In A Walk in the Woods, Bill Bryson's humorous and informative take on hiking the Appalachian Trail wins praise for its engaging storytelling and wit. Critics appreciate his blend of personal anecdotes and historical context, though some feel the narrative sometimes meanders and lacks depth in environmental issues. Overall, it's an entertaining read with rich insights.

Readers who enjoy A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson typically appreciate witty, humorous travelogues and nature writing. Fans of Cheryl Strayed's Wild and John Muir's works will likely find this book engaging. It caters to those who love exploring the great outdoors with a side of captivating storytelling and amusing anecdotes.

A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson chronicles his attempt to hike the Appalachian Trail from Georgia to Maine with his friend Stephen Katz, blending humorous narrative with background on American history, conservation, and nature. Their journey involves encounters with curious bears, getting lost, and meeting interesting people, but also challenges that lead them to occasionally skip parts of the trail and eventually return home.

Humorous / Informative / Adventurous / Contemplative / Nostalgic

- A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson humorously captures his experiences as an American returning home after living abroad, using the Appalachian Trail as a backdrop for exploring American culture and natural history.
- The book sparked increased interest in hiking the Appalachian Trail, with many readers inspired by Bryson's journey deciding to take on parts of the trail themselves.
- It was adapted into a film in 2015, starring Robert Redford and Nick Nolte, bringing Bryson's comedic and insightful narrative to a broader audience.

**Bill Bryson**  
An author and journalist with dual American and British citizenship who embarks on a journey to hike the Appalachian Trail, using his experiences to write about travel, language, and popular science.

**Stephen Katz**  
A childhood friend of Bryson's from Iowa, who accompanies him on the Appalachian Trail despite their having had little contact for many years.

**Dave Mengle**  
A camping and hiking expert based in Hanover, New Hampshire, who helps Bryson prepare for his Appalachian Trail hike by advising him on gear and equipment.

**Benton MacKaye**  
A visionary who originally developed the concept for the Appalachian Trail in 1921 as a connected network for mountaintop camps, intended to provide a retreat for urban workers.

**Wes Wisson**  
A shuttle service operator who transports hikers from Atlanta to the starting point of the Appalachian Trail, using his experience to gauge their likelihood of completing the hike.

**Mary Ellen**  
A hiker from Florida who temporarily joins Bryson and Katz on the trail, becoming a notable presence due to her outspoken and know-it-all demeanor.

**John Connolly**  
A section hiker and high school teacher from upstate New York, who briefly accompanies Bryson and Katz before returning to his parked car.

**Chicken John**  
A long-distance hiker in the Berkshire Hills known for frequently getting lost, whose encounters with Bryson highlight the unpredictable nature of the trail.

**Bill Abdu**  
Bryson's friend and neighbor in New Hampshire, who accompanies him on several day hikes, appreciated for both his trail experience and his profession as an orthopedic surgeon.

**Joan Bishop**  
The proprietor of a boarding house in Milo, Maine, who offers warmth and hospitality to Bryson and Katz at the end of their challenging journey.

Bill Bryson

Adult

Autobiography / Memoir

Bryson and Katz

Nonfiction

Guide

Study Guide

Teaching Guide

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Overview

Get ready to explore A Walk in the Woods and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

A Walk in the Woods Summary and Study Guide

Background

A Walk in the Woods Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-2

A Walk in the Woods Chapters 1-2 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 3-4

A Walk in the Woods Chapters 3-4 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 5-6

A Walk in the Woods Chapters 5-6 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 7-8

A Walk in the Woods Chapters 7-8 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 9-10

A Walk in the Woods Chapters 9-10 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 11-12

A Walk in the Woods Chapters 11-12 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 13-14

A Walk in the Woods Chapters 13-14 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 15-16

A Walk in the Woods Chapters 15-16 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 17-18

A Walk in the Woods Chapters 17-18 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 19-21

A Walk in the Woods Chapters 19-21 Summary & Analysis

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Key Figures

A Walk in the Woods Key Figures

theme

Themes

A Walk in the Woods Themes

Index of Terms

A Walk in the Woods Index of Terms

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Important Quotes

A Walk in the Woods Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

A Walk in the Woods Essay Topics

Introduction

A Walk in the Woods Teacher Introduction

Before Reading

A Walk in the Woods Before Reading

During Reading

A Walk in the Woods During Reading

After Reading

A Walk in the Woods After Reading

A Walk in the Woods

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read A Walk in the Woods?

Reading Age

Book Details