A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson

Pat D. chose the book and hosted the meeting.

Bill Bryson is 59 years old, and married with four children. He and his family live in Great Britain. As a young man he quit college to backpack across Europe for four months. After meeting and marrying his wife in England, he returned to the U.S. to complete his education. He has written many books including his latest titled At Home.

The first part of our meeting centered on categories of the book: social, humor, fitness and ecological.

Social: We enjoyed the many hikers met along the trail, and the writer's descriptions of the people. Some saw the relationship between Bill and Stephen Katz as an odd friendship. They had little dialog unless they were plotting or in a desperate situation, but maybe that's just men :-). Bill's relationship with his wife was also different. They seemed so disconnected. Without today's modern conveniences such as cell phone and computers, their communication was limited.

Humor: Everyone enjoyed the writer's sense of humor throughout the book. There were many laugh-out-loud moments and great one-liners.

Fitness: We were surprised by their lack of fitness or preparation for the hike. There little focus on sore muscles and aching backs. Also astounding was their poor diet. Was that the optimum and best choice of foods to sustain one's energy for the ty[e of hiking they were attempting?!

Ecological: For the most part, we enjoyed the facts and history of the AT. They were sprinkled throughout, some felt a little too generously. We learned a lot about the National Parks Service, conservation or lack thereof, and the people and groups dedicated to preserving the trail and our forests.

The second part of our meeting was a chance for each to share whether they would like to attempt the hike, their opinion of the book and their rating.

Hikers: Carol M. would love to hike the trail and enjoys camping; Pat S. would hike, but days only; Barb would research and hike only certain parts of the trail since there are other trails in the U.S. she would also like to hike; Judy would hike, but only in the daytime, holding hands or a rope and is afraid of wild animal attacks; Missy would like to hike a portion of each state; Kim would hike, but not camp; Carol W. would love to hike.

Non-hikers: Lori would not hike, has never camped and has no desire to camp; Kelly has no desire to walk the trail; there's no way Stacy would hike; Pat D. would not hike the AT.

Book opinions: Carol M. loved the book, humor, and facts; Pat S. thought the book was very funny; Barb loved the book and could relate since she has hiked; Judy thought it was an enjoyable read, loved the facts and history; Lori especially liked the book's humor; Missy was disappointed with the fact that the author bashed the PA portion so badly and that he quit and did not finish what he had started; Kelly thought it was OK; Stacy liked the book's humor and has recommended it to others; Kim enjoyed the book because it helped her related to her sons who have hiked portions; Carol W. enjoyed the book and bought it for her brother who does maintenance on a portion of the trail; Pat D. like the humor and ecology elements of the book.

Away weekend, November 6-7: Meet at Judy, Carol & Carol's houses at 2:30 on Saturday dressed to take a short hike, weather permitting. After the hike, we'll check into the Inn and change for dinner. Reservations for dinner will be at approximately 6:30~7:00pm. Then we'll return to the Inn for dessert, book discussion, and activities.
Wine: Lori, Carol M., Carol W., Barb
Snacks (not dessert): Pat S., Pat D., Judy
Apple cider: Stacy
Dessert: Kelly, Lori
Other drink: Missy

Author's website: http://www.booksattransworld.co.uk/billbryson/