Notes from a Small Island
Registered by da-wildchildz of Nuneaton, Warwickshire United Kingdom on 11/12/2009
This book is in a Controlled Release!
3 journalers for this copy...
Journal Entry 1 by da-wildchildz from Nuneaton, Warwickshire United Kingdom on Thursday, January 28, 2010
I found this book to be interesting in parts, where Bryson presents factual information and quirky in parts, when observing colourful characters. Other than that, it did not fill me with enthusiasm and any attempt at humour just felt lame. This is the first book I have read by Bill Bryson and I will probably read others just to pass the time, although there are a lot more exciting travel writers out there.
P.S. This book mentions the obsolete book shop, Dillons. I remember spending hours there in my younger days, clambering over the shelves!
P.S. This book mentions the obsolete book shop, Dillons. I remember spending hours there in my younger days, clambering over the shelves!
Journal Entry 2 by da-wildchildz at Oakwood, Derbyshire United Kingdom on Thursday, January 28, 2010
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
Sent to chocdrop as a wish fulfilled, enjoy!
Sent to chocdrop as a wish fulfilled, enjoy!
Thanks da-wildchildz for granting one of my wishes. I look forward to reading this.
I really enjoyed this book. In parts, it was laugh out loud funny. I think it helps that I've actually been to a lot of the places that Bryson visited so I could visualise what he was talking about.
It is 15 years old now and is also quite dated - some of the high street shops he mentioned no longer exist, including poor old Woolworths. It would be interesting to hear his thoughts if he visited some of these places nowadays.
It is 15 years old now and is also quite dated - some of the high street shops he mentioned no longer exist, including poor old Woolworths. It would be interesting to hear his thoughts if he visited some of these places nowadays.
Journal Entry 5 by chocdrop at Exchange/Trade, A Bookcrossing member -- Controlled Releases on Saturday, February 13, 2010
Released 14 yrs ago (2/13/2010 UTC) at Exchange/Trade, A Bookcrossing member -- Controlled Releases
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
I have sent this as a surprise RABCK to grubsneerg as it was on her wishlist. Enjoy!
I have sent this as a surprise RABCK to grubsneerg as it was on her wishlist. Enjoy!
As someone who has never travelled to Great Britain, reading about Bill Bryson's 1995 farewell tour was at times confusing, at times amusing, and at times inspiring.
The confusing parts? I wish there had been a more comprehensive map so I could follow exactly where he was on his journey (I know, I know, I could have looked it up online, but I was lazy!). I also wish there had been a glossary of British terms (I know, I know, I could have looked them up online!). I wonder if there is an "American" version of this book that uses the American terms. Does that happen in publishing?
The amusing parts? There were many instances of humor, though not as many laugh-out-loud moments as "A Walk in the Woods" had. Still, I was often smiling and occasionally snorting.
The inspiring parts? It was nice to hear about some of the places I only know of because they are where BookCrossers live! Though many of the cities he visited were disappointing to him, I lost count of how many places he thought were breathtaking and perfect. Definitely made me wish I had six or seven weeks to explore the small island myself.
The confusing parts? I wish there had been a more comprehensive map so I could follow exactly where he was on his journey (I know, I know, I could have looked it up online, but I was lazy!). I also wish there had been a glossary of British terms (I know, I know, I could have looked them up online!). I wonder if there is an "American" version of this book that uses the American terms. Does that happen in publishing?
The amusing parts? There were many instances of humor, though not as many laugh-out-loud moments as "A Walk in the Woods" had. Still, I was often smiling and occasionally snorting.
The inspiring parts? It was nice to hear about some of the places I only know of because they are where BookCrossers live! Though many of the cities he visited were disappointing to him, I lost count of how many places he thought were breathtaking and perfect. Definitely made me wish I had six or seven weeks to explore the small island myself.
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
Gave to a book-loving friend who is visiting from Chicago, Ill. Enjoy!
Gave to a book-loving friend who is visiting from Chicago, Ill. Enjoy!