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 enlarge | Author: Bill Bryson
Publisher: Broadway
Category: Book
List Price: $14.95
Buy Used: $0.01
You Save: $14.94 (100%)
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Avg. Customer Rating:  968 reviews
Sales Rank: 5621
Media: Paperback
Number Of Items: 1
Pages: 304
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.6
Dimensions (in): 8 x 5.3 x 0.9
ISBN: 0767902521
Dewey Decimal Number: 917.40443
EAN: 9780767902526
ASIN: 0767902521
Publication Date: May 4, 1999
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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| Customer Reviews:
 Ho ho ho Ha ha ha! February 4, 2008
0 out of 1 found this review helpful
Simply put - what a delightful read! I laughed so hard at times I needed to go "potty". What a great light-hearted book! This goes on my "keeper" pile for a future re-read for sure!
A Walk in the Woods with a Wonderful Guide January 16, 2008
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
Bill Bryson's travel writing is filled with humor, introspection and fascinating information. In this work, Bryson takes us through the trials, tribulations an joys of hiking the Appalachian Trail. On the way, we learn of the origins of the trail, of the flora and fauna along it, of the tragedies that have occurred in it, but most of all, we are left with a deep and profound respect, and even awe, for nature's wonders. Adding to the flavor of the tale is Bryson's companion, an old friend who resumes his friendship with Bryson to join him on the trail, and is a foil to Bryson's personality, a sort of Sancho Panza to Bryson' Don Quixote.
Bryson is a skilled craftsman with words, and gives vivid, memorable accounts of his ramble through the trail, all the while interjecting his own persona, his witty observations relating to the woods, environmental issues, the lore of the trail, without diminishing the powerful presence of the nature and environment in which he moves. As a very average Joe, in many respects, it becomes easy for the rest of us to identify with Bryson, with his fears and failures on the trail, with his frustrations and his triumphs. We are left with all the emotions and experience of the trail but without the bumps and bruises.
Downright hilarious January 3, 2008
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
I am a big fan of Bill Bryson, and this is one of my top two or three favorite books by him, which is saying quite a bit. In this outing he takes us with him as he and a friend hike sections of the Appalachian Trail. I don't say "takes us with him" lightly, as with his descriptive style and expert narrative, you really feel as though you're slogging through the eastern US right along with him- and laughing every step of the way. When I finished this book, I actually felt as though I had walked the trail (in spirit, at least) and gained a greater respect for it and the folks who take care of it.
The hilarity starts before the hike, as Bryson goes into a sporting goods and buys all of the requisite items for the hike. It is here that we first get an idea of a) how funny this is going to be and b) how expensive it is to hike and camp. As he arrives at the airport in Georgia to start the trail at its southern terminus, you're actually psyched- you really feel like you're with Bryson and Katz on their journey. Along the way, they meet many other people, many of whom Bryson pokes fun at, as he tends to do. Instead of hiking the entire trail from Maine to Georgia, they take it in sections over a period of time, which actually makes for more interesting reading.
Especially interesting is Bryson's philosophical musings on the whole hiking experience and how it has changed his life. He brings up a good point: after months of doing nothing but walking along a trail in the woods, what do you DO with yourself? It makes you think about larger issues, like nature, the earth, life... which is most likely his point all along.
 Ignorant, lazy and rude December 17, 2007
3 out of 17 found this review helpful
Who would want to read a book on running by someone who tried to run a marathon but didn`t have the dedication to stick with training and finish one? Who would read a book on physics by someone who didn`t have the motivation to finish graduate school and become an expert in the subject? We read books by people who have excelled in their field and can offer insight and perspective that we might not be able to get on our own. Unfortunately Bryson is not an expert on the AT in that he didn`t even finish half of the trail, thus cannot offer the perspective that only comes from experiencing the physical and psychological change that comes from this challenging experience.
So, this leaves the book to the realm of comedy. Yes it does start off funny as we see how unprepared Bryson and his friend are. However, this is where the humor stops as Bryson points a critical eye at everything except himself. Every hiker, town and geographical region (except his beloved New England) are ruthlessly criticised - even the ruggedness of the trail and the volunteers that maintain it and clean up after slobs like Bryson. This would be okay if Bryson pointed an equal share of criticism at himself (the key to Dave Barry`s humor), but instead he gives the impression that he is superior to the entire South, the TRUE thruhikers, other AT dropouts, the state of PA, etc.
You will find neither humor or perspective in this book, only wasted hours.
A witty, effortless read. November 12, 2007
1 out of 3 found this review helpful
Bryson's dry humor and clear descriptions make for a thoroughly fun, one-sit read, even if it takes you all night. This is not a how-to or a yuck-yuck. It's well-written non-fiction that gives occasional political commentary without overkill.
Mostly, the work pulls you in and walks you down the trail with a 40-pound pack on your back. Through deep snow and under hot sun. Along deep woodland paths and up sweaty rock climbs.
You'll giggle as self deprecating Bryson pokes at himself and his hiking partner while both deal with small hiking discomforts. Landscapes and people are evoked with as much talent as author James Herriot.
You'll forget you're reading and imagine you're there.
Well worth a few hours for the actual or armchair hiker/camper who likes a good read.
The audio book is read by the author, and Bryson does a superb job.
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