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

If you enjoy reading books by Bill Bryson, this is a very funny book. Easy to read and entertaining.

This book is great. It does not read like a traditional story. Instead it is a composite of a bunch of articles that Mr. Bryson wrote for a British newspaper after returning to America after living in Britain for 20 or so years. Each chapter reads as a separate article that he wrote for the paper. The chapters are very short and sometimes he makes connections to previous articles or chapters.

I thought this book was hilarious. If you enjoy the humor of the show Sienfeld each chapter of this book reads as a basis for a Sienfeld episode. That is the best way I can describe it. The reason for this is because he makes humor out of situations that every American faces.

There are so many great chapters in this book. Some of my most memorable topics include: toothpaste hotline, tax forms, experiencing the outdoors indoors, technology, and many others.

In conclusion if you like the humor of the show Sienfeld you must read this book. If you do not care for that show then pass up on this book.

I hope it is not a back handed compliment to say that this book belongs in the bathroom. But the consistently short length, the consistent formula and somewhat repetative nature of Mr. Bryson's musings are not the stuff of a long sit down. While his perspective as an American coming home after 20 years abroad is refreshing in his humor, I found the collection more dated and tedious than funny. There were several moments of out-loud laughter, but just as many times I though to myself, "I've read this before...I know what he is saying...I recognize his writing style and formula."
So I recommend this as a sometimes book. Of the 70 short essays, many are insightful and wise-the one on why trees leaves change color comes to mind-and others fun. They are best experienced in passing glances.

Bill Bryson's I'm a Stranger Here Myself: Notes on Returning to America After 20 Years Away was one of the most enjoyable books I have ever read. His observations are entertaining and informative and provided me with many hearty laughs. I highly recommend this title.

Bill Bryson's "I'm a Stranger Here Myself" is one of my favorite books at it combines thoughtful insights about his family and culture with laugh out loud humor. Many of his observations are, however, serious and shocking. How America had 800,000 lawyers in 1999 more than the rest of the world out together. Bryson says that breaks down to 300 lawyers for 100,000 citizens whereas Briton by contrast has 82 and Japan 1.
Bryson also points out how the Gross Domestic Product GDP is a dismal measure of national income as it shows the amount of dollars we spend, both good and bad, on services over a given period. Bad activities like the O.J. Simpson's $200 million trial, New York City's cleanup after 9/11 and reckless pollution often generate more GDP. A leading economist joked, "According to the GDP the nation's economic hero is a terminal cancer patient going through a costly divorce." Another economist pointed out, "The current national accounting system treats the earth as a business in liquidation."
In a lighter vein Bryon shares stories about his somewhat inept memory. He said his family suggested some labels suitable for him, "Caution: When Door Says `Pull' It's Absolutely No Use Pushing" and "Warning: Do Not Attempt to Remove Sweater Over Head While Walking Among Chairs and Tables." His favorite was "Caution: Ensure That Shirt Buttons Are in Correct Holes Before Leaving the House."