Bill Bryson
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BBBear · 31/03/2020 09:20
I’m always seeing Bill Bryson recommended as a good read, but which one should I start with?
Thunderpunt · 31/03/2020 09:26
Hold,on I can't remember the names but have read quite a few. I'll check on a,Avon and come back. One I do remember is Notes from a small Isle (?) and then he did a follow,up,one recent,y which I have just recently read.
BRB
MadisonAvenue · 31/03/2020 09:29
The first one I read, nearly 30 years ago, was Neither Here Nor There. I think I went on to read The Lost Continent after that.
MrsIronfoundersson · 31/03/2020 09:34
A Walk in the Woods is his first I think, about walking the Appalachian Trail with an old friend. It's funny and throws in lots of interesting information, like all his books.
Thunderpunt · 31/03/2020 09:34
Right
Notes from a Small Island - a travelogue around Britain ( he's American and very humorously talks about British weirdness and quirks)
Notes From a Big Country - similar to above but traveling around the US
Return to Litltle Dribbling - is the follow up some years later to Small Island
A Walk in the Woods - he takes a hike along the Appalachian Trail (I'd never heard of it, but is 1000's miles long) and it's the trials and tribulations along the way.
I know I've read more of them but can't remember which ones.
He has a very gentle humor, and the actual info on the places he's visits is fab. Having just gone through the amazon list I can see some on there I've not read so will now have to do so!
If you enjoy his style - I imagine you will like all of his books. I would definitely start with Notes from a Small Island though (assuming you're in the UK)
Enjoy
Lonelycrab · 31/03/2020 09:38
I loved a short history of everything. In fact all his books I’ve read are just so engrossing. Such an easy to read guy. So funny too
DrMadelineMaxwell · 31/03/2020 09:40
Home. Just fascinating.
CumbiaVillera · 31/03/2020 09:46
Short history of nearly everything would be on the top of my list if had to take three things with me to a deserted island.
iklboo · 31/03/2020 09:46
I read Notes From A Small Island on a bus. People thought I'd lost it, I was giggling so much.
TurnOffTheTv · 31/03/2020 09:58
Home is absolutely amazing
Notes from a Small Island is hilarious
BuzzShitbagBobbly · 31/03/2020 10:03
BB is one of my favourite authors. I read and reread all his books.
Some of them are weightier than others. Home, Short History, The Body are all more factual and heavier going than the travelogues which are wonderful.
katseyes7 · 31/03/2020 10:05
My favourite (although l love all of them) is The Life and Times of the Thunderbolt Kid.
Just don't read it in public. Although there's not much chance of that just now.
cdtaylornats · 31/03/2020 11:10
The Body: A Guide for Occupants
AndNoneForGretchenWieners · 31/03/2020 11:21
I read Notes from a Small Island at school and loved it, it's such a good read. DH bought me the follow up when it came out and I devoured it in one sitting.
BBBear · 31/03/2020 11:21
Thanks everyone. I fancy humorous so will start with Notes from a Small Island (Iam in the U.K.) then Home or Appalachian Trail. Now I’m stuck at home I want to read about all the travels I can do when this is all over.
I’m treating the family to a big Amazon book order!
InglouriousBasterd · 31/03/2020 11:27
I read Note from a Small Island on the train once and snorted and shook with laughter the whole way, I think I sold that book to everyone around me that day! Also Down Under is brilliant. I generally prefer the travel ones but I think that’s just more my taste than anything!
PhilODox · 31/03/2020 12:17
Oh, I envy anyone about to read Notes From a Small Island for the first time! 
If you're British, you'll laugh and laugh.
Then the one about going round small town America- just wunnerful!
Wbeezer · 31/03/2020 12:21
I once read three Bill Bryson books Back to back to relieve mild depression. It worked.
Xylophonics · 31/03/2020 13:10
Read Notes on a Small Island years ago and A Walk in the Woods recently. Both laugh out loud funny and informative as well.
Taking mental notes of the other recommendations.
Rokerwriter · 01/04/2020 13:01
My favourite is Down Under. I remember having to put it down in order to get my breath back, I was laughing so much. I believe that is the only time a book has ever made me laugh that much.
TheCanterburyWhales · 01/04/2020 16:53
My comfort food books. I've read them all a million times. I remember years ago we tried to get HQ to invite him for a webchat.
My favourite is probably Notes From a Small Island followed by Neither Here Nor There.
Shinygoldbauble · 01/04/2020 16:57
If you can get I'm a Stranger Here Myself,which is a collection of pieces about re-adjusting to life in American after living in Britain, I'd highly recommend it. Some of the pieces are genuinely laugh out loud funny.
Nononononono33 · 01/04/2020 17:01
I’m a Stranger Here Myself is the same book as Notes from A Big Country (UK and US markets). I’d recommend all of the above. I love Bill Bryson and may do some rereading to get through lockdown.
june2007 · 01/04/2020 17:06
Notes from Small Island? The one about uk.
fartingsparkles · 01/04/2020 17:14
My favourite is Made in America, all about the evolution of language
Shinygoldbauble · 01/04/2020 17:14
Thanks nononono, I didn't know that. I couldn't find it on Kindle under the name I was using but it's there under Notes from...
I'm going to re-read it.
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