A Walk in the Woods

This book convinced me I will never hike the Appalachian Trail, and Bill Bryson was nuts to try. I had to read this book in very small bits, because it was so funny, I was afraid I would hurt myself laughing so much.

I never really cared about the Appalachian Trail before reading this book. I'm an indoor kid, with very little interest in flora, fauna, or backpacking. But what an interesting, charming read. I love it when authors take bit of natural history and turn it into an indelible piece of America. Bryson has done that with this book. And he's such an affable, friendly guy. Who wouldn't want to spend a summer in the forest with him?

A very informative misadventure on the Appalachian Trail. I still chuckle thinking about it.

This is my favorite Bill Bryson book. It's a great mix of quirky characterization, self-reflection, and poignant environmental history, all written with a great sense of humor. And bears.

Bill Bryson. A middle-aged guy and a friend hike the 2,200 mile Appalachian Trail...or, at least, 890 miles of it. Funny.


Reread:
Oh, how I love Bill Bryson. He's everything I look for in an author. A good writer. Brave, but not too much. Human. And funny. Most of all, funny.

So last week I reread A Walk in the Woods. I reread it slowly. It was one of those books you don't want to end. All along the way you are laughing. You just have to laugh at Bryson. He tries to do the hard thing, but it's...well, hard. And his companion, Katz, is equally human. Quintessential Americans.

So much fun.