Another gentle and charming book from my favourite author, 06 Feb 2002
A change in direction with not only retirement but marriage proposals as well for my most loved fictional character. With all of the Fairacre books, a book I have read over and over - only with particular sadness as it appears that this may be the final book. I found the illustrations a bit off putting - part of my love of Miss Read's books are due to J Goodall's beautiful illustrations - not that these are bad, just not what previous readers may be used to. My only complaint is that it is too short!

A lovely and entertaining read, a book to get lost in., 24 Oct 1999
Miss Read, again manages to captivate the feelings of those who to are approaching retirement; and also of those who aren't. Her characters are all someone you know in your own life. Always feeling that they could be so and so. I always felt as if I was included in the story, like I was a friend. I'm an avid reader of her books but it seems this is the last one? She puts such warmth and feeling into this book it spills out from every page. It is obvious that her friends are as devoted to her as she is to them whatever happens. The frequent requests of marriage from John Jenkins are bittersweet and has nearly succumb once or twice. Her lifelong friend Amy, trying so hard to matchmake over the years, tries not to let John Jenkins slip through Miss Reads' fingers but alas fails again. She gets great support from Henry Mawne, who has also been a suitor in the past but Miss Read also gently refused him. She looks forward to retirement with joy and some trepidation, however handles the situation very well. I hope there will be more stories from her in the not to distant future.

Another gentle and charming book from my favourite author, 06 Feb 2002
A change in direction with not only retirement but marriage proposals as well for my most loved fictional character. With all of the Fairacre books, a book I have read over and over - only with particular sadness as it appears that this may be the final book. I found the illustrations a bit off putting - part of my love of Miss Read's books are due to J Goodall's beautiful illustrations - not that these are bad, just not what previous readers may be used to. My only complaint is that it is too short!

A lovely and entertaining read, a book to get lost in., 24 Oct 1999
Miss Read, again manages to captivate the feelings of those who to are approaching retirement; and also of those who aren't. Her characters are all someone you know in your own life. Always feeling that they could be so and so. I always felt as if I was included in the story, like I was a friend. I'm an avid reader of her books but it seems this is the last one? She puts such warmth and feeling into this book it spills out from every page. It is obvious that her friends are as devoted to her as she is to them whatever happens. The frequent requests of marriage from John Jenkins are bittersweet and has nearly succumb once or twice. Her lifelong friend Amy, trying so hard to matchmake over the years, tries not to let John Jenkins slip through Miss Reads' fingers but alas fails again. She gets great support from Henry Mawne, who has also been a suitor in the past but Miss Read also gently refused him. She looks forward to retirement with joy and some trepidation, however handles the situation very well. I hope there will be more stories from her in the not to distant future.

Absolutely gripping, 29 Oct 2007
I spent years looking for a book that would make me forget everything around me and I finally found this. Golding's story is absolutely gripping and of huge interest as it explores the dark depths of human nature. Here you can see how humanity disintegrates outside formal social bounderies.

Amazing., 09 Jul 2006
I read this book straight through, no stops. And I loved it. It is gripping, and even terrifying in some parts. His use of imagery and symbolism is practically an art, and this book perfectly conveys human nature, and it is vital that society is maintained, otherwise we slip into savagery. I really empathised with Ralph and his struggle to hold onto civilisation. Everything that happens is very real. I would recommend this book to anyone.

My bible for GCSE English!!!!!, 12 Mar 2001
I am currently studying GCSE English and was looking for a study guide to help me with "Lord of the Flies". I came across this one purely by chance and have never looked back. This book has taken me from not understandng any of the book and its meanings and implications to knowing exactly what things represent. The use of translating the complex language of the book into simple terms was fantastic.

This book is cheap and extremely useful and I would strongly recommend this to anyone studying the book. I originally, before I used this book, wrote and essay and I received a D grade, I then used this book to rewrite the essay and received an A* grade. Thats how well it works.

It was amazing!, 23 May 1999
If William Golding was alive today and I had the opportunity of meeting him, I would congratulate him on his amazing novel. The use of symbolism was so extremely explicit and perfectly written, it really made me think about society and where we would be without it. It was a novel which I have read over and over again and I will certainly never forget it as it showed me the origins of mankind and taught me to never, ever take anything for granted. Read and enjoy!

An excellent book for anyone from "littluns" to "bigguns"..., 08 Apr 1999
My English class has just finished reading Lord of the Flies, and the way Golding uses symbolism is amazing! EVERYTHING in this book is a symbol! Golding can see right into mans' evil and destructive nature. He shows us how destructive we can be by setting forests on fire, pushing boulders off cliffs, and childrens' games of throwing sand and rocks at each other. I enjoyed this book thoroughly and definitly recommend it for anyone. Read it! Golding's perspective of us humans is very thought-provoking. By the way...this book does not take place during WW2. Have you ever heard of an ejectable passenger tube on an airplane? No. He wrote it to be some time in the future--anytime actually. But time is not important. If it were a specific time it may not apply to us now in the present, but it does. It can apply to anyone, and that's how he wanted it to be.

Another gentle and charming book from my favourite author, 06 Feb 2002
A change in direction with not only retirement but marriage proposals as well for my most loved fictional character. With all of the Fairacre books, a book I have read over and over - only with particular sadness as it appears that this may be the final book. I found the illustrations a bit off putting - part of my love of Miss Read's books are due to J Goodall's beautiful illustrations - not that these are bad, just not what previous readers may be used to. My only complaint is that it is too short!

A lovely and entertaining read, a book to get lost in., 24 Oct 1999
Miss Read, again manages to captivate the feelings of those who to are approaching retirement; and also of those who aren't. Her characters are all someone you know in your own life. Always feeling that they could be so and so. I always felt as if I was included in the story, like I was a friend. I'm an avid reader of her books but it seems this is the last one? She puts such warmth and feeling into this book it spills out from every page. It is obvious that her friends are as devoted to her as she is to them whatever happens. The frequent requests of marriage from John Jenkins are bittersweet and has nearly succumb once or twice. Her lifelong friend Amy, trying so hard to matchmake over the years, tries not to let John Jenkins slip through Miss Reads' fingers but alas fails again. She gets great support from Henry Mawne, who has also been a suitor in the past but Miss Read also gently refused him. She looks forward to retirement with joy and some trepidation, however handles the situation very well. I hope there will be more stories from her in the not to distant future.

Absolutely gripping, 29 Oct 2007
I spent years looking for a book that would make me forget everything around me and I finally found this. Golding's story is absolutely gripping and of huge interest as it explores the dark depths of human nature. Here you can see how humanity disintegrates outside formal social bounderies.

Amazing., 09 Jul 2006
I read this book straight through, no stops. And I loved it. It is gripping, and even terrifying in some parts. His use of imagery and symbolism is practically an art, and this book perfectly conveys human nature, and it is vital that society is maintained, otherwise we slip into savagery. I really empathised with Ralph and his struggle to hold onto civilisation. Everything that happens is very real. I would recommend this book to anyone.

My bible for GCSE English!!!!!, 12 Mar 2001
I am currently studying GCSE English and was looking for a study guide to help me with "Lord of the Flies". I came across this one purely by chance and have never looked back. This book has taken me from not understandng any of the book and its meanings and implications to knowing exactly what things represent. The use of translating the complex language of the book into simple terms was fantastic.

This book is cheap and extremely useful and I would strongly recommend this to anyone studying the book. I originally, before I used this book, wrote and essay and I received a D grade, I then used this book to rewrite the essay and received an A* grade. Thats how well it works.

It was amazing!, 23 May 1999
If William Golding was alive today and I had the opportunity of meeting him, I would congratulate him on his amazing novel. The use of symbolism was so extremely explicit and perfectly written, it really made me think about society and where we would be without it. It was a novel which I have read over and over again and I will certainly never forget it as it showed me the origins of mankind and taught me to never, ever take anything for granted. Read and enjoy!

An excellent book for anyone from "littluns" to "bigguns"..., 08 Apr 1999
My English class has just finished reading Lord of the Flies, and the way Golding uses symbolism is amazing! EVERYTHING in this book is a symbol! Golding can see right into mans' evil and destructive nature. He shows us how destructive we can be by setting forests on fire, pushing boulders off cliffs, and childrens' games of throwing sand and rocks at each other. I enjoyed this book thoroughly and definitly recommend it for anyone. Read it! Golding's perspective of us humans is very thought-provoking. By the way...this book does not take place during WW2. Have you ever heard of an ejectable passenger tube on an airplane? No. He wrote it to be some time in the future--anytime actually. But time is not important. If it were a specific time it may not apply to us now in the present, but it does. It can apply to anyone, and that's how he wanted it to be.

