A Walk in the Woods and over one million other books are available for Amazon Kindle. Learn more



or
Sign in to turn on 1-Click ordering
More Buying Choices
Have one to sell? Sell yours here
Start reading A Walk in the Woods on your Kindle in under a minute.

Don't have a Kindle? Get your Kindle here, or download a FREE Kindle Reading App.
Sorry, this item is not available in
Image not available for
Color:
Image not available

To view this video download Flash Player

 

A Walk in the Woods: Rediscovering America on the Appalachian Trail [Mass Market Paperback]

Bill Bryson
4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1,558 customer reviews)

List Price: $7.99
Price: $7.19 & FREE Shipping on orders over $25. Details
You Save: $0.80 (10%)
o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o
In Stock.
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com. Gift-wrap available.
Want it Wednesday, June 19? Choose One-Day Shipping at checkout. Details
Image
Save on Popular Books This Summer
Browse our Bookshelf Favorites store for big savings on popular fiction, nonfiction, children's books, and more.

Book Description

December 26, 2006
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).

Best Value

Buy A Short History of Nearly Everything and get A Walk in the Woods: Rediscovering America on the Appalachian Trail at an additional 5% off Amazon.com's everyday low price.

A Short History of Nearly Everything + A Walk in the Woods: Rediscovering America on the Appalachian Trail
Buy together today: $19.61

Show availability and shipping details

  • A Short History of Nearly Everything

    In Stock.
    Ships from and sold by Amazon.com.
    FREE Shipping on orders over $25. Details

  • This item: A Walk in the Woods: Rediscovering America on the Appalachian Trail

    In Stock.
    Ships from and sold by Amazon.com.
    FREE Shipping on orders over $25. Details



Product Details

  • Mass Market Paperback: 397 pages
  • Publisher: Anchor; 2nd edition (December 26, 2006)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0307279464
  • ISBN-13: 978-0307279460
  • Product Dimensions: 4.2 x 1.2 x 6.9 inches
  • Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
  • Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1,558 customer reviews)
  • Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #669 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Your initial reaction to Bill Bryson's reading of A Walk in the Woods may well be "Egads! What a bore!" But by sentence three or four, his clearly articulated, slightly adenoidal, British/American-accented speech pattern begins to grow on you and becomes quite engaging. You immediately get a hint of the humor that lies ahead, such as one of the innumerable reasons he longed to walk as many of the 2,100 miles of the Appalachian Trail as he could. "It would get me fit after years of waddlesome sloth" is delivered with glorious deadpan flair. By the time our storyteller recounts his trip to the Dartmouth Co-op, suffering serious sticker shock over equipment prices, you'll be hooked.

When Bryson speaks for the many Americans he encounters along the way--in various shops, restaurants, airports, and along the trail--he launches into his American accent, which is whiny and full of hard r's. And his southern intonations are a hoot. He's even got a special voice used exclusively when speaking for his somewhat surprising trail partner, Katz. In the 25 years since their school days together, Katz has put on quite a bit of weight. In fact, "he brought to mind Orson Welles after a very bad night. He was limping a little and breathing harder than one ought to after a walk of 20 yards." Katz often speaks in monosyllables, and Bryson brings his limited vocabulary humorously to life. One of Katz's more memorable utterings is "flung," as in flung most of his provisions over the cliff because they were too heavy to carry any farther.

The author has thoroughly researched the history and the making of the Appalachian Trail. Bryson describes the destruction of many parts of the forest and warns of the continuing perils (both natural and man-made) the Trail faces. He speaks of the natural beauty and splendor as he and Katz pass through, and he recalls clearly the serious dangers the two face during their time together on the trail. So, A Walk in the Woods is not simply an out-of-shape, middle-aged man's desire to prove that he can still accomplish a major physical task; it's also a plea for the conservation of America's last wilderness. Bryson's telling is a knee-slapping, laugh-out-loud funny trek through the woods, with a touch of science and history thrown in for good measure. (Running time: 360 minutes, four cassettes) --Colleen Preston --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Publishers Weekly

