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Summary: Bill is spot on...pass the chocolate digestives...
Review: Notes from a Small Island is so true! I'm a North American living in the UK and so many of Bill's observations jive with mine. I often quote his line about English weather: 'It's like living in Tupperware' and everybody says, "That's EXACTLY it!" This is a confusing place to live, but I periodically fish Notes out of my bookcase for a little relief when I get frustrated with these crazy people. Well, honestly.Anyway, here's hoping that Bill will go to Asia (especially Malaysia and Thailand) for a trip, that is a region which really deserves his attention.
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Summary: Startlingly good!
Review: I have just returned from a rather long plane flight during which I embarrassed myself and earned startled looks from my fellow travels...all due to Mr. Bryson's book. Having spent some time living in Britain, Bryson's book brings back the joys, terrors, and idiosyncrasies of living in a country that entertains itself with endless dancing competitions, unfathomable sports, and an endless supply of wit! Be warned...Notes from a Small Island is thoroughly enjoyable, but reading it on a bus, plane, or any other confined means of locomotion may earn you the odd look and furrowed brow from your fellow travelers.
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Summary: The funniest travel memoir ever written.
Review: Bill Bryson's rasor-sharp wit hits the nail on the head. I loved every page and was disappointed the fun had to end. If you're traveling to England, this is a must read.
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Summary: Rip-roaringly funny. The Introduction is a first-class.
Review: I have read this book a number of times and each time I have found it very funny. The Introduction is a first-class piece of comic writing and leads one in to an amusing jaunt around Britain. Through Bill Bryson, the foibles of us Brits are revealed and poked fun at, but in such a way that I as a reader, could share the joke with Bill. It's a thoroughly enjoyable book, which I can recommend to anyone who wants to escape from the problems of today's world for a while, and have a good laugh. My only adverse comment about the book is, are the High Streets of British towns,today, so stereotypical? I think not.
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Summary: How To Get A Seat On The Train!
Review: Thank's...My homesickness is now worse than ever! Notes From a Small Island must be one of the most insightfull peeks through the net curtains of Old Blighty yet written. It was recommended to me by my brother on my last visit to London in June '97. He even bought it for me at the airport as I was leaving with instructions to read it ASAP! Bryson "gets it", he understands the contradictions, insecurities, the pride, self depreciating, idiotic, wonderful, the plonkers, the whole understated mindset, that go together to make up England. The "gob smacking" awe of the place, the begrudging raised finger of hello, the uptight dog owners, the delightfully smarmy hotel owner seen throught the eyes of 6 pints... and then again the next morning. I have read it twice, and Bill, if you are reading this, I too know I will return to my home (soon), this, my England. Oh! yes, how to get a seat on the train, well I had plenty of room when I was reading Note's... maybe it was my giggling shoulders, maybe it was the "snurrrfgt!" noise's I was making, then again it cold have been the tears (from both laughing and of recognition, the tug of homesickness!). Thanks for the read Bill.
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Summary: The best and funniest account on travelling in the UK
Review: I have read 2 contemporary accounts on travel in the UK, that by Paul Theroux and Bill Bryson. Paul's fashionable left wing haughtiness and his propensity for meeting people he hates make you wonder why he bothers to travel at all except to write a book or meet famous people. Bill, on the other hand is always sympathetic to the locals, enjoys their company hugely and imparts his enthusiasm to his readers. He laughs at their foibles but never in a condensending way. And in spite of Paul's reputation as a serious novelist, Bill uses language much more effectively. And infinitely, more funny. Two Americans who have lived in the UK and travelled the world extensively ....Bill obviously enjoys living in this world much more. I wish he would make a trip to the East and write about it.
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Summary: Americans beware, read before visiting our "Motherland"!
Review: For those Americans who have yet to travel to the "Motherland", Bill Bryson offers nothing short of a comical yet accurate account of what they should expect if they do chose to vist. Bryson explores the intricacies of such daunting tasks as: learning to flush and English toilet and the etiquette associated with that, use of British transportation systems, searching for a Bed and Breakfast, English names and origins, storytelling among the elders, and certainly the most important aspect of Britain, pub life. Through telling personal narratives of historical locations he visits and describing the incredible differences in what Americans and English emphasize in their day to day life, Bill Bryson makes you feel proud of the heritage of America (but not proud enough to pick up roots and move across the Atlantic). Most strikingly, even though Amercians and Brits share the same language, there is a world of difference between our cultures.
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Summary: REALLY enjoyed this one!
Review: I think Bill Bryson's writing style is clear, funny, and intelligent. I always enjoy his work. This book was great because I'm familiar with England, have seen many of the places he traveled to, and have British colleagues. Really made it fun for me. I have recommended this one to several folks!
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Summary: Great, addictive read!
Review: Of the books I have ever read only two have ever held me gripped from the first page - Neville Shute's "On the Beach" and this gem. I particularly enjoyed his description of his visit to Ashington, Nothumberland (my home town). Bill - if you read this - please come again - "Ah'll tek you for a pint at the club"END
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Summary: This book is awesome
Review: I rate a book by how hard it is to put down. I am still holding this one even though I finished it last month. Anyone who has spent some time in the UK will instantly recognize, and then laugh at, the familiar peccadilloes of its inhabitants. The book was written with great love for the island and explains why 'Britain' must always be preceded by 'Great'. I've noticed that some of the British reviewers didn't like this book. The British always get feisty when others criticize their country, only they are aloud to do that. Oh well, just another one of their lovely peccadilloes.
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