Book: A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson

Posted on April 16th, 2010 by Ms. SP

I have also read Bill Bryson‘s A Short History of Nearly Everything. Now after A Walk in the Woods: Rediscovering America on the Appalachian Trail, I wonder if Bryson has a special interest in all the ways that we can die.

Quite frankly, that’s fine with me because I also have this fascination.

I really adore Bryson’s writing style because it’s so conversational. His works read quickly because it feels like he’s a friend just telling you about his trips.

There is a lag in the book when Bryson and his hiking companion Katz step away from the trail the first time. Like his hiking trip, Bryson’s narrative becomes spotty and jumpy as he tries to day-hike portions of the trail on his own. I wonder if he realized that his book mirrored his trip to this great of an extent. The ending, I felt, came to as an abrupt an end as his journey did.

Whats In A Name Reading ChallengeA Walk in the Woods clearly conveys his love/hate relationship with the Appalachian Trail. Through his words, the experiences are vivid, the characters strikingly real (and amusing), and the learning moments fun.

You don’t have to be a hiker or an outdoor enthusiast to enjoy this book.

What’s In A Name Challenge: one down, five to go.

Tags: Books // 3 Comments »

3 Responses to “Book: A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson”

  1. Tracey // Apr 19, 2010 at 5:54 am

    I really enjoyed Bryson’s book too (more so towards the start). I completely agree with you regarding the spottiness of the narrative and I did feel that the ending kind of crept up on me. Still I really must investigate some of his other works some day… :)

  2. Ms. Smarty Pants Know It All » Book Review Blog Carnival No. 42 // Apr 25, 2010 at 8:08 am

    [...] A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson is from me. The author and a friend set out on a humor-filled hike along the Appalachian Trail and hope to not end up dead via bears or rednecks. [...]

  3. Christy // Nov 24, 2010 at 9:29 pm

    I thought this book was hilarious, made especially funny due to the cheerful ignorance of his friend who hikes with him partway. It is a journey of fits and starts so I think you’re right about the narrative mirroring that. I got a kick because where Bryson ended his hike is a trail I hiked once in Maine.

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