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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 the Audio Cassette edition.
From Publishers Weekly
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.
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Most helpful customer reviews
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent, but not what you expect...,
By cahhmc (California) - See all my reviews
This review is from: A Walk in the Woods : Rediscovering America on the Appalachian Trail (Official Guides to the Appalachian Trail) (Paperback)
This book is not a guidebook. Nor is it an instructional book. If you hiked the AT and want to re-live memories, you probably won't like this book. If you want to see another perspective on backpacking, you won't learn a thing from this book. If you're looking for just a really funny book, this one will let you down after chapter 5. All in all, its not the book you think it is, or at least, it was not what I thought it was.But, if you love the outdoors, if current threats to wilderness get you up in arms, and if you've ever had a *bad* experience with food, getting lost, or your partner being annoying, you may like this book as much as I did -- which was an extraordinary and suprised amount. It is not always funny, not always historical, and not always a sheer and grand disgrace to the art of backpacking. But I enjoyed the mix so much that after I read it, I took it with me and read it aloud to my hiking partners over the 90 miles of the Wonderland trail. Go figure.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
It's not about the woods,
This review is from: A Walk In The Woods (Hardcover)
This book reminded me of others that attempt the same sort of thing. You know, books that have a certain title but that's not what they're REALLY about? Remember ZEN AND THE ART OF MOTORCYCLE MAINTENANCE? Or how 'bout THE BARK OF THE DOGWOOD--A Tour of Southern Homes and Gardens? Neither book is REALLY about those things. But in the same vein, Bryson's is, on some level, a walk in the woods: it's just the things that happen "around" that which are more interesting. I found this book to be absolutely hilarious in places and liked it MUCH better than his latest one.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great for those who have experienced the AT.,
By "myquest5" (Parkersburg, WV United States) - See all my reviews
This review is from: A Walk In The Woods (Hardcover)
Some 22 years ago, as a recent high school graduate, I and a few of my classmates hiked a portion of the Appalachian Trail for the first time. It was one of the best experiences of my life and Bill Bryson has allowed me to relive my youth. I am at that tenuous age (do the math) looking for that "City Slicker" adventure and just might consider embarking once again on the AT. Before I do though, I am going to stock-up on other Bill Bryson titles.
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