Returning to the U.S. after 20 years in England, Iowa native Bryson decided to reconnect with his mother country by hiking the length of the 2100-mile Appalachian Trail. Awed by merely the camping section of his local sporting goods store, he nevertheless plunges into the wilderness and emerges with a consistently comical account of a neophyte woodsman learning hard lessons about self-reliance. Bryson (The Lost Continent) carries himself in an irresistibly bewildered manner, accepting each new calamity with wonder and hilarity. He reviews the characters of the AT (as the trail is called), from a pack of incompetent Boy Scouts to a perpetually lost geezer named Chicken John. Most amusing is his cranky, crude and inestimable companion, Katz, a reformed substance abuser who once had single-handedly "become, in effect, Iowa's drug culture." The uneasy but always entertaining relationship between Bryson and Katz keeps their walk interesting, even during the flat stretches. Bryson completes the trail as planned, and he records the misadventure with insight and elegance. He is a popular author in Britain and his impeccably graceful and witty style deserves a large American audience as well.
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

  • Mass Market Paperback: 397 pages
  • Publisher: Anchor; 2nd edition (December 26, 2006)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0307279464
  • ISBN-13: 978-0307279460
  • Product Dimensions: 4.2 x 1.2 x 6.9 inches
  • Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
  • Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1,558 customer reviews)
  • Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #669 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Bill Bryson was born in Des Moines, Iowa. For twenty years he lived in England, where he worked for the Times and the Independent, and wrote for most major British and American publications. His books include travel memoirs (Neither Here Nor There; The Lost Continent; Notes from a Small Island) and books on language (The Mother Tongue; Made in America). His account of his attempts to walk the Appalachian Trail, A Walk in the Woods, was a huge New York Times bestseller. He lives in Hanover, New Hampshire, with his wife and his four children.

Amazon Author Rankbeta 

(What's this?)
#27 in Books > History
#27 in Books > History

Customer Reviews

Bryson's sense of humor and his sense of adventure is very funny. Teresa A. Shuff  |  361 reviewers made a similar statement
This is one of the funniest, laugh out loud books I have ever read. Mel  |  275 reviewers made a similar statement
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
316 of 340 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars More than a hiking narative. May 10, 2000
Format:Paperback
This is much more than a travelogue of two neophyte hikers on the Appalachian Trail, and readers looking for a blow by blow account of the travails of Bill Bryson and his companion, Stephen Katz, will be disappointed. Hiking provides only a backdrop to a heartfelt discourse on the social condition of America, local history, the environment, and the complexities of friendship. The pretext for the book was Bryson's return to the United States after twenty years in Britain, and his interest in "rediscovering America" after such a lengthy absence.

The vast majority of the reviews of the book cite its hilarity (one reviewer called it "choke-on-your-coffee funny"), and indeed there are very many funny parts. However, the deeper I got into the book, I detected a strong shift in the author's sentiment from satire to deep introspection. His observations became more acute, more angry, and more individualized as his long hike constantly brings to his mind the fragile environment of the Trail, the insanity of bureacrats entrusted with the AT, and his own personal limitations.

This was my first encounter with Bill Bryson, and while I found him entertaining, a beautiful writer, and an astute observer, some readers will be put off my his sharp satiric wit. It is certain that he will offend somebody. A friend of mine, who also read the book, was very much upset by the fact that Bryson and Katz didn't hike all 2,200 miles of the Trail, and that somehow their "failure" should prevent the telling of the story. This is utter nonsense and just throws more manure onto the present dung heap that has accumulated from the participants involved in peak bagging, wilderness races, and experiential therapy groups....

Bryson and Katz at least tried to hike the entire AT, and they returned from their hike as changed men who learned many lessons about the wilderness and friendship. Towards the end of the book, the two men are talking about the hike. When Katz remarks that "we did it," Bryson reminds him that they didn't even see Mount Katahdin, much less climb it. Katz says, "Another mountain. How many do you need to see, Bryson?" I agree with Katz (and ultimately Bryson). They hiked the Appalachian Trail. Read more ›

Was this review helpful to you?
122 of 134 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars I strongly recommend it to anyone February 7, 2000
Format:Paperback
A Walk in the Woods is a travel memoir on the Appalachian Trail, one of America's greatest hiking routes. The author, Bill Bryson lived in England for 20 years and came back to the United States with the urge to go on a long hike. Stephen Katz, an old college friend, and a former alcoholic accompanies him. Both men are out of shape, and beginners at hiking, so it is a wonder how they can endure such hardships along the trail. They had to carry a pack that contained their tents, food, water, clothes and other items. Katz and other interesting characters provide the book with much comic relief to keep the reader involved. At some points in the book I was laughing out loud. Along the journey they meet many people including Mary Ellen a slow-minded woman who follows them around, and Beulah, a fat woman with a very angry husband. The commentary about the long, rich history of the Appalachian Trail brings insight on the wilderness that we hardly know about. It also speaks for the preservation of the forestry and animals that we take for granted in the city. After reading this book I have more appreciation of the wilderness, and an interest in going hiking myself. One downside of the book was that some points in the book the author expanded the book with knowledge that made it a little less interesting, then the actual story. But I liked how Bryson went back and forth to discuss his journey and the history, creating a balance of interests. This book will offer something to any type of reader because it is funny, and contains a lot of historical information, and is interesting enough to keep the reader to keep going. But for someone who wishes to go on a hike, this is not a how to guide. It is also not an amazing adventure of two men and the great outdoors.... Read more ›
Was this review helpful to you?
101 of 112 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
As both a Bill Bryson fan and a long distance hiker myself (although I have not done the Appalachian Trail yet) I really expected to love A Walk in the Woods. I was a little bit concerned, since when my partner handed it to me (he finished the book first) he said, "I don't think you're going to like it..." But still, I was really looking forward to reading it.

