A Walk in the Woods: Rediscovering America on the Appalachian Trail, by Bill Bryson
Looking for a hilarious adventure from the comfort of your couch? Dive into A Walk in the Woods, Bill Bryson's wildly popular account of his ambitious (and somewhat ill-fated) attempt to conquer the Appalachian Trail. Picture two out-of-shape guys who decide to tackle a 2,000+ mile hike from Georgia to Maine. What could possibly go wrong? Turns out, just about everything – and Bryson captures it all with his signature wit and charm.
As you follow Bryson and his hapless companion Stephen Katz (not his real name) stumbling through the wilderness, you'll find yourself laughing out loud at their misadventures. But this book isn't just about the laughs. Bryson weaves in fascinating tidbits about the trail's history, the surrounding nature, and the unique culture of long-distance hiking.
What makes this book truly special is Bryson's knack for finding humor and intrigue in the smallest details. He pokes fun at himself and his surroundings with equal gusto, creating a read that's both relatable and wildly entertaining. Don't worry if you're more of a couch potato than a hiking enthusiast – this book is for everyone. Bryson's storytelling will make you feel like you're right there on the trail, minus the blisters and bear encounters.
A Walk in the Woods has become a modern classic in travel writing, inspiring countless readers to lace up their boots (or at least dream about it). It even made it to the big screen in 2015, with Robert Redford bringing Bryson's journey to life.
“Black bears rarely attack. But here’s the thing. Sometimes they do. All bears are agile, cunning and immensely strong, and they are always hungry. If they want to kill you and eat you, they can, and pretty much whenever they want. That doesn’t happen often, but - and here is the absolutely salient point - once would be enough.”
Interesting Facts & Links:
The character "Stephen Katz" in the book is actually based on Bryson's real-life friend Matt Angerer. Bryson changed his name in the book to protect his privacy. Years later, Angerer revealed his identity and shared his own perspective on their Appalachian Trail adventure.
Bryson was partly inspired to hike the Appalachian Trail after learning about the disappearance of Geraldine Largay, a hiker who got lost on the trail in 2013. Her story made Bryson reflect on the dangers and challenges of the trail.
The book's popularity led to a significant increase in hikers attempting the Appalachian Trail, a phenomenon known as the "Bryson Bump." This surge in foot traffic has raised concerns about the environmental impact on the trail and surrounding ecosystems. Those wanting more detail on the realities of attempting such an adventure should read AWOL on the Appalachian Trail by David Miller. Miller is a middle-aged engineer who decides to leave his job to make the hike. Unlike Bryson, Miller is actually very well prepared for his trip. And for those want more books like this, please check out blog on the best books on hiking.
A Walk in the Woods is in one of the first books we suggest for anyone interested in travel writing, and Bill Bryson is one of our favorite authors. Click here to see our full set of recommendations on the top picks in travel literature and the best travel writers.
A Walk in the Woods - Official Trailer | Broad Green Pictures
This great book was made into a movie featuring Oscar-winning Robert Redford as Bill Bryson and fellow Academy Award recipient Emma Thompson as his charming spouse. Read our blog to discover the best movies for travel lovers.
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