WrittenRoad Markets, leads and craft for travel writers · since 2002
AuthorsTravel Books9 March 2005

Bill Bryson: the Cliffs Notes Version

If you've only recently discovered Bill Bryson, The Age just ran a nice overview. Have beard, will travel By Jane Sullivan.
"The whole trick of travel writing, he says, is to persuade people who aren't interested that what happened to you is interesting. Some people do it with brilliant writing or insights: he does it with humour. 'I'm assuming a lot of people read my books because of the promise of a joke. I like to think that as they are reading, they begin to get interested in the subject.'"
Ah, don't we all love Bill. Here are some books to add to your collection.
  • A Short History of Nearly Everything
  • In a Sunburned Country
  • I'm a Stranger Here Myself: Notes on Returning to America After 20 Years Away
  • A Walk in the Woods : Rediscovering America on the Appalachian Trail
  • Notes from a Small Island
  • The Mother Tongue
  • Neither Here nor There: Travels in Europe

5 comments

  • Jason9 March 2005
    The first book I ever laughed out loud while reading was "Notes from a Small Island". People on the train thought I was insane, but I just couldn't keep it in. If you have ever lived in the UK (especially if you're American), this is a must read.
  • Mary10 March 2005
    My introduction to Bill Bryson was A Walk in the Woods. There were moments I was doubled up, clutching my stomach and thinking, "This is therapy in its purest form".
  • Debbie10 March 2005
    I took A Walk In The Woods with me to read at the laundromat. I had to stop reading it as I fell out of my chair in tears and uncontrollable guffawing.
  • Mary11 March 2005
    I picture you on the floor having a grand time, Debbie. I would have joined you there and loved every second.
  • nick olender24 May 2006
    personally i and my whole class think that this book sucks nuff said

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