Rating: 
Summary: First half- GREAT!, slow reading in middle, but gets BETTER!
Review: I just finished this funny and moving story of the author's attempt to hike the Appalachian Trail (AT). Also, I now understand the previous reviewer's (joefitz@wpi.edu) comments: "I don't care what anybody says.." Joe Fitz (or whatever your name is) YOU ARE A JERK! Sure these guys didn't "really" hike ALL of the AT. The author wasn't claiming that to be a fact, which was obvious (at least to me). What the author was trying to explain is something personal, a feeling that the experiences were worthwhile and beyond satisfactory LIKE he had experienced the entire AT ; your comments missed being humorous by as many miles as there are on the AT and only seemed cruel and unnecessary. Enough of joefitz@wpi.edu (forever, I hope): here's what I thought of this enjoyable book:The first half or so of this is WONDERFUL ( 5 STARS, easily).
*ALERT- SPOILERS*
The character of Stephen Katz is the most memorable character I have come across since Ignatius in CONFEDEARACY OF DUNCES! I loved the descriptions of their first "real" hiking attempt of the AT! Truly a classic! There were many, many hysterical bits, and I know I will be rereading this book again, at least while these two are hiking up into North Carolina. When Stephen disappears from the story (temporarily THANK GOODNESS), the book starts to lag, unfortunately. I didn't give this book 5 STARS because the sections when the author goes off by himself to hastily explore the AT was unmemorable, at least in parts. He clearly made the argument that the "only" way to experience the AT was either as a "thru-hiker" (one who hikes the 2,000plus journey continuously) or as a "section hiker" (completing the trail in order, every mile, on separate hikes). What did the author, however, continue to do over and over- take day trips. He had clearly explained this was an unsatisfactory way to really understand the experience of fellow hikers- "real" AT hikers, but he continued to go out of day trips that weren't nearly as interesting as the more adventurous hiking he went through with Katz. Luckily, things pick up before the end-Stephen Katz returns! Without completely giving away too many details that are well worth reading, let me say that the final chapters of the book stand up to the great story telling near the beginning. Although not totally consistent, a GREAT book overall!
Rating: 
Summary: 'not a long enough walk'
Review: Whenever I need cheering up, Bill Brysons 'A walk in the woods' is one of my first ports of call. This is in places an absolutley hilarious book. The hilarity for the most part is provided by Brysons 'couldn't give a damn' hiking partner Steve Katz. The episode where Katz deliberatley falls asleep while two bears prowl the camp and bryson is on the verge of a nervous breakdown is, to coin a phrase, 'divine comedy'.Bryson relates the story as if he is telling you over a pint of beer rather than trying to impress his reader with his expansive knoweledge of the english language. My only regret is that Bryson and Kats did not complete the Appalachian trail. With so much brilliant material coming from 800 miles you wonder how
funny this book would be if they had went the whole hog. It almost makes you want to go and hike the trail yourself, then again, you might bump into Mary Ellen(chapter four).You have been warned.
Rating: 
Summary: I walked the Appalachian Trail too!
Review: I've done maybe a couple of miles of it in West Virginia and a few miles around the Delaware Water Gap, so I hiked the trail. If Bryson can get away with his absurd claim after skipping two thirds of the AT, then why shouldn't I get away with mine? Oh, well, the book succeeds as slapstick. Plus a good primer on the reasons, preparations, and companions NOT to have on a hard effort like the AT.
Rating:
Summary: I agree with everyone.
Review: I agree with many of the positive and negative reviews of other readers -- so I'll average 5 stars and 1 star and give it 3.
On the positive side, this is a very readable book because Bryson has a nice, straightforward, seemingly effortless style of writing. I'm not a hiker and have never seen the trail, but found the book to be quite enjoyable.
