The reason I love this book is it has everything. It's a story of an unlikely adventure; of friendship; loyalty to friends and how friends can annoy and betray each other; endurance; changing plans and letting things go; overcoming obstacles; surprising yourself; and doing something hard and rewarding. It's also a love letter to the North American wilderness and to the simple side of life.
It's different to Bill Bryson's other books. I've enjoyed the others too, but this one has depth and meaning beyond the travel yarn premise, and it weaves in the history, ecology and cultural meaning of the North American wilderness as it goes.
In the book (and real life), Bill Bryson and his friend were in their mid-forties and unfit when they attempted to hike the Appalachian Trail. Personal growth, shock, tears and hilarity ensue.
In the movie, Robert Redford stars as Bryson (I bet Bill Bryson never imagined that while he was walking the trail), and Nick Nolte as his friend Stephen Katz. They are both a fair bit older than Bryson was, but the premise is the same.
Here is the trailer:
And apparently, the movie also has bears. Plus Kristen Schaal who I can only assume will be playing the strange and annoying hiker Mary-Ellen, because she would be perfect as her.
I plan to see this movie as soon as it comes out.
What's your favourite book to movie adaptation?
Hi Jackie,
ReplyDeleteThat's great. I've read a few Bill Bryson books including A Walk In The Woods and they are funny. I loved The Life ad Time Of The Thunderbolt Kid, Notes From A Small Island (about the UK) and Down Under. Also, Katz appears in Neither Here Nor There which is also funny.
I have written two travelogues and am on my third, all inspired by Bill Bryson - but absolutely nowhere near as funny, observant or informative.
I love the guy and I will watch the film with pleasure.
:0)
Cheers
PM
So many Bill Bryson fans out there. The first I ever heard of him I was backpacking around Europe at 24, and one of the other backpackers travelling with us was reading Neither Here Nor There, and would read bits aloud to us. I don't remember it well but remember us all laughing a lot. I might have to revisit it.
DeleteJackie, I believ it will be a great film. I am waiting, too.
ReplyDeleteEven if it's not good, it will have great scenery!
DeleteMy favourite? To Kill a Mockingbird. The book and movie are so much alike.
ReplyDeleteI've seen too many adaptations where the movie is nothing like the book.
Do you know, I am somewhat embarrassed to admit I have never read that book or seen the movie.
DeleteYes, we do tend to like it when the movie is faithful to the book we loved first.
I checked my list and I have 4 Bill Bryson books on my kindle, including A Walk in the Woods. I might just read that next after my current story. (Dead by Midnight)
ReplyDeleteIt's a great read - let me know what you think.
Delete