A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson (1999, Paperback, Reprint)

One of the perks of owning a bookstore is that you have first pick of the new inventory that is either traded in or outright purchased. It can be an adventure to see what treasures are inside the box just waiting to be discovered. "A Walk In The Woods" is one such gem.

Bill Bryson invites you to join him and his friend Stephen Katz on an adventurous and often hilarious hike along the 2100 mile Appalachian Trail that runs from Springer Mountain in Georgia all the way up to Mount Katahdin, in Maine. Of the many who start to traverse the affectionately nicknamed AT, very few have completed the entire arduous and grueling route in stages, and even fewer have been able to accomplish the journey non-stop.

This book contains some very funny stories as well as a lot of informative facts about the AT and Bill references other sources of reading material concerning the AT and the dangers of hiking in the woods; one in particular being the bear. My favorite story by far involves the arrival of Bill's hiking partner at the airport.

Prior to Stephen's emergence from the aircraft, Bill writes about some of the terrifying stories of petrified campers lying in their flimsy tents while listening to a ravenous bear ransacking the campsite because he was drawn by the lingering aroma of cooked meat that is still in your hair, on your clothes and tent fabric. They of course love Snickers and any other tasty morsels that they can score. Then, there are the occasional abductions and mauling...

Needless to say, Bill is a little on edge not wanting his demise to be at the claws and teeth of a hungry bear. When his very large friend disembarks from a short trip from Boston, MA to Hanover, NH, he is already hungry and looking for the nearest doughnut shop; not a good sign. When he is informed that there are no doughnut shops on the trail, Stephen beams and proudly states he had thought of that. He points to a large, very heavy duffle bag and to Bill’s horror, explains, “Snickers. Lots and lots of Snickers.”

As the story progresses, you witness the transformation of two completely clueless and totally out-of-shape greenhorn tourists to a pair of trail weary travelers, to a couple of rugged, experienced veterans of the AT. Hats off to both men, because I know I won’t be seen on the trail…

This is a very good book, well-written and a recommended read. It is a delightful addition to my library and I’m sure that it will be yours, too.

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This is one of the best books I have ever read. It is about so many things, I can't even say what's the best. It's history, humor, ecological, human, and very inspiring. I loved it and HIGHLY recommend it. Please if you like silly, serious, well written, unusual stories - pick this up and fly through the pages.

I would think just about anyone would enjoy this book. Great story, well-written, informative, and funny, funny, funny. I've read Amazon customer reviews that complain it does not give specific 'how-to' information for hiking the Appalachian Trail which is absurd as this is not in any way a 'how-to' book. Enjoyed it tremendously.

Bill Bryson has been recommended to me by a friend and I've really enjoyed the book very much. I was sorry to have it end.

I bought this book because i wanted an outdoors book to read that wasn't a how to book. Definitely a great book. You learn about what it really takes to go on a trip like this and learn alot as well as being entertained.

This was one of my son's highschool reading books, so what can I say? The transaction was great. The seller was easy to work with.

easy read, progresses quickly. author describes autonomous adventures on appalachian trail. witty stile of humor throughout book. environmental advocacy a bit too much to digest at times for the purpose of the book.

Bill Bryson is a wonderful story teller. It is great to hear about his adventure across the App. Mountains. His great sense of humor makes this book hard to put down.

A MUST READ.
One of the best books I ever read/true experience of Bill Brysons walking tour through the Appalachian Trail wilderness. His humor blended with events of his travels with his friend will leave you wanting more. It is a book that keeps you hooked. The map page in the front of the book is well-worn because you are constantly turning back to make connections to places he's been along the trail. I wrote my sisters who recommended the book and asked then when we were setting off on a hike. None of us are in condition for such a venture but we can certainly relate. Mom loved the Blue Ridge Parkway--Skyline Drive and we camped there as kids. Sure brought back great memories. I ebayed a second copy, had it sent directly to a friend who has hiked Maine's White Mountains for 11 of his younger years. He too is impressed! (Sent him the book because of the map instead of one of my favorites...audio books because the book is enhanced by being able to follow Bill as he travels along)

The delivery came very fast, much appreciated! The book is also in pretty good condition, as promised. Will buy from HippoBooks again!

This book is just so funny. The author's sarcastic wit had me laughing out loud over and over. It doesn't matter if you hike or not, this is a must read. This is my second copy that I'm giving to a friend, I've read mine four times over the years and won't lend it.

What a great read. Funny and adventurous. A relaxing read yet you feel like you are really out there with Bill and his friend on that Appalachian trail. A great adventure to follow. Many laughs and some wonderful suspence. All in all great entertainment and if you plan to hike the Appalachian trail: some much needed information !

Book arrived wicked fast, in great condition! Thanks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Interested in hiking and survival in nature. This is a very funny book about hiking on the Appalachian Trial. I had read about this book in other places and ordered it on Ebay. Very good experience. Would recommend to anyone who is interested in nature or conservation.

cheap price, good mailing shape, good service, , excellent serviceery good, very quick, book in great shape

Fun and humerous book about hiking with another person. There was a lot of history detail about some areas, however I would have enjoyed more about the hiking. As a hiker getting ready to do the John Muir Trail, I found the book very interesting. Thanks for the laughs.

loved it, hilarious and entertaining, lots of historic information, very sarcastic and funny in his presentation

My husband had received "A Walk in the Woods" by Bill Bryson as a gift several years ago and he had loaned it out several times. It didn't make it back the last time and this was one of our favorite books so it had to be replaced.

A great book for hikers and non-hikers alike. Anyone who has hiked the AT or anywhere for that matter probably seen the situations written of and can laugh, the newbie’s get their curiosity peeked to learn more. Mr. Bryson has a keen ability to see comedy in normal situations. Recommend 100%

Product was quickly delivered and was in good condition. It was exactly what was described. It was a good deal for how little it cost me and for the condition of the book itself.

I bought it for my husband and he liked it very much. It came in good condition.
My husband did recommend it to other people and has passed it on.

I decided to buy it because I needed it for an English Literature course that I was taking this semester. I cannot rate it because I still have NOT received it!!!
Yesterday, I requested that my order be cancelled. This was quite disappointing; however, because I had waited over a month for the book to be delivered. I emailed the sender twice and never received a response.
Poor.

I hiked a part of the AT in Oct. 60yo. First time! Life changing experience.
Thr book had me re-living my hike, laughed out loud dozens of times. It also put into words the answer to the question, "Why do you do it?"
A great read for anyone.

arrived fairly quickly and in good condition. it was very competatively priced which is very important when i don't plan to keep the book.