A Walk in the Woods

Rediscovering America on the Appalachian Trail (Official Guides to the Appalachian Trail)

by Bill Bryson

Paperback, 304 pages

English language

Published May 4, 1999 by Broadway.

ISBN:: 9780767902526
OCLC Number:: 41401429

(46 reviews)

Bill Bryson describes his attempt to walk the Appalachian Trail with his friend "Stephen Katz". The book is written in a humorous style, interspersed with more serious discussions of matters relating to the trail's history, and the surrounding sociology, ecology, trees, plants, animals and people.

15 editions

vinibaggio reviewed A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson

Review of 'A Walk in the Woods' on 'Goodreads'

3 stars

3.5
Entertaining, but that's it.

Realgnomidad reviewed A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson

Review of 'A Walk in the Woods' on 'Goodreads'

4 stars

Had some trouble in the beginning getting the right groove for this, but after the first 40 pages or so started to thoroughly enjoy the book. While I do not agree with the author on all acerbic observations, it's an excellent reminder of the potential trials and majesty the wilderness has to offer.

Lowrain reviewed A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson

Review of 'A Walk in the Woods' on 'Goodreads'

4 stars

Great fun for those of who dream of through-hiking the Appalachian Trail but can't quite make it.

Debbie reviewed A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson

Review of 'A Walk in the Woods' on 'Goodreads'

4 stars

This was the first Bryson I've read, ever, though I've known for a while that I would like him. I had been in a bit of a reading slump, picking up a book and losing interest in the first few chapters. But I knew I would finish this one after I started laughing on the train, thanks to Bryson's potty humor regarding bear encounters and how he would "shit himself lifeless." While I never laughed as much again while reading the rest of the book, I found Bryson's writing style engaging and interesting, whether he was recounting walking through blizzard conditions or some history related the AT.

Oddly enough, the book made me want to hike the AT, but at the same time run away screaming at the very thought.

erinmalone reviewed A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson

Review of 'A Walk in the Woods' on 'Goodreads'

5 stars

Another excellent book from Bill Bryson. He is at times funny and sobering. Mixing personal anecdotes and absurdity of his experience with the good and bad facts about the landscape, towns, and wilderness around the Appalachian Trail. I was saddened by the realities of the actions of the Forest Service and by the government in their infinite wisdom, yet was heartened by the outcomes of benign neglect. I laughed and was inspired by Bryson's experience.