4.5 stars. 
 The Appalachian Trail, or AT, extends for 2100 miles along the Appalachian Mountains from northern Georgia to Maine. It's been there for nearly 80 years, but most Americans hadn't a clue of its existence. Bill Bryson's book has probably changed that for a whole lot of people. 
 He tells the story of his journey while hiking the AT. He can by no means call himself a hiker. Nor can his friend, Katz, who decides to tag along. So, I think because of that, and many laugh-out-loud moments of their experiences and conversations, make this book a personable read. They don't end up walking the entire distance, but not many do. I learned of the trail's history and got a picture of the change in our country's wildlife and nature over time. Mostly it was about what happens along the way, who they meet, and the next mistake or small triumph. Good read.