I first became acquainted with A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson through an audio book I was given by a dear friend of mine a few years ago. Later, after reading other books he has written and, listening to another awesome friend of mine over at Trailheadcase rave with enthusiasm about the man, I've become a fan. Bill Bryson takes us along with him as he turns a dream into the actuality of hiking the Appalachian Trail; from his fumbling attempts at map reading to buying the proper gear, determining food needs and trying to reconcile himself to his inept and out of shape hiking partner/friend, all with his wry sense of humor and insight. At several points you can't help but think he's a numb-skull and he himself is fraught with self-doubt at times, yet he carries on with a determined spirit and always that sense of humor is present. Before you are through with the story, you have laughed, longed for a hot bath and warm bed, and cried along with him as he drinks in the beauty around him that is being destroyed by the thoughtlessness of man. This is the kind of story that will fire you up to get out into nature and enjoy it's fragile beauty and at the same time inspire you to endeavor to do better at preserving our wilderness so future generations may know what it is to take 'a walk in the woods'. I highly recommend this book!

A funny, engaging and sometimes critical view of the history and day to day hiking of the Appalachian trail. ( )

A humorous romp on the Appalachian Trail. A light read. However, like the Appalachian Trail, it gets long about two-thirds of the way through. ( )

Bryson is funny and also gives a good historical perspective on the trail. ( )

2002 ( )