If nothing else, A Walk in the Woods is proof positive that the journey is the destination. As Bryson and Katz haul their out-of-shape, middle-aged butts over hill and dale, the reader is treated to both a very funny personal memoir and a delightful chronicle of the trail, the people who created it, and the places it passes through. Whether you plan to make a trip like this one yourself one day or only care to read about it, A Walk in the Woods is a great way to spend an afternoon. --Alix Wilber

Customer Reviews Average rating - 4.0

Rating - 5 Date: 2009-01-07
Content: The most beautiful aspect of this book is that the reader feels transported to a natural yet disappearing place. The trail is never the same even from season to season. I was gifted this wonderful book a few days after leaving the hospital following 3 surgeries and an unplanned trip to the ICU. Without even being able to get out of bed myself, I could literally feel the joy of Katz opening a cream soda when the duo had to awkwardly stop in Franklin, Georgia. I remember what the mountain balds of the Southeast use to look like and Bryson describes them so well. I hiked sections of the AT in high school and college and feel a sentimental attachment to the trail. As a native Georgian, I took no offense to the quirkiness noted by Bryson but felt rather flattered that someone took the time to walk the land, know the people, and fit words to human experiences. For me, the book was straightforward enough to pick up and put back down as I felt up to reading. Since I had my son, I have been slowly making a list of books that I want for us to read together when he is older (he's less than a year old now and chews on the books I read to him) and this one is first on my list. There are a few profanities in the text but they are not out of place or inappropriate within the context of the book.
Summary: Great recovery reading

Rating - 4 Date: 2008-11-04
Content: Having fell in love with the audio version of Bryson's The Life and Times of the Thunderbolt Kid, I decided to give A Walk in the Woods a try. This audio is also read by the author.

Bill Bryson moved to Hanover, New Hampshire, and soon after realizes the the Appalachian Trail, at least part of it, is close by. After doing some reading about the trail, he thought it would be pretty cool to hike the trail which runs from Georgia to Maine. He solicits friends and family to join him, and even puts notes in his holiday cards inviting people to hike "the trail".

The only person to respond to his invitation was an old college buddy, that he never got along with too well...Steven Katz. The two of them are like the "odd couple". Bryson is very prepared, having shopped for all the essentials for the trip, and packed very well. Katz, is like Oscar with his duffle bag well packed with Snickers Bars and Little Debbie cakes, all the essentials he felt he'd need. When Katz' bag gets a little too heavy, he tosses the water bottle...who needs water on a hike in the South right?. Their hike began in Georgia, and last about 6 weeks or 500 miles.

The book was very amusing. In addition there is a bit of history about the Appalachian Trail, as well as environmental and ecological issues neatly laced into the story. Great travel Memoir.
Summary: Great Travel Memoir

Rating - 5 Date: 2008-10-29
Content: Like all the other Bryon books I have read, this gem will make you howl with delight. It also has a more serious side than his other works I have enjoyed. In addition, don't be surprised if you finish inspired to take a long hike of your own...
Summary: A Warm & Funny Book

Rating - 5 Date: 2008-10-14
Content: Bill Bryson once again brings his reader's along with him on an adventure in the wilderness. No disappointment here. Whether looking for a light read with a little satire and humor or really looking for some information to help you along the trail, this read does it all. Bill Bryson invites the reader along the trail with the ability to laugh at himself and in a non-offensive manner laugh at other's misfortunes the reader is not merely stuck on the 2100 mile trail with "Bill" but also finds himself in Bill's footsteps. A must read: 1) for plain entertainment; 2) for the information about embarking upon such an expedition, or 3) to have a laugh. This book has it all. Share it with your children.
Summary: A Walk in the Woods

Rating - 5 Date: 2008-09-19
Content: Having spent many nights on the AT and the surrounding towns I found this book delightful. It's full of great snapshots of life under the canopy, trudging up and down the muddy trail, encountering people who seems equally strange to you as you do to them. Bryson brings his experience of living abroad and the subsequent well-honed observational skills to the simple act of walking and being part of nature. A fun, thoughtful and well done book.
Summary: A Walk in the Woods