Every time Bill Bryson walks out the door, memorable travel literature threatens to break out. This time in Australia.His previous excursion along the Appalachian Trail resulted in the sublime national bestseller A Walk in the Woods. In A Sunburned Country is his report on what he found in an entirely different place: Australia, the country that doubles as a continent, and a place with the … continent, and a place with the friendliest inhabitants, the hottest, driest weather, and the most peculiar and lethal wildlife to be found on the planet. The result is a deliciously funny, fact-filled, and adventurous performance by a writer who combines humor, wonder, and unflagging curiousity.
Despite the fact that Australia harbors more things that can kill you in extremely nasty ways than anywhere else, including sharks, crocodiles, snakes, even riptides and deserts, Bill Bryson adores the place, and he takes his readers on a rollicking ride far beyond that beaten tourist path. Wherever he goes he finds Australians who are cheerful, extroverted, and unfailingly obliging, and these beaming products of land with clean, safe cities, cold beer, and constant sunshine fill the pages of this wonderful book.
Australia is an immense and fortunate land, and it has found in Bill Bryson its perfect guide.
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Bryson never misses! Love it.
Laugh out loud funny.
An insightful observation of Australia and Australian national traits.
I’ve enjoyed several of Bryson’s books but this one read like he was thinking “I’ve got a deadline for this book and I’m really not interested in writing it ……… I’ll just throw a bunch of stories down on paper to meet the deadline”. Disappointing.
Mr. Bryson’s sense of humor adds a great deal to the readability of a travel book. Not sure I would visit all the places Mr. Bryson writes about but his book is an educational and entertaining read.
If you like travel books, you’ll love this. I found it to be a little dry but interesting. It didn’t particularly make me want to go to Australia. But there were moments in it that made me think it might be worth the effort.
You will laugh from beginning to end. I couldn’t take this book with me anywhere because I would find myself laughing out loud, much to the surprise of people sitting near me. I finished it at home on my patio where no one but the birds could hear me laugh and snort.
With his usual wit, Bryson weaves a wonderful picture of the “outback.” you will laugh out loud and be happy you have read it. One of Bryson’s best.
Absolutely loved this book. This author has a unique view of the world and a witty writing style. A great way to prepare for a trip and enjoy a good read at the same time. My husband enjoyed this book so much he’s read several others by the same author.