Travel Classic A Walk in the Woods, 1998

I really like the writings of Bill Bryson in general. He&rsquos very funny, and I&rsquove read many of his books, including his childhood memoir&mdashbut it is in his travel memories that he really seems to be in his element. A Walk in the Woods is his story about attempting to hike the Appalachian Trail. What&rsquos endearing about this book is the idea of two overweight, middle-aged men trying to brave the wilderness and finding that they are, quite naturally, way out of their depth. Bryson&rsquos writing is genial, and that&rsquos what makes them good reads, eliciting a chuckle as he describes his observations and thoughts&mdashhe has the ability to pick up the most mundane things and describe them in a manner that you can relate to as well as laugh at. The best part is that he has no qualms about laughing at himself&mdashby the time his book ends, you end up feeling almost as if you were there, a part of the journey. That&rsquos a satisfying feeling, and the hallmark of a good travel memoir.

Yashodhara Lal is the author of bestselling books like There&rsquos Something About You and Just Married, Please Excuse.