I'm a Stranger Here Myself: Notes on Returning to America After 20 Years Away

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It's a hit!

I started out totally in love with this book. The first quarter of it made me laugh out loud literally. I enjoyed Bill Bryson's droll humor and obs... (show more)

I started out totally in love with this book. The first quarter of it made me laugh out loud literally. I enjoyed Bill Bryson's droll humor and observations on American life. It cracked me up that he writes about the joy of having a garbage disposal and the annoying questions on the immigration paperwork. The chapter on all of the bizarre accidents Americans get into including 142,000 visitors to the ER as a result of "clothing injuries" was hysterical. I liked his quips about the war on drugs and the cost of the FBI. His writing on the legality of snooping on people in dressing rooms, stores and work places was downright disturbing.

I did sort of run out of steam after awhile. I think because the book was a collection of newspaper articles it's hard to take all at once. It worked well for me this month because I have been too busy to read for long periods of time. I think the best way to read this book would be interspersed throughout other books you are reading. A little light comic relief. Overall I liked it, should be fun to discuss in book club. (show less)

 

 

by Facebook User

No, it's a flop!

After twenty years living and working in Great Britain, Mr. Bryson and his family decide to return to the land of his birth (albeit decidedly not t... (show more)

After twenty years living and working in Great Britain, Mr. Bryson and his family decide to return to the land of his birth (albeit decidedly not the state of Iowa!) An editor from England suggested a series of articles detailing the experiences of an ex-pat returning home.

The resultant collection of essays focuses on the foibles and follies as well as the strengths and blessings of the American experience. Mr. Bryson uses his trademark humor to skewer us. He also points out those aspects of the American experience where we have something special- our sense of space, our friendliness, our ease and convenience of life.

Most of these brief commentaries are “throw away” efforts. Charming, but not necessarily memorable. However, one essay in particular stood out for me…Mr. Bryson’s comments to a high school graduating class. I enjoyed it so much, I will summarize here his most important observations:
1. Take a moment from time to time to remember that you are alive.
2. You are, therefore, special- but not that special. Remember to be extremely nice to those who help you, compassionate to those who can not.
3. Don’t ever do anything on principle alone.
4. Whatever you want to do in life, do it.
5. Don’t make the extremely foolish mistake of thinking that winning is everything. Taking part is the main thing. Do your best. There is no shame in not winning.
6. Don’t cheat.
7. Strive to be modest.
8. Be happy.
9. Keep your remarks brief. (show less)

 

 

by Roger Fickenscher

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  I grabbed this book to skim at Barnes & Noble. Big mistake! After reading part of one of the essays about life in America, I was trying so hard not to guffaw out loud that I was shaking and had tears pouring down my face. When I finally left, mothers were grabbing their children to their sides to protect them from the crazy laughing/crying lady.

  The thing I liked the most about this book is Bryson's writing style. His writing could never be described as 'dumb funny'. The words he ... (show more)

  I grabbed this book to skim at Barnes & Noble. Big mistake! After reading part of one of the essays about life in America, I was trying so hard not to guffaw out loud that I was shaking and had tears pouring down my face. When I finally left, mothers were grabbing their children to their sides to protect them from the crazy laughing/crying lady.

  The thing I liked the most about this book is Bryson's writing style. His writing could never be described as 'dumb funny'. The words he uses to describe usually mundane topics are what make this self-deprecating author a pleasure to read. A wonderful thing about this particular book is that it is a compilation of a column that he used to write for a British newspaper. So if you just aren't 'feeling' one chapter, you can easily skip to the next one without fear of missing anything. I highly recommend it. (show less)

   

   

  by Larissa Hamel on Jun 21, 2009 at 09:35PM

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  I'm a sucker for cultural anecdotes, so I expected to enjoy this book, and I did - until about half-way through. Bryson is witty, and at times even laugh-out-loud funny. His musings on American vs. British life are insightful and offer a critique of both societies (although primarily American) without being unduly harsh. Nonetheless, the novelty wore off at a certain point, and I realized I was no longer laughing. Despite my own affection for America-bashing, the joke got tiresome by the end,... (show more)

  I'm a sucker for cultural anecdotes, so I expected to enjoy this book, and I did - until about half-way through. Bryson is witty, and at times even laugh-out-loud funny. His musings on American vs. British life are insightful and offer a critique of both societies (although primarily American) without being unduly harsh. Nonetheless, the novelty wore off at a certain point, and I realized I was no longer laughing. Despite my own affection for America-bashing, the joke got tiresome by the end, and I started to feel bad for "Americans" - as though Bryson was a bully on the playground picking on the easiest target. Had the book ended at the half-way mark I would have been quite content; nonetheless, an enjoyable read. (show less)

   

   

  by Facebook User on Dec 17, 2009 at 05:40AM

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