Paul’s review of A Short History of Nearly Everything > Likes and Comments
501 likes · Like
thanks!
This might be the worst review I have come across on this site.
oh I have plenty much worse than this. You're not looking hard enough.
Paul wrote: "oh I have plenty much worse than this. You're not looking hard enough."
I am sure you do. I'll make sure to try hard enough not to look or care.
actually, you say this is a really bad review but it strikes me you don't say why. What's so bad about it?
2/3 of your review is some tale, which has nothing to do with the book or review of it. And the brief note about the book is nothing more than 2 pathetic analogies, which once again disclose nothing substantive about the book.
Clearly, seriously reviewing books isn't something you are into.
Paul, it's a fine review. Maybe you and Igor should meet up at the pub and talk it out over a few pints.
thanks Scott, but I would just like to add a note for Igor - surely my anecdote is quite amusing, no? To be thrust into a silly situation where you find yourself impersonating a famous author to the extent that you are signing books in his name is something that has never happened to me before or since and hopefully never will. I thought it might raise a smile. But if it doesn't, well, there's hundreds of more earnest reviews of Mr Bryson's work here for the more serious minded.
Paul...I agree with Joseph, you’re a wonderful reviewer.
Aww such a love fest for Paul. So cute. Who cares about objectivity, right?
yes, let's not drag objectivity in where it's not wanted
Hey Igor, I can't make up my mind whether you're being serious, or you're actually good friends and just messing with Paul's head. Sometimes I need a dig in the ribs or a large neon sign to catch on when someone is joking.
On the off chance that you are being serious, I guess your input made me think that it would be dreadfully dull if GoodReads only offered 'objective' reviews, it would rather take the joie de vivre out of the whole social exchange don't you think? And besides, whose objectives would they be anyway?
Is it even possible to be entirely objective of a piece of art, especially since we are are such creatures of subjectivity?
The whole joy of GoodReads (for me at least) is discovering what draws a person to a book, the thoughts it conjures, imagination sparked and the ideas that bounce and interconnect.
Finding a review by Paul in my feed is a highlight, I love the insight, the humour and the trips of fancy. I wish I could do more of that myself, rather than the rather pedestrian and humdrum offerings I provide.
Besides which, discovering that Paul and Bill Bryson may have a stiking resemblance is such a revelation, and well worth knowing. Up until now, I had imagined Paul more of Pierce Brosnan look-alike-ee from the Remington Steele days. I guess that must be the charm and debonair wit huh?
"Best wishes, your friend Bill Bryson"!!!
THAT WAS AMAZING!
Pierce Brosnan? Gosh, I shoulda kept my mouth shut!
not a million miles away, but at least 15 years ago
Best. Story. Ever. Laughing, but also feel kinda sad for that guy... and his mother, who is possible at this very moment and for the 100th time, bragging to her neighbor Shirley about the time her son met Bill Bryson.. and can you believe it! He even signed our books!
yeah, I've been walking the neighbourhood ever since wondering when the guy is going to pounce and denounce me....
I first saw this review in 2012. What a hoot. Sometime later Bill Bryson gave a reading of his latest book at the NYC Union Square Barnes & Noble. This is B&N’s big 4 story building that Georgia liked. I was tempted to print out your review and give it to Bryson after the reading. Second thoughts about the long meet and greet book signing line nixed that idea.
that would have been fairly surreal if you had done it! I hope he would have seen the funny side.
This review made me laugh. :D. I may have been imbibing as well.
ha, I hope you did not impersonate any famous authors! This is not, on sober reflection, a good thing to do.
This book shouldn't really be consumed in one go.
You have a funny story, but my review is: you're the type of arsehole who critcises someone when they actually back up the evidence with facts and stats. Very funny. Hilarious in fact. Can't wait for your book.
well you may be waiting a really long time, and that's a fact.
Sven wrote: "You have a funny story, but my review is: you're the type of arsehole who critcises someone when they actually back up the evidence with facts and stats. Very funny. Hilarious in fact. Can't wait f..."
you're the type of person who can not express his objection without insulting, feels personally attacked over book reviews and counter-attack poorly.
