Depression Hates a Moving Target

by Nita Sweeney
Depression Hates a Moving Target cover
Good Books rating 4.17
Technical
  • ID: 5570
  • Added: 2025-10-24
  • Updated: 2025-10-24
  • Reviews: 3
Reviews
audible.co.uk · Unknown · 2025-10-24
great 4.00

The reviewer found Bill Bryson's 'A Walk in the Woods' to be a hilarious and engaging account of hiking the Appalachian Trail, filled with humor and fascinating facts. They appreciated Bryson's ability to mix facts with humor, making the book appealing despite its nonfiction nature. The reviewer also enjoyed Bryson's descriptions of daily events and his aversion to rain, which resonated with them personally.

The reviewer was initially drawn to 'A Walk in the Woods' because of its travel-related theme, which is unusual for them as they typically don't get excited about nonfiction books. They found Bryson's writing style to be captivating from the very beginning, with his ability to explain complex ideas in a simple and engaging manner. The reviewer particularly enjoyed Bryson's humor and the way he poked fun at everything, including himself. They also appreciated the fascinating facts that Bryson rattled off throughout the book, which left them in a state of awe. The reviewer found Bryson's descriptions of daily events to be beautiful and evocative, with one particular sentence about a sunrise leaving a lasting impression on them. They also related to Bryson's aversion to rain, which made them feel a personal connection to the author. Overall, the reviewer found 'A Walk in the Woods' to be a funny and engaging account of Bryson's hike through the Appalachian Trail, with his companion Stephen Katz adding to the humor and entertainment value of the book.

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.

clarkdgoblewriter.wordpress.com · Unknown · 2022-01-17
inspiring 4.00

The reviewer found 'Depression Hates a Moving Target' to be a compelling and honest account of the author's journey through depression and how running with her dog helped her recover. They appreciated the raw and unfiltered portrayal of mental health struggles and the practical advice on how to manage them. The book is praised for its ability to inspire and provide hope to those who are dealing with similar issues.

The reviewer was deeply moved by 'Depression Hates a Moving Target', finding it to be a powerful and candid exploration of the author's battle with depression. The book's focus on the therapeutic benefits of running with her dog is particularly noteworthy, as it offers a unique perspective on how physical activity can be a form of mental health treatment. The reviewer appreciated the author's willingness to share her personal experiences and the practical tips she provides for managing depression. They also noted that the book is not just a memoir but also a guide for those who are struggling with similar issues, offering hope and a sense of community. The reviewer found the writing to be engaging and the narrative to be both inspiring and relatable, making it a valuable resource for anyone dealing with mental health challenges.

Quick quotes

    The book is a powerful and candid exploration of the author's battle with depression.

    The author's willingness to share her personal experiences is both brave and inspiring.

    The book offers practical tips for managing depression and provides a sense of hope and community for those who are struggling.

shelgraves.blogspot.com · Unknown · 2019-07-23
great 4.50

The book 'A Walk in the Woods' by Bill Bryson is a humorous and insightful account of his attempt to hike the Appalachian Trail. It captures the ambivalence of our feelings about the wild, balancing reverence with intimidation, and highlights the vastness and resilience of nature despite human abuse.

Bill Bryson's 'A Walk in the Woods' is a delightful blend of humor and serious reflection on nature. The book chronicles Bryson's attempt to hike the entire Appalachian Trail, a journey that he ultimately doesn't complete but still covers a significant portion of. The narrative is filled with witty observations, historical context, and personal anecdotes, making it both entertaining and informative. Bryson's writing captures the duality of our relationship with nature—we revere it but are also intimidated by it. He explores the beauty and danger of the wilderness, the quirky characters he meets along the way, and the geological and ecological wonders of the trail. Despite the challenges and the realization that he won't finish the entire trail, Bryson finds liberation in the vastness of nature. The book leaves readers with a sense of awe and appreciation for the natural world, even as it acknowledges the environmental abuses humans inflict upon it.

Quick quotes

    The only risk is the one posed by all books on nature: a certain monotony.

    He tells you of the trail's perils: its dangerous animals, killing diseases, 'loony hillbillies destabilized by gross quantities of impure corn liquor and generations of profoundly unbiblical sex.' And bears that bite.

    The woods are lovely, dark and deep, but they also 'choke off views and leave you muddled and without bearings.

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