Rating: Summary: Amusing Tale About A Fine Aspect of America Review: "A Walk in the Woods" is an amusing, often witty, travelogue about hiking on the Appalacian Trail.The story concerns the effort two middle aged men made recently to walk the 2,100 plus mile Trail from Georgia to Maine. This book is part travelogue, part mid-life crisis expose, and part treatise on aspects of the ever changing American woods and its flora and fauna. Bill Bryson describes well the often spectacular aspects of America's foremost trail. It traverses across most of the eastern states, through mountain ranges and several different kinds of arboreal landscapes. The thought of two middle aged guys who are not exactly specimens of the trim and fit male embarking on a months long journey involving outdoor sleeping, portage of their supplies and comforts and a self-reliance most only encounter in history books is oddly appealing. It is not too difficult for me to envision myself in their place -- at least at the start of their hike when good intentions had yet to be tested against the dreary sameness of each mile. Thus it was easy to root for the two wanderers as surrogates making the great adventures many have taken only in our minds, those escapes that seem far removed from reality by the conditions and responsibilities of everyday existence. I think the book will appeal to many who want, if only occassionally, the chance to do something really different that lasts more than two weeks and does not involve Disneyland. Bryson delivers on the story with a well written book. This book is not a day by day or mile by mile diary of their walk. He judiciously intersposes episodes from the trail with discussions of the history of the trail, the story of the national parks service, the effect of settlement and coexistence on animal and vegtible life and his relationship with "Katz," his travel companion, foil and the source for much of the wit that enlivens the tale. There is much to amuse. Besides Katz, the hikers encounter interesting fellow travelers and Bryson turns his own missteps into humorous prose. This is a well written book that will amuse the reader and hold his or her interest. Recommmended.
Rating: Summary: Shame on you Bryson Review: An enjoyable read is tainted at times by the hypocracy of its author and out-of-shape sidekick. Despite bemoaning modern attitudes towards nature throughout, there are several instances when one feels the Appalachians would be better off not only without the National Forest Service (or, as Mr. Bryson implies, the DE-Forest Service), the construction of roads, and the introduction of various alien pests and diseases by mankind, but also without Bill Bryson and Stephen Katz. Katz chucks food, clothing, pots, pans, and numerous other items out of his rucksack during the hike, all because he is too tired to carry them. At one point the author is aided in his search for his temporarily missing friend by the discovery of a crumpled cigarette pack and discarded cigarette butts by the side of a lake. Apparently the brand smoked by Mr. Katz. I'm sure those who work so tirelessly on behalf of the conservation of nature will be pleased to know that a fish or two along the trail are now swimming belly-up with filters in their mouths. The trail certainly does not need visits from such out-of-shape pretenders in the midsts of a mid-life crisis. At no point does he mention picking up the trash. Shame on you Bryson. And tell Katz to stick to the treadmill.
Rating: Summary: A Walk on the Funny Side Review: Bill Bryson has that rare ability to make you laugh even as he tells you something you didn't know. His travel writings remind me of a left wing P.J. O'Rourke. Of the three books of his I have read, "A Walk in the Woods" is easilly the best because it is by far the most humorous and it has the best subject matter. Bryson's attempt to walk the whole of the Appalachain Trail may have been a fool's errand on his part, but it makes for a great adventure tale. Along the way, Bryson describes much what is best (and worst) about America. His self-deprecating style keeps things light, even when he occasionally gets up on his soapbox. This book should be read by anyone with an interest in the outdoors.
Rating: Summary: ignorant and arrogant Review: This is one of the worst books I've ever read. Bryson goes on and on about protecting the environment (not a bad idea in principle) but doesn't seem to have any problem with the fact that his travel companion throws food and clothing into the woods. No attempt to retrieve them is made. He walks part of the trail in daily hikes, driving to the trail in his car every day - no problem talking about exhaust fumes and the environment while you sit in your car. Oh, and how about that helpful hint that you are better off not making any noise, because if the bears know you are there, they will attack and eat you (bears are mainly vegetarians, and only attack humans when they are startled or protect their young - or when they have found that humans have food that's easily available, which they learn from people like Bryson's travel companion, who throws it next to the trail). This book would be quite funny if you did not have to suspect that some people would follow the advice given and endanger themselves and others by doing so. One more example of the style this book is written in: On one page, you find a lot of complaints about the bad quality of _all_ the maps for the trail and how nobody should be sent out into the wilderness with them. A few pages later, the meeting with another traveler, who happens to have much more detailed maps, is described. But the author never seems to make the connection that he might just have been to ignorant to buy the correct maps. It is always the fault of others.
