Diane’s review of Neither Here nor There: Travels in Europe > Likes and Comments
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Bryson & Katz! Together again!
Is it possible that Katz is made up? Would someone really go on two "epic" travels with the same foolish "friend"? But perhaps he is real and was brought along as comic relief? What do you think Diane?
Ted wrote: "Is it possible that Katz is made up? Would someone really go on two "epic" travels with the same foolish "friend"? But perhaps he is real and was brought along as comic relief? What do you think Di..."
Bryson's on record as saying Katz is real, but that his name isn't really Katz. It's Matt Angerer.
I had to skip some of this review, because I'm getting ready to read A Walk in the Woods and didn't want to spoil it. But good stuff as per usual, Ms. Diane!
Ted, from a writing perspective, Stephen Katz is a gift from the comedy gods. He is a big part of why A Walk in the Woods is so funny and enjoyable, and the stories shared about their 1970s trip to Europe are also vastly amusing. So yes, I can believe Bryson would take a trip with him, just because Stephen's character makes the story so much more entertaining. (And thanks to Jason for mentioning the guy's real name!)
Diane wrote: "Ted, from a writing perspective, Stephen Katz is a gift from the comedy gods. He is a big part of why A Walk in the Woods is so funny and enjoyable, and the stories shared about their 1970s trip to..."
I read Walk and of course you're right, "Katz" really makes it the comedy it is; without him I don't think the book would ever have been so popular.
The fact that Bryson's on record about this pretty much settles things for me, but also indicates that I've not been the only one to wonder?
And thanks for the review too, Diane.
I too doubted the real existence of Katz...I don't find it reassuring that he actually existed either!
Jan-Maat wrote: "I too doubted the real existence of Katz...I don't find it reassuring that he actually existed either!"
I don't find it reassuring that "Katz", at least a few stone overweight, attempted to hike the Appalachian Trail, carrying (initially) the things Bryson says he burdened himself with. Although that book is LOL funny, something very serious could have happened to the guy, unless Bryson was after all exaggerating for effect.
I was more bothered by Katz being there purely as a comedy donkey (if you can forgive the species jumping) would could be beaten for jokes whenever necessary, that was outside my comfort zone - unless he got a cut of the book's sales in which case it would have been a different matter.
But you're right, I need to bear in mind how big the USA is and how relatively remote from hospitals and health care a fair bit of the trail must be (particularly back then before mobile phones were ubiquitous).
When "A Walk in the Woods" was first published, there was an almost instant rumor that Katz didn't really exist. I remember having spirited discussions with fellow readers about it, and my point was usually that if Katz didn't exist, Bryson would have had to invent him, because he added so much humor to the book.
Diane wrote: "When "A Walk in the Woods" was first published, there was an almost instant rumor that Katz didn't really exist. I remember having spirited discussions with fellow readers about it, and my point wa..."
Right you are Diane! 8}
Great review--it brings back smiles. Bryson is an acquired taste, and I have it, but I am not so confident in pushing him on others. It's like a private cult, and you could be a priestess.
Thanks, Michael! You are probably right, Bryson is an acquired taste. I am just glad I have acquired it. His books have brought me a lot of joy over the years.
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Oct 22, 2014 04:26PM
Bryson & Katz! Together again!
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Is it possible that Katz is made up? Would someone really go on two "epic" travels with the same foolish "friend"? But perhaps he is real and was brought along as comic relief? What do you think Diane?
Ted wrote: "Is it possible that Katz is made up? Would someone really go on two "epic" travels with the same foolish "friend"? But perhaps he is real and was brought along as comic relief? What do you think Di..."Bryson's on record as saying Katz is real, but that his name isn't really Katz. It's Matt Angerer.
I had to skip some of this review, because I'm getting ready to read A Walk in the Woods and didn't want to spoil it. But good stuff as per usual, Ms. Diane!
Ted, from a writing perspective, Stephen Katz is a gift from the comedy gods. He is a big part of why A Walk in the Woods is so funny and enjoyable, and the stories shared about their 1970s trip to Europe are also vastly amusing. So yes, I can believe Bryson would take a trip with him, just because Stephen's character makes the story so much more entertaining. (And thanks to Jason for mentioning the guy's real name!)
Diane wrote: "Ted, from a writing perspective, Stephen Katz is a gift from the comedy gods. He is a big part of why A Walk in the Woods is so funny and enjoyable, and the stories shared about their 1970s trip to..."I read Walk and of course you're right, "Katz" really makes it the comedy it is; without him I don't think the book would ever have been so popular.
The fact that Bryson's on record about this pretty much settles things for me, but also indicates that I've not been the only one to wonder?
And thanks for the review too, Diane.
I too doubted the real existence of Katz...I don't find it reassuring that he actually existed either!
Jan-Maat wrote: "I too doubted the real existence of Katz...I don't find it reassuring that he actually existed either!"I don't find it reassuring that "Katz", at least a few stone overweight, attempted to hike the Appalachian Trail, carrying (initially) the things Bryson says he burdened himself with. Although that book is LOL funny, something very serious could have happened to the guy, unless Bryson was after all exaggerating for effect.
I was more bothered by Katz being there purely as a comedy donkey (if you can forgive the species jumping) would could be beaten for jokes whenever necessary, that was outside my comfort zone - unless he got a cut of the book's sales in which case it would have been a different matter.But you're right, I need to bear in mind how big the USA is and how relatively remote from hospitals and health care a fair bit of the trail must be (particularly back then before mobile phones were ubiquitous).
When "A Walk in the Woods" was first published, there was an almost instant rumor that Katz didn't really exist. I remember having spirited discussions with fellow readers about it, and my point was usually that if Katz didn't exist, Bryson would have had to invent him, because he added so much humor to the book.
Diane wrote: "When "A Walk in the Woods" was first published, there was an almost instant rumor that Katz didn't really exist. I remember having spirited discussions with fellow readers about it, and my point wa..."Right you are Diane! 8}
Great review--it brings back smiles. Bryson is an acquired taste, and I have it, but I am not so confident in pushing him on others. It's like a private cult, and you could be a priestess.
Thanks, Michael! You are probably right, Bryson is an acquired taste. I am just glad I have acquired it. His books have brought me a lot of joy over the years.
