• A Walk in the Woods

  • Rediscovering America on the Appalachian Trail
  • By: Bill Bryson
  • Narrated by: Rob McQuay
  • Length: 9 hrs and 44 mins
  • 4.4 out of 5 stars (11,511 ratings)

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A Walk in the Woods  By  cover art

A Walk in the Woods

By: Bill Bryson
Narrated by: Rob McQuay
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Publisher's summary

The Appalachian Trail trail stretches from Georgia to Maine and covers some of the most breathtaking terrain in America - majestic mountains, silent forests, sparking lakes. If you’re going to take a hike, it’s probably the place to go. And Bill Bryson is surely the most entertaing guide you’ll find. He introduces us to the history and ecology of the trail and to some of the other hardy (or just foolhardy) folks he meets along the way - and a couple of bears. Already a classic, A Walk in the Woods will make you long for the great outdoors (or at least a comfortable chair to sit and read in).

©1999 Bill Bryson (P)2012 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

"Short of doing it yourself, the best way of escaping into nature is to read a book like A Walk in the Woods." ( The New York Times)
"A terribly misguided, and terribly funny tale of adventure.... The yarn is choke-on-your-coffee funny." ( The Washington Post)
"Bill Bryson could write an essay about dryer lint or fever reducers and still make us laugh out loud." ( Chicago Sun-Times)

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What listeners say about A Walk in the Woods

Average customer ratings
Overall
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
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    6,974
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Story
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  • 3 Stars
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  • 1 Stars
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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

You won't regret this one

Now one of my favorite books, super funny honest and enjoyable. I Loved this book.

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

ehh

it wasn't bad. Wasn't too great either. He definitely has something against Southerners LOL. I preferred AWOL on the trail.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Grand ole time.

Bryson does a great job describing and informing readers on the everything that might pertain to or near the Appalachian Trail. From "Stonewall" Jackson to mussels within the lakes.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Interesting.

What did you love best about A Walk in the Woods?

The light humor was the best in the book.

What did you like best about this story?

Some interesting facts about the trail.

What about Rob McQuay’s performance did you like?

Was average. nothing extraordinary.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

no.. in fact, it was hard for me to finish. Parts of it was really slow.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Bryson does it again

Where does A Walk in the Woods rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Top 5

Who was your favorite character and why?

Bryson

What does Rob McQuay bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Very nice job of reading, enjoyed listening to him.

Any additional comments?

Love the way Bryson mingles story with history.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Dick Proenneke is the man!

If you yearn for life in the woods, than this book is for you. Enjoy.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Very entertaining an great read

The authors descriptions and experiences during his journey are awe inspiring and hilarious at the same time. I highly recommend this book. I like hiking and the outdoors and I can relate to some of the hardships and some of the joys. It's great! Give this book a try it will not disappoint..

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Engaging and entertaining

When you see the title of the book even if you know of Bill Bryson you think this book can’t be worth the listen.
However Mr Bryson has a way making the most innocuous, every day, normal, seinfeldesque experience so interesting and entertaining.
I wanted to be there, I felt like I was there and couldn’t wait to hear what happened next.
I will definitely look up another Bryson title.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

An Amusing and Endearing Story

Very good, though he seemed to exaggerate at times (especially about animals). Granted, I understand he is attempting to draw in readers and be funny.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Great read!

A great story of determination. Hiking the AT definitely isn't easy but this book definitely made it sound fun...at times.

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