Before New York Times bestselling author Bill Bryson wrote The Road to Little Dribbling, he took this delightfully irreverent jaunt around the unparalleled floating nation of Great Britain, which has produced zebra crossings, Shakespeare, Twiggie Winkie’s Farm, and places with names like Farleigh Wallop and Titsey.
Notes from a Small Island
By billbryson
Love Bryson SO MUCH. Great use of language and wonderful travel descriptions.
Loved this book when it first came out. Now I have it on my iPad so I can read it again and again. It’s hard to not laugh out loud. Bryson’s ability to take a very ordinary happening -such as a long and detailed discussion of the best route to take before setting off on a journey (something I listening to my Dad and uncles doing on a number of occasions) still makes me chuckle, many years after I first read it.
It moved along well, since I am not familiar with the various towns or even neighborhoods there were times I felt ‘out of the loop.’ It was an easy read. He is witty, self deprecating. I would have given 3.5 stars if I had that option. I suspect if the know England well, you would love this book.
Bryson is a great writer. Lots of humor. Funny, insightful and informative at the same time.
Bill Bryson does such a great job of describing his visit to the British Isles. Practically every chapter had a laugh out loud moment. He is an author who never fails to entertain.
An entertaining and lighthearted read by a wonderful author of travel literature.
Anything Bryson writes is a delight to read!
I thoroughly enjoyed feeling I was in England and thoroughly enjoyed his sense of humor
Have read most of his books. Usually very entertaining. Did not like this as well as some of others.
Somewhat dated, but Bryson is always a good read
One of the funniest books I’ve ever read.
If you like to travel – armchair or otherwise – you’ll enjoy this book! It’s also great as an audiobook with the author reading it.
Bryson is always a treat, fun to read and informative
Humorous, to a point, but not his most engaging book by any means.
If you like books about traveling through Britain and Scotland, the descriptions of the towns,
also the scenery in each makes you want to visit them for real or through Bill Bryson’s creative
Writing you can get a picture in your mind, like being there. I read every book that I can get my hands around. They are most enjoyable.
No one better than Bryson!
Informative for those who have already visited the United Kingdom and those who will soon tour there. Interesting anecdotes. Would be much improved with a map of UK showing places visited.
Interesting travelogue, the author employs a droll wit from beginning to end. I will definitely seek out his other books.
I have read several of Bill Bryson’s books but this one has been my favoarite. He shows us pictures of the places and the people, what they were and what they are becoming for better and for worse. Sometimes a bit sad, sometimes laugh out loud funny, I came away with a greater love for my ancestral home.
Not overwhelmed by the book. More of a travel book. It told me not where to go in England, Wales and Scotland. Not up to his usual standards.