Notes from a Small Island

A very "in the moment" kind of book. The writing is mostly clever and even though Bryson is American, he's got that Brithish wit and lingo down pat. If I were to visit the U.K., I would take this book with me as a cozier, more anecdotal travel guide. The architecture talk bogged me down a bit, and it is nearly impossible to skim this book. Just when you think you can glide over an assail of...more

A very "in the moment" kind of book. The writing is mostly clever and even though Bryson is American, he's got that Brithish wit and lingo down pat. If I were to visit the U.K., I would take this book with me as a cozier, more anecdotal travel guide. The architecture talk bogged me down a bit, and it is nearly impossible to skim this book. Just when you think you can glide over an assail of how this or that building was ugly, your eyes jump back about two or three sentences and you say, "WHAT?", as he has somehow managed to add some zingy hilarious spice in what, at first glance, appears to be bland, boring oatmeal. I also got a kick out of his love for kooky Brits in history and enjoyed his sincere appreciation, in the end, for British culture and people. I really can't say anything bad about it. My only lament is that it is a good book, but regrettably forgettable. The only reason why I'm able to recall stuff now is because this book was discussed in our book club. But isn't that like a travel too? The journey of reading this book can be likened to his jaunt around Great Britain. There were good time and bad times, happy times, bored times, rainy times, when-will-this-be-over? times and I-can't-believe-this-is-over times. So, I guess, with that analogy in mind....read this book!   hide

Just fell about laughing while reading it! :-D I do think, however, that maybe Bryson should revisit Britain once again - particularly Manchester - he will find that those dreadful yellow tiles that made the Arndale Centre look so lavatorial are no more! There's not usually much good to be said for bombs, especially when they go off in your home city, but the IRA bomb in Manchester in June...more

Just fell about laughing while reading it! :-D I do think, however, that maybe Bryson should revisit Britain once again - particularly Manchester - he will find that those dreadful yellow tiles that made the Arndale Centre look so lavatorial are no more! There's not usually much good to be said for bombs, especially when they go off in your home city, but the IRA bomb in Manchester in June 1996 did at least mean they HAD to redecorate the Arndale!!!   hide

I bought this book in California a few weeks before moving to that small island myself to teach for a year. This has become one of my favorite Bryson books (though truthfully, I love all of his books) because he and I share almost identical feelings about Britain. It is a marvelous place, and he captures this in his book. I bought many books while in England and couldn't possibly bring them...more

I bought this book in California a few weeks before moving to that small island myself to teach for a year. This has become one of my favorite Bryson books (though truthfully, I love all of his books) because he and I share almost identical feelings about Britain. It is a marvelous place, and he captures this in his book. I bought many books while in England and couldn't possibly bring them all back with me when I returned to the States. My British Harry Potters and Notes from a Small Island were the only books that made the cut!   hide

I first read this book when it was published 11 yrs ago and I've read it a couple of times since. It's one of the books that I take to bed with me when I want to dip in and read favourite bits. I just remember his first landlady, Mrs Smegma, at the awful BB........well it had to be good didn't it!