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3.93 AVERAGE
3.93 AVERAGE
This book is billed as covering the history of the house. It covers some of that, but mostly, to me, seemed to wander down research rabbit holes. I wish this book delivered what it says it will HOWEVER I am not mad with what I got. I learnt many new interesting facts that I cannot wait to use at trivia nights or just to pull out mid-conversation. For instance, did you know Charles Darwin married his first cousin, as was practice in his family? What does that have to do with a house, no idea, but I’m glad I know that now.
Listened to on audiobook- ABSOLUTELY FASCINATING!! I know this will not be everyone’s cup of tea and I also recommend listening to this on audiobook because I think it would be very dense to get through to read. I love hearing about the evolution of the home and what homes used to be like and what things were designed for. I also love that it is centered around the English standards and norms. The author is the narrator and it is GREAT!! Again not for everyone but if you are interested in architecture and society/societal evolution of architecture and interiors and the hoem then I recommend.
funny
informative
lighthearted
medium-paced
funny
informative
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
Bryson's At Home wasn't quite what I expected, but I learned so much he is absolutely forgiven. I admire Bryson's ability to begin with one subject, such as the bedroom, as not a few paragraphs later have galloped away to pestilence or corsets or versions of death Victorians were paranoid about. If you enjoy trivia and spaces where historic figures overlap, such as Jefferson and Washington (in regards to amateur architectural forays)--then you'll love At Home.
I began with an eBook from the library, however, I had so many highlights and notes and jumping-off-points for later research, that before long I had no choice but to purchase a copy. Dear Bill deserves those few dollars and many more. His research, inquisitiveness, and wonder make him a pied piper worth following.
I began with an eBook from the library, however, I had so many highlights and notes and jumping-off-points for later research, that before long I had no choice but to purchase a copy. Dear Bill deserves those few dollars and many more. His research, inquisitiveness, and wonder make him a pied piper worth following.
well it was a good book to read to distract myself from hypochondriacal midnight anxiety attacks
A very enjoyable meander through history through the lens of everyday household objects. There were times where I would have liked to learn a bit more about the development of different parts of the house. For example, the last section, "The Attic", was very interesting and while I enjoyed it, I would have liked to learn a bit more about how attics came to be, especially since they aren't standard in all homes. But, I really liked learning so much about so many diverse topics. Would definitely recommend it.
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
Brain candy, pure and simple. Very entertaining and informative over an astonishing array of subjects that come into the author's head as he wanders through his old house. Sex, death, archeology, plumbing, you name it, it's all here.
Sometimes Bill Bryson veers off on lengthy tangents. If you're okay with that, then this book is filled with interesting anecdotes.