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much like I did. and I didn't think it would be as funny as she had told me it was. This book was recommended to me from a woman at the gym (ironic). On a side note, the bear looks all cute and cuddly before you begin reading, but after you read about the bear accounts, you'll be wanting to hide from it. Haven't finished the book yet, but I've bitten through a great chunk. It's absolutely hilarious and has got me flippin' pages like a madwoman. Bryson has an amazing sense of humor, and knows a lot about what he's writing about.
Bryson examines the AT as a microcosm of America, an ever-changing institution with pros and cons; the former ultimately the latter. Along the way, we meet eccentric characters such as Mary Ellen ("Say, is that a Hostess cupcake.") and "Bubba T.
As Bryson points out, you do a lot of thinking on the trail. Stephen Katz, childhood friend, accompanies Mr.
Flubba" ("He's more the shoot your balls of type"). The heart of the book lies in self-reflection, however, as Bryson tries to reconcile his relationships with the trail, his companion, and America.
A Walk in the Woods is like a slice of cake, a multi-layered treat rich in belligerence, comedy, and insight, satisfying from start to finish. As promised, he straps on his boots so you, the ever tantamount reader, can walk the trail without the blisters, cramps, and empty wallet.
Bryson and acts as a comic foil.
LOL funny. Hysterical. For us non-hikers who are married to backpackers, this is a wonderfully amusing account of the preparation and ordeal (as we see it) of hiking.
This was a very enjoyable book. I would also recommend "In a Sunburned Country" by the same author.
I could just do without the preaching from the soapbox. I found myself laughing out loud in many places. There's a few moments, mostly littering by throwing gear away and not policing his cigarette butts by Katz that I find rather annoying. I hiked, day hikes mostly and usually as often as the weather would allow with little concern for the season. Bill's got a good grasp of humor and never fails to convey the humor in the situations he and his hiking companion, Katz, who's even more ill prepared for the journey than the author. I know it's a problem but if I wanted to read about it I'd go looking for books on THAT topic and not hiking.
Don't get me wrong, this is well worth reading (thanks Lisa). I therefore tend to read books on AT (Appalachian Trail) and it's hikers as it's a dream I'll never realize. Bryson sets off, completely unprepared mentally or physically to walk the AT and soon discovers that it's a daunting task. We also, as we sadly do in so many 'Trail' books, get preached at about just how crappy we're doing as caretakers of this planet. 'Walk' is about a man discovering there's a trail, unbroken (more or less) from Georgia to Maine. I used to camp all the time when I was growing up, with my folks and later on involved in Scouting.
Some 2,100 miles long up the Appalachian corridor. Bryson's not the worst by a long shot but I'd really love to read a story about hiking the AT without the need to break out into how we're killing the amphibians off or how many species of trees have gone extinct due to our careless nature.
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