Renowned travelogue author Bill Bryson returns to his hometown in Iowa, embarking on a trek back and forth across America, in search of communities that match our idyllic, quintessential perception of small town life.

Anyone who loves to travel, has an interest in learning about some of the attractions (and not so attractive places) across America, or enjoy a writer narrating their experiences on an adventure.

Bill Bryson's easy writing style and oftentimes humorous observations are entertaining and show a remarkable wit and sharp mind. In addition, simply the act of reading the book makes one feel as if he or she is experiencing a cross-country drive right along with the author.

The author, often, was incredibly derisive and critical of the people and places he stopped. Granted, it's an expedition to find an ideal place (which may not even exist) and that could have jaded his views and pushed him to look for faults... but I couldn't help but feel that, by the end of the book, no matter how nice a place he passed through, there was always something wrong with it... always something to criticize or poke fun at.

Jump in the car and drive across country myself.

After reading this book, I really gained a newfound appreciation for this country of ours, and all it has to offer. I read this on a recent trip to Spain (my first international trip), and prior to reading, all I could think about was all the other countries I wanted to visit and amazing things I wanted to see abroad. After reading this book, it made me also realize how much of my own country I have yet to experience as well.

This book, despite its negativity in places, is a remarkable chronicle of a cross-country journey, something that everyone should have the privilege of experiencing at some point in their lives.

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Created Jul 10, 2009 at 3:50pm • Submit your own review...