What a delight., 24 Aug 2008

This book is just a wonderful collection of such charming stories. My eldest son is nearly 6 years and a fairly prolific reader but we have struggled to find books with enough words to challenge him but age appropriate storylines. Having not read Winnie the Pooh as a child myself I was a little sceptical but the stories are wonderful. The humour is gentle, the stories a delight, the text beautifully written. My eldest reads the book to himself, I read it to his younger brother. In short, we love it.

Fab for little ones... not for me, 18 May 2008
Meet the adorable, ponderous Pooh Bear; the cute, funny, little Piglet; the bouncy, lovable Tigger and everyone else who reside in the Hundred Acre Wood in this fabulous book with fabulous short stories about these fabulous characters' adventures.

As a little child I never really liked Winnie the Pooh but now, I am 10, I think it is great. I am not too fond of the Disney one but the one by AA Milne is great! I love EH Shepard's illustrations which really make the book lovely. I think this book was worth every penny - a real delight to read, especially at bedtime!

I love the story about when Piglet's home was floating because of the terrible rainstorm and it is ingenious how his friends get him back to land.


wonderful cast, delightful book, 08 Mar 2002
Judi Dench, Michael Williams, Stephen Fry et al obviously really enjoyed producing this dramatisation of Winnie the Pooh. It has been listened to over and over by our 2 year old, who fits all sorts of Pooh-isms into her developing conversation! - it's a lovely set of tapes, ideal for the car and a story you get more out of as you get older - without it being beyond the reach of little ones. If you like Winnie-the-Pooh, this cast does it well.

very insightful!, 25 Apr 2001
This book, never read as a young person (nor to me), has proven to be an invaluable source of insight into a lot of areas. In a world governed by numerous self-help books and alike, this book no doubt serves as solid and long-standing. l would have loved to have had this read to me as a child, l recommend every adult to read it, and then read it to their children.

"Here's a fact for you. According to the latest "Abstract of the United States", every year more than 400,00 Americans suffer injuries involving beds, mattresses or pillows...That is more people than live in greater Coventry. That is almost 2,000 bed, mattress or pillow injuries a day. In the time it takes you to read this article, four Americans will somehow manage to be wounded by their bedding."

Fans of Bill Bryson will know by now that this is the kind of completely useless information that gets him excited. In fact, you are unlikely to read anyone else who derives quite so much pleasure from meaningless statistics. If those statistics are about the USA (Bryson's homeland) or his adopted England--or even better, comparing one to the other--then he is in heaven. And it is not only the uselessness of the information that interests him, but also the fact that Americans spend millions of dollars and hours each year collecting such data together.

Though not a match for his earlier success of Notes from a Small Island, Notes from a Big Country takes a good second place. It collects together more than 18 months worth of Mail on Sunday columns which Bryson wrote between October 1996 and May 1998 after he and his English wife and children returned to the US and settled in New England. The only thing that outshines his amazement--and sometimes, outright dismay--at the way American society has changed while he's been away, is his English-born family's instant embracing of transatlantic culture.

A word of warning: reading Bill Bryson is not a spectator sport...you are invited-- in fact, compelled--to marvel at how the nation that "has the largest economy, the most comfortably off people, the best research facilities, many of the finest universities and think-tanks, and more Nobel Prize winners than the rest of the world put together" could be the same nation where "13 per cent of women...cannot say whether they wear their tights under their knickers or over them. That's something like 12 million women walking around in a state of chronic foundation garment uncertainty." This is Bryson at his best, and though not every column inch hits the heady heights of underwear distribution, there are enough laugh-out-loud moments to keep you satisfied.

Detractors of Bryson's work complain all his books are the same, yet dedicated followers cite that very uniformity of style and subject as the reason they return, book after book. Anyone disappointed by A Walk in the Woods (Bryson's account of hiking the Appalachian Trail and not his best book) will have their faith restored by Notes from a Big Country-- here Bryson returns to his favourite subject and the simple, journalistic prose that makes his wacky facts and observations instantly accessible.

Bryson does not pretend to deliver an intellectual treatise on the state of mankind; instead he offers one man's take on how humanity lurches from one day to another--ironically through the kinds of details he mocks others for collecting. --Lucie Naylor

Another gentle and charming book from my favourite author, 06 Feb 2002
A change in direction with not only retirement but marriage proposals as well for my most loved fictional character. With all of the Fairacre books, a book I have read over and over - only with particular sadness as it appears that this may be the final book. I found the illustrations a bit off putting - part of my love of Miss Read's books are due to J Goodall's beautiful illustrations - not that these are bad, just not what previous readers may be used to. My only complaint is that it is too short!

A lovely and entertaining read, a book to get lost in., 24 Oct 1999
Miss Read, again manages to captivate the feelings of those who to are approaching retirement; and also of those who aren't. Her characters are all someone you know in your own life. Always feeling that they could be so and so. I always felt as if I was included in the story, like I was a friend. I'm an avid reader of her books but it seems this is the last one? She puts such warmth and feeling into this book it spills out from every page. It is obvious that her friends are as devoted to her as she is to them whatever happens. The frequent requests of marriage from John Jenkins are bittersweet and has nearly succumb once or twice. Her lifelong friend Amy, trying so hard to matchmake over the years, tries not to let John Jenkins slip through Miss Reads' fingers but alas fails again. She gets great support from Henry Mawne, who has also been a suitor in the past but Miss Read also gently refused him. She looks forward to retirement with joy and some trepidation, however handles the situation very well. I hope there will be more stories from her in the not to distant future.

Absolutely gripping, 29 Oct 2007
I spent years looking for a book that would make me forget everything around me and I finally found this. Golding's story is absolutely gripping and of huge interest as it explores the dark depths of human nature. Here you can see how humanity disintegrates outside formal social bounderies.

Amazing., 09 Jul 2006
I read this book straight through, no stops. And I loved it. It is gripping, and even terrifying in some parts. His use of imagery and symbolism is practically an art, and this book perfectly conveys human nature, and it is vital that society is maintained, otherwise we slip into savagery. I really empathised with Ralph and his struggle to hold onto civilisation. Everything that happens is very real. I would recommend this book to anyone.

My bible for GCSE English!!!!!, 12 Mar 2001
I am currently studying GCSE English and was looking for a study guide to help me with "Lord of the Flies". I came across this one purely by chance and have never looked back. This book has taken me from not understandng any of the book and its meanings and implications to knowing exactly what things represent. The use of translating the complex language of the book into simple terms was fantastic.

This book is cheap and extremely useful and I would strongly recommend this to anyone studying the book. I originally, before I used this book, wrote and essay and I received a D grade, I then used this book to rewrite the essay and received an A* grade. Thats how well it works.

It was amazing!, 23 May 1999
If William Golding was alive today and I had the opportunity of meeting him, I would congratulate him on his amazing novel. The use of symbolism was so extremely explicit and perfectly written, it really made me think about society and where we would be without it. It was a novel which I have read over and over again and I will certainly never forget it as it showed me the origins of mankind and taught me to never, ever take anything for granted. Read and enjoy!

An excellent book for anyone from "littluns" to "bigguns"..., 08 Apr 1999
My English class has just finished reading Lord of the Flies, and the way Golding uses symbolism is amazing! EVERYTHING in this book is a symbol! Golding can see right into mans' evil and destructive nature. He shows us how destructive we can be by setting forests on fire, pushing boulders off cliffs, and childrens' games of throwing sand and rocks at each other. I enjoyed this book thoroughly and definitly recommend it for anyone. Read it! Golding's perspective of us humans is very thought-provoking. By the way...this book does not take place during WW2. Have you ever heard of an ejectable passenger tube on an airplane? No. He wrote it to be some time in the future--anytime actually. But time is not important. If it were a specific time it may not apply to us now in the present, but it does. It can apply to anyone, and that's how he wanted it to be.

What a delight., 24 Aug 2008

This book is just a wonderful collection of such charming stories. My eldest son is nearly 6 years and a fairly prolific reader but we have struggled to find books with enough words to challenge him but age appropriate storylines. Having not read Winnie the Pooh as a child myself I was a little sceptical but the stories are wonderful. The humour is gentle, the stories a delight, the text beautifully written. My eldest reads the book to himself, I read it to his younger brother. In short, we love it.

Fab for little ones... not for me, 18 May 2008
Meet the adorable, ponderous Pooh Bear; the cute, funny, little Piglet; the bouncy, lovable Tigger and everyone else who reside in the Hundred Acre Wood in this fabulous book with fabulous short stories about these fabulous characters' adventures.

