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bookbug17's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
fast-paced
3.0
itshassan's review against another edition
4.0
This book may feel outdated for some since it was based on Europe in the 1990s. But his slapstick humour, and the fact that a huge focus is kept on the cultural aspect rather than the modern aspect, makes this book a worthy read for everyone wanting to make a trip to Europe.
kkmccauley's review against another edition
1.0
I have enjoyed other Bryson books. However, this one was a disappointment. There were a couple of funny excepts, but the majority of the book was not interesting. I found that the book had very few stories and more complaints than I could enjoy. I thought this would be a great book for someone planning a trip to Europe, but I found that it had very little value for anyone planning on traveling.
jimbowen0306's review against another edition
4.0
Bill Bryson usually writes humorous travel books, where he presents himself as a nostalgic, slightly incompetent traveller. This one is about his third trip round continental Europe (the first 2 trips occur when he was in his teens, and are referenced in this book).
It's not exactly deep and meaningful, but it's still a fun read, making me laugh at some of his European stereotypes. That said, the book is almost 20 years old now, so it's probably slightly dated.
It's not exactly deep and meaningful, but it's still a fun read, making me laugh at some of his European stereotypes. That said, the book is almost 20 years old now, so it's probably slightly dated.
kitkat962's review against another edition
3.0
Erm, I'm not sure how to say, I wasn't expecting this in a travel book (at first glance, at least).
The journey is told in a sarcastic and funny way about Bryson's trip in Europe. I felt that there is no real purpose for the author to travel, except for the sake of the book, so he keeps going and keeps complaining about...everything. The roads are dirty, people are mean to him, prices are expensive, which makes me question "Why the hell did you go in the first place?"
Takeaway from this book: Names of city in Europe and "if you don't have money, don't go, Europe is not as glamorous as you may think"?
Personal note: I read this book right before coming to Sweden for an exchange study. I hope 1 year will allow me to experience Europe myself.
The journey is told in a sarcastic and funny way about Bryson's trip in Europe. I felt that there is no real purpose for the author to travel, except for the sake of the book, so he keeps going and keeps complaining about...everything. The roads are dirty, people are mean to him, prices are expensive, which makes me question "Why the hell did you go in the first place?"
Takeaway from this book: Names of city in Europe and "if you don't have money, don't go, Europe is not as glamorous as you may think"?
Personal note: I read this book right before coming to Sweden for an exchange study. I hope 1 year will allow me to experience Europe myself.
oxnard_montalvo's review against another edition
2.0
Giving Bryson a low score here because I know what he's capable of and this book failed to deliver. It was perfectly adequate, but the descriptions rarely popped. When they did, it was always when he described awkward and humorous circumstances. I really like Bill Bryson; I think he'd be a stellar dinner companion, but I got tired fast of all the boob and buttock references. Don't remember him doing that in his other books... maybe he was a good 20 years younger and stupider- this had a 'practice book' feel to it. Worth reading to see how much he's matured as a writer.