• 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 (11,509 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
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  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
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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

Thoroughly entertaining!

As a casual day hiker and lover of the woods, I have often fantasized about hiking the Appalachian trail. Bryson's account is delightful, sobering, and moving all at the same time.

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

Well written, a little preachy, good characters

The story aspects of this were well written, and the obvious appreciation for the trail came across. The characters were clearly written with a wry sense of humor which kept the story moving. The extensive sections dedicated to ecology and preservation of nature were well intentioned, and I agree with them. However, in the middle of a story narrative, they distracted me from the narrative and came across a little heavy handed.

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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

An Appalachian Trail travel log

As a hiker and former Boy Scout, I enjoyed listening to this story and could relate to much of it. The stories and people that Bryson writes about are very reminiscent to me of exactly what you find when you are on a hike. All the problems from the maps being wrong... to the people you come upon... along with your fellow hikers's "peculiarities"... come to the surface in this story.

The author does an excellent job of putting you on the Appalachian Trail right along with himself and his friend. The story is entertaining and humorous in parts. I found myself actually laughing out loud during some of the stories.

A well written, nicely developed story and well narrated.

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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

hilarious!!! told well, narrator was pleasant!

great to listen to. very well told. funny, an easy listen. makes you want to explore the woods after serious research and preparation.

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

excellent narration and story.

sad when I finished the book. highly recommend this story and make sure you watch the movie.

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

Adore This Book - Wish It Was Narrated by Bryson

I adore this book and purchased to replace the book I had on CD. I was disappointed that Bill Bryson didn't narrate, and think some of the charm is lost in this version.

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    1 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Great book, bad narration

I love Bill Bryson. This is a great book, but the narration makes it really hard to listen to. Silly fake accents were awful and many times Bryson’s humor is diminished simply because of the delivery. I wish there were a version with Bryson reading it himself.

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

Katz is necessary

The entire section without Katz is dry and boring. Other than that section, the book is funny and smart.

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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

Very Entertaining

Loved it. Hilariously funny at times. Can't wait to see movie.
Interesting facts of trail.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Now I'm looking forward to the movie!

Love Bill Bryson and his writing style. He makes you feel as though you are right there with him... truth suffering, triumph, failures, joyfully moments etc.

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