So, for the trip, I went and borrowed several books on CD. I started with Bill Bryson’s A Walk in the Woods. While I was in England, I had read his Notes from a Small Island and loved it. I found it only appropriate that I should get this as I headed east.
The problem of reading Bill Bryson in public is that people look at you funny as you laugh out loud. The challenge of listening to him in the car is actually staying on the road. Just absolutely hilarious. Though, one of my favorite parts is when he quoted himself – he made reference to an “author” of The Lost Continent. Since during Ethics class, I had quoted myself from my Systematic Theology paper, I found the quoting of oneself especially funny. He definitely won points for that.
I really appreciate the history that he includes in his books. He includes the appropriate stuff that connects to his personal account. It creates a more elaborate picture of his travels. It also provides an entertaining way for me to learn more about history since I’m actually paying attention. His sarcasm is also right in line with mine. He talks about some of the crazy decisions that have been made in regards to the Appalachian Trail. Governmental controls and mismanagement that have destroyed multiple species of plants and animals are described in detail for the various parts of the AT and some other places in the US. Bryson’s delivery of this information is fabulously crafted. A great read.
And I walked the AT yesterday. Very nice weather to walk a very nice trail.
Posted by Heather Voss at November 6, 2005 02:52 PMPetey read "Walk in the Woods" and loved it also. He'd love to walk part of the trail. I'll have him call you when he's ready. hehe
Posted by: ellen at November 7, 2005 08:42 PM