Book Review: 'A Walk in the Woods' by Bill Bryson

✰✰✰✰½ When bestselling author, Bill Bryson, got the bright idea to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail for a new book, it sounded simple. However, thru-hiking is not for the faint of heart; thru-hiking means walking 2,200 miles of the AT from start to end. The only person remotely interested in tagging along on this challenge was Bryson’s old high school classmate, Stephen Katz. 

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 

Book Review: 'Peril & Prayer' by Olivia Matthews

✰✰✰✰ When Sister Louise "Lou" LaSalle is tasked with helping keep peace during the planning of the annual Advent retreat, she is none too thrilled. But with Sister Marianna and the resort co-owner, Autumn, butting heads, Sister Lou's skills of diplomacy are called for. Unfortunately, when Autumn meets an untimely end, all the clues point to Sister Marianna. With the reputation of the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Hermione of Ephesus at stake and donors dropping out, Sister Lou must once again don her sleuthing hat. Together with the help of her nephew, Chris, and newspaper reporter, Shari, the amateur detectives must untangle the twisted clues and try to save the feisty nun from being framed.

The Bottom Line: Fans of cozy mysteries will adore Sister Lou and her sleuthing companions as they reunite to solve another crime. This is a fun and easy weekend read, and I am looking forward to reading the next in the series. Highly recommended for mystery buffs and fans of Christian fiction.

Details: Peril & Prayer: A Sister Lou Mystery by Olivia Matthews. Paperback published by Kensington Publishing Corp. in 2018. 368 p. ISBN: 978-1-4967-0940-0 

Book Review: 'Itsy Bitsy Christmas' by Max Lucado

✰✰✰½ Itsy and Bitsy are two little mice who live in Bethlehem. When a donkey tells them that the King is coming to town, the mice want to meet Him. Their friends at the stable are doubtful. Why would a King come to Bethlehem? But Itsy and Bitsy are determined to find Him. They search everywhere, but the King is nowhere to be found. When they finally return to the stable, the donkey is there with a surprise for everyone, including the littlest of them all.

The Bottom Line: Written with gentle humor, the story of the coming of Christ is told from the point of view of two of God's littlest creatures. This holiday read features colorful illustrations by Bruno Merz and is written by bestselling Christian author, Max Lucado. Share it on Christmas Eve with kids ages 5 - 8.

Details: Itsy Bitsy Christmas written by Max Lucado & illustrated by Bruno Merz. Picture book published by Tommy Nelson in 2013. 32 p. ISBN: 978-1-4003-2262-6

Book Review: 'The Christmas Bears' by Chris Conover

✰✰✰✰✰ The Bears are enjoying holiday baking and decorating as Pa makes toys in his workshop. On Christmas Eve, their friends come over for supper. There are treats galore, but soon Pa is off and away in his sleigh. There are toys to deliver, and it's time for the little ones to go to bed. When the cubs wake up, they discover it's a very special day for all.

The Bottom Line: The rhyming text makes this picture book easy to read for beginners, but the illustrations are the real treat. With lots of details and Christmas colors of red and green, the illustrations will draw you in. I especially enjoyed the map showing where all the different types of bears and their friends come from too. This is one story you'll read over and over with your little one. Enthusiastically recommended holiday reading for kids ages 3 - 8.

Details: The Christmas Bears written & illustrated by Chris Conover. Picture book published by Farrar Straus Giroux in 2008. 40 P. ISBN: 9780374332754

Book Review: 'Christmas in the Barn' by Margaret Wise Brown

✰✰✰½ Two travelers seek shelter in a barn after being told there is no room at the inn. The barn is warm, and there are many animals, but they are safe all together. Soon a baby is born and a bright star guides three wise men to the barn. Shepherds and sheep also arrive to see the child sleeping in the hay. Everyone is safe in that ancient barn, and all is well.

The Bottom Line: First published in 1952, bestselling children's author Margaret Wise Brown retells the story of Mary, Joseph, and the birth of Christ as perhaps a child would. Loosely illustrated paintings in oil, pastel, pencil, and marker accentuate this spare story with rhyming text. This simple story of the Nativity is ideal for ages 3 - 6.

Details: Christmas in the Barn written by Margaret Wise Brown & illustrated by Anna Dewdney. Newly illustrated edition published by Harper in 2016. 40 p. ISBN: 978-0-06-237986-3

Book Review: 'Angelina's Christmas' by Katharine Holabird

✰✰✰✰½ As Angelina Ballerina returns home from school, she notices one house that seems cold and dark. She asks her mum about it. It turns out the house belongs to the old postman, Mr. Bell, who lives there all alone. With her father and reluctant little cousin, Henry, in tow, Angelina decides to bring some holiday cheer to the old man. While the Mouselings decorate the Christmas tree, Mr. Bell prepares a surprise of his own for them and teaches Henry that a little kindness goes a long way.

The Bottom Line: Little fans of the Angelina Ballerina series will be charmed by this sweet story of friendship, kindness, and finding the true meaning of Christmas. Craig's engaging and detailed illustrations help tell this magical tale. Highly recommended seasonal reading for children ages 3 - 8.

Details: Angelina's Christmas written by Katharine Holabird & illustrated by Helen Craig. Picture book published by Pleasant Company Publications in 2000. 24 p. ISBN: 1-58485-140-6

Book Review: 'Merry Un-Christmas' written by Mike Reiss & illustrated by David Catrow

✰✰✰✰½ Can there ever be too many Christmas presents? Too much turkey? Yes, there can. Just ask Noelle.  Noelle lives in Christmas City, which means it is Christmas 364 days a year. Most kids would be delighted, but Noelle wishes for Un-Christmas Day instead.

Un-Christmas Day is the one day a year she can go to school, eat TV dinners, and get letters from the mailman. Oh, what fun it is to put away the Christmas tree too. In fact, it's so much fun, Noelle wishes it could be Un-Christmas Day every day of the year!

The Bottom Line: It's easy to think the grass is always greener on the other side of the mountain, but is it really? It's just something to consider in this charming Christmas picture book filled with colorful and humorous illustrations. This fun book is enthusiastically recommended for story time and bed time holiday reading.

Details: Merry Un-Christmas written by Mike Reiss & illustrated by David Catrow. Picture book published by HarperCollins Publishers in 2006. 32 p. ISBN: 978-0-06-059127-4