You need to sign in or sign up before continuing.
Take a photo of a barcode or cover
alundeberg 's review for:
First: My husband is a daring man. Despite the fact that he thinks I have too many already, he still researches books in the hopes of finding me ones that I do not already have or have not already read. This Christmas he was successful in giving me "The Road to Little Dribbling: Adventures of an American in Britain," one of the few of Bill Bryson's books I have not devoured.
Second: Can we just have a moment of appreciation for the universe plucking Bryson out of his home state of Iowa and sending him to England so he could write books about it? He is probably one of America's best exports to that country and now he is their national treasure. Really. If you visit the Roman Baths in Bath and get the audioguide, you can select his narrated tour of the place (at least you could in 2013).
"Little Dribbling" was also a special gift because one of the things 2020 took away was my trip to England, and through Bryson, I was able to visit vicariously. It is a sequel to his "Notes from a Small Island" where he toured around the country and shared his often laugh-out-loud observations. Twenty years later he decided to take a similar trip, but to different places throughout England, Wales, and Scotland. Through his journey he reflects on what makes Britain so great-- lots of green space, public footpaths, history that goes back several millennia and much of which still exists, quaint villages, pragmatism, and many, many pubs. Nothing escapes his notice and nothing is too trivial. He often goes to see a site just to see it, and he is his happiest when he experiences something that is particularly thoughtful and well-done. This in-turn leads to his frustrations about how Britain as we know it is threatened by foolish and thoughtless policies and austerity measures. Since his history there spans forty years, he has seen the country decline. He laments the loss of what has made it so enjoyable. For example, many small seaside villages that used to be summer getaways are struggling because of the rise of inexpensive Mediterranean getaways. But this does not hinder his wonder at what still exists.
One of the traits about Bryson that I most appreciate, besides his ability to tell a good story and make me laugh, is that he is curious. His work is impeccably researched, he states when he is unsure of a fact, and says stuff like, "It occurred to me that I had no idea who the Fitzwilliam behind the museum was, so afterward I looked him up" often (218). He shares many histories and anecdotes of oft-forgotten people who in one way or another have made our lives better, and he explains some of the mysteries that have plagued me, such as why it is so challenging to get around Cornwall without a car. Through him I revisited many places and have learned why I need to revisit others. This book is a perfect holdover until I, too, can again experience more of the "Adventures of an American in Britain."
Second: Can we just have a moment of appreciation for the universe plucking Bryson out of his home state of Iowa and sending him to England so he could write books about it? He is probably one of America's best exports to that country and now he is their national treasure. Really. If you visit the Roman Baths in Bath and get the audioguide, you can select his narrated tour of the place (at least you could in 2013).
"Little Dribbling" was also a special gift because one of the things 2020 took away was my trip to England, and through Bryson, I was able to visit vicariously. It is a sequel to his "Notes from a Small Island" where he toured around the country and shared his often laugh-out-loud observations. Twenty years later he decided to take a similar trip, but to different places throughout England, Wales, and Scotland. Through his journey he reflects on what makes Britain so great-- lots of green space, public footpaths, history that goes back several millennia and much of which still exists, quaint villages, pragmatism, and many, many pubs. Nothing escapes his notice and nothing is too trivial. He often goes to see a site just to see it, and he is his happiest when he experiences something that is particularly thoughtful and well-done. This in-turn leads to his frustrations about how Britain as we know it is threatened by foolish and thoughtless policies and austerity measures. Since his history there spans forty years, he has seen the country decline. He laments the loss of what has made it so enjoyable. For example, many small seaside villages that used to be summer getaways are struggling because of the rise of inexpensive Mediterranean getaways. But this does not hinder his wonder at what still exists.
One of the traits about Bryson that I most appreciate, besides his ability to tell a good story and make me laugh, is that he is curious. His work is impeccably researched, he states when he is unsure of a fact, and says stuff like, "It occurred to me that I had no idea who the Fitzwilliam behind the museum was, so afterward I looked him up" often (218). He shares many histories and anecdotes of oft-forgotten people who in one way or another have made our lives better, and he explains some of the mysteries that have plagued me, such as why it is so challenging to get around Cornwall without a car. Through him I revisited many places and have learned why I need to revisit others. This book is a perfect holdover until I, too, can again experience more of the "Adventures of an American in Britain."