As a little child I never really liked Winnie the Pooh but now, I am 10, I think it is great. I am not too fond of the Disney one but the one by AA Milne is great! I love EH Shepard's illustrations which really make the book lovely. I think this book was worth every penny - a real delight to read, especially at bedtime!

I love the story about when Piglet's home was floating because of the terrible rainstorm and it is ingenious how his friends get him back to land.


wonderful cast, delightful book, 08 Mar 2002
Judi Dench, Michael Williams, Stephen Fry et al obviously really enjoyed producing this dramatisation of Winnie the Pooh. It has been listened to over and over by our 2 year old, who fits all sorts of Pooh-isms into her developing conversation! - it's a lovely set of tapes, ideal for the car and a story you get more out of as you get older - without it being beyond the reach of little ones. If you like Winnie-the-Pooh, this cast does it well.

very insightful!, 25 Apr 2001
This book, never read as a young person (nor to me), has proven to be an invaluable source of insight into a lot of areas. In a world governed by numerous self-help books and alike, this book no doubt serves as solid and long-standing. l would have loved to have had this read to me as a child, l recommend every adult to read it, and then read it to their children.

Sheer brilliance, 20 Jun 2008
This is guaranteed to put a smile on virtually anyone's face.

Bryson's dry humour & witty observations of life's absurdity coupled with Kerry Shale's excellent delivery make this an easy winner.

The basic material is also very interesting so a wining combination all round.

I had this in the car & found myself sitting listening to it long after I had arrived at my destination - it's that good!

One of our fave honorary Brits goes home for a bit ..., 14 Apr 2008
Another tome of brilliantly sparkling gems from Bill Bryson. What I found funniest was that his wife and family, all born and raised in England, appeared to find American life like being let loose in a toyshop - reveling in becoming optimistic Americans. Whereas our Bill has absorbed so much Britishness in his twenty years here he has become an honorary Brit! This makes his exasperation with queuing, bad shop assistants, and bureaucracy of the US kind even funnier than ever. In some of the columns he tries to be more positive and these, as he admits, are the more sentimental. Would that each of the pieces were double the length though - I got through the pages just too fast.

Great read!, 01 Oct 2007
This title was chosen by my book club as this month's title & I was dreading reading it, as my previous encounter with Mr Bryson was 'A Short History of Nearly Everything' which I hated. I was really surprised how much I enjoyed this book. It has many laugh out loud moments like Bill's hatred of the barbers & love of motels & the US Postal Services' Customer Day. The 4 page chapters are ideal as he get's to cover a wide range of topics. From reading this I will definitely try some of Bryson's other titles. A great read.

A very funny, very clever, very snappy read., 09 Aug 2007
Bill Bryson has a somewhat unique point of view for writing a book on American life, born in America but living a long time in England before returning to America with his English wife and children. The result was a regular series of newspaper articles (unsure what newspaper) which are collected together here.
The articles are observant, witty, and wonderfully funny. Bryson is so normal and easy to relate to that the articles are infectiously funny, his strange obsessions and neuroses are not only hilarious but also quite sweet and infinitely endearing. His unique take on American life is what really drives the book since there's no continuous narrative of any kind due to the episodic structure.
I can't really describe the book in any particular detail except to say that this is something very funny that more than once an article is guaranteed to cripple you with laughter. You should really give this a try, you won't regret it.

Glad i live in Britain., 13 Jun 2007
Bill Bryson is a genius writer and yet again he has delivered entertainment and boredom relief in this book.I read it in a succession of three quarter hour work breaks - and the four page bite size chapters(78 in all)are ideal as you can always finish looking forward to a new chapter the next time you pick the book up.
Each story was originally an weekly article for a newspaper that Bill was roped into writing - but he will refer back to previous chapters as the book progresses.
The hilarious stories are about the frustrations and exasperation's and idiosyncrasies of living in the USA compared to when he lived here in the UK.Bill almost underplays himself making you realize that despite his fame and fortune he is a normal down to earth guy who struggles in life just like you and i.....Fantastic!.I'm gonna read another Bill Bryson book now!....whey hey!.

Another gentle and charming book from my favourite author, 06 Feb 2002
A change in direction with not only retirement but marriage proposals as well for my most loved fictional character. With all of the Fairacre books, a book I have read over and over - only with particular sadness as it appears that this may be the final book. I found the illustrations a bit off putting - part of my love of Miss Read's books are due to J Goodall's beautiful illustrations - not that these are bad, just not what previous readers may be used to. My only complaint is that it is too short!

A lovely and entertaining read, a book to get lost in., 24 Oct 1999
Miss Read, again manages to captivate the feelings of those who to are approaching retirement; and also of those who aren't. Her characters are all someone you know in your own life. Always feeling that they could be so and so. I always felt as if I was included in the story, like I was a friend. I'm an avid reader of her books but it seems this is the last one? She puts such warmth and feeling into this book it spills out from every page. It is obvious that her friends are as devoted to her as she is to them whatever happens. The frequent requests of marriage from John Jenkins are bittersweet and has nearly succumb once or twice. Her lifelong friend Amy, trying so hard to matchmake over the years, tries not to let John Jenkins slip through Miss Reads' fingers but alas fails again. She gets great support from Henry Mawne, who has also been a suitor in the past but Miss Read also gently refused him. She looks forward to retirement with joy and some trepidation, however handles the situation very well. I hope there will be more stories from her in the not to distant future.

Absolutely gripping, 29 Oct 2007
I spent years looking for a book that would make me forget everything around me and I finally found this. Golding's story is absolutely gripping and of huge interest as it explores the dark depths of human nature. Here you can see how humanity disintegrates outside formal social bounderies.

Amazing., 09 Jul 2006
I read this book straight through, no stops. And I loved it. It is gripping, and even terrifying in some parts. His use of imagery and symbolism is practically an art, and this book perfectly conveys human nature, and it is vital that society is maintained, otherwise we slip into savagery. I really empathised with Ralph and his struggle to hold onto civilisation. Everything that happens is very real. I would recommend this book to anyone.

My bible for GCSE English!!!!!, 12 Mar 2001
I am currently studying GCSE English and was looking for a study guide to help me with "Lord of the Flies". I came across this one purely by chance and have never looked back. This book has taken me from not understandng any of the book and its meanings and implications to knowing exactly what things represent. The use of translating the complex language of the book into simple terms was fantastic.

This book is cheap and extremely useful and I would strongly recommend this to anyone studying the book. I originally, before I used this book, wrote and essay and I received a D grade, I then used this book to rewrite the essay and received an A* grade. Thats how well it works.

It was amazing!, 23 May 1999
If William Golding was alive today and I had the opportunity of meeting him, I would congratulate him on his amazing novel. The use of symbolism was so extremely explicit and perfectly written, it really made me think about society and where we would be without it. It was a novel which I have read over and over again and I will certainly never forget it as it showed me the origins of mankind and taught me to never, ever take anything for granted. Read and enjoy!

An excellent book for anyone from "littluns" to "bigguns"..., 08 Apr 1999
My English class has just finished reading Lord of the Flies, and the way Golding uses symbolism is amazing! EVERYTHING in this book is a symbol! Golding can see right into mans' evil and destructive nature. He shows us how destructive we can be by setting forests on fire, pushing boulders off cliffs, and childrens' games of throwing sand and rocks at each other. I enjoyed this book thoroughly and definitly recommend it for anyone. Read it! Golding's perspective of us humans is very thought-provoking. By the way...this book does not take place during WW2. Have you ever heard of an ejectable passenger tube on an airplane? No. He wrote it to be some time in the future--anytime actually. But time is not important. If it were a specific time it may not apply to us now in the present, but it does. It can apply to anyone, and that's how he wanted it to be.

What a delight., 24 Aug 2008

This book is just a wonderful collection of such charming stories. My eldest son is nearly 6 years and a fairly prolific reader but we have struggled to find books with enough words to challenge him but age appropriate storylines. Having not read Winnie the Pooh as a child myself I was a little sceptical but the stories are wonderful. The humour is gentle, the stories a delight, the text beautifully written. My eldest reads the book to himself, I read it to his younger brother. In short, we love it.

Fab for little ones... not for me, 18 May 2008
Meet the adorable, ponderous Pooh Bear; the cute, funny, little Piglet; the bouncy, lovable Tigger and everyone else who reside in the Hundred Acre Wood in this fabulous book with fabulous short stories about these fabulous characters' adventures.

As a little child I never really liked Winnie the Pooh but now, I am 10, I think it is great. I am not too fond of the Disney one but the one by AA Milne is great! I love EH Shepard's illustrations which really make the book lovely. I think this book was worth every penny - a real delight to read, especially at bedtime!

