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  • A Walk in the Woods

  • By: Bill Bryson
  • Narrated by: William Roberts
  • Length: 9 hrs and 43 mins
  • 4.6 out of 5 stars (3,740 ratings)
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A Walk in the Woods cover art

A Walk in the Woods

By: Bill Bryson
Narrated by: William Roberts
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Summary

The Appalachian Trail covers 14 states and over 2,000 miles, snaking through some of the most spectacular landscapes in America. Reluctant adventurer Bryson recounts his gruelling hike along the longest continuous footpath in the world.

©1998 Bill Bryson (P)2014 Audible, Inc.

What listeners say about A Walk in the Woods

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  • 05-12-15

Entertaining journey

What did you like most about A Walk in the Woods?

The humour throughout and mixture of tales of the personal experience with details and descriptions of the places and their history- with an edgy attitude at times.

What was one of the most memorable moments of A Walk in the Woods?

So many entertaining moments so it is hard to narrow it down to just one. Enjoyed it all.

Have you listened to any of William Roberts’s other performances? How does this one compare?

Not yet although based on my enjoyment of this book I have now purchased a couple of other titles by Bill Bryson.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

It's a very easy book to listen to - it's not taxing to take it all in, so it's an ideal book to listen to whether you are dipping in and out or if you want a marathon sitting to read in one go. My father is in hospital and finds this is a good entertaining book to while away the hours and let his mind wander where sadly his body no longer can.

Any additional comments?

The narrator initially seemed overbearing but after a few chapters I came to enjoy his style- it brought the book and the characters to life - just right - it feels like listening to Bill himself.

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5 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    3 out of 5 stars

Getting under the American skin

An enjoyable and informative listen... Bryson describes his trek along the Appalachian Trail, accompanied by an old friend. The book reveals insights into the US environment and its interface with urbanisation; describes the range of people participating in this activity that demands commitment and organisation; and highlights a range of insights about the ecosystem and its flora and fauna.
At the heart of the book are two relationships: man and nature, and the relationship between two elderly men as they traverse the environment. Enjoyable, light, informative, humorous and nicely narrated too. Recommended.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Very Enjoyable.

It’s neither an accurate account of the infamous Appalachian Trail, not it is a whimsical tale. Instead, a walk in the woods presents itself as a hybrid which depicts a great sense of accomplishment and a very personal feeling of Brysons’ travel.

Thoroughly enjoyable and captivating throughout, riddled with some humorous moments, this is a well presented tale which will want you wanting more of Brysons’ tales.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

I don't generally get on with Bryson. Loved it.

Where does A Walk in the Woods rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

I was pleasantly surprised by witw. I found the story engaging, the asides entertaining and the narration first rate.
I will be keeping it as a "play again in the near future" audible.

What did you like best about this story?

In the past I have enjoyed the opening chapters of Bryson books but found they become a bit dull. I found walk to be really entertaining. I wanted to hear more, and hear more now!

I wonder if I liked it so much because it was so energetic. It was a portrayal of an experience rather than a dry external observation piece.

Which scene did you most enjoy?

The sheer naivety of the opening. Embarking on a great expedition with no knowledge, planning, equipment or goal and all those gaps coming home to bite so fast and furious is enough to make you want to follow the dream and the dreamer.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

At the moment I'm having a problem walking so practically every page screamed resonance .
On reflection, I find the conclusion a powerful and positive image.

Any additional comments?

I committed the cardinal sin of watching the movie and found it to be an excellent translation. I would strongly recommend it in addition to the book.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

If you aren't inspired after this...

What did you like most about A Walk in the Woods?

The comedy, lots of laugh out loud moments.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Katz is just ridiculous.

If you made a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

There is a film but can't think what the tagline is.

Any additional comments?

Really inspired me to want to walk the AT.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

A (speedy) walk in the woods

I love this book and have read my paperback version several times. But Roberts reads too quickly. I much prefer the version read by Bryson himself

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Involving and stirring version of a good story.

Would you listen to A Walk in the Woods again? Why?

I'm a longstanding Bill Bryson fan and this is one of the first books of his I read. It evokes the landscape and experience of a long hike through America incredibly well.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Bryson's irascible and fallible companion, Stephen Katz, and the old AT itself.

Which character – as performed by William Roberts – was your favourite?

Stephen Katz.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

It's a bit long for that but the chapter structure and narrative is straightforward to tackle in sections.

Any additional comments?

This was the first Bill Bryson book I ever read and I still love the way the story is constructed and the way he diverts off down historical and natural side-trails from the main narrative is still great. It's classic Bryson and remains a great listen - the motorway hours flew by!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Funny and Poignant

I really loved the storyline and importantly the narration, it was read and told in such a good way and this makes all the difference between a good or bad experience.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Entertaining and factual. A good light read.

This is one of my favourite Bill Bryson books. If you know Bill's writing there won't be any surprises. It has just the perfect mix of facts and fun to make it a light but interesting read.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

I'd prefer a walk in the woods

Not Bryson's best book. Yes there are moments of hilarity but generally his friend is butt of his humour, that is when he is not deriding some small town or its inhabitants. The level of swearing is elevated in this book and is tedious after a while. William Roberts once again excels in his narrating.

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