A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson

Title: A walk in the woods

Author: Bill Bryson

Paperback: 276 pages

Genre: memoir, humor

Bill Bryson decides one day to hike the Appalachian Trail. Not wanting to do it alone he decides to call up his friend Katz, a friend he hasn't spoken to in five years since they had a falling out in Europe. Sounds like a simple enough task. Just two guys hiking in the woods. Simple. That is, until they figure out that the Appalachian Trail is over two thousand miles long. A feat reserved for only the bravest. The Appalachian Trail winds its way from Georgia to Maine, going through a grand total of 13 states all together. But Katz and Bill plan their hike, not all the way but still, it's the thought that counts. They lay out their maps and prepare to set off on a journey of a lifetime, carrying backpacks well over forty pounds with everything they need. Once on the trail though, everything gets more complicated. Bill and Katz aren't in the greatest shapes of their lives and their lives have become dependent on electronics and fast food, not something just around the bend in the trail. Being on the trail weans them of their need for electronics and makes them live with the land and sleep in a tent through animal invasions and pouring sheets of rain. Besides the occasional rest stop with flushing toilets and cheap motel rooms with five channel TVs, they become men of the trail on their journey through the woods and nothing can stop them from achieving their goal. And when they finally do meet their goal they feel fulfilled and they part ways. Both feel that they have accomplished something, that is until Bill figures out that all their tireless work, all those days filled with miles in the double digits, and they're not even half way there.

Bill Bryson is a genius in explaining in vivid detail his emotions and the adventures of the trail. No one is left without feeling that they are somehow related to Bryson in a way, once they finish this book. Be forewarned, that though this story is an amazing read, the only problems with this story is the information overload and constant moping of Bill when he canʻt understand something immediately. All together this book is still a great side book, one to read when there's nothing else to read, or when you forgot your main book somewhere else.

Rating:✭✭✭