I'm a Bit Less of a Stranger

As I mentioned in my previous post, "I'm a Stranger Here Myself" by Bill Bryson is a collection of columns he has written for a British newspaper. The subject of said columns is to relate Bryson's experience of moving back to America after 20 years in England, during which he married and had 4 children. The book is filled with hilarious anecdotes and witty insights into parts of America that many natives either take for granted or choose to ignore. So far I have found the book to be wholly entertaining, and a very fun read. Bryson goes through these witty observations with columns interspersed full of heart-felt emotion. Although, to my minor disappointment, some topics are beginning to be repeated, though they are always talked about from different perspectives and with different styles. My favorite topic covered in the book so far is when Bryson recounts things he remembers from his childhood in America, and how much things have changed since them. Some of these things include drive-in movie theaters, interstate turnoff attractions ("Visit World-Famous Atmic Rock - It Really Glows" (135)), and small family-owned motels. In each of these topics Bryson has a great hankering to rekindle his childhood nostalgia, only to be greatly disappointed by them, and realize just why they went out of fashion. So far, I believe my favorite article is one titled "Your Tax Form Explained" that parodies American tax forms, featuring quotes such as "failure to do so may result in a fine of $1,500,000 and seizure of a child" (172).

In my opinion, the most powerful article Bryson wrote was one about his first son going off to college. He starts the column with an anecdote about playing baseball with his son in the yard and experiencing the epitome of the American father-son relationship. He then goes on to the experience of his son leaving for college, and the void he left behind. Bryson begins to wrap it up by saying, "For the past week I have found myself spending a lot of time wandering aimlessly though the house looking at the oddest thing--a basketball, his running trophies, an old holiday snapshot--and thinking about all the carelessly discarded yesterdays they represent" (132). Bryson spends a lot of time thought out the book reminiscing of days past, and wishing they would have lasted longer. He took the constant presence of his son for granted, even if he was always out of his house. Things like a stray sock, a pair of sneakers, or a dirty shirt served as a constant reminder of his son and has inhabitance of the house. When he went off for college he took all these things with him, leaving behind him regret for days past.

On a lighter note, the rest of the book is very funny and entertaining, and I can't wait to read it!