Customer Reviews
Moose and Bears and Hikers, Oh My! - By: Graceann Macleod, 19 Aug 2008 
Never start reading a Bill Bryson bookin a public place. This is the mistake I made with A Walkin the Woods, & I found myself giggling embarrassingly. Starting with the selection of equipment, & then the preparation for the journey by reading several terror-inducing stories of bear attacks, Bill Bryson continually amuses, educates & entertains.
Bryson sets off on one of the most physically & psychologically demanding tests of stamina that he could attempt: a hike along the Appalachian Trail. With his long-suffering friend Katzin tow, he encounters brutal weather, crazy hikers, price-gouging hostels, & 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 & books for the hikers.
Given that I am notin 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, & 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 & over again. The first Bryson book I've ever read, but definitely not the last.
What a fantastic read! - By: K. Brogan, 21 Apr 2008 I'm not a big reader & 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 & as soon as I started it, found it VERY hard to put down.
Bryson's writing style is easy to read & extremely entertaining whilest being factual & informative.
I have now started to read his 'Down Under' book & am quick becoming a big Bill Bryson fan!
Nice, enjoyable, fairly light - By: Jezza, 24 Mar 2008 
Not as many laughs out loud as some of his others, but an enjoyable read nonetheless.
MORE OF A MARATHON - ENJOY! - By: M. Drake, 28 Dec 2007 Bill Bryson takes us on a marathon trek on the highways & byways of the Appalacian Trail with his out of condition middle aged body & that of Katz his physically challenged friend. Luckily for them & us, they didn`t have the slightest idea of what they werein for before they set out - meeting interesting characters on the way & having several out of the body experiences. Bill manages to keep our interest to the endin 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
Not his greatest, but still entertaining - By: Donaldo, 29 Nov 2007 There are some good & some bad points to this audio CD.
First, it isn't as good as his travels around Britain, Europe, or his notes from a Big Country. There is considerably less material here - it's all about him hiking the Appalachians with his friend Steve Katz. It's still enjoyablein itself, but Bill Bryson writes best when he is put into new, bewildering situations, poking fun at the people he meets & poking fun at his reactions. Andin a Walkin the Woods, he simply doesn't meet enough weirdos with which to test his acid pen.
Bill Bryson narrating the book is a mixed benefit. On the one hand, it's always good to have the author read his own material. And the passagesin which Bill Bryson desribes the hostile beauty of Appalachians are particularly evocative. The problem is that unfortunately, his voice is quite relaxing & occasionally dull. Despite the fact that he is one of the funniest writers around today, he can't tell a straight-forward gag, whereas the often irritating narrator on some of his other work (the name escapes me) at least knew when & how to tell a funny story.
Despite the shortcomings, it is still enjoyable. I listened to it whilst driving long distance, & it's very nice to pass the time to. But I don't think I'd listen to it sat at home.