I love the story about when Piglet's home was floating because of the terrible rainstorm and it is ingenious how his friends get him back to land.


wonderful cast, delightful book, 08 Mar 2002
Judi Dench, Michael Williams, Stephen Fry et al obviously really enjoyed producing this dramatisation of Winnie the Pooh. It has been listened to over and over by our 2 year old, who fits all sorts of Pooh-isms into her developing conversation! - it's a lovely set of tapes, ideal for the car and a story you get more out of as you get older - without it being beyond the reach of little ones. If you like Winnie-the-Pooh, this cast does it well.

very insightful!, 25 Apr 2001
This book, never read as a young person (nor to me), has proven to be an invaluable source of insight into a lot of areas. In a world governed by numerous self-help books and alike, this book no doubt serves as solid and long-standing. l would have loved to have had this read to me as a child, l recommend every adult to read it, and then read it to their children.

Sheer brilliance, 20 Jun 2008
This is guaranteed to put a smile on virtually anyone's face.

Bryson's dry humour & witty observations of life's absurdity coupled with Kerry Shale's excellent delivery make this an easy winner.

The basic material is also very interesting so a wining combination all round.

I had this in the car & found myself sitting listening to it long after I had arrived at my destination - it's that good!

One of our fave honorary Brits goes home for a bit ..., 14 Apr 2008
Another tome of brilliantly sparkling gems from Bill Bryson. What I found funniest was that his wife and family, all born and raised in England, appeared to find American life like being let loose in a toyshop - reveling in becoming optimistic Americans. Whereas our Bill has absorbed so much Britishness in his twenty years here he has become an honorary Brit! This makes his exasperation with queuing, bad shop assistants, and bureaucracy of the US kind even funnier than ever. In some of the columns he tries to be more positive and these, as he admits, are the more sentimental. Would that each of the pieces were double the length though - I got through the pages just too fast.

Great read!, 01 Oct 2007
This title was chosen by my book club as this month's title & I was dreading reading it, as my previous encounter with Mr Bryson was 'A Short History of Nearly Everything' which I hated. I was really surprised how much I enjoyed this book. It has many laugh out loud moments like Bill's hatred of the barbers & love of motels & the US Postal Services' Customer Day. The 4 page chapters are ideal as he get's to cover a wide range of topics. From reading this I will definitely try some of Bryson's other titles. A great read.

A very funny, very clever, very snappy read., 09 Aug 2007
Bill Bryson has a somewhat unique point of view for writing a book on American life, born in America but living a long time in England before returning to America with his English wife and children. The result was a regular series of newspaper articles (unsure what newspaper) which are collected together here.
The articles are observant, witty, and wonderfully funny. Bryson is so normal and easy to relate to that the articles are infectiously funny, his strange obsessions and neuroses are not only hilarious but also quite sweet and infinitely endearing. His unique take on American life is what really drives the book since there's no continuous narrative of any kind due to the episodic structure.
I can't really describe the book in any particular detail except to say that this is something very funny that more than once an article is guaranteed to cripple you with laughter. You should really give this a try, you won't regret it.

Glad i live in Britain., 13 Jun 2007
Bill Bryson is a genius writer and yet again he has delivered entertainment and boredom relief in this book.I read it in a succession of three quarter hour work breaks - and the four page bite size chapters(78 in all)are ideal as you can always finish looking forward to a new chapter the next time you pick the book up.
Each story was originally an weekly article for a newspaper that Bill was roped into writing - but he will refer back to previous chapters as the book progresses.
The hilarious stories are about the frustrations and exasperation's and idiosyncrasies of living in the USA compared to when he lived here in the UK.Bill almost underplays himself making you realize that despite his fame and fortune he is a normal down to earth guy who struggles in life just like you and i.....Fantastic!.I'm gonna read another Bill Bryson book now!....whey hey!.

Very pleased Mitford fan, 11 Oct 2003
This is one of my favourite books so I was very nervous about listening to an abridged reading. My fears were unfounded - Prunella Scales does a marvellous job (although I would still have preferred it to have been unabridged).

Amusing comedy of love and manners, 16 May 2002
Rather to my surprise, I enjoyed this book immensely. It is the story of Fanny and her relationship with the Montdores, particularly the beautiful daughter, Polly, and her mother, in their search for love. It is still very funny; it made me laugh out aloud a few times. The language is a little dated (eggy-peggy; I'm aching; can I bend you), but even that becomes quaint after a while. It's written in a breathless, charming style, and all the characters are vivid and memorable. Still, remember, eat the rich.

Very Very Amusing, 06 Apr 2001
I read this book after watching the TV dramatisation and found it incredibly humourous. Uncle Matthew, Davey and Cedric Hampton are such amusing characters that I burst out laughing on the bus almost everytime I opened the book.

Reviewing classics is always different..., 09 Feb 2001
Always different reviewing classics but Love in a Cold Climate is much more fun than Pursuit of Love, it's less involved in the relationships of one woman than its prequel and more plainly funny - quite like a feminine PG Wodehouse in parts

A great read

Another gentle and charming book from my favourite author, 06 Feb 2002
A change in direction with not only retirement but marriage proposals as well for my most loved fictional character. With all of the Fairacre books, a book I have read over and over - only with particular sadness as it appears that this may be the final book. I found the illustrations a bit off putting - part of my love of Miss Read's books are due to J Goodall's beautiful illustrations - not that these are bad, just not what previous readers may be used to. My only complaint is that it is too short!

A lovely and entertaining read, a book to get lost in., 24 Oct 1999
Miss Read, again manages to captivate the feelings of those who to are approaching retirement; and also of those who aren't. Her characters are all someone you know in your own life. Always feeling that they could be so and so. I always felt as if I was included in the story, like I was a friend. I'm an avid reader of her books but it seems this is the last one? She puts such warmth and feeling into this book it spills out from every page. It is obvious that her friends are as devoted to her as she is to them whatever happens. The frequent requests of marriage from John Jenkins are bittersweet and has nearly succumb once or twice. Her lifelong friend Amy, trying so hard to matchmake over the years, tries not to let John Jenkins slip through Miss Reads' fingers but alas fails again. She gets great support from Henry Mawne, who has also been a suitor in the past but Miss Read also gently refused him. She looks forward to retirement with joy and some trepidation, however handles the situation very well. I hope there will be more stories from her in the not to distant future.

Absolutely gripping, 29 Oct 2007
I spent years looking for a book that would make me forget everything around me and I finally found this. Golding's story is absolutely gripping and of huge interest as it explores the dark depths of human nature. Here you can see how humanity disintegrates outside formal social bounderies.

Amazing., 09 Jul 2006
I read this book straight through, no stops. And I loved it. It is gripping, and even terrifying in some parts. His use of imagery and symbolism is practically an art, and this book perfectly conveys human nature, and it is vital that society is maintained, otherwise we slip into savagery. I really empathised with Ralph and his struggle to hold onto civilisation. Everything that happens is very real. I would recommend this book to anyone.

My bible for GCSE English!!!!!, 12 Mar 2001
I am currently studying GCSE English and was looking for a study guide to help me with "Lord of the Flies". I came across this one purely by chance and have never looked back. This book has taken me from not understandng any of the book and its meanings and implications to knowing exactly what things represent. The use of translating the complex language of the book into simple terms was fantastic.

This book is cheap and extremely useful and I would strongly recommend this to anyone studying the book. I originally, before I used this book, wrote and essay and I received a D grade, I then used this book to rewrite the essay and received an A* grade. Thats how well it works.

It was amazing!, 23 May 1999
If William Golding was alive today and I had the opportunity of meeting him, I would congratulate him on his amazing novel. The use of symbolism was so extremely explicit and perfectly written, it really made me think about society and where we would be without it. It was a novel which I have read over and over again and I will certainly never forget it as it showed me the origins of mankind and taught me to never, ever take anything for granted. Read and enjoy!

An excellent book for anyone from "littluns" to "bigguns"..., 08 Apr 1999
My English class has just finished reading Lord of the Flies, and the way Golding uses symbolism is amazing! EVERYTHING in this book is a symbol! Golding can see right into mans' evil and destructive nature. He shows us how destructive we can be by setting forests on fire, pushing boulders off cliffs, and childrens' games of throwing sand and rocks at each other. I enjoyed this book thoroughly and definitly recommend it for anyone. Read it! Golding's perspective of us humans is very thought-provoking. By the way...this book does not take place during WW2. Have you ever heard of an ejectable passenger tube on an airplane? No. He wrote it to be some time in the future--anytime actually. But time is not important. If it were a specific time it may not apply to us now in the present, but it does. It can apply to anyone, and that's how he wanted it to be.

