Rating: 
Summary: A light, entertaining read
Review: A delightful read despite several flaws. The humour is not excessive and the pictures conveyed in his writing are very vivid. There are a few historical details he includes which can be a bore, I mean, who wants to know about the rail way on top of a hill? Also, I find Bryson calling too many people stupid which is irrelavant. Nevertheless, the book was entertaining. His partner, Katz, is a thoroughly funny person and while he is in the book, you find yourself laughing more than when he is not. The ending is a bit inconclusive but then, when has Bryson ever concluded a work? If you have patience, this is a rewarding book. Bill Bryson is undoubtedly a skillful writer in terms of travel books.
Rating: 
Summary: Great characters outstripped by all-consuming griping
Review: Once again Bill Bryson has taken his acid wit on the road. Thank goodness he has matured since writing Neither Here Nor There and has developed the ability to appreciate locales other than England. If only he could have given us more of his and Katz's interaction and less of the diatribe on the National Parks Service, this book would have been a better one. While some statistics on endangered trees and animals would have been enlightening, the inclusion of so many was filler not substance.
Rating: 
Summary: The most down-to-earth, honest look at the AT for the masses
Review: This book defines the AT in the way most of us would see it. Something for someone else to do, someone fit and unemployed, with a dream. This is an adult, looking at it with opened eyes, that still shows us anyone can have a dream (fantasy, nightmare, whatever...)
Rating: 
Summary: And he keeps calling other people stupid??!!!
Review: I couldn't believe how frequently he referred to the lack of intelligence displayed by others when the biggest moron on the trail was probably him. This is what happens when reagonite-style yuppies "get back to nature." I knew more about backpacking and wilderness appreciation when I was 7 years old. Save your money. Read about John Muir instead. You'll be less likely to end up rooting for the bears...
Rating:
Summary: This book made me want to do a thru-hike
Review: I liked the book because it has inspired me to go from day hikes to longer stays in the woods, not just on the AT. Therefore, I feel that it accomplished its purpose.
Rating: 
Summary: Enjoyable for the occasional hiker...
Review: As someone just taking an interest in the AT, I found this book quite entertaining. Let's face it, most of us are weekend warriors, not rabid thru-hikers. It also opened my eyes to just how difficult the trail is. It is not just "a walk in the woods".
Rating:
Summary: Thoughtful and funny telling of travel on the trail
Review: Humerous and thoughtful tale of the fulfillment of an obsession with the Appalachian trail and bringing back old memories
Rating:
Summary: Highly entertaining account with great character sketches
Review: I was amazed to see some reviewers actually panned this book. I am convinced that they either: 1)are totally lacking in a sense of humor or 2)thought they were buying a trail guide instead of a travel account. This is a terrific read. Bryson is a wonderful writer and fills this book with great humor and character sketches so colorful you can just picture the people. I liked this book so much, I read it twice.
Rating:
Summary: Funny and enlightening
Review: Bryson's writing is clear, direct, and often uproariously funny. Into his narrative of his adventures on the Appalachian Trail, he intersperses mini-lectures on such topics as forest managment and underground coal fires. Many of his trail adventures--heck, even the planning and preparations--are humorous and slightly surreal. If you enjoyed Jon Krakauer's "Into Thin Air" but would like something a bit less depressing, this might be it.
Rating:
Summary: good read for armchair hikers...not so good for real hikers
Review: This book had been strongly recommended by another bushwalking friend...however I was sadly disappointed. Although Bryson describes some of the scenery and history in great detail - the story itself is lacking in substance. The ending is also rather a let down. This would be a good read for the "armchair hiker" who never ventures far beyond their house, but for walking enthusiasts this is rather disappointing.
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