Book Discussion: Part I: Chapters 1 - 12

[Sheila (Damnyoureloud), Moderator]

This is the place to chat about the book in-progress. Please be aware that spoiler content is likely, so enter at your own risk if you have not yet completed Part I of the book, Chapters 1-12. Happy reading!

[Sheila (Damnyoureloud), Moderator]

Just popped in to say I'm currently through the fist 9 chapters and absolutely loving this book. I've been laughing harder than I can remember in a long time.

Also, if I ever hiked the Appalachian Trail, I would absolutely, positively, without a doubt inherit a Mary Ellen along the path. :D

[Lauren]

Haha! Mary Ellen is 100% like someone I know. I would not be shocked to learn that she IS the person I know.

I have read this book several times, and I laugh harder each time. I love when his Katz flings everything off the side of the mountain. I love how Bryson feels so guilty that he can't finish his pie. Just hilarious!

Before this reading, I looked up the book online. I found several reviewers who feel that Bryson is just awful and took advantage of Katz for the book.

I don't know the real-life situation, but I know that there are many people who I call friends who are far from perfect. I might find some of their habits off-putting, but I love them WITH those "faults."

I think the tension between the characters lends credibility to their relationships. What do you think? Is Bryson a cad?

[Erica (mouthie)]

TIL this author was born one hour from where I live. Yes folks I've made it through page two. this isn't something I would normally read but for y'all I'm giving it a shot :)

[Christina, Moderator]

I can't believe it took me this long to read this! I read "At Home" & "Short History of Nearly Everything" and thoroughly enjoyed both. I also have lived in Maryland most of my life so the Appalachian Trail isn't far away. I've read the first Chapter + some. And so far, the beginning really made me want to hike the Trail! Until he got to the murdery bears... :P

[Lauren]

Ha! It is funny how scary he can make nature sound. :)

[FancyPancakes]

I've hiked tiny parts of the AT (on day hikes only, I'm a pansy) and this book is making me itchy to get out there for a month-long trip. I couldn't do the whole thing, but I would love to just get out there with all the bugs and the dirt and carry everything I need and forget about the outside world for a while.

[Kristen (RAoA), Moderator]

FancyPancakes wrote: "I've hiked tiny parts of the AT (on day hikes only, I'm a pansy) and this book is making me itchy to get out there for a month-long trip. I couldn't do the whole thing, but I would love to just get..."

I am so glad to hear that!! I keep saying to Dave that I have to get out there again. We aren't very close to the AT (it's in the western part of my state) but we used to hike literally 3 times a week minimum. I love being out in the woods so much and the longer I don't go out there, the more I don't want to go....