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A Walk in the Woods: Rediscovering America on the Appalachian Trail
A Walk in the Woods Rediscovering America on the Appalachian Trail
Author: Bill Bryson
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 entertaing guide you’ll find. He introduces us to the...  more »
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PBS Market Price: $8.09 or $4.19+1 credit
ISBN-13: 9780307279460
ISBN-10: 0307279464
Publication Date: 12/26/2006
Pages: 416
Edition: Reprint
Rating:
  • Currently 4.2/5 Stars.
 252

4.2 stars, based on 252 ratings
Publisher: Anchor
Book Type: Mass Market Paperback
Other Versions: Hardcover, Audio Cassette, Audio CD
Reviews: Member | Amazon | Write a Review

Top Member Book Reviews

theinfamousj avatar reviewed A Walk in the Woods: Rediscovering America on the Appalachian Trail on + 29 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 27
I'm a backpacker; the kind of person who packs up a pack with a tent and food and disappears for long periods of time in the woods on marked trails. When not in the woods, I'm frequently on a backpacking discussion forum. From time to time, Bryson's name comes up as the ultimate definition of "not a backpacker". When this happens, half of the posters defend him, stating that even though he did not hike the entire Appalachian Trail, his text is inspiring enough that it has led others to the trail. The other half of the posters call him a sniveler and a whiner.

I had to see for myself, so I ordered a copy of his book. Okay, so Bryson is not a trail legend like Jack Tarlin or Minnesota Smith (the latter being someone who is known to overpack toilet paper to the tune of six rolls for a week long hike). But while Bryson cannot contribute an expert's account of a difficult sport, he can provide a humorous tale of two average folks who are ill equipped for the rigors of backpacking. Furthermore, he does it while incorporating a good deal of interesting trail history.

So to those who would quibble about whether the mileage Bryson has logged qualifies him to write a book, I say: "Put down your argument and pick up this book!"
reviewed A Walk in the Woods: Rediscovering America on the Appalachian Trail on
Helpful Score: 21
We read this book aloud to each other on a long car trip, and what a great choice it was! It lent itself well to being shared, and was incredibly funny. Mr Bryson provides a delicious account his personal trip on the Appalachian Trail, adding information about the history of the Appalachian Trail, some of the flora and fauna, and some information about the National Parks Service, of which he most definitely has an opinion. Don't let the information bits put you off reading the book; you need the breaks from laughing.
reviewed A Walk in the Woods: Rediscovering America on the Appalachian Trail on + 28 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 9
Great book and writer! Bryson is very humorous and knows how to make his facts interesting and thus the book is very readable.
reviewed A Walk in the Woods: Rediscovering America on the Appalachian Trail on + 28 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 7
This was a great read! I am basically a fiction reader, but this book got me from the first page. The author really makes hiking the Appalachian Trail sound very interesting...lots of facts, humor (and opinions) about the trail, the locales and the people you meet along the way.
reviewed A Walk in the Woods: Rediscovering America on the Appalachian Trail on
Helpful Score: 7
Not only did he give you a taste for the trail but he gave you a history of the land he was walking through which I enjoyed.
Read All 152 Book Reviews of "A Walk in the Woods Rediscovering America on the Appalachian Trail"

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reviewed A Walk in the Woods: Rediscovering America on the Appalachian Trail on
I am halfway through and I love this book so much! It is hilarious and really a light read.
reviewed A Walk in the Woods: Rediscovering America on the Appalachian Trail on
Good read
lilyfysche avatar reviewed A Walk in the Woods: Rediscovering America on the Appalachian Trail on + 6 more book reviews
Bryson manages to mix dry fact with a degree of humor in such an easy to read style that one simply has to keep going back for more.
boomerbooklover avatar reviewed A Walk in the Woods: Rediscovering America on the Appalachian Trail on + 438 more book reviews
Funny account of the adventures of an older man walking some of the Appalachian Trail with a friend.
portabellopig avatar reviewed A Walk in the Woods: Rediscovering America on the Appalachian Trail on + 40 more book reviews
I've read this book multiple times, and find myself falling in love with the Appilacian Trail more and more each time. Bryson's wit and insights into history pertaining to the trail keep me hooked, even when the book drags a little.
camperchick avatar reviewed A Walk in the Woods: Rediscovering America on the Appalachian Trail on + 17 more book reviews
I really enjoyed this book. As a camper and hiker (not anything like Bryson, however), a journey on the Appalachian Trail intrigued me. Bryson is a great storyteller, and I found myself laughing aloud at some of the characters he meets along the trail and the strange situations he encounters. His traveling companion is a book in himself. The only drawback to the book for me was that Bryson sometimes gets on his soapbox about environmental issues, which while completely worthy of discussion, sometimes detracted from the story for me. I still give it 4 stars and have recommended it to several people. This book led me to read Wild by Cheryl Strayed about her journey on the Pacific Crest Trail.

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