I came to this book having read a number of other Bryson books first. I find his tone very funny, and he is always just a little amused about everything--people are funny, including backpackers!

That said, if you read this book hoping that it would be a serious summary of a man against the AT, you are certain to be disappointed. This is the story of a very accomplished writer who knows NOTHING about backpacking. And he finds it all just a bit confusing and amusing. He freaks out about things we find pretty normal. And sometimes he misses what we love. And yes, he quits before he finishes.

He's an expert writer, but an absolute rookie backpacker. And he admits it, and never claims he is anything else.