A Walk in the Woods

by Bill Bryson
A Walk in the Woods cover
Good Books rating 4.12
Travel and Adventure
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Waterstones
Paperback • £10.99
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Technical
  • ID: 1974
  • Added: 2025-10-11
  • Updated: 2025-10-21
  • ISBN: 9780552997027
  • Publisher: Random House
  • Published: 1998-01-01
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 4

Bill Bryson, at the age of forty-four, embarks on an ambitious adventure to hike the Appalachian Trail, the longest continuous footpath in the world. Stretching over 2,200 miles from Georgia to Maine, the trail winds through remote mountain wilderness filled with bears, moose, and other wildlife, as well as unpredictable weather and treacherous terrain. Bryson, accompanied by his friend Stephen Katz, faces not only the physical challenges of the hike but also the quirky encounters with fellow hikers and the occasional eccentricities of small-town America. Throughout the journey, Bryson reflects on the history and ecology of the regions he passes through, offering insightful commentary on the natural world and human interaction with it. His narrative is infused with humor, as he recounts the absurdities of hiking culture and the often-reluctant camaraderie between him and Katz. The book is as much a personal memoir as it is a travelogue, capturing Bryson's determination to complete the trail despite the numerous obstacles and his own occasional doubts.

Reviews
bookshelfpiratereviews.wordpress.com · Unknown · 2025-11-14
delightful 4.50

A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson is a delightful and humorous account of the author's attempt to hike the Appalachian Trail. The book is filled with witty observations and personal anecdotes that make it an engaging read for both nature enthusiasts and casual readers.

A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson is a charming and humorous narrative that chronicles the author's ambitious and often comical journey to hike the Appalachian Trail. Bryson's witty observations and personal anecdotes bring the trail to life, making it an engaging read for both nature lovers and those who enjoy a good laugh. The book is not just about the physical challenges of hiking but also about the author's reflections on nature, society, and his own personal growth. Bryson's unique perspective and engaging writing style make this book a delightful and thought-provoking read. While some readers might find the humor a bit over the top at times, the overall experience is enjoyable and leaves a lasting impression.

Quick quotes

    Bryson's humor is infectious and his observations are spot on.

    The book is a delightful mix of adventure, humor, and introspection.

    Bryson's writing is engaging and his stories are both funny and insightful.

australianhiker.com.au · Unknown · 2025-10-24
good 3.50

The reviewer enjoyed Wendy Roberts's 'A Grave Calling' for its engaging characters and their chemistry, despite some flaws in the plot's resolution. The story features a heroine with unique abilities and a May-to-December romance, which the reviewer found appealing. However, the last quarter of the novel was disappointing due to some predictable and hurried plot developments.

The reviewer found 'A Grave Calling' to be a compelling read, particularly due to the dynamic between the main characters, Julie and Garrett. Julie, a woman with a troubled past and the ability to locate missing bodies, forms a bond with FBI Agent Garrett Pierce as they work together to solve a series of abductions. Their relationship is filled with warmth, humor, and mutual respect, making their interactions a highlight of the book. The reviewer appreciated the depth of the characters and their development throughout the story. However, the final quarter of the novel was a letdown. The reviewer felt that Julie's actions became somewhat clichéd and predictable, and the resolution of the crimes was rushed and trite. Despite these flaws, the reviewer enjoyed the book overall and is looking forward to reading more in the series to see how Julie and Garrett's relationship evolves.

Quick quotes

    I liked her for that: she’s darkly funny, caring, even loving, but rough around the edges and her mouth makes a sailor blush.

    They’re obviously attracted to each other; of the two, Julie is the more sexually assertive.

    I was enjoying Roberts’s _Gave Calling_ so much that I thought a glom was merited. Until the novel’s last quarter came around.

readerslane.com · Unknown · 2025-10-22
engaging 4.00

The book is a humorous and insightful account of a journey on the Appalachian Trail, filled with personal anecdotes and reflections on nature. It's a mix of adventure, philosophy, and self-discovery that resonates with readers.

A Walk in the Woods is a delightful blend of travelogue and memoir, where the author shares his experiences and mishaps while hiking the Appalachian Trail. The book is not just about the physical journey but also delves into deeper themes of nature, human nature, and the search for meaning. The humor and honesty make it an engaging read, though some might find the pacing uneven. It's a book that will make you laugh, think, and perhaps inspire you to take your own journey into the woods. The author's reflections on the trail and his interactions with fellow hikers add a layer of depth that makes the book more than just an adventure story. It's a book that stays with you long after you've turned the last page.

Quick quotes

    The trail is the thing, not the end of it.

    It's a book that will make you laugh, think, and perhaps inspire you to take your own journey into the woods.

    The humor and honesty make it an engaging read, though some might find the pacing uneven.

goodreads.com · Unknown · 2025-10-21
harrowing 4.50

The Body Keeps the Score is a seminal book on the effects of trauma on mental and physical health, essential for medical professionals. It combines robust studies with real-life patient stories, offering insights into managing trauma symptoms and the importance of acknowledging both the realities of past experiences and the emotions they evoke.

The Body Keeps the Score is a comprehensive and harrowing exploration of how traumatic experiences impact mental and physical health. Written by Bessel van der Kolk, the book is a mix of robust studies and real-life patient stories, providing a deep understanding of the long-term effects of trauma. It covers the neuroscience behind trauma, the heightened 'alarm system' in the brain, and various symptoms such as dissociation, hypervigilance, and addictive behaviors. Van der Kolk emphasizes the importance of acknowledging both the realities of past experiences and the emotions they evoke, a concept he refers to as 'know what you know and feel what you feel'. The book also discusses various therapies and activities that can help rewire a traumatized brain, including EMDR, yoga, neurofeedback, and mindfulness. It is a long and detailed read, but it offers valuable insights and tools for anyone working with people affected by trauma, particularly medical professionals.

Quick quotes

    The book takes you on van der Kolk’s own journey of learning about trauma

    The book explores the neuroscience of what happens to the brain when exposed to traumatic incidents

    This is a long, detailed, and, at times, harrowing book, but it is worth the effort

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