"In my preparations for England, I have read a small bit. The first piece might not actually qualify as reading, since it was an audiobook. This was the first audiobook I've ever tried, and I loved it. Though I'm told to take this experience with a grain of salt, since the book I listened to was Bill Bryson's I'm a Stranger Here Myself which, like other Bryson books, is really funny. This book was read by Bryson himself, so I got the impression that he really knew what the words meant -- as he should!
"It is about Bryson's experience of moving back to the U.S. after living in Britain for 20 years. He moved back to the states with his wife and children to what sounds like a wonderful small town, Hanover, New Hampshire. The book rounds many aspects of life in America, with a comparison to life in the UK. Bryson rarely hesitates to offer cynical commentary on the peculiarities of Americans, Wal-Marts galore, and the bureaucracies that get us nowhere and everywhere all at once. It's wonderful!
"The other book I read was also by Bryson, and is focused on England. This one was Notes from a Small Island. It centers around a trip around the island (meaning England and Scotland) to favorite and new places. Though I would have preferred a detailed map to help me follow along more exactly, it was worthwhile for someone like me who is about to live in England for 9-10 months. And I was delighted to hear that Bryson adored Durham, the town that I will be living and studying in.
"Though I read these books with the purpose becoming more familiar with England, I think these books could be beneficial for other purposes too. For one, Bryson is hilarious. He never seems to hesitate to offer his honest opinion. And he appreciates so much -- in people, in architecture, in public infrastructure, and more. He is great fun."
Thanks, Elaine, for thinking of us before you left. I know at least one other reader here who will appreciate your venture eastward and your comments on Bill Bryson.
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