Long distance humour
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A Walk in The Woods was an adventure in itself for me. I have previously walked long distance trails in England and sat gobsmacked as I read how long the AT was and that Bryson was going to walk it without any real training. But I'm so pleased that he did.
He takes his mate along with him, who at first you wish Bryson would shove over a cliff, safe in the knowledge that he could blame a deliverance style event but gradually we learn to love Steven and marvel at his endurance. Bill is clearly much fitter and much kinder but they make for a great team - take him somewhere else with you.
The journey explores not only the trail and their own experience of hardship but the recognition of the things that we all take for granted, 'a dew soaked, ice cold can of coke,' for example and the folks they meet on the way like the woman from Florida. We also look at, with Bill and Steven the dangers both real and imagined of walking out in the back country of America for America remains wild - only 2% of it 'built up.' Can you believe that.
Do yourselves a favour and read A Walk in The Woods.
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Moose and Bears and Hikers, Oh My!
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Never start reading a Bill Bryson book in a public place. This is the mistake I made with A Walk in the Woods, and I found myself giggling embarrassingly. Starting with the selection of equipment, and then the preparation for the journey by reading several terror-inducing stories of bear attacks, Bill Bryson continually amuses, educates and entertains.
Bryson sets off on one of the most physically and psychologically demanding tests of stamina that he could attempt: a hike along the Appalachian Trail. With his long-suffering friend Katz in tow, he encounters brutal weather, crazy hikers, price-gouging hostels, and random acts of kindness that make the whole thing worthwhile. I was especially touched to read about people who come to the AT specifically to leave things like snacks and books for the hikers.
Given that I am not in any kind of shape to attempt even a day hike on the AT, I enjoyed living vicariously through Bill Bryson's experiences. The vistas he got to view sounded amazing, and I could almost taste the wonderful, satisfying meals enjoyed when he was able to reach "home cooking" after many days on the Trail. In addition, his turns of phrase had me laughing out loud over and over again. The first Bryson book I've ever read, but definitely not the last.
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What a fantastic read!
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I'm not a big reader and had never before read a Bill Bryson book but was bought this for Christmas by my parents. I took it with me on holiday as essential beach reading and as soon as I started it, found it VERY hard to put down.
Bryson's writing style is easy to read and extremely entertaining whilest being factual and informative.
I have now started to read his 'Down Under' book and am quick becoming a big Bill Bryson fan!
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Nice, enjoyable, fairly light
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Not as many laughs out loud as some of his others, but an enjoyable read nonetheless.
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MORE OF A MARATHON - ENJOY!
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Bill Bryson takes us on a marathon trek on the highways and byways of the Appalacian Trail with his out of condition middle aged body and that of Katz his physically challenged friend. Luckily for them and us, they didn`t have the slightest idea of what they were in for before they set out - meeting interesting characters on the way and having several out of the body experiences. Bill manages to keep our interest to the end in a thoroughly entertaining read which moves much faster than the aching bodies of the two protagonists!
Mick Drake author of the the comic novel All`s Well at Wellwithoute
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