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A review by shanehawk
In a Sunburned Country by Bill Bryson
4.0
This was the fourth Bryson book I’ve read this year and the second most entertaining—the first being ‘A Walk in the Woods.’ Bryson is as American as he is British so his take on ex-Brit outpost Australia was both refreshing and relatable.
Australia is a massive land of intense wonders in terms of wildlife. Bryson makes sure a number of times you’re aware of how many things can easily kill you down under. He happily covers its history, culture, geology, and zoology all with his familiar sense of humor. His anecdotes are continually hilarious. He uses exaggeration to make points, yet, Australia is such an anomaly exaggeration is closer to the truth. Interesting facts are plentiful. I learned a lot and it inspired me further to visit this amazing country sooner rather than later.
One of my favorite sections of the book was where Bryson criticizes the sport of cricket. As an (American) outsider it was hilarious.
“It is not true that the English invented cricket as a way of making all other human endeavors look interesting and lively; that was merely an unintended side effect. ...It is the only sport that incorporates meal breaks. It is the only sport that shares its name with an insect. It is the only sport in which spectators burn as many calories as the players—more if they are moderately restless.”
Australia is a massive land of intense wonders in terms of wildlife. Bryson makes sure a number of times you’re aware of how many things can easily kill you down under. He happily covers its history, culture, geology, and zoology all with his familiar sense of humor. His anecdotes are continually hilarious. He uses exaggeration to make points, yet, Australia is such an anomaly exaggeration is closer to the truth. Interesting facts are plentiful. I learned a lot and it inspired me further to visit this amazing country sooner rather than later.
One of my favorite sections of the book was where Bryson criticizes the sport of cricket. As an (American) outsider it was hilarious.
“It is not true that the English invented cricket as a way of making all other human endeavors look interesting and lively; that was merely an unintended side effect. ...It is the only sport that incorporates meal breaks. It is the only sport that shares its name with an insect. It is the only sport in which spectators burn as many calories as the players—more if they are moderately restless.”