Guilty as charged ie me not you Paul . The charge sheet reads thus: The accused (me, an ordinary Aussie bloke having a holiday with his wife in New York) is standing at the front door of a Times Square theatre waiting to go inside to see a blockbuster play that I had to pay a weeks salary to get tickets for, when the Stage Door opens and out walks an important looking dude who takes one look at me and rushes towards me full of smiles and bon ami gushing “oh man this is such an honour can I shake your hand?” Thinking it might be a scam I just smile back and “sorry mate no idea what you are talking about” To which he responds “OMG it really is you I thought you would come to see this play but I can’t believe you are here, I saw your last show it was incredible, congratulations on the award totally deserved.” So here’s where I plead the 5th. You know it’s awesome to feel important and admired even if just for ten seconds so I said to the guy “that’s very kind but look if you don’t mind I’m just trying to have a quiet night so don’t I want to draw any attention you know from the paparazzi and the fans” “Sure sure I understand he says but can I get you better seats organise some hospitality come back to the after party or whatever…?” As he speaks I see my wife is heading back towards me which is going to ruin the fun completely, firstly because she is a non nonsense type who won’t go along for the ride and secondly because my name is John Smith (really!) so she will think this scene is even more absurd and will also probably pee her pants laughing which means I won’t get to see the play. So I make some lame excuse and escape. Yeah I know it’s pathetic but at least I had my ten seconds of fame - even if I don’t know why!
great, John - I am relieved to find out I am not the only one who stoops this low!
"Still don't know what you really look like!"
A sandwich!
_ _ _
BTW, Paul, don't let the detractors pull you down from your lofty stage. As I see it, Goodreads is potentially, one of the most underused stand-up platforms on the internet, and you know what we peasants crave.
I'm still standing up after 13 years... my God....
Not sure how I got here but now thinking about Bjorn from Abba. Thank you!!!!
Oh you imposter!! But what could you do…. Bjorn
If he ever spots me in the street I will tell him it was an abbatar, not me
Bill Bryson is a fellow Iowan and ive yet to read him
Also does anyone else think Steve Irwin looked similar to John Denver?
I digress.
Paul wrote: "If he ever spots me in the street I will tell him it was an abbatar, not me"
I'm not a connaisseur of Abba, but isn't it Benny we're talking about here? To be B or not to be B...
The Gladstone…. Was this in Wales?? Perhaps that is a common pub name in the UK.
When he goes on Pawn Stars to cash in, he is going to be in for a disappointing surprise.
Hahahaha, you slay me and save me simultaneously!! Crossing this one off the TBR!
You appear to be insufferable in your opinions, sir
Thank you for the laugh - warm regards, the future.
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May 15, 2017 01:02AM
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This might be the worst review I have come across on this site.
oh I have plenty much worse than this. You're not looking hard enough.
Paul wrote: "oh I have plenty much worse than this. You're not looking hard enough."I am sure you do. I'll make sure to try hard enough not to look or care.
actually, you say this is a really bad review but it strikes me you don't say why. What's so bad about it?
2/3 of your review is some tale, which has nothing to do with the book or review of it. And the brief note about the book is nothing more than 2 pathetic analogies, which once again disclose nothing substantive about the book. Clearly, seriously reviewing books isn't something you are into.
Paul, it's a fine review. Maybe you and Igor should meet up at the pub and talk it out over a few pints.
thanks Scott, but I would just like to add a note for Igor - surely my anecdote is quite amusing, no? To be thrust into a silly situation where you find yourself impersonating a famous author to the extent that you are signing books in his name is something that has never happened to me before or since and hopefully never will. I thought it might raise a smile. But if it doesn't, well, there's hundreds of more earnest reviews of Mr Bryson's work here for the more serious minded.
Paul...I agree with Joseph, you’re a wonderful reviewer.
Aww such a love fest for Paul. So cute. Who cares about objectivity, right?
yes, let's not drag objectivity in where it's not wanted
Hey Igor, I can't make up my mind whether you're being serious, or you're actually good friends and just messing with Paul's head. Sometimes I need a dig in the ribs or a large neon sign to catch on when someone is joking.On the off chance that you are being serious, I guess your input made me think that it would be dreadfully dull if GoodReads only offered 'objective' reviews, it would rather take the joie de vivre out of the whole social exchange don't you think? And besides, whose objectives would they be anyway?
Is it even possible to be entirely objective of a piece of art, especially since we are are such creatures of subjectivity?
The whole joy of GoodReads (for me at least) is discovering what draws a person to a book, the thoughts it conjures, imagination sparked and the ideas that bounce and interconnect.
Finding a review by Paul in my feed is a highlight, I love the insight, the humour and the trips of fancy. I wish I could do more of that myself, rather than the rather pedestrian and humdrum offerings I provide.