What a delight., 24 Aug 2008

This book is just a wonderful collection of such charming stories. My eldest son is nearly 6 years and a fairly prolific reader but we have struggled to find books with enough words to challenge him but age appropriate storylines. Having not read Winnie the Pooh as a child myself I was a little sceptical but the stories are wonderful. The humour is gentle, the stories a delight, the text beautifully written. My eldest reads the book to himself, I read it to his younger brother. In short, we love it.

Fab for little ones... not for me, 18 May 2008
Meet the adorable, ponderous Pooh Bear; the cute, funny, little Piglet; the bouncy, lovable Tigger and everyone else who reside in the Hundred Acre Wood in this fabulous book with fabulous short stories about these fabulous characters' adventures.

As a little child I never really liked Winnie the Pooh but now, I am 10, I think it is great. I am not too fond of the Disney one but the one by AA Milne is great! I love EH Shepard's illustrations which really make the book lovely. I think this book was worth every penny - a real delight to read, especially at bedtime!

I love the story about when Piglet's home was floating because of the terrible rainstorm and it is ingenious how his friends get him back to land.


wonderful cast, delightful book, 08 Mar 2002
Judi Dench, Michael Williams, Stephen Fry et al obviously really enjoyed producing this dramatisation of Winnie the Pooh. It has been listened to over and over by our 2 year old, who fits all sorts of Pooh-isms into her developing conversation! - it's a lovely set of tapes, ideal for the car and a story you get more out of as you get older - without it being beyond the reach of little ones. If you like Winnie-the-Pooh, this cast does it well.

very insightful!, 25 Apr 2001
This book, never read as a young person (nor to me), has proven to be an invaluable source of insight into a lot of areas. In a world governed by numerous self-help books and alike, this book no doubt serves as solid and long-standing. l would have loved to have had this read to me as a child, l recommend every adult to read it, and then read it to their children.

Sheer brilliance, 20 Jun 2008
This is guaranteed to put a smile on virtually anyone's face.

Bryson's dry humour & witty observations of life's absurdity coupled with Kerry Shale's excellent delivery make this an easy winner.

The basic material is also very interesting so a wining combination all round.

I had this in the car & found myself sitting listening to it long after I had arrived at my destination - it's that good!

One of our fave honorary Brits goes home for a bit ..., 14 Apr 2008
Another tome of brilliantly sparkling gems from Bill Bryson. What I found funniest was that his wife and family, all born and raised in England, appeared to find American life like being let loose in a toyshop - reveling in becoming optimistic Americans. Whereas our Bill has absorbed so much Britishness in his twenty years here he has become an honorary Brit! This makes his exasperation with queuing, bad shop assistants, and bureaucracy of the US kind even funnier than ever. In some of the columns he tries to be more positive and these, as he admits, are the more sentimental. Would that each of the pieces were double the length though - I got through the pages just too fast.

Great read!, 01 Oct 2007
This title was chosen by my book club as this month's title & I was dreading reading it, as my previous encounter with Mr Bryson was 'A Short History of Nearly Everything' which I hated. I was really surprised how much I enjoyed this book. It has many laugh out loud moments like Bill's hatred of the barbers & love of motels & the US Postal Services' Customer Day. The 4 page chapters are ideal as he get's to cover a wide range of topics. From reading this I will definitely try some of Bryson's other titles. A great read.

A very funny, very clever, very snappy read., 09 Aug 2007
Bill Bryson has a somewhat unique point of view for writing a book on American life, born in America but living a long time in England before returning to America with his English wife and children. The result was a regular series of newspaper articles (unsure what newspaper) which are collected together here.
The articles are observant, witty, and wonderfully funny. Bryson is so normal and easy to relate to that the articles are infectiously funny, his strange obsessions and neuroses are not only hilarious but also quite sweet and infinitely endearing. His unique take on American life is what really drives the book since there's no continuous narrative of any kind due to the episodic structure.
I can't really describe the book in any particular detail except to say that this is something very funny that more than once an article is guaranteed to cripple you with laughter. You should really give this a try, you won't regret it.

Glad i live in Britain., 13 Jun 2007
Bill Bryson is a genius writer and yet again he has delivered entertainment and boredom relief in this book.I read it in a succession of three quarter hour work breaks - and the four page bite size chapters(78 in all)are ideal as you can always finish looking forward to a new chapter the next time you pick the book up.
Each story was originally an weekly article for a newspaper that Bill was roped into writing - but he will refer back to previous chapters as the book progresses.
The hilarious stories are about the frustrations and exasperation's and idiosyncrasies of living in the USA compared to when he lived here in the UK.Bill almost underplays himself making you realize that despite his fame and fortune he is a normal down to earth guy who struggles in life just like you and i.....Fantastic!.I'm gonna read another Bill Bryson book now!....whey hey!.

Very pleased Mitford fan, 11 Oct 2003
This is one of my favourite books so I was very nervous about listening to an abridged reading. My fears were unfounded - Prunella Scales does a marvellous job (although I would still have preferred it to have been unabridged).

Amusing comedy of love and manners, 16 May 2002
Rather to my surprise, I enjoyed this book immensely. It is the story of Fanny and her relationship with the Montdores, particularly the beautiful daughter, Polly, and her mother, in their search for love. It is still very funny; it made me laugh out aloud a few times. The language is a little dated (eggy-peggy; I'm aching; can I bend you), but even that becomes quaint after a while. It's written in a breathless, charming style, and all the characters are vivid and memorable. Still, remember, eat the rich.

Very Very Amusing, 06 Apr 2001
I read this book after watching the TV dramatisation and found it incredibly humourous. Uncle Matthew, Davey and Cedric Hampton are such amusing characters that I burst out laughing on the bus almost everytime I opened the book.

Reviewing classics is always different..., 09 Feb 2001
Always different reviewing classics but Love in a Cold Climate is much more fun than Pursuit of Love, it's less involved in the relationships of one woman than its prequel and more plainly funny - quite like a feminine PG Wodehouse in parts

A great read

MOAB CLEANS UP!, 08 Dec 2007
Stephen Fry`s autobiography is astonishingly frank, very funny and tremendously touching by turns - his life of crime is treated with a frankness which seeks no sympathy and the torments of adolescense leave no stone unturned. Throughout we feel that Stephen is talking to us as the sort of erudite yet unselfconscious companion one would love to spend time with of an evening in a firelit country pub. I hope it won`t be too much longer before the sequel comes out!

Mick Drake author of the comic novel All`s Well at Wellwithoute

A truly great autobiography, 01 Jun 2004
I read The Liar and The Hippopotamus and found them a little too flowery for my liking, but then I'm not a great novel reader anyway. The pages of this book, on the other hand, turned so quickly, I thought they might catch fire.

As another reviewer stated, his frequent ramblings off the main thread of the story are sheer joy and make you feel he is in the room talking to you. And he can't resist teaching us a new word by including it then demonstrating its meaning e.g. rhotacism, or explicitly correcting a widely used grammatical or spelling error! All very familiar Fry stuff.

Stephen says himself that his life is at once as unremarkable as they come and stranger than fiction, when you put it down at the end, you feel he is spot on. Only once towards the very end did I see a quality in him that you could be unashamedly proud of.

Don't worry if you don't like his novels, this is one of the most absorbing and satisfying autobiographies ever written.

'A little to much information', as they say., 25 May 2004
I have always been something of a fan of Stephen Fry and this was the first, but not the last, of his books that I was to read. The phrase that comes to mind is 'to much information'. Although he has clearly had an interesting life, I'm not sure it was in his, or my, best interests for him to write it all down. I imagine it was something of a therapy for him, which if I remember resulted in him disappearing for some time. Quite understandable. I'm no prude, but parts of this book where reminiscent of the potting shed scene in the film 'Scum'. Contrary to other reviews I didn't find too much to laugh at in the book and felt it lacked the qualities of Stephen Fry I find so appealing. I have read several of his other books, which I more than enjoyed and thought where very well written. I would recommend these books, but unfortunately not this one.

This book changed my life, 14 Dec 2003
I first read this book when I was thirteen, desperately in unrequited love (although with an older, not a younger man) and wracked with teenage angst. No one understood me, I had no religion, no one to talk to and this love took up my every waking thought. What a relief then, to stumble upon this masterpiece and realise that I wasn't completely alone in the world.

I totally understood everything that Stephen had to say about the world, he made more sense than anybody ever had before. It seemed strange that the man who understood me most in the entire universe wasn't my own father, or even the object of my thirteen year old affections, but this man twenty-eight years my senior that I had never met and had nothing in common with.

