Review: Made in America by Bill Bryson

This Book Is About

Bryson de-mythologizes his native land-explaining how a dusty desert hamlet with neither woods nor holly became Hollywood, how the Wild West wasn’t won, why Americans say ‘lootenant’ and ‘Toosday’, how Americans were eating junk food long before the word itself was cooked up – as well as exposing the true origin of the G-string, the original $64,000 question and Dr Kellogg of cornflakes fame.

My Thoughts On This Book

This is a really fun book. My sister gave it to me for one of my birthdays. In Made in American, Bill Bryson juxtaposes U.S. history with the development of the American ‘dialect’ of the English language. It’s great information and a unique view off both American English and history, all wrapped up in Bryson’s humorous storytelling manner.

With Bill Bryson you don’t get the historical pablum they gave you in grade school. This is real history, with information you’d never encounter without looking for it (or reading a non-school book). I love the way Bryson correlates the origins or words an phrases with the times they developed in.

Made in America is funny, informative, engaging and intriguing. Great information on both American history and the evolution of American language.

Rating & Levels For This Book

I Give This Book
three Vikings out of five

Violence Level
zero Burning Huts out of five

Romance Level
zero Hearts out of five

# of actual vikings in book: 0
What do these levels mean? »

Humor Level
two Smiles out of five

Lust Level
zero Kisses out of five

Author and Publishing Information For This Book

Author & Book Details

  • Title: Made in America
  • Author(s): Bill Bryson
  • ISBN#: 0552998052
  • Genre(s): Humorous American history and language reference
  • Edition Reviewed: Black Swan American paperback printing
  • Illustrations: One B&W reproduction of a 40′s car ad
  • Page Count: 431 (478 with notes and index)
  • Part of a Series: No

Publishing & Copyright Details

  • Publisher(s): Martin Secker & Warburg Ltd (UK), Minerva, Black Swan
  • Copyright: 1998, 1995, 1994
  • In Print: No, but a Made in America: an informal history version is in print
  • Original Language: English
  • Published in Other Languages: No
  • Find a Local Book Store »

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One Response to “Review: Made in America by Bill Bryson”

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