Notes from a Small Island - Bill Bryson

A classic Bryson travelogue. This time the twist was his exploring of the United Kingdom even while he still lived there, just prior to his return to live in the US of A. Although the references were somewhat dated, being published in 1995, the overall feel was conveyed. An interesting and funny primer for someone about to embark on a couple of years living in the country.

6.5
May 2015

A Walk in the Woods - Bill Bryson

I know that every review of Bill's books says "he could make reading the history of the phone book entertaining!" but it's true that somehow he took a literal walk in the woods and had me urgently reading along. An entertaining twist was the old 'friend' who tagged along with him for the beginning of the journey. However it's his ability to dig out the ridiculous history of a small place or a forgotten endeavour and present it in such an engaging and funny manner that makes him my writing idol. With this book I began a list of page numbers for things that I found extremely satisfying (usually due to snorting laughter) and will continue that with any of his subsequent reads.

July 2013 (yes 2013, it's late!)

7

I'm a Stranger Here Myself - Bill Bryson

A collection of weekly articles published in a British newspaper by 'the king of everyday' following his return to the USA after some years spent in Britain  Although it was slightly dated with figures and studies coming from the '90s the majority of the sentiments hold true, or are even more pronounced these days. Some truly laugh out loud moments as well as some interesting insights. Perhaps a few too many murder and suicide jokes for my liking but otherwise it's like the jacket says 'Bryson could write an essay about dryer lint [...] and still make us laugh out loud.'

December 2012 - January 2013
8