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Book Nook provides readers with insights into the world of books. Vick Mickunas takes you into the center of the publishing world with the latest book buzz, book reviews, and exclusive chats with authors..Home > Blogs > Book Nook > Archives > 2009 > December > 23 > Entry
“A Walk in the Woods”
Bill Bryson’s book “A Walk in the Woods” made him famous. Bryson’s tale of walking major sections of the Appalachian Trail has become a classic of the travel genre. Have you read it?
If you have read the book then you know that Bryson plays the straight man to his walking companion Steven Katz. In my view, Katz made the book what it is. In fact when Bryson is walking alone near the end of the book it stopped being funny. Katz was a key element and when he exits from the story the humor leaves right with him.
To Bryson’s credit, he wrote about Katz. That was a stroke of genius on Bryson’s part. Katz (not his real name) is an old friend of mine. Katz is living quietly in Iowa. He just sent me a Christmas card.
It is a Christmas miracle. Happy Holidays.
Vick Mickunas
Permalink | Comments (5) | Post your comment | Categories: confessions of a galley slave
Comments
By R. Greene
December 29, 2009 8:19 PM | Link to this
Received the audio book for a Christmas present. Thoroughly enjoyed it. Looking forward to passing it along.
By downsized
December 26, 2009 1:30 PM | Link to this
Yes, it’s a Christmas Miracle. Happy Holidays. Peace on earth. We can hope.
By vick
December 24, 2009 9:44 AM | Link to this
I enjoy Bryson, too. I think he is a fabulous writer and humorist. I also enjoy puncturing some of his puctiliousness. That makes him a bit snippy. There has never been hostility on either side. I merely pose questions like: “Gee, Bill, you grew up in Iowa. You lived there until adulthood. What’s up with the Yorkshire accent?” Amazing how quickly an accent can vanish and become the sound of Des Moines again. He can change it at will.
By edo
December 24, 2009 9:36 AM | Link to this
I enjoy Bryson, even if you did slug him. How did you two leave the interview, hostile or conciliatory? Any thoughts on his father’s sports writing?
By H. Lee
December 23, 2009 1:02 PM | Link to this
I’m glad to know Katz is still going strong. I read Bryson’s book and thought it was really funny. But then I gave it to my brother for Christmas awhile ago, and he laughed so hard tears ran down his face and he could hardly get his breath. I think it was the (much cherished) memories of camping trips with our parents that really lent the spice to this great read.