A CLASSIC FROM THE “NEW YORK TIMES” BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF “ONE SUMMER
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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 … 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. Despite Katz’s overwhelming desire to find cozy restaurants, he and Bryson eventually settle into their stride, and while on the trail they meet a bizarre assortment of hilarious characters. 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” has become a modern classic of travel literature.
“From the Trade Paperback edition.”
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Bill Bryson is a magnificent writer. I recommend all his books!
Bill Bryson wrote A Walk in the Woods over 15 years ago, but I learned of it for the first time this past weekend as I was scanning the library’s collection of currently available ebooks. I have read his books before (Lost Continent, most notably) and find them to be humorous and quick to read. I wasn’t disappointed. At times, A Walk in the Woods …
WATCH THE MOVIE INSTEAD. The movie is better.
It’s more about the relationship between him and his friend. I did NOT like the book. His friend brought too many supplies, and tossed a LOT OF IT down the side of the trail before he caught up with the author. When they reached Western North Carolina, they decided to take a break in Gatlinburg. …
This book is on my life list of 10 favorite books. I recommend it to everyone. I laughed out loud and cried as I read. It is well written and entertaining, funny and sad, but it is also an eye opener to the way we are destroying one of the world’s beautiful places. I first read it years ago and it has stayed with me and continues to draw my …
I really like Bill Bryson’s writing. I had this book for awhile and after watching the movie adaptation sat down and read it immediately. The movie was excellent bu as usual, the book was far superior. Highest recommendation.
A riot!
I liked the humor. It was entertaining.
Humor a plenty to keep you reading.
My brother has hiked the entire AT, in a crazy amount of time, and yet I knew almost nothing of what he experienced. A walk in the woods gave me some clarity on the trails, the wide range of people and experiences to be hand and has now peaked my interest into hiking some of the beloved trail.
A classic.
I enjoy any book by Bill Bryson. Excellent writer, top-notch storyteller. I enjoyed the movie even better and recommend both the book and the movie.
This is the only book I have re-read many times.
I read it a long time ago. I still have a photocopy of a couple of pages in which he describes a moose. Funny. I recall the whole book as humorous as it described their hike. for which they had not done due diligence in preparing.
You should read anything by my fellow Iowan Bill Bryson!! (Even though he did leave Iowa long ago.) You’ll never be disappointed if you enjoy wit and learning.
It was like I was going on an adventure along with the author.
Delightful book about taking on an unknown adventure with a former friend from years gone by, only to discover upon being reunited that he is a handful whose own life choices brings on another layer of excitement.
Well written about the nature of backpacking in the unknown and learning how to maneuver and negotiate with both the natural elements and the humankind.
You just might find yourself checking out backpacks and gear to head out for your own walk in the woods after reading.
My sons and I listened to this book on a road trip and we all loved it.
Absolutely hilarious! It’s been years since I first read it and I want to re-read again!
Interesting and very humorous.
One of my favorite books. The audio book is wondeful and I have listened to it many times/