Notes from a Small Island

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Summary: This is the funniest book since "Lucky Jim".
Review: "Notes From A Small Island" is definitely one of the funniest books ever written. Bryson has perfectly captured the English and their weird ways in a way that no other writer that I've ever read has. I've read some funny things before, but none has ever left me on the floor of a bus, helpless with laughter. I'm not going to single out any particular bits of the book as the whole thing is fantastic. If you're feeling lonely or a bit depressed, this is the perfect antidote!

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Summary: I laughed, I cried, I loved it!
Review: Hailing from England, but living in Australia, "Notes from a Small Island" was like a cheap visit back home. Mr Bryson's observations of the English eccentricities and the subtle cultural nuances are spot on. I found his ability to laugh at himself in times of adversity hilarious and refreshing. If you have ever visited England or are going to in the future - read this book before you go or on the plane. Fantastic.

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Summary: He gets better and better
Review: As I read Bill bryson's books I find he improves with each one. This is an facinating account of his travel around England. At first he gives lots of detail of where he is, description of the town etc, but as you progress through, he seems to skim over his northern travel. Unfortunatly, Scotland was not given as much detail as the South. He labours the point of Ugly architecture to the point of,"is this all?", Bill, I love your books but , get a grip. My recomendation, Read THIS book!

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Summary: Funny, evocative and true-to-life
Review: Made me homesick to read this travelogue written by an american anglophile on a tour of the UK in the autumn. An easy read, but worthwhile.

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Summary: An insightful look at Britain and the British
Review: This is truly a wonderful book, filled with insightful observations about the British and Britain.Weaving his way all through the Island, Bryson brings to life the eccentricities of the land and its people. It's a terrific read, whether you have ever been to the "green and pleasant land" or not.

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Summary: Bryson's talents are best displayed in this book
Review: Unlike in the more recent 'A walk in the woods', Bryson does here what he does the best: he describes people and situations, rather than scenery. In his descriptions of his experiences on several train journeys, and also of his time in a Dover bed and breakfast, he is quite brilliant. His summaries of the British people and their approach to life is at the same time incredibly accurate and very funny. I highly recommend this book!

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Summary: What a disappointment
Review: After reading all the glowing reviews, I couldn't wait to read this book. I hadn't read 20 pages before I realized I wasn't going to like it. I think the only reason I even finished it was I was stuck on an airplane with nothing else to read. I think my primary problem with the book was that Bryson just sort of wanders from one destination to another, telling us the travails he experienced getting from Point A to Point B. I didn't get any real insight into the British people. And there were several instances in the book where I was sure he was making things up for alledged comic effect. Several people have made comparisons between this book and Paul Theroux's "Kingdom By The Sea." I will admit that Paul can be kind of mean-spirited and doesn't seem to have a good time when he travels. But he is such a far superior writer that I felt I had a real sense of what Great Britain was about after reading his book. I got little, if any, of that with "Notes From A Small Island."

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Summary: If you're a real Anglophile you will HOWL at this book!
Review: I started this book while in England. On the return plane ride, my seatmate kept looking at me oddly because I was laughing so hard. Having once worked for a Scot, I strongly identified with Bryson's hilarious language difficulties in a Glasgow pub. He captures exactly the essence of Great Britain that keeps me coming back year after year. His descriptions of the mundane are right on target and his love of the subject is in every comical word. Well done!

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Summary: Bill Bryson at his best!
Review: I've noted that of about 36 reviews of this book, there are only three bad ones. Good work people! I have read The Lost Continent already, and I think NFASI is just as good, if not better. I especially loved the part about his landlady and his experiences in Dover. And the part about parking. I wish I could give more than five stars for this book!

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Summary: A great British-American translation guide
Review: Nothing is more frustrating than trying to translate British to American (just what IS a sod, anyhow?). As a travel virgin about to embark on my first trip to the UK (or anywhere), I let out a cry of joy to discover that Mr. Bryson had included a glossary of terms. This book had me roaring with laughter, and best of all, when I asked my Brit friends about certain details, they all rang true. Hats off!