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Original poster

new bill bryson book out

11 replies

Blandmum · 31/08/2006 21:12

The Life and Times of the Thunderbolt Kid . only in hardcover atm, but I may well treat myself, I enjoy his books very much.

I had no idea there was a new book out until today

OP posts:
hunkermunker · 31/08/2006 21:15

Oh, I didn't know there was a new one out either. Thanks for that!

It's funny, I've read Down Under twice. The first time, i thought it was v funny. The second time I failed to smile once.

But I loved Notes From A Small Island and I nearly gave myself a hernia reading the one that's the collection of articles - the bit where he describes being wedged in an aeroplane seat by bending forward to tie his laces at the same time as someone else reclines the seat in front.

They're bad books to read on the tube - you have to laugh through your ears!

moondog · 31/08/2006 21:16

Good old Bill!
I love him,although he has become a little too knowing.

Original poster
Blandmum · 31/08/2006 21:17

ah yes 'the phantom hand' that swung out and tipp a drink all over a woman, twice.

Love lost continent most of all.

I have been to a reading he did from Notes from a small island and also went to a book signing, he seems very 'nice'

OP posts:
Californifrau · 31/08/2006 21:18

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PretendFriend · 31/08/2006 21:18

That would be Notes from a Big Country I think, hunker - the columns he wrote for the Mail on Sunday when he first moved back to the US. The one that had me in hysterics was the statistics on domestic accidents - how many people had been injured by folding money, soft furnishings and trousers.

He is a National Treasure (ours, not theirs )

PretendFriend · 31/08/2006 21:19

I agree Mr Bean isn't at all funny, bron, but I'm amazed that you think they are alike!

janeite · 31/08/2006 21:22

Bill Bryson rocks! Love him!

rustybear · 31/08/2006 21:24

Got it yesterday - it's a more or less accurate(?) account of his childhood, but more a portrait of 1950's America - only on the first chapter so far, but so far so good.

moondog · 31/08/2006 21:26

Mr Bean is,it has to be said,the unfunniest 'character' in the world.
Like Benny Hill,he is appreciated abroad rather more than at home.

I have had extremely funky Russian teens unable to speak becasue they are crying with laughter, at the merest mention of Mr Bean

Californifrau · 31/08/2006 21:26

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Message withdrawn at poster's request.

ilovecaboose · 01/09/2006 15:16

I didn't realise he had a new book out - but spotted it when looking for a birthday present for my sister at the weekend. She loves it and I'm looking forward to reading it when she has finished it.

I like his travel books but never got past the first few pages of mother tongue or the history of everything.

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