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
Learn about writing memoirs, technology for seniors, campus architecture, and more at the fourth annual Age-Friendly University Day to be held in the McNamara Alumni Center on the Twin Cities campus in Minneapolis on Monday, June 23.
Professor Kathryn Pearson will be a special guest at the UMRA breakfast in June. This will be an opportunity to hear Professor Pearson’s perspective on President Trumps’s first 100 days, and to engage in discussion about what we, as individual citizens, can do in these challenging times for democracy.
Catch up with friends and former colleagues, meet new UMRA members, enjoy delicious food, and participate in the third annual UMRA Summer Social Quiz at the Como Lakeside Pavilion in St. Paul on Wednesday, June 25.
H is for Hawk: A Memoir on Grief and Falconry by Helen Macdonald, published 2016.
The UMRA Hiking Club will hike two wonderful county parks in Monticello, MN on Monday, July 7. Lynn Anderson will lead the hikes and we will meet at her home at 9:30 a.m. and carpool from there.
Our July 14 "hike" is a kayaking adventure on Bde Maka Ska (formerly Lake Calhoun) and Lake of the Isles led by Barb Friedman and Bev Moe.
The UMRA Book Club will discuss Daisy Jones and the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid when it meets via Zoom on July 18.
Bill Doherty's April Living Well Workshop, Dealing with differences in a polarized world, inspired many UMRA members. He has very graciously agreed to hold a Skills for Disagreeing Better workshop for us in July. You will learn about the values and concerns of the other political side and practice skills for communicating more effectively in the presence of disagreement.
Still Life by Louise Penny.
Join hike leader Nanette Hanks on August 4th for a “Trail in Two Cities” hike.
The UMRA Book Club will discuss Blue Ribbon by Karal Ann Marling when it meets via Zoom on August 15.
Join Larry Micek, hike leader, on August 18th for a hike at Lake Elmo Park Reserve, located at 1515 Keats Avenue North, Lake Elmo, MN.
You are invited–join other UMRA members and friends for a late summer river cruise, this year on the Saint Croix River, departing from Stillwater Riverboat Company dock. Our lovely 2.5 hour private charter cruise on the Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway includes lunch, a cash bar, and the excellent company of friends and colleagues.
Daytrip Stillwater in the afternoon with friends! Make a day of it.
The Great Gatsby, by F. Scott Fitzgerald.