Rating: 
Summary: A true piece of American Pie
Review: What I enjoyed most about this book was the writing style of it's author, Bill Bryson. He is witty, intelligent, knowlegdeable, and easily read, all at the same time. The book (non-fiction and usually found in a travel section of a book store) centers around the existence of the appalachian trail in the eastern U.S.. After spending years away from America, in the boorish land of the Brits, Bill discovers the trail and decides to hike it from end to end. Initially he has trouble finding someone willing to go on this extended hike with him, but then an old school chum, Steven Katz, calls up and decides to join him. The two are a rumbling, bumbling, out of shape and disjointed pair that have you chuckling many times as you read on. Hiking the trail isn't an easy thing to do with your life on your back, or so they soon discover. But they plod along and along the way the reader gets some interesting history behind the trails establishment, the people they meet along it's course, the states that they amble through, and the general decay of their minds as they begin to see nothing but mile upon mile upon mile upon mile of trail ahead of them. Did they hike the appalachian trail though? That is a question that each reader will have to answer for themselves. I think they did. I've hiked many miles in Alaska and I know what it's like to be on trails like that. They hiked it! Trust me!
Rating: 
Summary: A Walk in the Woods
Review: A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson is a marvelous description of the Appalachian Trail and it's history. The outrageously funny nature of it and the bond of friendship between two men makes the journey of reading the book worth taking. I personally love the book and I think that anyone would too. Bryson incorporates his entire journey along the Appalachian Trail with facts of the trail's history and the present day situation with the National Parks Service. His book gives you an appreciation for the 300 people who hike the entire 2,200 miles through the wind, snow, rain, and heat. In the book, Bill Bryson reunites with his childhood friend, Stephen Katz, for A Walk in the Woods. The Appalachian Trail offers an astonishing landscape of undisturbed forests and deep-blue lakes. Bryson also tells the story of Katz and himself with all the problems they face along the way. Both of the men are extremely unfit and encounter many problems in the beginning because of each other's different personalities. Not only do they encounter hilarious characters along the way, but even strange towns. Bryson not only tells us about his travels along the fragile Appalachian Trail, but he informs us of its fascinating history and makes a plea for the conservation of the most widely known trail in North America. Everything along the trail has to do with Biology and Ecology and the entire book is insightful about the wildlife and the landscape. Throughout the whole story, there are only about two main characters: Katz and Bryson. Both characters are hilariously funny and each is completely the opposite from the other. A Walk in the Woods takes place sometime in 1990's and from spring to late summer. In conclusion, A Walk in the Woods is an extremely well written book and is definitely a must read. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys adventure and comedy. You'll even learn something about the history, wildlife, and landscape. It is by far the best travel book on the market today.
Rating:
Summary: Very Entertaining
Review: Bryson's stories of his trip up the Appalachian trail were amusing and brought a smile to my face as I read. His story made me want to grab a backpack and head out for a day-hike. I also found the background information on the history of the trail very interesting. This is a must-read for anyone interested in taking on the trail.
Rating:
Summary: "Laugh And Learn"
Review: This is a nature book for non-nature people. Really works because it deals with two guys who are not experienced hikers. The writing is down to earth and loaded with wise crack observations. Bryson's companion, Katz, rules! If there is one man who shouldn't be hiking the AT, it's him. All along the way the two encounter all sorts of bizzare, interesting and friendly people. Mary Ellen was the best! Perhaps THE MOST ANNOYING WOMAN ON THE PLANET! The scenes with her were a riot! Bryson's observations on the Trail, its flora and fauna, its history, its future are done wonderfully. He does a good job of putting you on the AT, going through blizzards and heatwaves, sleeping in rickety wooden shelters buried in the woods and walking through little unheard of towns along the Trail. The book drags for a bit about 3/4 of the way through when Bryson hits Pennsylvania. Probably because PA is the worst part of the Trail. But his exploits there end with a hysterical scene where he's dealing with a security guard who thinks his badge gives him the right to act like Idi Amin. Want to know all about the AT? Get this book.
