A Good Book

[Guest Martin and Val]

The last time I read a book was at school, so as you can tell I don't read very much as I finished school in 1980!

My Dad on the other hand is always reading, a little while ago when I went to see him he handed me a book and said "Have a read of this you will really enjoy it"

I took the book and although there wasn't any pictures in it I did really enjoy it.

My advice to you all is go and buy yourself a copy and read it on the flight over to pass the time away.

"DOWN UNDER" written by Bill Bryson, first published about 10 years ago, a really funny book and well worth reading.

He is an American travel writer and tells his tales as he travels around Australia, I won't say anymore as I wouldn't want to ruin it for you.

Happy reading,

Martin

[suzer]

It is excellent; I've read in twice---once when I started dating my Aussie husband and once after I got here.

[The Monaghans]

I agree, Bill Bryson is an excellent writer and both Richie and I enjoyed Down Under. You might want to have a look at his other books as well, Notes From A Small Island is very funny, all about when he lived in the UK, and Life and Times Of The Thunderbolt Kid is hilarious, all about when he was a child growing up in Iowa. I read it on the plane coming over and was crying with laughter. Hey, maybe we should start a PIA book club!!

[Guest xhaylesx]

ohhh I LOVE to read. I read Down Under just before I came over here, when I was holidaying in ireland, very very good. I am going to keep an eye out for some more of his books.

[minkyme29]

Bill Bryson rocks! Particularly Down Under - one of my fave all time reads.

It has a great balance between hilarious, informative and rather poignant. Recommended to anyone thinking of holidaying in, moving to or now living in Australia. I have read it three times now and it never fails to make me cry with laughter at the bit where the dogs chase him through the reserve near Sydney! Oh and the bit where he's asleep in the back of a car whilst taking a lift...great

And yes The Life and Times of the Thunderbolt Kid is also excellent.

 

Dette

[Guest kenmcfadyen]

Read 'Down Under' the first time I was in Australia 4 years ago and thoroughly enjoyed it! Laughed out loud in many places, particularly in relation to stories involving Australian wildlife.

 

Have recently just finished a book called 'Australia: A Biography of a Nation' by Philip Knightley. It is a bit more of a historical record of the development of Australia, and certainly not funny! It is, however, a very interesting read and gives a perspective on the role of Britain in using Australian soldiers during the world wars that was really quite shocking to me. I'd recommend the book as I think it gives a view on the why the Australian psyche is as it is.

[Guest Martin and Val]

I agree, Bill Bryson is an excellent writer and both Richie and I enjoyed Down Under. You might want to have a look at his other books as well, Notes From A Small Island is very funny, all about when he lived in the UK, and Life and Times Of The Thunderbolt Kid is hilarious, all about when he was a child growing up in Iowa. I read it on the plane coming over and was crying with laughter. Hey, maybe we should start a PIA book club!!

 

Hi Liz,

A book club would be a great idea to inform other members whats good and whats not, although everybody likes different things I know.

I think Val will be reading "Down Under" on the flight over and I have got a copy of "Life and Times Of The Thunderbolt Kid" for me. If it makes me laugh as much as "Down Under" did I may get removed from the flight!

 

Martin