Rating: Summary: An Extremely Funny Walk Review: After reading Bryson's other travel books, as well as his weekly columns in 'Night & Day' magazine, I looked forward to 'A Walk In The Woods'. I was not disappointed. His familiar sense of humour guides us through the long hike of the Appalachian trail, ably assisted by Stephen Katz, (who is without a doubt the living twin of Homer Simpson) last mentioned in 'Neither Here Nor There'. Needless to say, the journey is hilarious. What makes this book so funny is Bryson's ability to meet surreal people (Mary Ellen, Chicken John, etc.) and wind up in unbelievable situations (Katz, Beulah and the gun-toting husband - those who have read the book will understand!) Also, Bryson's witty comments often induce rib-aching bouts of laughter. Upon entering a filthy bunkhouse one night, he inspects his mattress and finds that "a previous user had not so much suffered from incontinence as rejoiced in it. He had evidently included the pillow in his celebrations." There are too many other incidents to cram into a few lines. This is one of Bryson's best - and nothing can beat that.
Rating: Summary: Very Funny, but not the last word on the AT Review: Yes, Bryson is funny, if not hilarious at times. An entertaing read, but if your interest is the AT you would be better off with Rubin's book. One thing that bugged me was Bryson's incessant use of the British terms for flashlight - "torch" and parking lot - "car park". He was born and raised in Iowa, wrote a book about the most celebrated American trail, aimed, I guess, at an American readership. He is a bit snooty if you ask me. Nevertheless, I would recommend the book.
Rating: Summary: A Walk in the Woods Review: Written for the adult crowd, this book appeals to a wide audience. It is the story of a middle-aged man who decides to tackle the Appalachian trail. His preparation, the long lost friend who accompanies him, the hiking ordeal, and the people he meets along the way, are humorously described. Readers will laugh aloud. Bryson adds to his story by interspersing history lessons along his way. We learn about the Appalachian trail and its history, environmental concerns in national parks, and side tales of other hikers on the trail. Bryson's easy to read style makes this a hard book to put away. His struggle to finish the trail captivates the reader and his humor is delightful. Recommended for young adults learning about the environment, interested in adventure, and reluctant readers of nonfiction.
Rating: Summary: Five-Star Funny/One-Star Story Review: I'd have to agree with many of the readers here. The first half of the book is wonderfully funny - I must have laughed out loud twice on every page. But, (a bit of a spoiler here) I was quite dismayed to find he gave up on hiking the whole trail, and that he somehow thought DRIVING to a spot, day-hiking, and getting back in his car would somehow give him the knowledge or experience to write a book about hiking the AT. And I hate to call someone's behavior stupid or illogical, but what the hell was he hiking in NH with COTTON pants and a COTTON sweater for??! Could he really be that stupid after hiking 500 miles of trail? The story boils down to two woefully unprepared and inept men tossing garbage, gear, and cigarette butts as they make their way on part of the AT. I found Bryson's historical observations very interesting, but the book really fell apart after he and Katz first split up. Hilariously funny in at the beginning, it just seemed to end halfway, and left me empty by the end.
Rating: Summary: So the book's a bit sappy... but still worth a read.... Review: My two reasons for disliking this book pale in comparison to thr reasons to like it (and read it!!!). First, Bryson skips out on parts of the trail and never hikes the whole thing. He's not a purist: he's got to be forgiven. He's a middle aged writer who spent most of his life in the UK (which explains a bit of the laziness and the grumpiness!). Second: it's kindof a sappy book written by a middle aged man-- not a whole lot of adventure to be had.... But-- redeeming it it has a lot more. It's a heartwarming tale of discovery-- both inner and outer. It's well-written and funny-- both of the characters in it are, well, characters..... Finally, it could inspire people to go out and actually do something-- to hike, to look for what was wrong in their life, to do something.... which is key.... I'd recommend reading this book to anyone....
Rating: Summary: Engaging and Witty Adventure Review: I highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in the outdoors or in vicariously taking a little adventure. I live within a three hour drive of the AT and have only been to Mt Washington. Perhaps, unknowingly, a few other segments in New Hampshire. This book has made me a lot more curious about the AT though. More than that, it has made me want to set foot on it. Even if its just for a day hike. Bill Bryson is a great story teller and a lucid writer. After the first page it feels like the book is being read to you. My thanks to Bill Bryson for putting his journey to print.
|