Besides which, discovering that Paul and Bill Bryson may have a stiking resemblance is such a revelation, and well worth knowing. Up until now, I had imagined Paul more of Pierce Brosnan look-alike-ee from the Remington Steele days. I guess that must be the charm and debonair wit huh?
"Best wishes, your friend Bill Bryson"!!!THAT WAS AMAZING!
Pierce Brosnan? Gosh, I shoulda kept my mouth shut!
not a million miles away, but at least 15 years ago
Best. Story. Ever. Laughing, but also feel kinda sad for that guy... and his mother, who is possible at this very moment and for the 100th time, bragging to her neighbor Shirley about the time her son met Bill Bryson.. and can you believe it! He even signed our books!
yeah, I've been walking the neighbourhood ever since wondering when the guy is going to pounce and denounce me....
I first saw this review in 2012. What a hoot. Sometime later Bill Bryson gave a reading of his latest book at the NYC Union Square Barnes & Noble. This is B&N’s big 4 story building that Georgia liked. I was tempted to print out your review and give it to Bryson after the reading. Second thoughts about the long meet and greet book signing line nixed that idea.
that would have been fairly surreal if you had done it! I hope he would have seen the funny side.
This review made me laugh. :D. I may have been imbibing as well.
ha, I hope you did not impersonate any famous authors! This is not, on sober reflection, a good thing to do.
This book shouldn't really be consumed in one go.
You have a funny story, but my review is: you're the type of arsehole who critcises someone when they actually back up the evidence with facts and stats. Very funny. Hilarious in fact. Can't wait for your book.
well you may be waiting a really long time, and that's a fact.
Sven wrote: "You have a funny story, but my review is: you're the type of arsehole who critcises someone when they actually back up the evidence with facts and stats. Very funny. Hilarious in fact. Can't wait f..."you're the type of person who can not express his objection without insulting, feels personally attacked over book reviews and counter-attack poorly.
Guilty as charged ie me not you Paul . The charge sheet reads thus: The accused (me, an ordinary Aussie bloke having a holiday with his wife in New York) is standing at the front door of a Times Square theatre waiting to go inside to see a blockbuster play that I had to pay a weeks salary to get tickets for, when the Stage Door opens and out walks an important looking dude who takes one look at me and rushes towards me full of smiles and bon ami gushing “oh man this is such an honour can I shake your hand?” Thinking it might be a scam I just smile back and “sorry mate no idea what you are talking about” To which he responds “OMG it really is you I thought you would come to see this play but I can’t believe you are here, I saw your last show it was incredible, congratulations on the award totally deserved.” So here’s where I plead the 5th. You know it’s awesome to feel important and admired even if just for ten seconds so I said to the guy “that’s very kind but look if you don’t mind I’m just trying to have a quiet night so don’t I want to draw any attention you know from the paparazzi and the fans” “Sure sure I understand he says but can I get you better seats organise some hospitality come back to the after party or whatever…?” As he speaks I see my wife is heading back towards me which is going to ruin the fun completely, firstly because she is a non nonsense type who won’t go along for the ride and secondly because my name is John Smith (really!) so she will think this scene is even more absurd and will also probably pee her pants laughing which means I won’t get to see the play. So I make some lame excuse and escape. Yeah I know it’s pathetic but at least I had my ten seconds of fame - even if I don’t know why!
great, John - I am relieved to find out I am not the only one who stoops this low!
"Still don't know what you really look like!"A sandwich!
_ _ _
BTW, Paul, don't let the detractors pull you down from your lofty stage. As I see it, Goodreads is potentially, one of the most underused stand-up platforms on the internet, and you know what we peasants crave.
I'm still standing up after 13 years... my God....
Not sure how I got here but now thinking about Bjorn from Abba. Thank you!!!!
Oh you imposter!! But what could you do…. Bjorn
If he ever spots me in the street I will tell him it was an abbatar, not me
Bill Bryson is a fellow Iowan and ive yet to read him Also does anyone else think Steve Irwin looked similar to John Denver?
I digress.
Paul wrote: "If he ever spots me in the street I will tell him it was an abbatar, not me"I'm not a connaisseur of Abba, but isn't it Benny we're talking about here? To be B or not to be B...
The Gladstone…. Was this in Wales?? Perhaps that is a common pub name in the UK.
When he goes on Pawn Stars to cash in, he is going to be in for a disappointing surprise.
Hahahaha, you slay me and save me simultaneously!! Crossing this one off the TBR!
You appear to be insufferable in your opinions, sir
Thank you for the laugh - warm regards, the future.
