A Walk in the Woods: Rediscovering America on the Appalachian Trail

• Genre: Nonfiction; travel literature; humor
• Originally Published: 1998
• Reading Level/Interest: Lexile 1210L; college/adult
• Structure/Length: 19 chapters; approximately 276 pages; approximately 9 hours, 47 minutes on audio
• Central Concern: The book chronicles Bryson’s attempt to hike the Appalachian Trail, one of the world’s longest and most challenging continuous footpaths, with his friend Stephen Katz. Along the journey, Bryson provides insights into the history, ecology, and culture of the regions the trail traverses, mixed with personal anecdotes and humorous commentary.
• Potential Sensitivity Issues: Mild language; depiction of dangerous wilderness situations.

Bill Bryson, Author

• Bio: Born 1951; American British author known for his humorous and insightful writing on travel, science, and language; has lived and written in both the United States and the United Kingdom; his works have been translated into many languages; renowned for his witty prose and ability to make complex topics accessible and engaging
• Other Works: Notes From a Small Island (1995); A Short History of Nearly Everything (2003); The Life and Times of the Thunderbolt Kid (2006)
• Awards: Aventis Prize Shortlist for Best General Science Book (2000)

CENTRAL THEMES connected and noted throughout this Teaching Guide:

• Wilderness and Civilization
• Isolation and Companionship
• The History of the Appalachian Trail

STUDY OBJECTIVES: In accomplishing the components of this Guide, students will: