The Book I am Reading:
Bill Bryson’s “A Walk in the Woods: Rediscovering America”
After 20 years working abroad, Bill Bryson returns to the United States and decides to undertake a long walk in the woods – hiking the Appalachian Trail. Joining him on this daunting adventure is his old school friend, Stephen Katz, and former travel companion from many years ago.
What follows is a laugh-out-loud account of two out-of-shape middle-aged men on the adventure of a lifetime. Bryson also tells the story of the great Appalachian Trail – considered by many to be the crown jewel of the U.S. National Park Service. The Appalachian Trail touches six national parks, eight national forests and crosses 14 states – 2,178 miles from Georgia to Maine.
To provide a glimpse of their journey, on day one, Katz overpacks and then flings the better part of their food supply off a cliff to lighten his load; an annoying solo hiker attaches herself to them; the pair scheme to ditch her – or kill her and take her Pop-Tarts.
Bryson also tells stories that honor the hard work and commitment of the hundreds of thousands of volunteers that keep this beautiful wilderness trail open.
Grab your boots and hit the trail. But don’t forget some cash to liberate yourself to a motel along the way!
– Kate Maguire, President, Motivation Mechanics;
Director, Vision Research Center
Carmen Caricchio is The Book I am Reading column editor. If you would like to submit a book review, please contact her. She can be reached at carmen@coactivepr.com.
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