After having parted ways decades earlier, the two friends couldn’t be more different. Bryson was married with children and a successful career, while Katz had spent time in jail and battled alcohol addiction. Although they got off to a rocky start, as the pair hiked together, Bryson’s journey to rediscover America became one of self-discovery and friendship, as well. Did they actually hike the AT? Well, that depends on who you ask. Check out this book and decide for yourself.
The Bottom Line: Together, Bryson and Katz, rediscover not only the America Bryson left behind so many years before, but a renewed friendship too. This travel memoir of perseverance, loyalty, patience, honesty, and respect is told in the author’s signature writing style with humor and an infusion of science, pop culture, history, keen observations, and personal experiences. At times I felt as if I was walking along the AT with them. Enthusiastically recommended for anyone who enjoys travelogues and humor with a sprinkle of fascinating facts and trivia. Also, highly recommended for hikers and nature lovers. (NOTE: Both the book and the movie have some strong language and sexual references.)
Book Club Notes: After a seven month hiatus, our group is glad to be back! We met virtually for the first time this month, and what book could be more perfect than A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson? Whether we watched the movie, read the book, or both, we enjoyed the humor and camaraderie of author and his friend as they attempted to hike the AT.
As a group we appreciated the book much more than the movie. The book contained a blend of humor, experience, and observation that kept us turning the pages. It was engaging, and we enjoyed the author's musings. The movie on the other hand, didn't fair so well. Although the movie was funny, there were scenes that were added just for drama. Nevertheless, the theme of perseverance was still present and the friendship between Bryson and Katz shined through. Both the book and the movie illustrate that you can dream at any age. We rated the book an average of 4.5 on a scale of 1 - 5, with 5 being the highest. The movie received a 2.75. [Note: The movie is rated R for language and some sexual references.]
Although we are new to having discussing books via Zoom, technology issues were minimal. Hopefully, as we become more familiar with this format, our discussions will seem more fluid and natural. This book was the perfect pick at the current time because many of us have been taking walks in the park or enjoying our backyards more during the pandemic. We highly recommend the book for anyone interested in nature, hiking, travel, and friendship.
We supplemented our discussion with the following: An article about the real life Stephen Katz, an article about what the movie gets wrong, and information from LitCharts. Discussion questions can be found at the following sites: Litlovers, the Hunterdon County Library, and Tsundoku.
Details: A Walk in the Woods: Rediscovering America on the Appalachian Trail by Bill Bryson. Paperback published by Broadway Books in 1998. 274 p. ISBN: 978-0-7679-0252-6
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