Bill Bryson

[Soulboy]

If there's a funnier author alive I'd like to read him.

Does Frankie Boyle count?

Will Self? Stephen Fry? PJ O'Rourke?

Bill Bryson is like a cuddly uncle compared to the biting sharp wit of many, many others. He makes me smile rather than laugh out loud.

 

[Patientman63]

Wasn't too impressed with his Australia one, but his other travel books are superb and the History of nearly everything is a fantastic read and should be on the general science curriculum imo.

Read this on holiday a few years ago.

The bit "I would rather have bowel surgery in the woods with a stick" had me crying with laughter by the pool side, and missus walking off in embarrassment.

His sense of humour is mine, so i enjoy his books.

 

[sky tot]

I'd also recommend to those who like Bryson

Stuart Maconie's "Pies and Prejudice" and also "Adventures on the High Teas"

This is a brilliant book,so is McCarthy`s Bar.
Ive only read notes from a small island,and it was OK.

 

[BTH]

As good (well, better imo) than anything Bill has written. An excellent read.

I read that the other week. Had never heard of him despite it being published about 10 years ago.
I enjoyed it and the parallels with Bryson are obvious, but I think it is a different kind of book in one way, in that it is as much a voyage of discovery and identity as anything else.

Was gutted to find out that the author died just a few years after. Comes across as a genuinely nice man with a sharp intelligence and a great sense of humour.

Have to disagree with this comment. I found that both this and Pete McCarthy's other book, The Road To McCarthy, just plodded along.

Oddly enough, Pete McCarthy was very, very funny on TV, and the reason I bought his books in the first place. He wasn't quite as funny in print.

Bryson, on the other hand, is very, very funny in print but doesn't work so well on TV and comes across as being quite dull.

 

[MCFCTrick]

If there's a funnier author alive I'd like to read him.

Are you serious Bill is about as funny as woodworm in a cripples crutch!

Oddly I find that quite funny.....maybe thats why I like BB...

And would also recommend Stuart Maconie's two travel books. Also his book on being a music journo Cider With Roadies.

 

[bluealf]

I love reading Bill Brysons travel books but the wife cant stand them.

Maybe he is the new marmite lol

 

[Pearcey]

I agree Noel.

I've read everything he's written, humour wise my favourite is 'Notes From a Big Country' Which is a collection of his newspaper columns written (I think) for The Times.

Not read the latest one yet... Will have to get it soon.

 

[dom]

Love Bryson.

A gentle humour , yes.
I appreciate the sharper edges of comedy as well but there's room for both...
Rock on, Bill !!

 

[Manc in London]

If there's a funnier author alive I'd like to read him.

Does Frankie Boyle count?

Will Self? Stephen Fry? PJ O'Rourke?

Bill Bryson is like a cuddly uncle compared to the biting sharp wit of many, many others. He makes me smile rather than laugh out loud.

I like Bill Bryson. However, none of his travel books can compare to PJ O'Rourke's Holidays in Hell. A classic IMO - interesting, informative and hilarious. I don't like O'Rourke's politics but he his funny and fiercely intelligent.

 

[mackenzie]

I read that the other week. Had never heard of him despite it being published about 10 years ago.
I enjoyed it and the parallels with Bryson are obvious, but I think it is a different kind of book in one way, in that it is as much a voyage of discovery and identity as anything else.

Was gutted to find out that the author died just a few years after. Comes across as a genuinely nice man with a sharp intelligence and a great sense of humour.

Have to disagree with this comment. I found that both this and Pete McCarthy's other book, The Road To McCarthy, just plodded along.

Oddly enough, Pete McCarthy was very, very funny on TV, and the reason I bought his books in the first place. He wasn't quite as funny in print.

Bryson, on the other hand, is very, very funny in print but doesn't work so well on TV and comes across as being quite dull.

I dug out McCarthy's book simply because I am visiting Ireland for the first time soon and, like him, have connections there. His book was more about the observer and the need to somehow see how he "fitted in" and that is what I was after. It was an added bonus that he was quite amusing, but I have never seen him on TV so I will bow to your judgement on that one.

Bryson on the other hand is a bit dull on the TV. I have seen him so I agree. Apart from one interview a few years back when he was being asked about his stance on "signage" in towns and he became almost animated with a little ripple of anger. Almost, but not quite. ;-)