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Vanessa's Reviews > Down Under
Down Under
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As expected this was a mix of fun facts and a companion travel piece. Being Australian I’m sure I enjoyed this more than the average non Australian reader but I could see that some parts especially the parts apart about politics and cricket could bore a few readers who aren’t already familiar with our peculiar sports and politicians. I enjoyed the read and found it fun when injected with Bryson’s humourous anecdotes along the way. I also realised how very little I’ve seen of my own ridiculously large country. Makes me want to pack up the car and go for a road trip and see something other than the East Coast of Australia and the main cities. It’s always a shame when tourists see more of my own country than I have.
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Reading Progress
December 28, 2015
– Shelved as:
to-read
December 28, 2015
– Shelved
December 28, 2015
– Shelved
(Other Paperback Edition)
December 28, 2015
– Shelved as:
to-read
(Other Paperback Edition)
February 27, 2019
–
Started Reading
(Other Paperback Edition)
February 28, 2019
–
Started Reading
March 11, 2019
–
Finished Reading
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Michael
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Mar 11, 2019 10:37PM
Great review! I read parts of Bryson's A Walk in the Woods earlier this year, but stopped since I wasn't that interested in the area or trail. This seems more promising - added to my list.
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Wonderful review, Vanessa! I’ve always wanted to read a book by this author!
Thank you Michael. It’s probably best to be interested in the area/country he writes about first but I do enjoy his style even though he’s not everyone’s cup of tea.
Thank you Jennifer! Both books I’ve read of his have been very enjoyable so I’m aiming to get through the rest of his catalogue.
Love to see you get that vacation road trip. I’d love to see your country one day too..I’ll need you to give me tips. 🖋🥰📘...
I loved your review- but I’m not a Bill Bryson fan. Most people I know love him - but he has a type sense of humor which I’m not crazy about. I’m the odd one about him.
Hugs sweet girl 💕
Thanks Elyse, I did manage to squeeze a little road trip last weekend to see family. 18 hours drive there and back in 2.5 days! 😵That’s ok no need to feel bad for not liking his type of humour it’s not to everyone’s taste. I enjoy his commentary as much as all the facts he throws in. I’m ready for my next fix of both Bryson and another road trip! 😉
Great review, Vanessa! I’ve (only) read A Walk in the Woods by Bryson so far, but based on my enjoyment of the book, I would read more from him. I like his subtle humor. Glad you enjoyed this one! :)
Nice review Vanessa! Glad you liked it. Bryson is always entertaining. Some of his earlier books on Europe are great!
Thanks Brandice! I sped through my first Bryson book I picked up and was eager to read more, love his humour, he doesn’t hold back his thoughts and sometimes he is rather scathing but that’s probably what I enjoy about him most!
Thanks PorshaJo. Yes I’m excited to read about his travels in Europe. Should be fun!
I adore Bryson! I read this when I was new to Australia and I gave me cramps from laughing so much. I love seeing other foreigners views on different countries, the "natives" tend to have a very narrow focus and take everything too personally. Don't feel so bad about not seeing much of Australia. First, it's a continent. Second, I dare say most people tend to appreciate other countries more than what's in their backyard. At least you're on East coast, it's easier to get in the car get to places. I'm on the West Coast, in the most isolated capital city. I'm bloody far away from everywhere, well Bali is closer, but it's not my cuppa.
Yes your right. We should be able to laugh at ourselves along with everyone else. You are pretty isolated over there on the West Coast, it’s quite a hike to get to your side of the continent and yeah Bali isn’t much of a consolation prize. Guess I’ll slowly make my way over to your side eventually. I’ve done enough of the East Coast for now.
Vanessa wrote: "Yes your right. We should be able to laugh at ourselves along with everyone else. You are pretty isolated over there on the West Coast, it’s quite a hike to get to your side of the continent and ye..."Perth is not too bad. I used to think it was not very cultured, or not enough for my appetites, but lately I can't keep up, there's so much happening sometimes, I'm spinning (it doesn't help that I'm interested in so many things).
Enjoyed your review and the great dialogue between you and Bianca. For me ... haha ( American)... if I never read another Bill Bryson book for the rest of my life - I’d be satisfied. I’ve read a couple of his books - and am not a fan of his humor. I’ve not enjoyed how he has put women down... etc.
most people love Bryson but he just doesn’t resonate with me.
But soooo glad you appreciate his humor.
It’s me - my little pet peeve ... lol
Lovely review, Vanessa! I have long wanted to visit both Australia and New Zealand, but I am fairly certain it might have to wait for another lifetime - hahaha - However, I have added this one because armchair travelling is better than no travelling. :)
