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3.79 AVERAGE
3.79 AVERAGE
It's official, I am now a fan of Bill Bryson! His humor, wit, and unique way of looking at the world all connect with me on a personal level. For instance, I found myself thinking (or even saying out loud) "Oh my god, that's how I think about ______ (insert about 3 dozen choices of anecdotal references here) too!"
While the book felt somewhat dated in certain areas, it was written in the late 1990's, it's themes and many of it's observations about American life are still pertinent, relevant, and ultimately true today!
A must read for any fan (which I now officially am) of Bill Bryson!
While the book felt somewhat dated in certain areas, it was written in the late 1990's, it's themes and many of it's observations about American life are still pertinent, relevant, and ultimately true today!
A must read for any fan (which I now officially am) of Bill Bryson!
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
Not his most funny but nice to reflect on some American culture upon returning.
Though this was enjoyable it did date quite badly as a few of the articles discuss current affairs and it was written in 1997 and 1998
Clever and funny, but too whiny. As his wife said... "bitch, bitch, bitch."
funny
informative
fast-paced
Part of this book has not aged well. Some of what Bill wrote in this one is no longer true. Another portion is what I would describe as the views of a “grumpy, old man”. But then, that’s to be expected when reading a book almost 20 years after it was written.
However, it was interesting to read the parts of this book that are still true today. It's pretty disconcerting to hear that the political and social issues he wrote about as historical events of the time of his column articles, are STILL a problem today. It was like he was writing about current events instead. Caused a nice shift of my perspective of how people change through time though.
As far as enjoyability, most of the topics held my attention and were worth a read. The parts I did not enjoy were usually about sports. Skip those. XD
funny
informative
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
sounds terrible to say about a book published in 1998 but this was an absolute blast from the past. the britain that bryson is comparing to america is almost entirely foreign to the britain i’ve lived my adult life in. (for example he says it’s ridiculous that certain american places won’t let you smoke inside - not like good ‘ol blighty!)
self deprecating, sarcastic and silly as well as leaving with me with a few more facts than i started with. standard bill bryson.
self deprecating, sarcastic and silly as well as leaving with me with a few more facts than i started with. standard bill bryson.
Got like 2/3 of the way into this because I wanted something light — couldn’t stand to finish it!