©1998 Bill Bryson; (P)1998 BBC Audiobooks Ltd.
"A walk in the woods"
This is my favourite audio book. I love Bryson's dry wit mixed with his often critical assessment of how Americans fail to look after the woods and wildlife they should be protecting. I can understand his desire to walk the Appalachian Trail and listening to this audio book often inspires me to go walking myself (though not 2,000 miles).
Bryson and Stephen Katz set off into the american wilderness only to find they are way out of their depth. With dangers such as bears, mountain lions, moose and more importantly Bryson's own vivid imagination the pair stumble their way along the trail. This book is packed with humour.
William Roberts' narration is perfect and helps to put Bill Bryson's audio books as a must have for any a.b. collection. I hope Audible get more of Bryson's books, Their worth a listen.
"a new bryson fan"
i have only jsut started to read bill bryson. this book was fun and amusing as was the other i read (small town america) and i think i will read the rest. yes there are a lot of references to trees etc but he is walking the appilation trail. the reader, whom i think must read all his books, reads it so well.
"wilderness adventure from the comfort of home"
I really enjoyed Bill Bryson's 'A Walk in the Woods' because it combines humour which can make you laugh out loud (usually at the expense of fools whom Bryson meets along the way) and a real sense of the beauty and wonder of North America's natural hertiage.
Bryson's descriptions are able to pick out the most interesting details of places and people which entertain the listener throughout and his criticism of everything wrong with the US attitude to the environment also struck a cord with me. Despite some merciless attacks on government agencies who fail to protect America's wood lands, the author manages to convey a love for his native country which inspires you to follow in his footsteps. I will definately be downloading more Bill Bryson books in the future.
"The wonderful walk"
Seldom have I read a more interesting and entertaining book. Bill Bryson takes us through the highs and lows of walking the American trails from the purchase of thousand and one items that salesman insists are essential for every hiker. Not only do we glimps the wonders of nature but he explains the folly of those who are entrusted with the care of these wonderful places. The very best part of the book is the host of wonderful characters he meets along his way.
"Best Possible Way to go for a Walk in the Woods !"
Take Bill Byson's always interesting writing, spiced with copious dollops of laugh out loud passages, mix with William Roberts excellent reading style and serve on a sleek and shiny, very portable, Kindle Fire HD. A feast to nourish your funny bones and entertain you wherever you are. It doesn't get much better than this !
"A walk in the woods"
This book could so easily have been boring as, going for a walk, long and arduous as it is, is not an activity one would imagine which produces enough material for a good story. Not so with Bill Brysons outlook on life, he has managed to draw together material that is both informative (educational even) and humerous. Altogether a brilliant book that draws you back into it's pages not least to find out if he ever did have that encounter with a black bear. I have to pay compliment to William Roberts as narrator. Very comfortable and friendly voice to listen to.
"Appalachian Delight"
I can't decide if Bill Bryson is a writer who travels or a traveller who writes. Do his wanderings inspire him to write a book or does he think of a book idea and travel to research it? Either way to enjoy one of his narratives is to share in his experiences. His amiable style and wry wit carry you along and it's almost as though you have travelled with him. Seen the world through his eyes. Met the people he spends time with and enjoyed with him that extra large piece of pie at a wayside diner. I have never walked the Appalachian Trail and, according to his honest account, Bryson never fully completed the mammoth task either. Having heard this book I now don't need to walk it. I've shared everyone of his footsteps. When Bryson walked the woods I was there. Brilliant
"A great listen"
I read this book a few years ago and remember loving it. I was disappointed initially that the unabridged version was not read by the author however I soon forgot that as it was read so well. My husband heard some parts while travelling with me and enjoyed what he heard without having to have listened from the beginning.
"First Class"
Bill Bryson has a habit of great writing. A Walk in the Woods is simply one of the best pieces of popular travel writing available. Funny, heartwarming and informative in equal measures, this is well worth a listen. William Roberts clearly gets Bryson's style, and delivers a very entertaining read.
"sore feet... sorry"
i adore and respect bryson's writing, but somehow this one just missed me. or better put, we missed each other. i went at it... a couple of times, but never made it to the end. like those hikers, i got sore feet. lessoned learned : stay clear of this genre, when traveling long distance, either by foot or a sail-boat. nevertheless, i might try it again during this winter season, bundled up by a fire place and in the company of lots of hot cider.