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| Home > iLife > Review: "I'm A Stranger Here Myself" by Bill Bryson |
| Review: "I'm A Stranger Here Myself" by Bill Bryson | | Date Created: Jan 04, 2005, 12:20 AM |
Funny thing about Audio books. When I finish one, I tend to look for other books by the same author, preferably read by the same performer (If I've enjoyed it), and hopefully read by the author themselves. Such is the case with the latest audio treat I recently finished. Having enjoyed Bill Bryson's "A Walk in the Woods", I decided to go forth and try, "I'm A Stranger Myself Here Myself; Notes on Returning to America after 20 Years Away". And I'm happy to report it was a great selection.
Told from the refreshing point of view of an American who grew up in England and then returned, as the title dutifully explains, the reflections on life and laws as they differ between the two great countries is examined in Bryson's trademark humorous wit. Delivered with a deadpan British Accent, the book comes alive as the author recounts his tales of finding America has larger supermarkets, stranger customs, and alarming attitudes toward simple things like gardening, cafes, and exercise. Through his anecdotal observations, we learn a little more about what it really means to be a citizen in this country, told, again, through candid humor . I had to refrain several times from chuckling aloud, as Bryson mused about Air Travel, or Car Repairs. I found myself nodding in agreement at some of his views on the legal system, on red tape, and shaking my head at his inept handling of some of our more mundane rituals. My favorite episodes deal with a family trip to the beach, in which just about everything that can go wrong, goes wrong. In a way, the book is a cool and collected version of a printed blog, since it mostly consists of his easygoing reporting on things most people don't even think about. This was a fun book for anyone looking for a light read and open minded enough to understand the points he's trying to get across. *** stars.
I have to pick another audiobook this month, as I subscribe to audible.com. I am assuming it will be another of Bryson's cool, dry journals. They make for wonderful listening while taking walks or having lunch in the park. Great stuff. |
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