Independant Reading Post #3

#17

Plot: I think that the plot is very much similar to that of Chris Mccandless's story. Bill Bryson and Katz are going into the woods and are traveling on the Appalachian trail from Georgia to Maine, even though they do not do every single mile of the trail. Along the way, they encounter many people and hitch rides to town, like Chris. I find searching for yourself and changing your outlooks inspiring and therefore, I like the plot of this book a lot.

Setting: The setting is the Appalachian Trails and a few towns along the way. Bryson is always very descriptive and funny. "The parking lot was crowded with pickup trucks, and inside it was busy with meaty people in baseball caps. I had a feeling that if I'd said, 'Phone call for you Bubba,' every man in the room would have risen." (pg 66) . Bryson sets the scene really well and paints a picture for the reader.

Characterization: I think that one person Bryson gives a clear picture of is Mary Ellen. "And then of course there was the constant, prattling, awesomely brainless presence of Mary Ellen," (pg 59). I picture Mary Ellen as a dumb Blonde who just happened to stumble into the woods and decided to go hiking.