"A Walk in the Woods" (book review)

...by Bill Bryson, 1997.

You may recall that I wasn't overly impressed by "Neither Here Nor There", the last BB book I read, about his journey through Europe (though I have talked with people since my review who really liked that one - proof that one size does not fit all!).

In my book, this reading makes up for the last one.
Though it must have taken considerably more energy and prep and sheer blood, sweat and tears to put this one together.

There is an impending sense of doom pervading the first chapter, in which BB makes his momentous decision to walk the 2,500 miles (approx) of the Appalachian Trail, a wilderness walking trail running up the East of the USA.
The sense of doom increases when BB introduces us to his childhood friend, Stephen Katz, a walking health hazard (cholesterol, blood pressure, obesity, a propensity to eat donuts, laziness and a twisted sense of humour).

Of course, it is the very sense of doom that fuels the humour in the travel account, and one cannot help but be impressed by BB and Katz's tenacity as they near the end of their mission.
The development of their relationship is for me the heart of the story, though the encounters with various wildlife and AT trailmaniacs, and BB's backgrounf info on sections of the trail add much colour.
Yet another book which gets you chuckling/laughing out loud.
A MUST for anyone who has ever been camping/hiking or even thought about doing it and decided (wisely?) against it.
A great last line, too!

10/10.