For the first half of the book, I also really did enjoy the book. I wasn't bothered by the fact that they were unprepared or out of shape. Nobody is really prepared for their first long distance hiking trip until they are a few weeks into the trail. I remember my own experience of staggering along under my overly ambitious pack. I also enjoyed that he talked honestly about the experience of hiking, and I liked the way that he interspersed history and facts about the trail with the travel writing.

The second half, however, got much less interesting. The day trips and the abortive Maine portion were actually kind of disheartening. The whole feel of the prose got sort of mean spirited. He didn't have to walk the whole trail to feel like he walked it, but I honestly would have preferred to see him expand the first half and leave the second half out completely.

There is still quite a bit of good stuff in here, particularly if you are interested in the southern part of the trail. There is also quite a bit of truth about the culture of the long distance hikers. I laughed quite a bit while I read. I guess that the complaints boiled down to not quite being as good as it could have been.
Was this review helpful to you?
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars one for the library
I never tire from reading Bill Bryson's work. This is my favourite. The characters and events can easily be visualised as you read through his exploits on the trail..
Published 14 hours ago by ann marie
3.0 out of 5 stars Good story, made me laugh
This was a good story that put smiles on my face when Bill talked about his and Katz adventures. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves the wilderness and has an... Read more
Published 1 day ago by Todd Piper
4.0 out of 5 stars Inspire or dissuade
A combination of levity and history. A story well told.
I repeatedly toyed with the idea of hiking the trail and each time scared out of it.
Some day, maybe.
Published 1 day ago by Joel Wilmot
5.0 out of 5 stars A Classic
I have given away so many copies of this book, that I have now purchased one that I intend to keep for myself to read ... and reread.
Mr. Read more
Published 2 days ago by C. Kissling
5.0 out of 5 stars Funny book
It came real promptly and my son enjoyed it very much as he had just been hiking the trail, also.
Published 3 days ago by nana
4.0 out of 5 stars Entertaining and moving
I enjoyed this book very much. It was smart, well-written, and funny. I'm sure most people who read it say that they, now, want to hike the AT. Read more
Published 4 days ago by AMH
5.0 out of 5 stars A Joy to Read
Bill Bryson's A Walk in the Woods is a delightful report on his hike of the Appalachian Trail. His humor and satirical wit serve the reader well. Read more
Published 4 days ago by Bonnie Brody
5.0 out of 5 stars Loving it
Am about halfway through - it's a laugh out loud funny, insightful, educational page turner. I enjoy Bryson's sense of humor.
Published 4 days ago by AD
5.0 out of 5 stars fun read!
I listened to this book on cd as I drove 16 hours on a road trip. I don't always love books on tape, but this was great to listen to while driving across rural America. Read more
Published 5 days ago by OregonAmy
5.0 out of 5 stars Appalachian Trail lovers should read this!
From the start this is a fun read but at the same time Bryson makes the challenges of the trail plain. Read more
Published 6 days ago by J. S. Klos
Search Customer Reviews
Only search this product's reviews

What Other Items Do Customers Buy After Viewing This Item?


Forums

Search Customer Discussions
Search all Amazon discussions

Topic From this Discussion
stephen katz fan club
Katz' real name is Matt Angerer, as revealed in several interviews 4 or 5 years ago. He lives in Des Moines.
Jul 12, 2010 by Chris in Maine |  See all 20 posts
Similar book recommendations?
Try Tony Horwitz books. If he loves Bryson he should like these also.
Oct 10, 2010 by L. Pavlica |  See all 3 posts
Start a new discussion
Topic:
First post:
Prompts for sign-in
 




So You'd Like to...



Look for Similar Items by Category