A Walk in the Woods: Rediscovering America on the Appalachian Trail by Bill Bryson is probably the most well-known and also one of the most controversial books about the AT.
Bill Bryson is a very talented and humorous professional writer. Most books on the AT are written by amateurs, hikers who decided to write a book, while Bryson is a writer who just decided to hike a little (and probably got paid for it with a book advance). Remembering this is important when comparing it to other AT books. Some people (especially purist) get upset about AWITW because Bryson did not come anywhere close to finishing a thru hike. Some also get very upset about Bryson and his partner Katz not practicing Leave No Trace. Others get upset because they believe he gets loose with the facts and can be offensive at times with his stereotypes and rants. On the other hand as with most things Bryson writes it is a very funny book. Remember he is a talented professional writer. To me the most significant thing about AWITW is that it has helped introduce so many new people to the AT, including myself. Personally it has a special place in my heart, similar to a first date, first kiss, first girlfriend, etc.., because it helped get me interested in the AT, and was the first book I read about it.
I would recommend this book for anyone who wants to learn more about the AT or likes reading humorous books. I would not recommend it for purists who get uptight with things that do not measure up to their standards.
Rate: 5/5
http://www.amazon.com/Walk-Woods-Rediscovering-America-Appalachian/dp/0307279464/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1390611421&sr=1-1&keywords=a+walk+in+the+woods
Bill Bryson is a very talented and humorous professional writer. Most books on the AT are written by amateurs, hikers who decided to write a book, while Bryson is a writer who just decided to hike a little (and probably got paid for it with a book advance). Remembering this is important when comparing it to other AT books. Some people (especially purist) get upset about AWITW because Bryson did not come anywhere close to finishing a thru hike. Some also get very upset about Bryson and his partner Katz not practicing Leave No Trace. Others get upset because they believe he gets loose with the facts and can be offensive at times with his stereotypes and rants. On the other hand as with most things Bryson writes it is a very funny book. Remember he is a talented professional writer. To me the most significant thing about AWITW is that it has helped introduce so many new people to the AT, including myself. Personally it has a special place in my heart, similar to a first date, first kiss, first girlfriend, etc.., because it helped get me interested in the AT, and was the first book I read about it.
I would recommend this book for anyone who wants to learn more about the AT or likes reading humorous books. I would not recommend it for purists who get uptight with things that do not measure up to their standards.
Rate: 5/5
http://www.amazon.com/Walk-Woods-Rediscovering-America-Appalachian/dp/0307279464/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1390611421&sr=1-1&keywords=a+walk+in+the+woods
The road to glory cannot be followed with much baggage.
Richard Ewell, CSA General
Richard Ewell, CSA General