A funny funny genius. (Bill Bryson in general)

Member Name: buster19761976

Product:	Bill Bryson in general
Date:	23/01/02 (40 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Funny, Informative, Wonderful

Disadvantages: Makes you laugh on trains, Laughter lines

Having read all of Bryson's books (including his language work) I'm in a good position to talk about them.
For you guys who haven't read his stuff, Bill Bryson is a clever man. He worked as a sub-editor on various publications before turning his hand to books. His first adventure 'Notes from a Small Island' remains a classic, and even pops up in the charts from time to time. His writing is almost abstract, and does not focus on tourist spots, or a suggested itinerary. He has an idea of places he'd 'like' to see and heads off somewhere near it. He writes with honesty and intelligence, a mix that results in true comedy. The tone of his books is familiar and friendly - and never patronising. But amongst it all he manages to educate us about all sorts - Mid-West America or the use of grammar and the settlements of the New World (yep, he twines it all together). Whether he's getting excited about Glasgow or trekking the Appalachians (A Walk in the Woods) each book will make you laugh, and make you smarter. The only way to sum them all up is to point out that everyone on my train thinks I'm mad, as I burst into laughter while reading travel books.
And it's not just me. Go on, try one.

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