Book Notes | ‘A Walk in the Woods’
Author Bill Bryson describes his experience hiking the Appalachian Trail with Stephen Katz, a childhood friend from Iowa. The Appalachian Trail is 2,100 miles long and traverses 14 states, from Georgia to Maine.
Bryson provides descriptions of, among other things, arduous days on the trail, getting caught in a life-threatening spring blizzard, a nocturnal bear visit to camp, and an encounter with a jealous husband. He also provides colorful commentary on a wide range of subjects, including the creation and development of the trail, the U.S. Park Service, Eastern woodlands, Appalachian geology, bear attacks, Stonewall Jackson and, throughout the book, American culture. His commentary is done with accuracy, environmental consciousness, and hilarious wit and humor.
I often read before bed. Bryson is not the only author who has kept me reading way too long into the night. However, he is the only author who has made me laugh aloud at 1 a.m.
The book was made into a movie starring Robert Redford, Nick Nolte, and Emma Thompson but, in my opinion, the 2015 movie does the book only partial justice.
Members of the UMRA Book Club reported enjoying the book. Several members commented that the book provided factual information laced with humor that made the reading easy and highly enjoyable.
—John Bantle, UMRA Book Club I
Book Club I to meet February 21
Fri, Feb 21, 2025, 2pm
John Bantle will lead the discussion of A Walk in the Woods: Rediscovering America on the Appalachian Trail by Bill Bryson when the UMRA book club meets via Zoom at 2 p.m. on Friday, February 21.
The book is a hilarious memoir of the author’s hiking adventure along the Appalachian Trail. It mixes accounts of Bryson’s walk with broader discussion. It also shows the beauty of nature and the necessity of protecting it.
For more information, email Pat Tollefson.
Upcoming Events
Connect, explore new ideas for what it means to live and age well, and celebrate a community of continuous learning at the fifth annual Age-Friendly University Day to be held on the U of M Twin Cities campus in Minneapolis on Monday, June 8.
Abandoned and discarded is the theme for the UMRA Photo Club meeting in June. Newcomers are welcome.
Michael leads this hike at Afton State Park.
Pick a favorite book and bring a brief synopsis of the book to the breakfast and share with the group.
UMRA’s Book Club I will discuss In Winter’s Kitchen by Beth Dooley when it meets via Zoom on Friday, June 19. Kathryn Sedo will lead the discussion.
We will gather in the Waterfall Room for an in-person, summer social and luncheon for UMRA members and guests on June 24th. Our event will include social time; a plated, seated lunch; and the always popular Summer Social Trivia Game with quizmasters Dave Dorman and Mark Jenson.
This event will include social time; a plated, seated lunch; and the Summer Social Trivia Game.
There are three entree options - all include dessert (or GF desert) and a choice of sodas, lemonade, and coffee or water.
Cash bar available inside the Dock & Paddle.
Kayaking at Lake Bde Maka Ska.
Two major conferences, one organized by the Association of Retirement Organizations in Higher Education (AROHE) and the other by the Big Ten Retirees Association (BTRA), will take place this year. The AROHE conference will be held in Florida and the BTRA conference will be hosted by UMRA on the UMN campus.
The AROHE conference invites all interested retirees and university faculty and staff to reimagine retirement. You are invited to register if interested at https://www.arohe.org/2026-Conference.
The BTRA is being hosted by UMRA this year. Leadership of retiree organizations around the US will convene to share competencies. Attendance is restricted.
Bev leads the Nokomis walk to Minnehaha Falls.
Nanette leads a trail of two cities hike.