Notes from a Small Island

This was my 2nd Bryson book, and I must say that I enjoyed A Walk In the Woods far more than this.

Summary: grumble grumble, bad modern architecture, mediocre meal, grumble grumble, annoying person, bad building, bad meal, grumble, rain. Sure, it was funny as hell in parts too but I'm hoping my next Bryson read is more light-spirited.

There's a difference between being funny and being mean; between describing and complaining.

This is the first book from Bryson I've read and my only regret is not reading it much sooner. I am completely charmed by Bryson with his dry, sarcastic whit and care-free attitude when it comes to writing down his actual feelings about a place that is completely crap, something a lot of travel writers probably avoid. I was glad this wasn't written like a memoir - the writer doesn't go on about his past experiences (though you do get some quips about his life and family) - but rather takes you on as a travel companion and has a conversation with you about what he's doing. If you love anything about Britain, I definitely recommend this.

It was well-written but not interesting to me. I liked the beginning and its description of Dover both years ago and today, but as it went on, describing the author's walking trip through portions of England, it seemed to become repetitive. He doesn't like much of what has happened to the villages and towns of England over the past twenty years, and he repeatedly describes his dislike of many things – the hotel in which he is staying, the breakfast he is served, the people serving it, etc. I unfortunately could see myself in some of the stories of his frustration with incompetent people but didn't enjoy reading about the rude exchanges. I skimmed through the second half so perhaps it got better.

Re-read this book after being in the UK for 6+ years. Most of Bryson's observations on British culture are still relevant. I hope he'll write an update next year for the book's 20th birthday.

I laughed out loud reading this book. Who else would take this journey? Bill Bryson is great.

Calling all anglophiles...read the opening chapter about how the distance Americans drive for a taco represents a journey of enormous undertaking for most English countryside folk.