Will I love In a Sunburned Country?

I read the first half of this book on an airplane, a few months before a four-week trip to Australia in which I offered clinics and masterclasses all over the country. It made me laugh so hard, I finally had to put it down because my laughter was annoying other plane passengers and airport mates. The writing is hilarious--yet at the same time, Bryson offers a very realistic glimpse of a beautiful country filled with friendly humorous people.

I love this book so much it made me want to write books. Seriously. This is the book that inspired me. Until I read this book (way back in 2000), I didn’t know non-fiction could be so informative, compelling, AND funny—all at once. But Bryson showed me it’s possible. Sure, he’s a witty writer. But I think Bryson’s real weapon is that he does his research.

He digs up the fascinating, bizarre, and downright unbelievable facts about his subject—in this case, the continent of Australia—then seamlessly weaves them into a compelling narrative that keeps readers looking forward to each intriguing… show more.

I appreciate an author who can educate and entertain at the same time. Few of us will probably ever cross the Australian Outback, so this is a chance to read about it instead. Despite having traveled to thirty-plus countries, I’ve only ever been to the airport in Australia en route to New Zealand.

Bryson makes me laugh out loud while I learn about the history of Australia and about all of the things it harbors that can kill you.