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

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Average customer rating 4.9 (15 comments)

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A Walk in the Woods is an inviting title and the Appalacian Trail offers the ideal location for it.

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Bill Bryson brings exactly the right combination of good writing, accessibility, and humor that makes "Walk in the Woods" a perfect summer book. I'm starting "Neither Here Nor There" (about his travels in Europe) based on this initial exposure to him. Bryson's compulsive organization for walking the Appalachian trail, paranoia about dangers along the trail, and clear eyed appraisal of the ambiguous pleasures of being exhausted, dirty, and obsessed with a sit-down hamburger experience in a backwater rural eatery made his experiences real for me. The hardships are worth his very well described transcendent moments of pure pleasure in the beauty of the land, the light, and the solitude of walking the trail. He is a very funny man. I found myself laughing out loud so often in the book. Most humorous was his fantasy about Mr.Bojangles. You'll know it when you come across it.

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If you've ever felt intimidated reading true-life adventure tales written by seemingly larger-than-life individuals who possess skills, daring, and drive that have thus far eluded you, then here is your book. What is most enjoyable about Bryson's tale of attempting the Appalachian Trail is how bad he is at this sort of thing. A very non-intimidating adventurer, Bryson is nevertheless a hilarious and gifted chronicler of the ups and downs of life on the trail as experienced by a well-intentioned by poorly prepared and inexperienced "outdoorsman." Highly recommended.

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This book is hilarious, fascinating and strangely inspiring! Bryson's vast research on the history of America's hiking trails and parks made this book not only entertaining but highly informative. I loved it, I would wake up early so that I could read at least a chapter before leaving for work.

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A WALK IN THE WOODS is a wonderful read; funny, honest, but quite long feeling, as it details the hundreds of miles explored. Bill and his hiking bud Steve are two daring and dedicated trekking comedians. After receiving my full dose of geography and botany info, along with the harsh realities of those who brave the "AT," I think I'll stick to my roundabout at home or a half day at Muir Woods again one day. For now I'm off to cuddle with my sachet.

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This book is the right mix of adventure, sharing of knowledge, and call for action. You can't go wrong with it.

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A hilarious adventure into the rough... Nobody can describe it like Bryson. The only reason it misses a star is he veers off course a bit - both in terms of not finishing the trail, but also in terms of the humor reducing a tiny bit as he strays into describing other aspects of history... but still a delightful and interesting read!

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I am going to hike the Appalachian Trail when I get out of the Navy and this book is the reason! A wonderful account of the journey, hardships, and history of some beautiful country.

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This book was so good I bought the audio AFTER reading the entire book. Made me laugh out loud as I walked my dogs. The neighbors thought I was nuts, but it was well worth it! Buy this book--you won't be disappointed!

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Thank goodness Bill Bryson walked the Appalachian Trail so I don't have to (not that I was all that tempted)! Bryson's amusing account of his travels is a superb example of the best of travel/adventure writing: It is lively, informative, and, oh yes, terribly funny.

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A Walk in the Woods is the type of book you will want to read when you have a day off from work because you are not going to want to put this book down! Bill Bryson takes the reader on a hilarious adventure, as he makes us feel like we are walking into the woods alongside him. It is a book filled with laughter and excitement and shows us the true mysticism of the Appalachian Mountains. This is such a great book overall and it always has a way of putting a smile on my face. Never one dull moment. If you enjoy a simply good book to read, A Walk in the Woods should be your first choice.

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This book deservers 10 stars---or rather the author does. I purched this book at the Philly airport--before boarding a plane to TX. I started to read at the gate..unknown to me at the time, a gentleman had noticed the book. I started laughing there and only closed to board. The fellow ends up seated next to me...to make a long story longer...I picked up the book again and laughed out loud. Well, I appologized to the man and his reply was that I would be laughing or sad all the way to TX. (four hour flight)...He was correct> Buy this book!

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Literally laugh out loud. I don't know that I've ever laughed so hard reading a book, or been able to read whole sections aloud for an entire bus load of people to enjoy.

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After reading I'm a Stranger Here Myself, I wanted more of Bill Bryson's writing. I picked this, and the hilarity that ensued was more than up to par. Reading the descriptions of Bryson and his pal Katz, I could not think of a pair more inadequate for hiking the Appalachian Trail. Nevertheless, they persevere, while also helping the reader to realize the the greatness that is the woods of America. I recommend this book to all who love this country.

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A fantastic journey both on and off the trail. The author's adventures had me, alternatively, laughing in stitches and deep in sadness. I felt like I was there with him; the language is incredibly vivid. The history of the trail and the people along it, is worth the cover price alone.