This is the post where I gush about a favorite author, in this case Bill Bryson. I am currently re-reading At Home: A Short History of Private Life. What I love about this book and what I love about Bill Bryson is that he asks and then ANSWERS fascinating questions. In this book, for example: why are salt and pepper our favorite spices? Why not salt and cinnamon? Why do we have lawns planted with grass that we cut short? Why do forks have four tines? Why are modern houses the way they are? What is up with STAIRS? In this process of answering these questions, Bryson has written a fascinating history of the home. This is popular history writing at it's best.
I also enjoyed A Walk in the Woods: Rediscovering American on the Appalachian 
Trail, in which is Bryson recounting his travels up the Appalachian Trail and the history of the trail. I swear, this guy can make anything interesting! I have also read A Short History of Nearly Everything which was interesting, but a bit too science-based to truly be enjoyed by me. He has several other books as well which I have not yet read. I like reading his books
because I feel like I'm still sort of learning something even though I'm really enjoying myself.
His book about Australia made me laugh so hard I nearly peed. I think I've read almost all of his travel books, but haven't read At Home yet. And I really liked Short History of Nearly everything as an audiobook on a road trip once.
ReplyDeleteYes! In A Sunburned Country is definitely the next on my list to read of Bryson's books.
ReplyDeleteI tried to read one of his books last year and I did NOT like it at all. I know he was going for funny and I know that I am not easily offended but I was totally offended.
ReplyDeleteWhat offended you?
ReplyDelete