'A Walk' is a Fun Stroll

I just finished reading 'A Walk in the Woods' by Bill Bryson. This was, in all, a fun and entertaining book. It was also educational--I learned a lot about the south, the Appalachians, and what it's like out on the trail across the East's mountains.

The story is about the author's attempt to learn more about America (after living in Britain for 20 years) by hiking the Appalachian Trail (AT). This becomes the author's obsession, and he chronicles every step of the way. He also ends up taking a very entertaining friend along with him, which makes the trip even more fun.

One thing I find very frustrating is how 'intellectual' people always seem to knock Christianity and Christians. Bryson does this a couple times in the book, which is completely unnecessary and made me a little mad. This author obviously leans toward evolution and the athiestic thoughts of pure science. He refers to Christians as 'crazies' in so many words.

Another thing which made me sad was Bryson's blatant bashing of Gatlinburg, Tennessee. He talks about how 'dreadful' it is and how 'it is a tourist trap that is overpriced and full of fat tourists'. I guess this really is true, but I personally have many fond memories of the town, and will always have a special place for Gatlinburg in my heart. I wish he would have been a little more objective and at least said one nice thing about it, but oh, well.

In all, 'A Walk in the Woods' is a good read and is pretty entertaining. It's a great travel book, and if you want to get inspired about the mountains and hiking/camping, pick this one up.