I Like You: Hospitality Under the Influence

by Amy Sedaris
I Like You: Hospitality Under the Influence cover
Good Books rating 3.0
Technical
  • ID: 5257
  • Added: 2025-10-22
  • Updated: 2025-10-22
  • Reviews: 4
Reviews
oneforthetable.com · Unknown · 2025-10-23
mixed 2.50

The reviewer found 'A Walk in the Woods' by Bill Bryson readable and informative but somewhat superficial and dated. They appreciated the mix of adventure and facts about the Appalachian Trail but felt Bryson lacked self-deprecating humor and depth in his introspection. The book's focus on fast food and lack of reverence for nature felt out of touch with modern hiking trends.

The reviewer enjoyed 'A Walk in the Woods' for its blend of adventure and information about the Appalachian Trail, but they found it somewhat superficial and dated. The narrative alternates between Bryson and his friend Katz's hiking journey and facts about the trail, which the reviewer found informative but not deeply engaging. They noted that Bryson's tone was sometimes condescending and lacked the self-deprecating humor they expected. The focus on fast food and the lack of reverence for nature felt out of step with modern hiking trends and the reviewer's expectations. The book was written in 1997, before climate change and nature awareness became prominent, which the reviewer found to be a significant factor in its dated feel. They also felt that Bryson could have delved deeper into the personal and introspective aspects of his journey, rather than just focusing on the physical challenges. Overall, the reviewer felt the book was enjoyable but not as profound as they had hoped.

Quick quotes

    They engage into a project that consists in hiking a long and tough trail for which they are unfit.

    In my opinion, Bryson was a bit condescending at times and lacked of self-deprecating humor.

    It’s readable, informative but quite superficial.

barnesandnoble.com · Unknown · 2025-10-23
brilliant 4.50

A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson is a hilarious and awe-inspiring account of hiking the Appalachian Trail, blending facts with humor. The reviewer loved Bryson's writing style and his ability to find humor in everything, including his complaining companion, Stephen Katz.

A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson is a travelogue that recounts the author's journey hiking the Appalachian Trail. The reviewer was initially drawn to the book because of its travel-related theme and found Bryson's writing style engaging and humorous. They appreciated how Bryson mixed facts with humor, making the book appealing despite the potentially tedious subject matter. The reviewer found Bryson's descriptions of daily events, such as a sunrise, particularly beautiful and evocative. They also related to Bryson's aversion to rain, which added to their enjoyment of the book. The dynamic between Bryson and his companion, Stephen Katz, provided plenty of comedic moments, and the reviewer found themselves laughing out loud at times. Overall, the reviewer highly recommends this book to travelers and non-travelers alike, as it offers a fun and comical take on hiking and the world of travel.

Quick quotes

    I was up before daybreak and sat by the window watching as a pale dawn grudgingly exposed the surrounding landscape.

    Rain spoils everything.

    I was done for by this one sentence.

goodreads.com · Unknown · 2009-08-01
frustrating 1.00

The reviewer found Bill Bryson's 'A Walk in the Woods' frustrating due to his smug and superior attitude, complaining about his companions and criticizing others on the trail. They are waiting for the promised wit and charm to appear.

The reviewer expresses disappointment with Bill Bryson's 'A Walk in the Woods', finding the author's attitude off-putting. They describe Bryson as smug and superior, constantly complaining about his companions and criticizing others on the Appalachian Trail. The reviewer is still waiting for the humor and charm that Bryson is known for, making the book a frustrating read. They mention that Bryson's behavior is not attractive and wish he had stayed home. The reviewer's experience with the book is negative, highlighting their dissatisfaction with Bryson's portrayal of himself and others.

Quick quotes

    I'm halfway through, and - like the author on the daunting trail - am unsure as to whether or not I can finish my task.

    Bryson sounds, to put it mildly, a real jerk.

    I wish he'd stayed home.

herbivoracious.com · Unknown · 2008-11-13
entertaining 4.00

Bill Bryson's 'A Walk in the Woods' is a humorous account of his attempt to walk the Appalachian Trail with his friend Katz. The book is entertaining and funny, with Bryson's comic writing shining through, but it lacks deep emotional connection with nature and focuses more on the physical challenges of the journey.

Bill Bryson's 'A Walk in the Woods' is a delightful and humorous account of his attempt to walk the entire Appalachian Trail with his friend Katz. The book is filled with Bryson's signature comic writing, making it almost painfully funny at times. However, it lacks a deep emotional connection with the natural surroundings, focusing more on the physical duress and challenges of the journey. The interactions with Katz and other characters along the way provide much of the humor and entertainment. The book also touches on the inadequacies of government planning and the reliance on junk food during the trek. While it doesn't offer a profound spiritual or psychological epiphany, the experience is valuable in its own right and stays with the reader long after finishing the book.

Quick quotes

    Bryson rarely includes any kind of emotional sense of connection with the mountains and forest which to my mind would make a huge wilderness challenge worthwhile.

    The wry humour in setting out for an enterprise like this with inadequate supplies and preparation does tend to make the readers feel not so bad themselves about “falling short”.

    The end of the book denies the reader any kind of glib spiritual or psychological epiphany, to compensate for the intense and sustained physical discomfort.

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