Read by the author
Nine CDs, 10 hours
Just in time for the 2000 Olympics-the bestselling quthor of A Walk in the Woods takes listeners on a truly outrageous tour Down Under.
Compared to his Australian excursions, Bill Bryson had it easy on the Appalachian Trail. Nonetheless, Bryson has on several occasions embarked on seemingly endless flights bound for a land where Little Debbies are scarce but insects are abundant (up to 220,000 species of them), not to mention crocodiles.
Taking listeners on a rollicking ride far beyond packaged-tour routes, IN A SUNBURNED COUNTRY introduces a place where interesting things happen all the time. Leaving no Vegemite unsavored, listeners will accompany Bryson as he dodges jellyfish while learning to surf at Bondi Beach, discovers a fish that can climb trees, dehydrates in deserts where temperatures leap to 140 degrees F, and tells the true story of the rejected Danish architect who designed the Sydney Opera House.
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"4 April 2012 -- a confronting read as an Australian. This is a book definitely written with an American audience in mind. Appreciated the research into Australian history was done in a comprehensive and accurate manner. Liked the anecdotes of his interactions with people. Very funny in places. Not sure if I would recommend this to someone visiting Australia or not. Perhaps more suitable for someone who has already visited."
— Jodi (4 out of 5 stars)
In the late afternoon, I stopped at a roadhouse for gas and coffee. I studied my book of maps . . . Then, having nothing better to do, I leafed through the index and amused myself, in a very low-key way, by looking for ridiculous names, of which Australia has a respectable plenitude. I am thus able to report that the following are all real places: Wee Waa, Poowons, Borrumbuttock, Suggan Buggan, Boomahnoomoonah, Waaia, Mullumbimby Ewylamartup, Jiggalong, and the supremely satisfying Tittybong."
" A little overboard on the fact that everything in Australia will kill you, but overall entertaining. I feel I got a really good overview of the country, politics and culture. "
— Bill, 9/27/2018" I always love Bryson, he brings a certain open and friendly point of view to traveling that I wish I had. It's awesome to be able to 'follow' him on his travels. "
— Kateclysm, 2/10/2014" I really enjoyed this. So funny, laughed hard many times. And interesting to read an outsider's perspective of our wide red land. Great detail and history with a healthy dose of personality. I want to travel Australia again. I wish I'd known half as much as he did when I travelled it all those years ago. Easy and hilarious, one of those books you read with relief and joy. Recommend! "
— Jess, 2/7/2014" This is a great read, had me laughing so hard it was scary. A insightful "outside" look at Australia and the people, presented in an easy to read manner, but jam-packed full of interesting bits of information about Australia I never knew before. It really give me the desire to go exploring around the country more than I have already. Highly recommended! "
— Harley, 1/18/2014" This is trademark Bryson at his best, traveling around Australia and making witty comments. The book really gets good when he gets a traveling companion, similar to when his buddy joins him on the Appalachian Trail in A Walk in the Woods. "
— Susan, 1/15/2014" hilarious! But I still don't want to visit Australia. "
— Iwannazombie, 1/13/2014" Absolutely hillarious observations and experiences in Oz. "
— Michelle, 1/11/2014" I always enjoy Bryson's book, but this one was a bit slower that his others. Australia is fascinating and full of more deadly plants and animals than any place in the world. "
— Linda, 12/26/2013" Very funny and full of information, from someone who obviously loves the country. "
— Newgirl, 12/20/2013Bill Bryson is the New York Times bestselling author of At Home, A Walk in the Woods, The Lost Continent, Made in America, The Mother Tongue, A Short History of Nearly Everything—winner of the Aventis Prize—and various other works. Born in Des Moines, Iowa, he now lives in England, where he has worked for both the Times and Independent and written for most other major British and American publications.