Notes from a Big Country

16,81 $

Rediscover America with Bill Bryson’s hilarious and insightful “Notes from a Big Country.” After years abroad, the beloved travel writer (“A Walk in the Woods,” “The Lost Continent”) returns to the US, specifically New Hampshire, and chronicles his bemused re-encounter with his homeland. This collection of wry observations, originally penned for the *Mail on Sunday*, skewers everything from the baffling abundance of American supermarkets to the peculiar obsession with lawn care. Bryson’s signature wit shines as he grapples with the culture shock of returning home, finding humor in the everyday absurdities of American life. A must-read for Bryson fans and anyone seeking a laugh-out-loud perspective on the quirks of the USA. This Doubleday hardcover edition is a perfect gift for those who love travel, humor, and keen observations on modern life. 320 pages.

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Description

Bill Bryson has the rare knack of being out of his depth wherever he goes – even (perhaps especially) in the land of his birth. This became all too apparent when, after nearly two decades in England, the world’s best-loved travel writer upped sticks with Mrs Bryson, little Jimmy et al, and returned to live in the country he had left as a youth.

Of course there were things Bryson missed about Blighty – the Open University, Boxing Day, Branston pickle, and irony, to name a few. But any sense of loss was countered by the joy of rediscovering some of the forgotten treasures of his childhood: the glories of a New England autumn; the pleasingly comical sight of oneself in shorts, and motel rooms where you can generally count on being awakened in the night by a piercing shriek and the sound of a female voice pleading, “Put the gun down, Vinnie, I’ll do anything you say.”

When an old friend asked him to write a weekly dispatch from New Hampshire for the Mail on Sunday’s Night & Day magazine, Bill firmly turned him down. So firm was he, in fact, that gathered here is eighteen months’ worth of his popular columns about that strangest of phenomena – the American way of life. Whether discussing the dazzling efficiency of the garbage disposal unit, the exoticism of having your groceries bagged for you, the jaw-slackening direness of American TVV or the smug pleasure of being able to eat beef without having to wonder if when you rise from the table you will walk sideways into the wall, Bill Bryson brings his inimitable brand of bemused wit to bear on the world’s richest and craziest country.

Embark on a hilarious and insightful journey through the American landscape with Bill Bryson's "Notes from a Big Country." This captivating hardcover, published by Doubleday, offers a collection of Bryson's witty observations on the quirks and peculiarities of American life, seen through the bemused eyes of a returning expatriate. After nearly two decades in England, Bryson, celebrated author of travelogues such as "A Walk in the Woods" and "Neither Here Nor There", relocates his family back to the United States, specifically New Hampshire, and rediscovers his homeland with a fresh, often incredulous, perspective. "Notes from a Big Country" compiles Bryson's popular columns originally written for the *Mail on Sunday's Night & Day* magazine. Far from a straightforward love letter to America, the book is a delightful mix of nostalgia, bewilderment, and sharp social commentary. Bryson masterfully dissects everything from the seemingly mundane to the utterly bizarre, offering a laugh-out-loud portrait of a nation both familiar and strangely foreign. Prepare to chuckle as Bryson grapples with the marvels of garbage disposal units, the novelty of grocery baggers, and the overwhelming choice on American television. He fearlessly tackles the topics of food, culture, and everyday life, all while maintaining his signature dry humor. The joy of eating beef without fearing mad cow disease is just one small example of the everyday victories that make life in America unique for Bryson. More than just a comedic travelogue, "Notes from a Big Country" is a perceptive exploration of cultural identity and the challenges of returning "home" after a long absence. Bryson's writing is both entertaining and thought-provoking, prompting readers to reflect on their own perceptions of America and the world around them. This book is a must-read for fans of Bill Bryson and anyone who appreciates witty, insightful observations about the complexities of modern life. Its hardcover format ensures it will be a treasured addition to any bookshelf. Measuring 320 pages, this book weights 600g and is perfect to read at home or during your own travel adventures! Dive into Bill Bryson's hilarious and thought-provoking world and experience America like never before. A perfect gift for the avid reader, the travel enthusiast, or anyone in need of a good laugh! Get your copy of "Notes from a Big Country" today and prepare to see America through the uniquely comical lens of Bill Bryson.
Additional information
Authors

Binding

Condition

ISBN-10

0385410190

ISBN-13

9780385410199

Language

Pages

320

Publisher

Year published

Weight

600

SKU: G-9780385410199-5 Category:
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