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Summary: Droll, descriptive Bryson
Review: If you've never read a book by Bill Bryson then you have surely missed one of the great literary treats. His writing has a personality about it that many authors of humour columns find hard to capture. As you read each chapter (they are taken from a column he wrote to Britans The Sunday Mail newspaper) on some different percularity of American life, you can picture Bryson, sitting in his living room in New Hampshire, recalling the anecdotes with a twinkle in his eye. This book is great. Bryson covers almost every aspect of modern American living, from cable TV to customer appreciation day, in a dry, witful way that leaves you begging for more. Buy this book.
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Summary: Throw away Austen and Hardy, bring in Bryson!
Review: Like a bedroom mirror in the morning, Bill Bryson continues to reflect America as it is rather than as it thinks of itself. His usually uncanny humour cuts through this country's endless self-illusions and imbecilic idiocyncrasies with much precision, regularly doubling the reader over with laughter in the process. Were I the head of the American Board of Education, I would make his books compulsory reading in high school. "I'm a Stranger Here Myself" would go a long way to open our horrifically brainwashed youth's eyes to the often ludicrous reality of our great nation. And the kids would have fun in the process... Alongside Bill Bryson, I would also include books by John Allen Paulos and Neil Postman to round off the post-modern education of our future voters. The book's only weakness? The wit is a little bit forced in places, which was not the case in Mr. Bryson's previous efforts.
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Summary: This is a Great Book!
Review: The first time I read this book was in the public library, suddenly, I couldn't put it down! I rechecked it out tons of times (I think I remember the librarian calling, saying, "Mr. DiMattia, could we please have our book back?"). Anyway, It was so funny, I was reciting passages from it to anyone who would listen. Bottom Line is if you like funny books and books that poke fun of the modern American lifestyle, get this book!
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Summary: An excallent piece of non-fiction!
Review: Bill Bryson did a fantastic job on this book. It tells a accurate (and hilarious) view on American and English culture. He brings up intresting points, that you'd never think about. Like his other books, he sees things in a thoughtful yet funny way. He is not your typical travel writer. While some of his writing get's repetitive, most of it remains fresh and humors. Anyone who enjoys a funny look at culture, travel, and people's behavior will enjoy "I'm a Stranger Here Myself: Notes on Returning to America After Twenty Years Away".
Rating: 
Summary: A reissue of Byson's older essays on America
Review: I would have given this collection of short essays more stars, but I can't. The publisher is retreading Bryson's earlier work and calling it new and original. It isn't. It appeared years ago.The purpose, of course, is to keep the author in the public eye until he can float his new book on Australia. I recommend all of his earlier books. I especially loved his reading of A Walk in the Woods on audio-tape. The man is perceptive and very funny and sounds exactly like the kind of companion you'd want to spend an evening with in a pub.
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Summary: A duplication but with a different cover!
Review: Seems a rehash of his "Notes from a Big Country" book which came out the same year. The main difference appears to be the cover! I would rate that one 4 stars. I am giving this one just one star and that is for the new cover. If you have read Big Country, save your money.
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Summary: The most accurate book on living in America
Review: This book is essential reading for everyone thinking of moving to America or for those who have already moved here from Overseas (especially from England). It provides an accurate but hilarious view on how outsiders see America and what you should expect to meet when you live here.
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Summary: Divided By A Common Critic
Review: Treading gently, Bill sits uniquely mid-atlantic. Like Janus of old casting an eye in each direction. As independent as a local referee and just as biased. But which way. That is the beauty of Bill's work. You never really know which country he prefers, indeed perhaps he doesn't know himself. His "Your New Computer" will be up there with the Van Gogh's and Renoirs. Hanging in a museum, with attentive kids listening to teacher saying, yes children, computers used to be like that before they cut the programmers ears off. Then they would have to listen. Bill is unique, the turncoat. He loves the pub, yet sees the opportunity of America for his family. Told in almost parables, so simple the critics would fail to understand. A few years ago I was in Diss for my cousin's wedding. Diss, Norfolk as the yanks would say. Just at that time there was an aniversary of US Airforce crew and support, back after 50 years. The pubs were still there, the villages, the inns, the roads. The wives had a tear in their eyes having listened so long to tales of England, then to realise those tales were true after all. Tread Gently, Because you Tread on my Dreams. Thanks Bill.
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Summary: A hysterical look at American culture!
Review: Bill Bryson's knack with words makes this book a laugh a minute. His sarcasm and cynicism, combined with his wit and charm help provide a new prospective. I would recommend it to anyone!
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Summary: Must Read both Versions!
Review: Having been a huge fan of Bill's for many years I can hardly wait for his latest edition which is why I have both the US and the UK versions. Although they overlap a lot the UK version is I think, even funnier, because Bill has to take the time to explain all the things we Americans already know. Also, the US version has more stories because it reached the publishing house some 6 months later, so Bill had more columns to choose from and include. I must agree with all the previous reviewers when they say you cannot read a Bryson book without collapsing in hysterical tears. I usually suffer at least one asthma attack per book- but it is always worth it! I also buy each book on audio-cassette and find them well worth having all the different copies. In some cases, like I'm a Stranger Here Myself, I have three copies, including the audio version. Can't wait for Australia!
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