson and more adventure, but it broke it up nicely. "
— Kayaker, 11/13/2013" This is the funniest book I've ever read! I laughed out loud many times while reading it! "
— Becky, 11/11/2013" This book had laugh out loud moments! "
— Heather, 11/9/2013" Never finished it. I kept waiting for the funny parts, or even the interesting parts...gave up after 150 pages. "
— Catherine, 8/30/2013" I really enjoyed this book. It was very informative, but not in an over-bearing kind of way. I loved the humor. "
— Ashley, 8/19/2013" This is one of my all time favorite books! My 13 year old son just finished reading it after hiking 50 miles on the LT. He loved it! A little history, a little humor, a little adventure, just a fantastic all around book. You have to read it! "
— Shannon, 7/29/2013" A fun read for anyone with backpacking experience. "
— Andi, 6/12/2013" I really enjoyed this book. It's a great combination of humor, travelogue, and history. Made me want to lace up my hiking boots and walk the AT, after Sandy has moved on of course. "
— Sharon, 5/4/2013" Loved Bryson's sense of humor and descriptions of what he went through while hiking the AT. However, would not want to hike it after reading about the mice and rat infested shelters. Ewwww! Overall, very enjoyable read. "
— Sheila, 12/18/2012" Easily one of my favorite books. I have already read it three times and will likely read it another 30 times before I shuffle of this mortal coil. "
— Ryan, 12/4/2012" Mr Bryson at his hilarious best - laugh out loud funny. "
— Anna, 12/3/2012" Overall I found this pretty interesting. I was disappointed that he didn't walk the whole thing. Parts of the history of the trail dragged on a bit, but a fun read. "
— Gina, 11/2/2012" A lot of laughs and a really easy read. "
— Katherina, 9/4/2012" I found it a fun read as someone who is interested in hiking the trail myself. Bryson has a type of humor that was easy for me to relate to, while giving you the history of the trail in such a way that made it interesting to someone who doesn't necessarily enjoy a list of facts. "
— Christi, 9/4/2012" Not my cup of tea! "
— Ethan, 8/31/2012Bill Bryson is the New York Times bestselling author of At Home, A Walk in the Woods, The Lost Continent, Made in America, The Mother Tongue, A Short History of Nearly Everything—winner of the Aventis Prize—and various other works. Born in Des Moines, Iowa, he now lives in England, where he has worked for both the Times and Independent and written for most other major British and American publications.
Rob McQuay is a popular actor in the Washington, DC, area. He has performed with various dinner theaters and regional acting companies.