theinfamousj 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!"
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!"
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.
Dorothy E. (islandflower) 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.
Dorothy E. (islandflower) 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.
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.