On the negative side, the jeremiads about the disappearing trees and animals and the acid rain became more than a little tiresome. It's easy to wail and moan about this -- but what should be done about it, Bill? The implication was that "someone" should do "something" to stop it. What would that be? Lock down all woods/forests/lakes/mountains etc. and not allow people in ever again? Shut down all industry? Ban cars and highways? Quarantine the continent? (the chestnut trees were wiped out by an Asian parasite). A quote from the economist Thomas Sowell comes to mind: "There are no solutions, only trade-offs". We can eliminate some of the problems Bryson notes -- but at what cost? Massive unemployment, a devastated economy?
Summary: Enjoy the humor and descriptions of the trail. Skip over the eco-lecturing and South-bashing. On balance, still worth reading.
Rating:
Summary: Hillarious and Informative
Review: I enjoyed this book immensely and did not get offended by the comments like many of the reviewers. The information on the trail is great alone, even without the humorous observations. So what if he didn't pan out as a thru-hiker, the book is still a interesting read and inspiring to those who dream of hiking the trail. I think he deserves respect for increasing interest in hiking the trail. Now maybe it won't fall into ruin and be forgotten like other american treasures.
Rating: 
Summary: Most annoying book I've listened to
Review: I live a scant three miles off the Appalachian Trail. My local post office in Hot Springs is one of the places where through hikers can pick up mail. I often take time to read the observations of those hikers in the log on the counter there. Let me count the ways this book annoyed me. First there was Bryson's British usage of the language. Now I read British newspapers almost every day and love those phrasings when issued by natives of those isles. In the mouth of a native of Iowa the term that comes to mind is pretentiously affected. Then there was the way Bryson found rural inhabitants of the South hopelessly backward while rural New Englanders were quaint and charming. How very predictable coming from a National Public Radio contributor. I think what bothered me the most, however, was Bryson's premise that he could somehow reconnect with the real America by hiking -often all by himself- on a trail that intentionally skirts almost all human habitation. ... In the end I learned nothing new about America, little new about the AP but far more about Bill Bryson than I ever cared to know. A book that might be worth listening to would be one written by Bryson's occasional companion, Steve Katz, who I found to be a far more down to earth and engaging character.
Rating: 
Summary: So what was this book supposed to be about?
Review: This book definitely did not meet my expectations. If there was any humor intended (as the jacket suggested), it was completely missed on me. What I did hear was: whining about the forest service, whining about fat people, whining about Southerners, whining about people who talk a lot, etc. Just count the number of times Mr. Bryson said something nice about someone he mentioned in the book. Go ahead... You're right. If you are not just like him (with that snappy British accent), you are pond scum. When I read a book about the AT I expect to hear about the natural beauty, the adventures, the grueling hike...NOT about how stupid everyone else is and how the author disagrees with every decision the government has made since 1930. A waste of money in my view.
Rating:
Summary: A short walk in the woods
Review: Someone gave me this book and I'm glad I didn't buy it. Bryson didn't make it all the way on the AT but I guess I shouldn't have expected it - he never really said that was the goal. I think it is useful as a travel journal with references to places and their history but don't look for anything very deep. Bryson seemed to be content with spending a few days at a time on the trail and keeping notes on all the rubes he met along the way. This soured the rest of the book for me, much like some of the comments from The Lost Continent. Rather than actually getting to know anyone along the way, he just heads on down the trail looking for someone else to deride.
Rating:
Summary: A Wonderful Walk
Review: "A Walk in the Woods" is the account of Mr. Bryson's attempt to walk the length of the Applacian Trail. He provides us with a story that is both informative and humorous. The characters that share the trail with him are quite colorful. Like every adventure there are highs and lows. The book drags in only a few spots. A VERY ENJOYABLE READ !!
Rating:
Summary: Very funny. Bryson has a new fan.
Review: This is a wonderful read. Very funny and yet informative (although by no means a trail guide). I have to admit I too was a little disappointed when I realized Bill and Steve didn't actually complete the trail (or even very much of it), but it was a thoroughly enjoyable read. Several times I found myself laughing out loud. I look forward to reading Bryson's other travel essays.
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