The Road to Little Dribbling: Adventures of an American in Britain

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BlackOxford Little Dribbling is a parody of 'Little Gidding', one of the poems of the Four Quartets of T. S. Eliot who, like Bryson, was Anglo-American. Several o…moreLittle Dribbling is a parody of 'Little Gidding', one of the poems of the Four Quartets of T. S. Eliot who, like Bryson, was Anglo-American. Several of the themes of Little Gidding - the effects of time, lost communities, the remarkable and fortuitous survival of Britain during World War II (it was written just after the Battle of Britain) - show up in Bryson.(less)
Brendan No, it is not necessary to read it. It is an observational tour through Great Britain in Bryson's inimitable style. I did think that he came across as…moreNo, it is not necessary to read it. It is an observational tour through Great Britain in Bryson's inimitable style. I did think that he came across as an old curmudgeon. He also was not happy with the progress that has occurred in Britain in the pat 30 years, rightfully focusing on some of the problems that arise in struggling cities, increased traffic and modern life. However, he clearly speaks from the position of a "have" and not a "have not". I do find his appreciation for the quirky and for the forgotten who have contributed greatly to society to be eminently readable and interesting as well.(less)
Mike Bygrave No, you're not the only one. This book felt like he was treading water.…moreNo, you're not the only one. This book felt like he was treading water.(less)
Karen I have worked in a US state hospital facility for over 20 years and this literary nugget wasn't unbelievable to me. While current and recent care for …moreI have worked in a US state hospital facility for over 20 years and this literary nugget wasn't unbelievable to me. While current and recent care for the mentally ill would likely be more litigious and limit interaction with the public, Mr. Bryson was harkening back to mental health care in Britain in the 1970s. Even in my tenure here, I remember patients crossing the street to buy cough syrup ( with alcohol) at a small pharmacy, returning to sit on the hillside, drinking, smoking and waving at passing cars. We have gates now and are a double locked facility with no smoking and certainly no wandering off campus.

I'm sure the author embellished some of his anecdotes and I hope he isn't as rude and crotchety as he presented.(less)

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