You'll be pleased to hear that I'm almost nineteen now, and although not out of my teenage years, I'm out of my teenage angst. I still love the man who inspired those thirteen year old tears, but he loves me too these days, and I feel somewhere deep down, that if Stephen knew, it might inspire a smile. Thanks Stephen.

Also, could I speak for everyone in saying I'm well on my way to being Anonymous Amazon Book Reviewer BA (Hons) in English Literature, I'm not a daft carrot, and I found the idea of stripping a gooseberry bush faster than a priest could strip a choir boy very funny indeed.

The picture of Dorian Fry, 04 Aug 2003
A couple of months ago, I met an english student at a party who was completely delirious about Stephen Fry. She made me feel this was really an author that could not be missed and hailed "Moab" as a genuine masterpiece. I just finished it, and I really wonder: why? Why? WHY? Why did everybody give this light, lazy and narcissistic novel five stars?

Everything about this "autobiography" is constructed, fake and banal. This book is basically an endless enumeration of boyhood traumas which include homosexuality, being jew, the size of Frys manhood (too small, duh), full details of his "deflowering", his suicide attempt and journey to prison. We read uninspired, mandatory descriptions on how lucky he is with his parents and how he caused them so much pain. But most pages are devoted to anecdotes illustrating what a witty and tormented genius he actually is.

The most irritating characteristic of this book is Frys inability to hold a plotline. From page one, we get flashbacks, flashforwards and rococo embellishments. When he falls in love, Fry spends pages to describe how its like "the chord Max Steinder brings in when Bogart catches sight of Bergman, the swell and surge of the Liebestod from Tristan, Liszts sonata in B minor". Etcetera. Etcetera. And of course, for Fry a page is lost if theres no gag. So be prepared to countless platitudes such as "My mother can strip a gooseberry bush quicker than a priest can strip a choirboy". If you think this is funny, dont bother my review. Youll love the book.

Another gentle and charming book from my favourite author, 06 Feb 2002
A change in direction with not only retirement but marriage proposals as well for my most loved fictional character. With all of the Fairacre books, a book I have read over and over - only with particular sadness as it appears that this may be the final book. I found the illustrations a bit off putting - part of my love of Miss Read's books are due to J Goodall's beautiful illustrations - not that these are bad, just not what previous readers may be used to. My only complaint is that it is too short!

A lovely and entertaining read, a book to get lost in., 24 Oct 1999
Miss Read, again manages to captivate the feelings of those who to are approaching retirement; and also of those who aren't. Her characters are all someone you know in your own life. Always feeling that they could be so and so. I always felt as if I was included in the story, like I was a friend. I'm an avid reader of her books but it seems this is the last one? She puts such warmth and feeling into this book it spills out from every page. It is obvious that her friends are as devoted to her as she is to them whatever happens. The frequent requests of marriage from John Jenkins are bittersweet and has nearly succumb once or twice. Her lifelong friend Amy, trying so hard to matchmake over the years, tries not to let John Jenkins slip through Miss Reads' fingers but alas fails again. She gets great support from Henry Mawne, who has also been a suitor in the past but Miss Read also gently refused him. She looks forward to retirement with joy and some trepidation, however handles the situation very well. I hope there will be more stories from her in the not to distant future.

Absolutely gripping, 29 Oct 2007
I spent years looking for a book that would make me forget everything around me and I finally found this. Golding's story is absolutely gripping and of huge interest as it explores the dark depths of human nature. Here you can see how humanity disintegrates outside formal social bounderies.

Amazing., 09 Jul 2006
I read this book straight through, no stops. And I loved it. It is gripping, and even terrifying in some parts. His use of imagery and symbolism is practically an art, and this book perfectly conveys human nature, and it is vital that society is maintained, otherwise we slip into savagery. I really empathised with Ralph and his struggle to hold onto civilisation. Everything that happens is very real. I would recommend this book to anyone.

My bible for GCSE English!!!!!, 12 Mar 2001
I am currently studying GCSE English and was looking for a study guide to help me with "Lord of the Flies". I came across this one purely by chance and have never looked back. This book has taken me from not understandng any of the book and its meanings and implications to knowing exactly what things represent. The use of translating the complex language of the book into simple terms was fantastic.

This book is cheap and extremely useful and I would strongly recommend this to anyone studying the book. I originally, before I used this book, wrote and essay and I received a D grade, I then used this book to rewrite the essay and received an A* grade. Thats how well it works.

It was amazing!, 23 May 1999
If William Golding was alive today and I had the opportunity of meeting him, I would congratulate him on his amazing novel. The use of symbolism was so extremely explicit and perfectly written, it really made me think about society and where we would be without it. It was a novel which I have read over and over again and I will certainly never forget it as it showed me the origins of mankind and taught me to never, ever take anything for granted. Read and enjoy!

An excellent book for anyone from "littluns" to "bigguns"..., 08 Apr 1999
My English class has just finished reading Lord of the Flies, and the way Golding uses symbolism is amazing! EVERYTHING in this book is a symbol! Golding can see right into mans' evil and destructive nature. He shows us how destructive we can be by setting forests on fire, pushing boulders off cliffs, and childrens' games of throwing sand and rocks at each other. I enjoyed this book thoroughly and definitly recommend it for anyone. Read it! Golding's perspective of us humans is very thought-provoking. By the way...this book does not take place during WW2. Have you ever heard of an ejectable passenger tube on an airplane? No. He wrote it to be some time in the future--anytime actually. But time is not important. If it were a specific time it may not apply to us now in the present, but it does. It can apply to anyone, and that's how he wanted it to be.

What a delight., 24 Aug 2008

This book is just a wonderful collection of such charming stories. My eldest son is nearly 6 years and a fairly prolific reader but we have struggled to find books with enough words to challenge him but age appropriate storylines. Having not read Winnie the Pooh as a child myself I was a little sceptical but the stories are wonderful. The humour is gentle, the stories a delight, the text beautifully written. My eldest reads the book to himself, I read it to his younger brother. In short, we love it.

Fab for little ones... not for me, 18 May 2008
Meet the adorable, ponderous Pooh Bear; the cute, funny, little Piglet; the bouncy, lovable Tigger and everyone else who reside in the Hundred Acre Wood in this fabulous book with fabulous short stories about these fabulous characters' adventures.

As a little child I never really liked Winnie the Pooh but now, I am 10, I think it is great. I am not too fond of the Disney one but the one by AA Milne is great! I love EH Shepard's illustrations which really make the book lovely. I think this book was worth every penny - a real delight to read, especially at bedtime!

I love the story about when Piglet's home was floating because of the terrible rainstorm and it is ingenious how his friends get him back to land.


wonderful cast, delightful book, 08 Mar 2002
Judi Dench, Michael Williams, Stephen Fry et al obviously really enjoyed producing this dramatisation of Winnie the Pooh. It has been listened to over and over by our 2 year old, who fits all sorts of Pooh-isms into her developing conversation! - it's a lovely set of tapes, ideal for the car and a story you get more out of as you get older - without it being beyond the reach of little ones. If you like Winnie-the-Pooh, this cast does it well.

very insightful!, 25 Apr 2001
This book, never read as a young person (nor to me), has proven to be an invaluable source of insight into a lot of areas. In a world governed by numerous self-help books and alike, this book no doubt serves as solid and long-standing. l would have loved to have had this read to me as a child, l recommend every adult to read it, and then read it to their children.

Sheer brilliance, 20 Jun 2008
This is guaranteed to put a smile on virtually anyone's face.

Bryson's dry humour & witty observations of life's absurdity coupled with Kerry Shale's excellent delivery make this an easy winner.

The basic material is also very interesting so a wining combination all round.

I had this in the car & found myself sitting listening to it long after I had arrived at my destination - it's that good!

One of our fave honorary Brits goes home for a bit ..., 14 Apr 2008
Another tome of brilliantly sparkling gems from Bill Bryson. What I found funniest was that his wife and family, all born and raised in England, appeared to find American life like being let loose in a toyshop - reveling in becoming optimistic Americans. Whereas our Bill has absorbed so much Britishness in his twenty years here he has become an honorary Brit! This makes his exasperation with queuing, bad shop assistants, and bureaucracy of the US kind even funnier than ever. In some of the columns he tries to be more positive and these, as he admits, are the more sentimental. Would that each of the pieces were double the length though - I got through the pages just too fast.

Great read!, 01 Oct 2007
This title was chosen by my book club as this month's title & I was dreading reading it, as my previous encounter with Mr Bryson was 'A Short History of Nearly Everything' which I hated. I was really surprised how much I enjoyed this book. It has many laugh out loud moments like Bill's hatred of the barbers & love of motels & the US Postal Services' Customer Day. The 4 page chapters are ideal as he get's to cover a wide range of topics. From reading this I will definitely try some of Bryson's other titles. A great read.

