Neither Here Nor There : Travels in Europe

Rating:
Summary: Numbingly unfunny
Review: About as unfunny a book as I've read recently. Bryson's attempt to force a funny expression into every other sentence makes the experience of reading this akin to spending a few hours with a hack comedian who's trying out his new material on you. I found the humor forced, smug, and really pretty mean spirited...unless you like petty jabs at the expense of the overweight and acne-scarred, and tired sterotypes about Germans, Swiss, etc., leave this title on the shelf.

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Summary: the perfect gift 4 one that has backpacked thru europe
Review: I can't remember the last time I laughed out loud so many times while reading a book. It's fabulous!!! Don't be mislead though, this is not really a book for those BEFORE they go travel in Europe. Rather it is a wonderful book for those that have already been there and want to relive the experience. The perfect gift for a friend that recently returned from backpacking thru Europe!

Rating:
Summary: Great laughs!
Review: This was my second book by Bryson and the first audio-book of his I have listened to. There were times when I had to slow down from my usual pace of 75-80 mph to about 50 because I was laughing so hard I couldn't see. For anyone who has visited Europe, the book rings true. Mr. Bryson's political views only broke in once, toward the end with a tangent on the nobility of the idea of communism or something, but other than that I enjoyed this book-on-tape immensely.

Rating:
Summary: Outmoded -- don't waste your money
Review: Unless you're really into "humorous" stories about travelling gone awry, don't waste your money on this book. The theme of the aloof American traveller getting into a mess abroad with chattering, irrational foreigners is outmoded and trivial. Bryson is obnoxiously critical of Europeans and their ways, making this book, in spite of its occasional tolerably funny passages, one of the most ridiculous and unpalatable books I've read in a long while. I get the impression that Bryson the American feels he is always right and the childish Europeans are always wrong and immature.

Rating:
Summary: A humorous and insightful look into travailing Europe.
Review: Bill Bryson is one of the best writers in the world. He makes every experience a humorous one. I recently traveled Europe and found it to be a tremendous help. Bryson and I had almost all the same experiences and I was able to take everything in with a light heart. I love this book and believe that everyone should read it.

Rating:
Summary: THE BEST AND FUNNIEST TRAVEL BOOK I HAVE EVER READ!
Review: After reading all the other readers'reviews, I realize it all has been said about this book. I will just add a few personal points. I have experienced this book from the perspective of a "double foreigner": I was born in Chile, South America but have been a resident of the US for the past 19 years and now I find myself living in Europe for a 1 yrs. stint. Let me tell you, when you are in that position, you can really use laughter to help difuse the many frustrating situations that come up. This book certainly did that! It is so right on target.I'm in Belgium now and have travelled to some of the countries Mr. Bryson talks about and it seems we have shared similar experiences. Also, after reading his book, I decided to visit Brugge and he was SO right! It was the most beautiful and perfect place I have EVER seen so far in Europe. Amsterdam WAS full of washed out hippies, derelict looking people and garbage everywhere. Waiters in Europe ARE rude and on it goes. He really nails it!! I too found myself laughing out loud and waking my husband at 4:00AM. to share chapters with him. This book will lift the spirit and leave you knowing you're not alone when feeling like a foreigner in a foreign land.. but it doesn't have to be a bad thing, it could be a hilarious thing!

Rating:
Summary: HIlarious
Review: One of the funniest travel books I know. Bryson sets off solo, intent on recapturing the spirit of a long-ago college-era trek around Europe, covering the breadth of the "continent" in 21 brief chapters. His dry and droll observations on architecture, national character and local custom are so good I took to underlining them. Even if you aren't a travel book reader, try this, it is so damn funny, anyone should enjoy it.

Rating:
Summary: Anyone who has traveled in Europe can relate
Review: If you've ever traveled through Europe, with a backpack or briefcase, you will enjoy reading the different cities he's traveled too. He puts into words the feelings we've all had while exploring new cities, meeting new people and trying to figure our how to make the most of the short vacation time we have.

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Summary: Travel Writing At Its Very Best
Review: Travel Writing is very difficult to do well. There's a balance to be struck between simply telling the reader about the places you're passing through (which might as well be a guidebook), and entertaining him (which risks not talking about the travel, and talking about something else). Bill Bryson strikes that balance perfectly. He captures the spirit of the places he visits accurately, whilst at the same time managing to be genuinely funny. His love of Italy and contempt for the Austrians are heartfelt, and come over so strongly because of his tone of voice. That really is the most remarkable aspect. He uses a friendly, lively, approachable tone that feels just like a conversation with an old friend, whilst still keeping his descriptive prose stylish enough to be evocative of the places he sees. Great stuff.

Rating:
Summary: funny but a bit outdated in some parts
Review: Bryson's sense of humor is delightful but I wish he'd gone back to Europe more recently...especially Eastern Europe. I'm Bulgarian so the several pages about Bulgaria were a pleasant surprise, although it was pretty obvious that Bryson didn't really try to understand much of the culture...oh well, the rest is still worth reading.