Rating: Summary: Up and Over to Down Under Review: I bought "Bill Bryson's Down Under" in an English bookstore in Paris, and it took me awhile to figure out that "In a Sunburned Country" is the American title. (Why'd they do that?) If the measure of success of this genre is the reader's motivation to chuck it all and head off for the most remote regions of the destination being described, the book did it for me. Since reading it, I started searching the Internet for bike trips into the Outback. I found it less preachy, more informative and more consistent throughout than Bryson's "A Walk in the Woods," which relieved me of a lifelong desire to hike the Appalachian Trail.
Rating: Summary: Read this on the flight from LA to Sydney Review: I have just completed In a Sunburned Country and despite the advantage of being a Yorkshire born, ex-pom, who spent 10 years in Aus and now live in Wasington, DC I think it is the most accessible attempt at and probably catches the real spirit of the country for a non native Australian in a way that others have tried to and failed. Having read all the other Brysons and laughed out loud at many I only had to suffer that public embarassment a few times with this book, it is a more mature, and a more meaningful book for it. It is the ideal introduction to read on that flight from LA to Sydney.
Rating: Summary: Good, but not that good. Review: I didn't enjoy this Bill Bryson book as much as I had expected to. The book is a fast read and has a number of laughs, but it represents a departure from some of his earlier books.This book contains a LOT research on Australian history, politics, and botany. True, it's presented in as humorous a way as it might be able to be presented, but I wasn't that interested in the subject matter. It seems that Mr. Bryson could have written the book without actually ever having set foot in Australia as his encounters with Australians are relatively few and far between in this book. True, part of that is due to the distances he must have drove -- you don't meet too many people in your car. But, at times I felt like I was his captive passenger as he told yey another anecdote about Australian explorers or deadly fauna. The most engaging part of Bryson's writings that I enjoy is truly getting a flavor of the place he's visiting -- in this case, I think he missed the mark.
Rating: Summary: Put more shrimps on the barbie for Bill Review: My big evening treat this summer was sitting on my sunporch reading IN A SUNBURNED COUNTRY. I loved traveling through Australia through the medium of Bill Bryson's fascinating book. His writing is brilliant; his humor delights me. But, sadly, I had to come to the end, and now I want to know: how long do we have to wait for your next, Bill? Hurry!
Rating: Summary: Where's the dignity? Review: As for a book on Austrailia, it was good and information. The jokes were aimed for older readers and often perverted. These lame jokes could have easily been left out or replaced with better ones.
Rating: Summary: A Pleasurable Trip Down Under Review: Having read Bryson's article on Sydney in the September National Geographic, I was enthralled by the subject matter and writing. I immediately bought this book and was not disappointed. One of the best books I've read in awhile. Bryson's dry wit, descriptions of this most fascinating country and historical background are rewarding and enjoyable to read. I have always been intrigued by Australia and after In A Sunburned Country feel that I have learned a great deal while having a lot of fun doing so. I have now joined the legion of Brysonites and have just picked up A Walk In The Woods. I welcome other suggestions from the Bryson fans - please email them to me at JRapson@aol.com. Thanks
Rating: Summary: Not the usual cliche Review: At last, an American who doesn't trot out the usual vapid cliches about Australia! Bill Bryson obviously loved his stay in Australia and has made a great effort to learn about this wonderful country. It's a pity that the professional reviewers included on Amazon's page don't seem to have actually read the book, because they're still trotting out the same old perceptions - there is a creature that will kill you at every step, and that old chestnut "where men are men and sheep are nervous", open up to a new world and read Bill Bryson, he got it right!
Rating: Summary: Like listening to grandpa Review: Much like listening to grandpa's long drawn out stories. you know they can be funny and that there is a point to them...you just wish he'd get to the point! Bryson is able to find the humor in the most unlikely places, this time in Australia's vast expanses. But he tends to ramble and drag on and become tedious.
Rating: Summary: He's completely true Review: I've been to Australia, and honestly wish this book was out before I went. The tales he has are funny, and true. Simply a wonderful book. As for the poisionous things. Watch out.
Rating: Summary: Bill Bryson Down Under Review: Hilarious, laugh-out-loud descriptions of life in Australia.If you have ever wanted to visit "OZ"(as it's know there),this will give you an in-depth, yet immensely enjoyable overview. Having just returned from living in Australia for four years, I must commend Bill Bryson for his excellent portrayal of the "Aussie" existence. How could he be SO perceptive in a few short visits? My question is....Why change the Title for the USA market? The rest of the world knows this book as "Bill Bryson Down Under".
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