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
Jane Kirtley, JD, will be the guest speaker for UMRA’s luncheon forum on Tuesday, November 18. She will discuss challenges to preserving academic freedom and independent speech during the Trump Administration, and how institutions should respond to the unprecedented attacks on their independence.
Cathy Lee Gierke will present photos and talk about her cruise on the Rhine river, Italian Switzerland, Lake Como and Iceland -- and the history, culture and geology along the way.
Librarian Naomi Skulan and Associate Professor Kevin Whalen will present research on the Sacred Heart School for Indians and Morris Industrial School for Indians.
Book Club I will discuss An Unfinished Love Story by Doris Kearns Goodwin.
Please join Michael Luxenberg on Monday, December 1, for a hike that is approximately 5 miles in length at an average pace of roughly 18–20 minutes per mile for our second hike this fall in the beautiful Hyland Lake Park Reserve in Bloomington.
Everyone's tax situation is different. Consult with a tax professional to come up with a financial plan well before year end.
There are a few fun events coming up at the Campus Club that are open to everyone. See these events on the Campus Club Facebook and Instagram.
The customary November 4th Friday is the Thanksgiving weekend. Unless otherwise noted, we will meet Friday, December 5th.
The Campus Club in Minneapolis is inviting UMRA members to participate in focus group discussions this fall, to provide insight on the U of M retiree experience and generate ideas about how the Campus Club can serve our retiree community.
When We Cease to Understand the World by Benjamin Labatut.
Hey UMRA Gopher fans! Here’s a great opportunity to join your UMRA friends to cheer for the Gopher Women’s Hockey team when they face off against the St. Thomas Tommies in Ridder Arena.
The theme for December is historical family photos.
There are a few fun events coming up at the Campus Club that are open to everyone. See these events on the Campus Club Facebook and Instagram.
Meeting to plan books for next year.
The theme for January is great MN views.
When you are of Icelandic descent you can trace your ancestors back to around 1200 and sometimes further.
Bleak House by Charles Dickens.
Here’s another great opportunity to buy discounted tickets and join your UMRA friends to cheer for the Gophers when the Women’s Basketball team hosts the Purdue Boilermakers at Williams Arena in Minneapolis on February 1.
UMRA’s special event for this winter will again be a celebration of brighter days and the approaching end of winter. We’ll have food, fellowship, and music provided by Urban Sound, one of the University’s premier student a cappella ensembles.