A Walk in the Woods

By: Bill Bryson

Narrated by: Bill Bryson

Length: 5 hrs and 58 mins

Publisher's summary

"Not long after I moved with my family to a small town in New Hampshire, I happened upon a path that vanished into a wood on the edge of town." So begins Bill Bryson's hilarious book, A Walk in the Woods. Following his return to America after 20 years in Britain, Bryson decided to reacquaint himself with his native country by walking the 2,100-mile Appalachian Trail, which stretches from Springer Mountain in Georgia to Mount Katahdin in Maine. The AT, as it's affectionately known to thousands of hikers, offers an astonishing landscape of silent forests and sparkling lakes - and to a writer with the comic genius of Bill Bryson, it also provides endless opportunities to test his own powers of ineptitude, and to witness the majestic silliness of his fellow human beings. But A Walk in the Woods is more than just a laugh-out-loud hike. Bryson's acute eye is a wise witness to this fragile and beautiful trail, and as he tells its fascinating history, he makes a moving plea for the conservation of America's last great wilderness. An adventure, a comedy, a lament, and a celebration, A Walk in the Woods is destined to become a modern classic of travel literature.

©1998 Bill Bryson (P)1998 Bantam Doubleday Dell Audio Publishing, Bantam Doubleday Dell Audio Publishing, A Division of Random House Inc.

Optimistic cynicism

This book isn't merely a story of two guys out hiking. The various anecdotes pertaining to the science and history connected to the trail offer Bryson's unabashed opinion and often hilarious. Not at all what I expected with this book.

An interesting story and a great read.

I completely enjoyed this book all the way through. It is so well written, and in this case so well narrated by Bill Bryson. Coincidentally, My wife and I just spent some time on the Appalachian Trail a couple weeks ago through the Shenandoah national Park. The sidebar facts That Bryson adds to the story were things I’ve never known...While many of those things were sad and unfortunate, they lend them selves to the wonderfulness of the story. I imagine I’ll read in book form because I plan to buy the book for my bookshelves. Thanks again Bill what a great job.

A classic

Perfect mix of interesting science and history factoids mingled with the story of Bryson and his friend’s adventures (and misadventures) onthe App Trail. Great version with Bryson narrating.

Worthwhile way to spend time

I bought this book to listen to while flying from CA to Spain, a 12 hour trip. I was at a party where people started discussing audible.com and what books they enjoyed the most and this one came up from many people.

It is well written, funny and interesting. It definitely helped to pass the time. There are numerous facts about the AT here, and good stories about his hike. The only negative was that Bryson started writing as if he had become the world's greatest hiker after going 200 miles. Perhaps if you are a true hiker, you might find this book off-putting, but for the occassional hiker (or non-hiker) it's time well spent.

loved it

read the book years ago..loved it then.. tbe audio was even better. especially read by the author. loved it.

Witty and Entertaining

Great fun easy read! I enjoyed the story, it was a breath of fresh air.

A Real, Interesting and Funny Book!

I listened to this book with a smile, a frown and the feel of real agony. The who range of emotion was made available to me and what a wonderful experience it was. Bill has the ability to use his extensive vocabulary to keep you smiling while the whole time dazzling you with facts, figures and interesting stories.

You'll love this one.

Enjoy!

Cracked me up!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Absolutely, because the "what to do in case of a bear attack" advice is invaluable!

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

I certainly came close!

Any additional comments?

I haven't been in the woods since!

Great giggle!!

Great book! His humor is great - couldn't stop laughing! This is my first Bryson book, and I have added others now to my wish list. Excellent account full of great and interesting details about the trail. I didn't know anything about it before reading this. But his reality checks are hysterical.

A must read/listen on everyone's list!

An excellent read

it's such a good read, and I would easily start all over again right away. There's just a great flow to the story, interspersed with tales of the nature and travails of the NPS.