Rating:
Summary: I strongly recommend it to anyone
Review: A Walk in the Woods is a travel memoir on the Appalachian Trail, one of America's greatest hiking routes. The author, Bill Bryson lived in England for 20 years and came back to the United States with the urge to go on a long hike. Stephen Katz, an old college friend, and a former alcoholic accompanies him. Both men are out of shape, and beginners at hiking, so it is a wonder how they can endure such hardships along the trail. They had to carry a pack that contained their tents, food, water, clothes and other items. Katz and other interesting characters provide the book with much comic relief to keep the reader involved. At some points in the book I was laughing out loud. Along the journey they meet many people including Mary Ellen a slow-minded woman who follows them around, and Beulah, a fat woman with a very angry husband. The commentary about the long, rich history of the Appalachian Trail brings insight on the wilderness that we hardly know about. It also speaks for the preservation of the forestry and animals that we take for granted in the city. After reading this book I have more appreciation of the wilderness, and an interest in going hiking myself. One downside of the book was that some points in the book the author expanded the book with knowledge that made it a little less interesting, then the actual story. But I liked how Bryson went back and forth to discuss his journey and the history, creating a balance of interests. This book will offer something to any type of reader because it is funny, and contains a lot of historical information, and is interesting enough to keep the reader to keep going. But for someone who wishes to go on a hike, this is not a how to guide. It is also not an amazing adventure of two men and the great outdoors. What this book has to offer is an entertaining journey of two regular guys, who decide to go on a hike along one of the most difficult trails in the United States. I am highly recommending this book, and it will truly leave the reader entertained.
Rating: 
Summary: horrible, negative inaccurate portray of southerners
Review: As an avid Appalachian trail hiker, I was given A Walk in the Woods as a gift that took me four months to read because I was so angry at Bill's depiction of Southerners and condition of the trail. Bill rants about facts that he got from the Wilderness Society handbook that I have seen first hand as factually incorrect. He talked down about the people that he met and was negative about the whole journey. I had a goal of finishing the book so that I could give an honest depiction of the book. I love the trail and southern culture, and there are many great tales far better than A Walk in the Woods such as the story of the blind man who walks the whole trail,Blind Courage by Bill Irwin.
Rating:
Summary: I don't care what anyone says
Review: I read the first chapter. Then I decided not to read the whole book through. I skipped to the third chapter. I read a few words here and there, then i read the last page. I don't care what anyone says, I have read A Walk in the Woods.
Rating:
Summary: A charming, informative, and just-plain-fun read!
Review: This book is for anyone who likes to walk and enjoy nature. Mr. Bryson is a terrific writer, and I didn't realize till after I had bought the book that I had read another of his, The Mother Tongue, which I also loved. So I happily started in on this one, and he doesn't disappoint. I learned a lot about the Appalachian Trail (well, I hardly knew anything to begin with), but also learned about the National Park Service, along with some history of the eastern U.S., including the town of Centralia in Pennsylvania, which was vacated because of the coal seams under it burning out of control. He brings to his writing the perspective of having lived abroad for 20 years, along with a lively curiosity and sense of humor. There were places in this book that had me laughing till I cried. But when I read about the chestnut trees and birds that are now extinct, I just cried for the waste. This book is a pretty fast read, but that is partly because you just can't put it down.
Rating:
Summary: funny stuff
Review: I just can't get enough of Bryson's style. I don't think it's mean. I think it's genuine. The way that he chronicles his friendships, addresses his fears and learns about himself seems to get better with each book. Keep it up, Bill!
Rating:
Summary: Intelligent and Funny!
Review: I have been thinking about thru-hiking lately, so I decided what better way to decide if I want to or not than by reading a book about it? This book is about two men who decide to hike the Appalachian Trail, and although they did not finish or hike the entire length, they certainly did hike the Appalachian Trail! Bryson and Katz are two hilarious, fat, old guys that decide to hike the trail, just 'cuz. It is a great story about their turmoils and proud moments and they sure take the reader on a fun journey across the landscape of the eastern United States! Bryson provides a witty and hilarious travel narrative with this book! I laughed out loud several times (which I almost never do at books!) and also learned a lot of interesting facts about the trail in a very entertaining manner. I really enjoyed this read, it is fun and smart and a true gem!
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