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3.79 AVERAGE
3.79 AVERAGE
funny
informative
relaxing
medium-paced
funny
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
Notes from a Big Country is a good collection of Bill Bryson columns capturing his perspectives on living in the U.S. after more than 20 years away. Bryson is an interesting and intelligent humorist. I expected more of a travel book similar to many of his other books and did not do the research to understand his purpose in this book prior to getting it. Nonetheless, Bryson’s witticisms and self-deprecation are prominent in the book even though it is a disjointed read by design. If you want essays that make you smile and think about the technology of the 1990s compared to today then this is a very good pick.
Bryson’s America in small bites (with lots of New England).
At first each entry was fun and funny to me, and as it went along (that is to say, the longer he was back in the USA) they were less funny and more complaining. This book was my breakfast read, which meant I only read one or two entries a day and ended up having to renew the book twice. Then I stopped reading it in the mornings because it was no longer starting my day with a smile, and when it came time to renew it again I just didn't bother.
funny
inspiring
reflective
NE humor. Simple, straight-forward, inviting and unforgiving. Read page 151 more than once.
Great book of columns. Would have got 5 stars but the 90s PC cynicism was a bit irritating.
Not as good as his other books, but definitely interesting! Bryson has a great perspective on American culture, and I'm so glad he's willing to share it with the world.
Always a fan of Bill Bryson. Two detractors from this book- reading a compilation of weekly articles in succession is probably a less enjoyable experience than their original publication, especially when his trademark complaint-comedy grows tired. Second, reading them in the year 2021. Unfortunately just a victim of relevant observations becoming obsolete. Not a bad audiobook for everyday car use though.
Bill Bryson is one of my favorite authors. He's funny, and has a really great wit with words. This book particularly made me laugh out loud because I am married to a Brit, and many of the situations Bryson brings up in this book are things that my husband and I have already had discussions about. This book makes you realize how very different America is from many other countries around the world, and shows you how other countries view it. A great read.