Gina’s Review: A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson

A Walk in the Woods 
written by Bill Bryson
published by Anchor, 2006

find it here: (affiliate links) Barnes & Noble, Amazon, iBooks, Book Depository, Goodreads

Did I enjoy this book: This is not a book I would have chosen for myself normally. I don’t see myself as a backpacker or the type of person who loves to camp. In fact, my grandmother would tell you that I was often eaten alive by mosquitoes most camping trips and spent most of my time reading. I am a woman who loves showers, and my idea of outdoor time is the beach. However, I saw the preview for the film, which stars Robert Redford. I love me some Robbie and thought it was time to broaden my horizons. Besides, I already read Wild, so why not see a male’s perspective on hiking?

This book is FUNNY. There were a lot of times I laughed out loud. I loved Bryson’s travel companion Katz. The things he says are just so random and hilarious! Bryson’s trip isn’t so much about self-discovery as appreciating the land, and there’s a lot of the book that shares the history of the Appalachian Trail. At times, reading the history sections felt tedious, but other times I appreciated it. One of my favorite sections of the book talks about bear attacks. It’s fascinating, and yes, it’s fun.

I have both appreciation and respect for anyone who attempts to hike the trail. I simply couldn’t do it.

 

GOLDEN LINES

“Black bears rarely attack. But here’s the thing. Sometimes they do. All bears are agile, cunning and immensely strong, and they are always hungry. If they want to kill you and eat you, they can, and pretty much whenever they want. That doesn’t happen often, but – and here is the absolutely salient point – once would be enough.”

 

“Hunters will tell you that a moose is a wily and ferocious forest creature. Nonsense. A moose is a cow drawn by a three-year-old.”

 

Would I recommend it: Definitely. I think it’s a good read for anyone who is curious about the trail and enjoys a funny story.

About the book – from Goodreads: Soon to be a major motion picture starring Robert Redford and Nick Nolte.

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 entertaining 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).