Rating: 
Summary: BRYSON DOES IT AGAIN
Review: Bryson, in my view, has managed to pull off another excellent piece of work (but with a little difficulty this time round). When I first read that the book was simply made up of columns Bill Bryson had written for an English newspaper, I was a bit curious as to what the quality would be like. The book is a collection of short columns written over an eighteen month period on the aspects of American life.It starts off brilliantly, dipping in quality a bit in the middle, but comes back strong again towards the end. During the opening chapters, my worries on the quality of the book were immediately pushed aside, but later on throughout the book, it looked to me like Bryson was being pushed into writing about subjects he didn't want to write about, as if his ideas had dried up. I was almost about to stop reading it altogether, but a few brillant chapters set the ball rolling again, and it finishes on a high. The main attraction of this book is the ease of reading. Each chapter takes only 5 - 10 minutes to complete. If you would like a book that you can just pick up at any odd time to read for a few minutes every now and then, then this book is for you. Beware though, once you read one funny chapter, you'll want to keep reading, and reading. Bryson's easy style also adds to the accessibility of this book. Bill Bryson isn't an American who glorifies all aspects of American life (like many of the Hollywood movies for example), but simply gives an honest account on how he pictures his own nation to be (though he can very cynical at times, funny, but cynical). I find it interesting, being British, how Bryson often compares his home nation with mine (but as he is writing for an English newspaper, he often seems to unfairly tip the scales in Britian's favour, but again, with an add of humour). 'I'm Just A Stranger Here Myself' further enhances Bill Bryson's reputation as the funniest travel writer in modern times.
Rating: 
Summary: A Fresh Perspective
Review: Every time I read (or listen to) a Bill Bryson book, I start laughing on page one and don't stop until I put it down. What sets this one apart is the format - it's a collection of columns instead of his usual full-length book, but he embraces the format, using it to talk about many facets of life in Britain and America. It's so interesting to hear about our daily American lives from the perspective of a prodigal son, since he both feels familiar and at odds with the culture at the same time. He misses things we've forgotten existed, and finds things we take for granted new and worth commenting on. I've never found another book written by someone in similar circumstances. If you like audio books at all, I highly recommend any Bill Bryson on audio. He reads everything himself, and it adds many layers of enjoyment. Not to mention that Iowan-British accent!
Rating:
Summary: I am a double stranger
Review: Being Dutch, but having lived in the States and now in Scotland, I really enjoyed this book. Probably because I have seen both sides of the ocean, I can fully understand what he is talking about. Although it looks he is complaining, he basically puts up a mirror in front of you. If you are honest, the things he is writing about makes you to like the States.
Rating:
Summary: One of Brysons finest...
Review: This collection of essays, written for a newspaper magazine supplement gives Brysons wry observations on American life after returning there after 20 years. Whilst I find the book hilarious, I should point out that these essays were written for a British audience, and as such have a tendancy to poke fun at the American way of life. If you are prepared to laugh along, then you will enjoy this book, but some people may get a bit defensive. Bill isn't being particularly harsh about American culture though, it's his general style of writing - if you read one of his books about Britain or Europe, you will find that he is similarly critical, though as always, in a humourous way. (As much as us Brits like making fun of the US, we are also very self-depreciative, and find it amusing to read about our own quirks and eccenticities). As well as making fun of US Culture on occasion, he is always ready to point out the genuinly charming aspects of New England life.
Rating: 
Summary: Not that good...really
Review: I was taken by all the great reviews, but its really not that good. It is disjointed and has way too much statistical information - which worked well for the newspaper articles - but not for a book... Bryson is a good author though, Sunburned country is his best and well worth the read... This book however should be missed.
Rating:
Summary: A wonderful look at American idiosyncracies
Review: Bill Bryson has the wonderful ability to take the mundane and make it hilarious. If you're a blue-blooded American, and unwilling to accept criticism and laugh at aspects of American "culture" then perhaps you shouldn't read this book, but I find his poking and prodding charming. This book isn't as funny as "A Walk..." or "In a Sunburned..." but it's still hilarious and had me laughing out loud time and time again. I'd highly suggest purchasing this book.
Rating:
Summary: Don't Dump On Me
Review: Though I liked the book overall, and I really did, I found that after a while it was a bit trying how much Bryson seems to put down the very country he has chosen to live in. From complaining about the amount of choices in the supermarket, to our over reliance on fossil fuels and cars, it gets a bit trying. What I really found ironic was that even though Bryson puts down Wal-Mart and big discount chains I bought is book at Costco! At a deep discount no-less!!
Rating: 
Summary: Not his best book....
Review: Bryson is an author with tremendous flair and expertise... I tried to remind myself that this was written by the man that brought us "Notes from a Lost Continent"...Sorry, "Stranger" is...not his best book, and I can only hope his book on Australia is better...
Rating:
Summary: Tears of Laughter & Understanding
Review: I loved it!! I listened while driving to and from work. At times, I was laughing so hard that I had to pull over. So many of the tales hit me personally. Prepare to laugh and to empathize!!
Rating:
Summary: Do yourself a favor - buy this book!
Review: What a delightful collection of insightful essays! Prepare to recognize yourself, fears and joys alike, skewered in this delightful anthology of concise essays. Bryson examines his own baffling and sometimes terrifying encounters with computer technicians, plumbers, salesman, and public relations experts who overwhelm with attitude and jargon. This collection would make an excellent house-warming - and apt warning - for any new homeowner. The essays "Help" "Design Flaws" "How to Have Fun at Home" "Deck the Halls" and "A Slight Inconvenience" illuminate some of the less pleasant aspects of contemporary daily life. Yet Bryson also summons his dark wit on odd, yet potent, social absurdities. In "The Risk Factor", Bryson compares the perils of living in the United States with some other advanced countries with some surprising insights (there is almost no danger to secondhand smoking) and predictable rants (guns usually kill people the owner knows... and often loves). Perhaps the man loves statistics because he also wrote another witty essay on weird ways people injure themselves in "Well, Doctor, I Was Just Trying to Lie Down." His inspiration? Scanning the Statistical Abstract of the United States. Along the way, Bryson celebrates Thanksgiving (The Best American Holiday), offers utopian suggestions for a better world (Rules for Living), puzzles over the growing perception that America is over crowded (Wide Open Spaces) and worries about sedentary habits of his fellow citizens (Why No One Walks.) While some may one to linger over each essay, I read almost the entire book in a single, very satisfying afternoon on the beach. Either way, this book's a winner. So indulge yourself, buy this book, and prepare to smile and laugh.
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