I'm a Stranger Here Myself: Notes on Returning to America After 20 Years Away

After reading "A Short History of Nearly Everything," I became a fast fan of Mr. Brysons writing style. I felt that he inserted humor and wit with accurate fact.

However, this book takes on a very hostile, almost scathing review of the USA. I pity the foreign reader on what seems to be a very downtrodden review of the United States as a whole.

Granted after not living in his country of birth for over twenty years, it is not nearly as terrible as Mr. Bryson makes it out to be.

The book starts out with humor and wit, and turns sharply to a very disappointed view of what the USA has become in his absence. The book is riddled with what seems to be one constant complaint about everything and anything. I am sorely unsatisfied with the contents, and would not recommend this piece due to it's brief chapters and sore dissatisfaction with living in America.

Excellent book - very, very funny and very, very true! Should be read by ALL Americans.

A collection of essays on Bryson's experiences and views of America, sometimes annoyingly pretentious and pedantic (especially in the beginning), but more often clever, funny, and perfectly balanced between critical and appreciative of American culture. For me, part of the thrill is that Bryson is a local writer. Great, though slightly dated, but beautiful and humorous and original collection chronicling nature, American commercialism, American communities, and American personality and nostalgia. Grade: A-

If you've lived outside the US, come from another country or ever wondered what people from other places think of Americans and the US on our home turf then this is a book you have to read. If this was written by a foreigner I might have taken some offense to parts of it. Bryson is an American and these are his humorous takes on what he saw when he re-entered his own country to live here again after time spent in Europe. A fun read (and if you see yourself occasionally, laugh it off.)

I thought this was one of Bryson's best......short weekly column type stories on one subject. They were humorous, to the point, and folksy. He does (as he says himself) complain a bit too much, but if there's only one side to the story, it sounds like marketing material instead of a commentary. Enjoyed this one.