Worst Bryson Book

I don’t know what happened to Mr Bryson before he wrote this book but he should avoid doing it again! I love Bill Bryson, I have all of his books and re read them many times. He is normally funny, insightful and just a great writer. But this time, he is just so arrogant, supercilious and mean. His sense of self importance and intellectual and moral superiority is very unlike him. He continually demeans and ridicules the people he meets on his travels. He is continually writing in all of his books about manners and human decency and the lack of it. Unfortunately Mr Bryson needs to practice what he preaches. Avoid this book. Any of his other books are a better choice.

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2 people found this helpful

Half glass empty.

I love bill Bryson. but I found his writing in this book somewhat depressing. he was always complaining about something. the cost of everything, the quality of the food and the service. it just went on and on. in the end, I wasn't sad that the book ended. actially it was a bit of a relief and a disappointment at the same time. looking forward to my next bb book. I will steer away from this earlier stuff tho.

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2 people found this helpful

Early Bryson, with hints of later, better books

I heard elements and hints of The Thunderbolt Kid and A Walk in the Woods here, both of those better written, funnier and less caustic books. I usually prefer titles narrated by the author him/herself, but I enjoyed William Roberts' performance here.

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beautifully detailed

I am so fascinated by America 🇺🇸 to hear and relive Bill's journey, which stirs up emotions of wanting to see the beautiful country. appreciated the journey!

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Whinging about America

I love Bryson’s later work but the smug cynicism and caustic wit of this early book hasn’t aged very well. I carried on to the end but the smarmy tone of the reader was grating.

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Funny easy listening

When you can’t travel yourself this is the next best thing. It’s handy looking at a map of America as he goes from state to state.
Very funny as always.

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Outdated

The fat shaming in the first chapter was so gross I couldn’t listen any further. No more Bill Bryson for me.

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Love Bill Bryson

Beautifully written, educational and funny.

wonderful narrator, really enjoyed the accents etc

loved it, highly recommended.

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…chortles, giggles, snorts and laughter all way :-)

Yet another glimpse of life through Bill Bryson’s eye,
this is a memorable drive through States United in America
as only a born and breed citizen on a visit can describe.
Thank you Mr Bryson for a this thought provoking work
and Mr Roberts for yet another marvellous narrative :-)

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Hasn't aged well

Just an expat complaining about his hometown. Any time he seems slightly aware that he's being a jerk, he reminds the reader his family is connected to these places, like that gives him a pass. Repeatedly calling people fat and making judgments on their intelligence is ultimately just lazy, unimaginative writing that's best left to the past.

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