Rating: 
Summary: Humorous yet offending
Review: I was really starting to enjoy this book until he came into the Smoky Mountain part of the trail. He described Gatlinburg Tennessee in a hillbilly manner. As everyone knows,because The Great Smoky Mountain National Park is the most visited place in America,this is not the case.He speaks of Eastern Tennessee as if he hiked the trail in the 1800's. It's funny how he found no problem insulting these people but did not like being questioned about the reasons he hiked the trail although he was a fat out of shape cry baby. (Sleeping in hotel rooms and eating at restaraunts) Well, I've given my 2 cents worth and can see that in this forum he has friends that rate the bad reviews as unhelpful. I see no reason that this will not change. Just remember Mr. Bryson, our "smarts" here in Eastern Tennessee may not be up to your standards but we never forget.
Rating: 
Summary: Great Book
Review: Very funny writer. I was little upset when he and Katz decided to skip parts of the AT (and the fact that he never did plan to walk it all at one time) but I quickly got over it. The writing more than makes up for his leaving the trail.
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: Book worth its weight in gold
Review: I entered into a bookstore by habit. I have been reading profound theories on quantum physics and decided on some light reading after having been bedridden for 2 months now due to a very high-risk pregnancy. I chanced upon this book because it was the only one with a green cover and the green color is often associated with "coolness, serenity, and no stress". Upon returning to my sick bed, I started reading the book and just kept on laughing till my tummy started having contractions ! This book cant be put down once started. More so, because I had hiked some miles of the Appalachian Trail but wont dare hike the entire length ! I might die of heart attack. A neophyte hiker can easily relate to Bill's experiences, but whether you're a pro or not, you have to read this book - it transports you to the fresh scents of the forest, the real danger of being in the wild, the ordeals of cooking a meal without condiments and ladles, the comfort of your well-coordinated bathroom, and the final reward of self-fulfillment. From my bed, it brought me to the top of the mountain, and for someone trying to save a life in my womb, it was worth its weight in gold. I will read this book over and over again for the rest of my life. Of course, Im forcing the hubby and my 10-year old daughter to read it too since they're adventure freaks themselves. Thank you so much Bill, for this precious gift ! It brought so much sunshine to my bedroom and inspired me to endure this pregnancy knowing that after 6 months, I'd be back hiking in the woods again and money cant buy the thrill ever.
Rating:
Summary: A walk in the park with a walk in the woods
Review: Is it possible Mr. Kiefer didn't know Bill Bryson is a humourist? To buy A Walk in the Woods to learn about the AT is like buying Marathon Man to learn about dentistry: you've missed the point. The book offers insights on friendships, on aging, on goals and on self-examination. And it's funny. Besides, if you're fat and 50 like me, it's the best way to exercise.
Rating:
Summary: Bryson reading Bryson - BEAUTIFUL!
Review: This guy could read the NEWSPAPER and it would be funny - perfect timing, he's hilarious. And here he's reading his own great material, for a delightful, side-splitting romp. No one could do droll Bryson like Bryson (even his accent is funny). My husband and I took this tape on a car trip, and were actually sorry to have the trip end - sat (after 6 hours of driving) in the car in our garage to hear the end of a particularly good bit. We're not hikers, but after this account ... well ... let's just say we're tempted.
Rating:
Summary: Defending Bill Bryson
Review: I disagree with Mr. Keifer. I feel that Bryson has an extreme appreciation for the woods and the Appalachian Trail, and that he thoroughly states that in this book. The tail of Bryson and Katz is hilarious and makes for enjoyable reading. I had to read this book for a college class and was surprised by its facts and history of the AT. Bryson tells of the ongoing destruction of the AT and speaks of it condescendingly. I think the most important thing he got out of his hike was that our land is precious and valuable and he now has a greater appreciation for it. I loved this book and highly reccommend it. I have bought it for several friends and family members who have also enjoyed it and will read more ooks by Bryson in the future.
Rating:
Summary: Rediscovering America? Huh???
Review: If you want to read a non-bias book about the AT - read Peter Jenkins "Walk Across America". If you want to read a crabby man's ramblings then "A Walk in the Woods" is the book for you. I can't even figure where he gets the idea he is rediscovering America. When Bryson isn't giving you all kinds of information that can be found at the forest rangers office or a National Geographic, he is crabbing and complaining about the trail. There are no colorful descriptions of all the beauty you are surrounded with. There is only complaints and unfair and even prejudiced accounts of Southerners. If you have ever been on the AT or anywhere in Northern Georgia, Tennessee and the Carolina's you will know that there are beautiful areas and wonderful people. In fact, Mr. Bryson, most of that area is filled with transplanted Yankees these days. I was extremely insulted by the tone of his book and his tone doesn't change (but then only slightly) until he was on the New England section of the trial. How this book has stayed on the best seller list is a mystery to me. Maybe there are a lot of old coots who like reading about other old coots.
If you are planning on hiking the AT - DO NOT judge your trip by this book - you might give up before you ever start. Boo hiss to you Mr. Bryson - keep your prejudice meananderings up North where they belong.
Rating:
Summary: A Walk Through America
Review: The most delightful book I've read in a long time. Well written, funny and interesting. Bryson turns many a phrase while taking his turn trying to make it up the Appalachian Trail. His ultimately faithful sidekick, Katz,is unforgettable. And I learned so much about the heartbreaking demise of the American chestnut, the anthracite industry in Pennsylvania, the history of Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, the propensities of the dreaded (by Bryson)black bear. If I weren't already in love with America, its rocks, hills and trees before I read this book, I would be now! Bryson's pervading message that we need to conserve what we have before it's lost is a valuable one. And it felt so good to laugh so hard!
Rating:
Summary: warning: toothpicks needed for your eyes
Review: This book is a marvelous harmony of humor and history. Somehow Bryson happens to make the marriage of these two blissful and fun-loving. I literally laughed out loud on almost every page and at one time found myself trying hopelessly to explain my glee to a bewildered onlooker who was wondering why in the world I was smirking and giggling, uncontrollably at times. Bryson's experiences can be felt first-hand through his short-and-to-the-point way of relating to the reader. He has this uncanny ability to draw the reader into thinking that one is hiking alongside him, seeing the things that he sees, and actually feeling tired at the end of a chapter as though it is the reader who has done all the walking. It is a satisfying and gratifying experience and I highly recommend attaining for oneself some good toothpicks to hold up your eyelids when you realize that this book cannot be put down, even for a moment. I, for one, would re-read this book but perhaps after I rest a little. After all, I just finished hiking the Appalachian Trail.
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