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testaroscia's review against another edition
3.0
I think I have read 90% of what Bryson has written including his wonderful books on Shakespeare and on the English language. Since joining goodreads I have just added the latest ones - a definite 5 star History of Everything and which spanned macroscopic and the equally delightful 1927 which spanned microscopically.
I got the impression the book was a contractual obligation. Yes there are amusing parts, and the summary at the end was cogent, albeit a bit pastoral (he obviously, but who can blame him, avoided inner city Britain at all costs). However I love Bryson for his snarkyness but I got the feeling I just saw bitterness in this one.
He made his name with travel books, but I think he is now at his best in books like Home, or the other two mentioned above where his pedagogy is pure unadulterated fun fact digging. I feel, in reading those, just like Bryson does in delighting at reading a museum note in this book - he does not remember a single thing it said but he hugely enjoyed it.
So this one was "mailed in" and though I did not waste my time reading it I will use it for a next visit to the uK, I feel the need to re-read A Short History...
I got the impression the book was a contractual obligation. Yes there are amusing parts, and the summary at the end was cogent, albeit a bit pastoral (he obviously, but who can blame him, avoided inner city Britain at all costs). However I love Bryson for his snarkyness but I got the feeling I just saw bitterness in this one.
He made his name with travel books, but I think he is now at his best in books like Home, or the other two mentioned above where his pedagogy is pure unadulterated fun fact digging. I feel, in reading those, just like Bryson does in delighting at reading a museum note in this book - he does not remember a single thing it said but he hugely enjoyed it.
So this one was "mailed in" and though I did not waste my time reading it I will use it for a next visit to the uK, I feel the need to re-read A Short History...
ladymirkwood's review against another edition
2.0
Oh Mr Bryson, remember the good old days of ' A Walk in the Woods' when you made me laugh until my stomach hurt?. Or 'Notes from a Small Island' when you wrote with such charm and affection?
Complaining about what had changed should strike a note with you, as it seems that's all your latest work does.
I can't decide if I'm more annoyed by the nasty, Classist attitudes to anyone who's different, or by the fact a man who's lived a life of great privilege acts so condescendingly to those who haven't.
Add to this the petty, impatient grumbles, and the outrage that the UK isn't a 1950's amusement park existing purely for your edification.
I hope your readers will pick up the books of Stuart Maconie, as they serve the UK and it's people a great deal better.
Complaining about what had changed should strike a note with you, as it seems that's all your latest work does.
I can't decide if I'm more annoyed by the nasty, Classist attitudes to anyone who's different, or by the fact a man who's lived a life of great privilege acts so condescendingly to those who haven't.
Add to this the petty, impatient grumbles, and the outrage that the UK isn't a 1950's amusement park existing purely for your edification.
I hope your readers will pick up the books of Stuart Maconie, as they serve the UK and it's people a great deal better.
mshaniak's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
informative
lighthearted
medium-paced
5.0
Absolutely loved this book! Bill Bryson’s writing never fails to make me laugh. When you pick up one of his books you can definitely expect: 1) a large dose of humour 2) just enough of rudeness (he is not afraid of using a swear word here and there) 3) plenty of interesting facts written in a very entertaining way - they will too bring out a smile upon your face :)
bookph1le's review against another edition
4.0
Bill Bryson really made me want to go to England, particularly to see Stonehenge. This book is a lot of fun and made me laugh a lot, but I do think he cuts the UK a little too much slack at times. Though he does acknowledge its rough edges and will criticize it, he suffers from the type of nostalgia that makes people think there was ever such a thing as "the good old days". Who were those days good for? Women? Marginalized minorities? Members of the LGBTQ community?
He makes some pointed comments about the growing anti-immigrant sentiment in the UK (something the U.S. unfortunately knows a lot too much about too), and as I read, I kept wondering what he makes of the Brexit and the ugliness that vote stirred up.
He makes some pointed comments about the growing anti-immigrant sentiment in the UK (something the U.S. unfortunately knows a lot too much about too), and as I read, I kept wondering what he makes of the Brexit and the ugliness that vote stirred up.
weeties's review against another edition
5.0
Bryson, at points in this book, comes across as rather cantankerous but I do like his writing style and sense of humour. An excellent read to while away the train ride home.
tiffanykw's review against another edition
I enjoyed “A Walk in the Woods,” which prompted the purchase of this book. Apparently, the 17 years between the 2 books changed the author or perhaps revealed his underlying opinions on women and their appearance. It’s disappointing, but there are many, many other authors with a non-misogynistic sense of humor; I’ll seek out their work instead.
bart_gunn's review
4.0
Sardonic but very witty. Did make me chuckle out loud a good few times. Bill is a cantankerous bastard in the main, but that is what drives the humour