A very funny, very clever, very snappy read., 09 Aug 2007
Bill Bryson has a somewhat unique point of view for writing a book on American life, born in America but living a long time in England before returning to America with his English wife and children. The result was a regular series of newspaper articles (unsure what newspaper) which are collected together here.
The articles are observant, witty, and wonderfully funny. Bryson is so normal and easy to relate to that the articles are infectiously funny, his strange obsessions and neuroses are not only hilarious but also quite sweet and infinitely endearing. His unique take on American life is what really drives the book since there's no continuous narrative of any kind due to the episodic structure.
I can't really describe the book in any particular detail except to say that this is something very funny that more than once an article is guaranteed to cripple you with laughter. You should really give this a try, you won't regret it.

Glad i live in Britain., 13 Jun 2007
Bill Bryson is a genius writer and yet again he has delivered entertainment and boredom relief in this book.I read it in a succession of three quarter hour work breaks - and the four page bite size chapters(78 in all)are ideal as you can always finish looking forward to a new chapter the next time you pick the book up.
Each story was originally an weekly article for a newspaper that Bill was roped into writing - but he will refer back to previous chapters as the book progresses.
The hilarious stories are about the frustrations and exasperation's and idiosyncrasies of living in the USA compared to when he lived here in the UK.Bill almost underplays himself making you realize that despite his fame and fortune he is a normal down to earth guy who struggles in life just like you and i.....Fantastic!.I'm gonna read another Bill Bryson book now!....whey hey!.

Very pleased Mitford fan, 11 Oct 2003
This is one of my favourite books so I was very nervous about listening to an abridged reading. My fears were unfounded - Prunella Scales does a marvellous job (although I would still have preferred it to have been unabridged).

Amusing comedy of love and manners, 16 May 2002
Rather to my surprise, I enjoyed this book immensely. It is the story of Fanny and her relationship with the Montdores, particularly the beautiful daughter, Polly, and her mother, in their search for love. It is still very funny; it made me laugh out aloud a few times. The language is a little dated (eggy-peggy; I'm aching; can I bend you), but even that becomes quaint after a while. It's written in a breathless, charming style, and all the characters are vivid and memorable. Still, remember, eat the rich.

Very Very Amusing, 06 Apr 2001
I read this book after watching the TV dramatisation and found it incredibly humourous. Uncle Matthew, Davey and Cedric Hampton are such amusing characters that I burst out laughing on the bus almost everytime I opened the book.

Reviewing classics is always different..., 09 Feb 2001
Always different reviewing classics but Love in a Cold Climate is much more fun than Pursuit of Love, it's less involved in the relationships of one woman than its prequel and more plainly funny - quite like a feminine PG Wodehouse in parts

A great read

MOAB CLEANS UP!, 08 Dec 2007
Stephen Fry`s autobiography is astonishingly frank, very funny and tremendously touching by turns - his life of crime is treated with a frankness which seeks no sympathy and the torments of adolescense leave no stone unturned. Throughout we feel that Stephen is talking to us as the sort of erudite yet unselfconscious companion one would love to spend time with of an evening in a firelit country pub. I hope it won`t be too much longer before the sequel comes out!

Mick Drake author of the comic novel All`s Well at Wellwithoute

A truly great autobiography, 01 Jun 2004
I read The Liar and The Hippopotamus and found them a little too flowery for my liking, but then I'm not a great novel reader anyway. The pages of this book, on the other hand, turned so quickly, I thought they might catch fire.

As another reviewer stated, his frequent ramblings off the main thread of the story are sheer joy and make you feel he is in the room talking to you. And he can't resist teaching us a new word by including it then demonstrating its meaning e.g. rhotacism, or explicitly correcting a widely used grammatical or spelling error! All very familiar Fry stuff.

Stephen says himself that his life is at once as unremarkable as they come and stranger than fiction, when you put it down at the end, you feel he is spot on. Only once towards the very end did I see a quality in him that you could be unashamedly proud of.

Don't worry if you don't like his novels, this is one of the most absorbing and satisfying autobiographies ever written.

'A little to much information', as they say., 25 May 2004
I have always been something of a fan of Stephen Fry and this was the first, but not the last, of his books that I was to read. The phrase that comes to mind is 'to much information'. Although he has clearly had an interesting life, I'm not sure it was in his, or my, best interests for him to write it all down. I imagine it was something of a therapy for him, which if I remember resulted in him disappearing for some time. Quite understandable. I'm no prude, but parts of this book where reminiscent of the potting shed scene in the film 'Scum'. Contrary to other reviews I didn't find too much to laugh at in the book and felt it lacked the qualities of Stephen Fry I find so appealing. I have read several of his other books, which I more than enjoyed and thought where very well written. I would recommend these books, but unfortunately not this one.

This book changed my life, 14 Dec 2003
I first read this book when I was thirteen, desperately in unrequited love (although with an older, not a younger man) and wracked with teenage angst. No one understood me, I had no religion, no one to talk to and this love took up my every waking thought. What a relief then, to stumble upon this masterpiece and realise that I wasn't completely alone in the world.

I totally understood everything that Stephen had to say about the world, he made more sense than anybody ever had before. It seemed strange that the man who understood me most in the entire universe wasn't my own father, or even the object of my thirteen year old affections, but this man twenty-eight years my senior that I had never met and had nothing in common with.

You'll be pleased to hear that I'm almost nineteen now, and although not out of my teenage years, I'm out of my teenage angst. I still love the man who inspired those thirteen year old tears, but he loves me too these days, and I feel somewhere deep down, that if Stephen knew, it might inspire a smile. Thanks Stephen.

Also, could I speak for everyone in saying I'm well on my way to being Anonymous Amazon Book Reviewer BA (Hons) in English Literature, I'm not a daft carrot, and I found the idea of stripping a gooseberry bush faster than a priest could strip a choir boy very funny indeed.

The picture of Dorian Fry, 04 Aug 2003
A couple of months ago, I met an english student at a party who was completely delirious about Stephen Fry. She made me feel this was really an author that could not be missed and hailed "Moab" as a genuine masterpiece. I just finished it, and I really wonder: why? Why? WHY? Why did everybody give this light, lazy and narcissistic novel five stars?

Everything about this "autobiography" is constructed, fake and banal. This book is basically an endless enumeration of boyhood traumas which include homosexuality, being jew, the size of Frys manhood (too small, duh), full details of his "deflowering", his suicide attempt and journey to prison. We read uninspired, mandatory descriptions on how lucky he is with his parents and how he caused them so much pain. But most pages are devoted to anecdotes illustrating what a witty and tormented genius he actually is.

The most irritating characteristic of this book is Frys inability to hold a plotline. From page one, we get flashbacks, flashforwards and rococo embellishments. When he falls in love, Fry spends pages to describe how its like "the chord Max Steinder brings in when Bogart catches sight of Bergman, the swell and surge of the Liebestod from Tristan, Liszts sonata in B minor". Etcetera. Etcetera. And of course, for Fry a page is lost if theres no gag. So be prepared to countless platitudes such as "My mother can strip a gooseberry bush quicker than a priest can strip a choirboy". If you think this is funny, dont bother my review. Youll love the book.

Sophie in the Saddle, 15 Sep 2002
This is a book in a series of books all about a little girl called Sophie who is determined to be a lady farmer. In this story she gets a terrier which she names Puddle and goes on holiday to Cornwall. There she meets a Vietnamese pot-bellied pig, stays on a farm, meets some new friends and starts riding lessons. She meets an old enemy on the beach.

Sophie and her friends are a delight to the imagination. The illustrations are magic and the funny. The misspelt and incorrectly pronounced words of Sophie take your mind from this world into Sophie's. A book created to amuse it's audience. Just one of a really amusing and enjoyable series of books.

A must for pony lovers and Sophie fans., 08 Oct 2001
This book is an ideal reader for children who want to read either on their own or with someone. The text is especially readable with good sentences and a wide range of word spellings to learn. The book/cassette is especially enjoyable, the narrator is clear and concise. A good book for bedtime to listen and relax to. Overall a very enjoyable story with a good start/middle and ending. Pany lovers everywhere will relish in Sophie's adventures.

Another gentle and charming book from my favourite author, 06 Feb 2002
A change in direction with not only retirement but marriage proposals as well for my most loved fictional character. With all of the Fairacre books, a book I have read over and over - only with particular sadness as it appears that this may be the final book. I found the illustrations a bit off putting - part of my love of Miss Read's books are due to J Goodall's beautiful illustrations - not that these are bad, just not what previous readers may be used to. My only complaint is that it is too short!

