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3.79 AVERAGE
3.79 AVERAGE
Some fun and interesting early Bryson essays. His perspective as an American returning after many years in England is unique.
I enjoy Bryson's writing quite a bit. I've enjoyed him even more after marrying my ex-pat of a husband, as some of his observations are dead-on with his.
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
The biggest problem with this book is not necessarily the content, but just how dated the content has become. This book is a collection of some of Bryson's columns from 1996-98. Obviously a lot has changed in the last 25 years and it shows. Some things Bryson talks about (challenges of airplane travel, prices) have changed so much that it's almost impossible to read it. However, some things, like Bryson's views on the death penalty still really ring true today (hint: the death penalty is still problematic).
However, all that to stay, this is a big example of, "it's not you, it's me." The book itself is fine - some parts made me laugh out loud and some were more boring. I enjoyed it overall, but it's definitely gotten a bit old. I still look forward to reading more from Bryson, just maybe not about current events from the 1990s.
However, all that to stay, this is a big example of, "it's not you, it's me." The book itself is fine - some parts made me laugh out loud and some were more boring. I enjoyed it overall, but it's definitely gotten a bit old. I still look forward to reading more from Bryson, just maybe not about current events from the 1990s.
I have read better Bill Bryson books. This is excerpts from his column in a New England paper. Most of them are dull and could be described as one of his columns is " Uniformly Awful". Some did show his trademark sarcasm and irony with not a little of fun poking at himself. I have wavered between one and two stars - certainly if it was the first book of his I had read I would not be reading anymore
At first I found it quite funny, but then all the stories started to sound the same. Plus some were rather dated and unrelatable. I don't usually read collections of short stories or essays because I get bored, and I did here. It just all blends together. I get reverse boredom - I'd rather the story was longer and had more meat.
This book had me rolling. I had never read a Bill Bryson book before and picked this one up on a recommendation from a friend. Bryson is so witty, it's almost sickening.
The book is a series of articles he wrote for a London newspaper over two years, talking about returning to life in America after living abroad for over 20 years. The things he talks about are everyday things that those of us who have lived in the US all our lives take for granted.
He waxes poetic about the post office and the unending variety of food and other goods available in the United States. He talks about how there's so much free stuff in America and about how we are obsessed with our cars. His little spoof about the sinking of the Titanic is worth the price of the book.
This nearly induced nose-geysers (you know, liquid shooting out of one's nose when simultaneously drinking something and reading something funny) on more than one occasion.
Read it. Read it. Read it.
The book is a series of articles he wrote for a London newspaper over two years, talking about returning to life in America after living abroad for over 20 years. The things he talks about are everyday things that those of us who have lived in the US all our lives take for granted.
He waxes poetic about the post office and the unending variety of food and other goods available in the United States. He talks about how there's so much free stuff in America and about how we are obsessed with our cars. His little spoof about the sinking of the Titanic is worth the price of the book.
This nearly induced nose-geysers (you know, liquid shooting out of one's nose when simultaneously drinking something and reading something funny) on more than one occasion.
Read it. Read it. Read it.
Fantastic! The feeling I could related to the most was returning to the US and being overwhelmed by the sheer number of choices at the store. 26 types of toothpaste!?!! Only in America!
A hilarious compilation of the ridiculousness that is American culture... told in the most affectionate way possible.
Bill Bryson has been living in England for 20 years, and decided to move his family back to the states. Three years later, he reflects on the move, and the stark difference between English and American life (even in quaint New Hampshire). His ramblings are frequently extreme, but he makes valid points. Overall, it was an entertaining read.
Audiobook notes: William Roberts narrated this book, and his casual tone was a perfect compliment to this honest take on life in America.
Bill Bryson has been living in England for 20 years, and decided to move his family back to the states. Three years later, he reflects on the move, and the stark difference between English and American life (even in quaint New Hampshire). His ramblings are frequently extreme, but he makes valid points. Overall, it was an entertaining read.
Audiobook notes: William Roberts narrated this book, and his casual tone was a perfect compliment to this honest take on life in America.
Had I read this when it came out in 2000 I may have given it a more favourable review, but this was just so out of touch and didn't translate to modern times. Gravely needs an update or to be put out of print. I mean, when a book takes several opportunities to mention bran muffins...when is the last time you saw bran anywhere?
Hilarious and fun to read. I read this book when I was traveling in New Zealand and I think that made it even better.