Book Reviews of In a Sunburned Country

I LOVED this book. I have never laughed out loud so much and learned so much (and also been moved by social injustices) all in one book.

If you only read one travel book in your life, make it this one.

There *might* be more educational ones, but none can be as entertaining. There *might* be funnier ones, but none could teach you as much at the same time.

Australia really is a very, very different country. Another great mix of history, information, wit and humor. GReat descriptions of the people and culture of Oz. And after all, the worst sunburn of my life was in Australia so I think it is a very fitting title.

'ave a go at this one mate!

I stumbled onto Bill Bryson a couple of years ago and really enjoyed A Walk in the Woods, so I decided to get a copy of this book. As good as A Walk was, this was even better! There were passages that had me laughing so hard I was afraid of waking up my sleeping husband. Passges that I found so funny that I read them to my loved ones - sometimes more than once (oops!) What I like about Bryson is his passion, his quirky sense of humor, and his ability to throw in tons of useful knowledge and not make you feel overwhelmed by it. He makes some profound points about important issues without getting preachy but rather so simply you wonder how there's ever been any debate on that particular matter. He notices things that I would likely overlook - and then shows me how much I would have missed by doing so. I love that he is a lover of people and a deliberate loner BOTH at the same time. This book made me take a long hard look at whether or not my ambition to go to Australia is such a good idea - and at the same time made me wish I was already there. I HIGHLY reccomend this book!

Read this over several lunches and laughed so hard I snorted salsa (twice) and diet coke (once). He's informative, descriptive and can turn a phrase sharper than he can turn a corner! You're reading along and suddenly something hilarious just sneaks up on you and BAM!

The beginning was a little slow for me, but I really got into the book a few chapters in. Bryson is very descriptive and you can almost picture yourself enduring some of his hilarious encounters with the Aussie animals or traveling through the outback! I've always wanted to visit Australia, and after reading this book - and learning quite a few new facts - I want to visit even more! Highly recommended!

The only thing that drove me nuts, is the print seemed to be a little smaller than most books (or maybe it was just my eyes...) But it was kind of difficult to read, sometimes I felt like it needed to be magnified. If you have trouble reading small print, I'd suggest getting the audio book or finding out if there is a large print version.

Bill Bryson is just excellent!

This is definitely not a quick read. It is so packed with information you have to give your brain time to absorb it all. I loved this book. There is so much I never knew about Australia and it makes me want to go visit it and learn more about it.

Very funny! In fact, it simulteneously made me want to go to Australia and not want to go to Australia. It sounds intriguing and entertaining, but dangerous. So many of the plants and animals want to kill us. Geeze!

Great descriptions of the major cities here. And the open spaces between. Overall, another great humor book by Bryson. Gotta love him.

This book was amazing. Not only did I learn a lot about Australia, I was introduced to some very interesting characters at the same time. I would highly recommend this one.

I really enjoyed this humorous romp thru Australia and learned a lot as well. I highly recommend it for anyone traveling to Australia

Must read for anyone travelling to Oz.

I really liked this book. Learned a lot about the immensity of Australia. The distances between places is mind boggling. Bryson makes it all fun!

A view of Australia by the famed author.

This is a funny traveler's tale of Australia-and it's true.

Wonderful! Even tho I've no plans to visit Australia, this book is funny and entertaining.

Bill Bryson is a master at travel literature, and one of the most entertaining writers I have read. You will learn much about Australia (its peoples, dangers, peculiarities, and so on), and never look at Australia the same again.

Part history, part travel. Gives a nice little tour of the land down under.

This a a delightful book...although a bit long. Bill Bryson has become one of my favorite authors. I have never been a person with a great desire to travel abroad, but this book makes me really want to visit Australia.
From the cover...Despite the fact that Australia harbors more things that can kill you in extremely nasty ways than anywhere else, including sharks, crocodiles, snakes, even rip-tides and deserts, Bill Bryson adores the place and he takes his readers on a rollicking ride far beyond the beaten tourist path. Wherever he goes he finds Australians who are cheerful, extroverted, and unfailingly obliging, and these beaming products of a land with clean, safe cities, cold beer, and constant sunshine fill the pages of this wonderful book. Australia is an immense and fortunate land, and it has found in Bill Bryson its perfect guide.

Everytime Bill Bryson walks out the door, memorable travel literature threatens to break out. In a Sunburned Country is his report on what he found in an entirely different place: Australia.

Bill Bryson is reliably funny.

Fun read! Bryson is such an astute observer of life and people and expresses himself with such wit and creativity. Always a fun trip when he is your guide.

This is one of the most entertaining travel logs I have read. Bryson is witty, observant and has a deep love for Australia. If you are traveling there or just want a light read then this is a great book to pick up. The best part is that you are entertained and actually learn about the history and current situation of Australia while doing it!

Classic Bryson. If you have read and enjoyed any of his other books, you'll be pleased with this one. It contains all his usual witty observations and self-deprecating anecdotes. Yet again, he managed to make me laugh out loud several times while reading the book, but not as much as his other books.

My only complaint with this book is that it felt rushed -- so many places he visited were accorded only a line or two of acknowledgment. Granted, this isn't a comprehensive guidebook, but an entertaining read on traveling through Australia. Also, any book seeking to condense Australia into a single book is going to end up being a massive tome. I think he did well with what he included, but it left me wanting more.

Bottom line, great read and very funny -- just not as good as some of his other books.

Not quite the masterpiece I expected after reading about his travails on the Appalachian Trail, however, it is very informative and worth reading if you are interested in Australia.

Read part of it but got bored.

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