A lovely and entertaining read, a book to get lost in., 24 Oct 1999
Miss Read, again manages to captivate the feelings of those who to are approaching retirement; and also of those who aren't. Her characters are all someone you know in your own life. Always feeling that they could be so and so. I always felt as if I was included in the story, like I was a friend. I'm an avid reader of her books but it seems this is the last one? She puts such warmth and feeling into this book it spills out from every page. It is obvious that her friends are as devoted to her as she is to them whatever happens. The frequent requests of marriage from John Jenkins are bittersweet and has nearly succumb once or twice. Her lifelong friend Amy, trying so hard to matchmake over the years, tries not to let John Jenkins slip through Miss Reads' fingers but alas fails again. She gets great support from Henry Mawne, who has also been a suitor in the past but Miss Read also gently refused him. She looks forward to retirement with joy and some trepidation, however handles the situation very well. I hope there will be more stories from her in the not to distant future.

Absolutely gripping, 29 Oct 2007
I spent years looking for a book that would make me forget everything around me and I finally found this. Golding's story is absolutely gripping and of huge interest as it explores the dark depths of human nature. Here you can see how humanity disintegrates outside formal social bounderies.

Amazing., 09 Jul 2006
I read this book straight through, no stops. And I loved it. It is gripping, and even terrifying in some parts. His use of imagery and symbolism is practically an art, and this book perfectly conveys human nature, and it is vital that society is maintained, otherwise we slip into savagery. I really empathised with Ralph and his struggle to hold onto civilisation. Everything that happens is very real. I would recommend this book to anyone.

My bible for GCSE English!!!!!, 12 Mar 2001
I am currently studying GCSE English and was looking for a study guide to help me with "Lord of the Flies". I came across this one purely by chance and have never looked back. This book has taken me from not understandng any of the book and its meanings and implications to knowing exactly what things represent. The use of translating the complex language of the book into simple terms was fantastic.

This book is cheap and extremely useful and I would strongly recommend this to anyone studying the book. I originally, before I used this book, wrote and essay and I received a D grade, I then used this book to rewrite the essay and received an A* grade. Thats how well it works.

It was amazing!, 23 May 1999
If William Golding was alive today and I had the opportunity of meeting him, I would congratulate him on his amazing novel. The use of symbolism was so extremely explicit and perfectly written, it really made me think about society and where we would be without it. It was a novel which I have read over and over again and I will certainly never forget it as it showed me the origins of mankind and taught me to never, ever take anything for granted. Read and enjoy!

An excellent book for anyone from "littluns" to "bigguns"..., 08 Apr 1999
My English class has just finished reading Lord of the Flies, and the way Golding uses symbolism is amazing! EVERYTHING in this book is a symbol! Golding can see right into mans' evil and destructive nature. He shows us how destructive we can be by setting forests on fire, pushing boulders off cliffs, and childrens' games of throwing sand and rocks at each other. I enjoyed this book thoroughly and definitly recommend it for anyone. Read it! Golding's perspective of us humans is very thought-provoking. By the way...this book does not take place during WW2. Have you ever heard of an ejectable passenger tube on an airplane? No. He wrote it to be some time in the future--anytime actually. But time is not important. If it were a specific time it may not apply to us now in the present, but it does. It can apply to anyone, and that's how he wanted it to be.

What a delight., 24 Aug 2008

This book is just a wonderful collection of such charming stories. My eldest son is nearly 6 years and a fairly prolific reader but we have struggled to find books with enough words to challenge him but age appropriate storylines. Having not read Winnie the Pooh as a child myself I was a little sceptical but the stories are wonderful. The humour is gentle, the stories a delight, the text beautifully written. My eldest reads the book to himself, I read it to his younger brother. In short, we love it.

Fab for little ones... not for me, 18 May 2008
Meet the adorable, ponderous Pooh Bear; the cute, funny, little Piglet; the bouncy, lovable Tigger and everyone else who reside in the Hundred Acre Wood in this fabulous book with fabulous short stories about these fabulous characters' adventures.

As a little child I never really liked Winnie the Pooh but now, I am 10, I think it is great. I am not too fond of the Disney one but the one by AA Milne is great! I love EH Shepard's illustrations which really make the book lovely. I think this book was worth every penny - a real delight to read, especially at bedtime!

I love the story about when Piglet's home was floating because of the terrible rainstorm and it is ingenious how his friends get him back to land.


wonderful cast, delightful book, 08 Mar 2002
Judi Dench, Michael Williams, Stephen Fry et al obviously really enjoyed producing this dramatisation of Winnie the Pooh. It has been listened to over and over by our 2 year old, who fits all sorts of Pooh-isms into her developing conversation! - it's a lovely set of tapes, ideal for the car and a story you get more out of as you get older - without it being beyond the reach of little ones. If you like Winnie-the-Pooh, this cast does it well.

very insightful!, 25 Apr 2001
This book, never read as a young person (nor to me), has proven to be an invaluable source of insight into a lot of areas. In a world governed by numerous self-help books and alike, this book no doubt serves as solid and long-standing. l would have loved to have had this read to me as a child, l recommend every adult to read it, and then read it to their children.

Sheer brilliance, 20 Jun 2008
This is guaranteed to put a smile on virtually anyone's face.

Bryson's dry humour & witty observations of life's absurdity coupled with Kerry Shale's excellent delivery make this an easy winner.

The basic material is also very interesting so a wining combination all round.

I had this in the car & found myself sitting listening to it long after I had arrived at my destination - it's that good!

One of our fave honorary Brits goes home for a bit ..., 14 Apr 2008
Another tome of brilliantly sparkling gems from Bill Bryson. What I found funniest was that his wife and family, all born and raised in England, appeared to find American life like being let loose in a toyshop - reveling in becoming optimistic Americans. Whereas our Bill has absorbed so much Britishness in his twenty years here he has become an honorary Brit! This makes his exasperation with queuing, bad shop assistants, and bureaucracy of the US kind even funnier than ever. In some of the columns he tries to be more positive and these, as he admits, are the more sentimental. Would that each of the pieces were double the length though - I got through the pages just too fast.

Great read!, 01 Oct 2007
This title was chosen by my book club as this month's title & I was dreading reading it, as my previous encounter with Mr Bryson was 'A Short History of Nearly Everything' which I hated. I was really surprised how much I enjoyed this book. It has many laugh out loud moments like Bill's hatred of the barbers & love of motels & the US Postal Services' Customer Day. The 4 page chapters are ideal as he get's to cover a wide range of topics. From reading this I will definitely try some of Bryson's other titles. A great read.

A very funny, very clever, very snappy read., 09 Aug 2007
Bill Bryson has a somewhat unique point of view for writing a book on American life, born in America but living a long time in England before returning to America with his English wife and children. The result was a regular series of newspaper articles (unsure what newspaper) which are collected together here.
The articles are observant, witty, and wonderfully funny. Bryson is so normal and easy to relate to that the articles are infectiously funny, his strange obsessions and neuroses are not only hilarious but also quite sweet and infinitely endearing. His unique take on American life is what really drives the book since there's no continuous narrative of any kind due to the episodic structure.
I can't really describe the book in any particular detail except to say that this is something very funny that more than once an article is guaranteed to cripple you with laughter. You should really give this a try, you won't regret it.

Glad i live in Britain., 13 Jun 2007
Bill Bryson is a genius writer and yet again he has delivered entertainment and boredom relief in this book.I read it in a succession of three quarter hour work breaks - and the four page bite size chapters(78 in all)are ideal as you can always finish looking forward to a new chapter the next time you pick the book up.
Each story was originally an weekly article for a newspaper that Bill was roped into writing - but he will refer back to previous chapters as the book progresses.
The hilarious stories are about the frustrations and exasperation's and idiosyncrasies of living in the USA compared to when he lived here in the UK.Bill almost underplays himself making you realize that despite his fame and fortune he is a normal down to earth guy who struggles in life just like you and i.....Fantastic!.I'm gonna read another Bill Bryson book now!....whey hey!.

Very pleased Mitford fan, 11 Oct 2003
This is one of my favourite books so I was very nervous about listening to an abridged reading. My fears were unfounded - Prunella Scales does a marvellous job (although I would still have preferred it to have been unabridged).

Amusing comedy of love and manners, 16 May 2002
Rather to my surprise, I enjoyed this book immensely. It is the story of Fanny and her relationship with the Montdores, particularly the beautiful daughter, Polly, and her mother, in their search for love. It is still very funny; it made me