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Foreigner in My Own Backyard
A family crisis brings Travis Casey back to the land he used to call home after living in England for the past two decades.
His parents need him – not as a carer as he expected, but as someone to drive them from Florida back to their home in Minnesota.
Just as well; he’s not a caring person, but he is a damn good driver.
But the country is not how he left it…
Casey uses his own brand of humor to explore what has changed in America since he lived there – that’s when he’s not recounting the chaos that occurs as he attempts to reestablish himself as an American. He discovers that entering the United States with his British wife is more difficult than he had anticipated.
***
A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.
--Chinese Proverb
A journey of seven thousand miles begins with a trip to the US Embassy
-- Travis Casey Experience
His parents need him – not as a carer as he expected, but as someone to drive them from Florida back to their home in Minnesota.
Just as well; he’s not a caring person, but he is a damn good driver.
But the country is not how he left it…
Casey uses his own brand of humor to explore what has changed in America since he lived there – that’s when he’s not recounting the chaos that occurs as he attempts to reestablish himself as an American. He discovers that entering the United States with his British wife is more difficult than he had anticipated.
***
A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.
--Chinese Proverb
A journey of seven thousand miles begins with a trip to the US Embassy
-- Travis Casey Experience
210 pages, Paperback
First published July 18, 2014
52 people are currently reading
497 people want to read
About the author
Travis Casey
64 books197 followersIf you are looking for hot alpha males with no fear of anything, a virgin love interest, and a few billion in the bank; may I suggest the next aisle over where you’ll also find the blindfolded bodice-rippers.
If you are looking for an author who writes safe and tip toes around sensitive issues, perhaps you should look in the “I keep a tight rein on my characters and never let them speak their mind without censorship” section.
If, like I, you subscribe to the Truman Capote philosophy “You can’t blame a writer for what the characters say,” then I have some great fiction for you.
Hi, I'm Travis. I am a beach read writer and in-print entertainer. That means I write fun books. The topics and content may be highly charged with what may be considered politically incorrect these days, but what fun is life if we can't laugh.
Here are some of my favorite lines from reviews I have received. (And they are not all 5-star “I'm the greatest writer ever.”)
* Travis Casey is a writer who takes chances. In this political satire, he hits on controversial topics. I laughed and shook my head as political correctness took a giant leap out the window. – The Mayor’s Race
* When first reading this book, I absolutely loathed it, until I realized that it was really the character, Mr. Hightower, that I hated rather than the book. To make someone hate a character as much as I despised this one is a rare talent. He is a misogynistic narcissist with a knack for gaslighting that cheats on his wife with a former student and still looks down upon others for drinking any sort of alcohol, having a job in the sex industry, and swearing of any sort. –No Halo Required
* This book will make you chuckle at the characters' antics while simultaneously wanting to scream with aggravation when they do something particularly foolish. The ratio of romance to adventure skews in favor of adventure, and it makes for an exciting story with just enough flirting to be fun. With its clever conversations, strong plot, and plenty of laugh-out-loud moments, this book is worth reading! – Southern Harm
* What makes a man fall completely head over heels in love? Well, we get to see why in this amazing book told in a male's POV. This book was beautifully written with a strong voice, a great blend of love and drama. The dialog was witty and hilarious, the characters fascinating and funny. – Forbidden Trouble
* Wow, reading this book was a hilarious, thrilling voyage! The witty, raw humor in this book draws you in right away and doesn't fail to keep you entertained for the whole ride. There was more than one time I found myself laughing out loud – Oceans of Trouble
* I am speechless about the book. Too many themes running at the same time -deceit, guilt, lust, infatuation, backstabbing, etc, etc. – Trouble Triangle
A dual citizen of America and Britain, I currently live in Minnesota with my British wife and two Shih Tzu/Bichon crosses, Shelby and Sia
If you are looking for an author who writes safe and tip toes around sensitive issues, perhaps you should look in the “I keep a tight rein on my characters and never let them speak their mind without censorship” section.
If, like I, you subscribe to the Truman Capote philosophy “You can’t blame a writer for what the characters say,” then I have some great fiction for you.
Hi, I'm Travis. I am a beach read writer and in-print entertainer. That means I write fun books. The topics and content may be highly charged with what may be considered politically incorrect these days, but what fun is life if we can't laugh.
Here are some of my favorite lines from reviews I have received. (And they are not all 5-star “I'm the greatest writer ever.”)
* Travis Casey is a writer who takes chances. In this political satire, he hits on controversial topics. I laughed and shook my head as political correctness took a giant leap out the window. – The Mayor’s Race
* When first reading this book, I absolutely loathed it, until I realized that it was really the character, Mr. Hightower, that I hated rather than the book. To make someone hate a character as much as I despised this one is a rare talent. He is a misogynistic narcissist with a knack for gaslighting that cheats on his wife with a former student and still looks down upon others for drinking any sort of alcohol, having a job in the sex industry, and swearing of any sort. –No Halo Required
* This book will make you chuckle at the characters' antics while simultaneously wanting to scream with aggravation when they do something particularly foolish. The ratio of romance to adventure skews in favor of adventure, and it makes for an exciting story with just enough flirting to be fun. With its clever conversations, strong plot, and plenty of laugh-out-loud moments, this book is worth reading! – Southern Harm
* What makes a man fall completely head over heels in love? Well, we get to see why in this amazing book told in a male's POV. This book was beautifully written with a strong voice, a great blend of love and drama. The dialog was witty and hilarious, the characters fascinating and funny. – Forbidden Trouble
* Wow, reading this book was a hilarious, thrilling voyage! The witty, raw humor in this book draws you in right away and doesn't fail to keep you entertained for the whole ride. There was more than one time I found myself laughing out loud – Oceans of Trouble
* I am speechless about the book. Too many themes running at the same time -deceit, guilt, lust, infatuation, backstabbing, etc, etc. – Trouble Triangle
A dual citizen of America and Britain, I currently live in Minnesota with my British wife and two Shih Tzu/Bichon crosses, Shelby and Sia
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
December 6, 2014
MOVE OVER BILL BRYSON!
I’m not kidding! If you think Bryson’s ‘Notes from a small island’ was a good read, this is much better although, of course, Travis Casey is heading for a huge island.
Travis Casey has a way of drawing the reader in as he shares his life and frustrations. If you’ve read the blurb you’ll know he’s returning home to Brainerd, Minnesota (home of the infamous Brainerd Diarrhoea, I believe), with his gorgeous English wife, Wendy, to look after elderly parents. Not many books can make me laugh out loud but I was chuckling away to myself before they’d even arrived.
You could write a book about Wendy herself, although I suspect Travis Casey’s life wouldn’t be worth living if he ever attempted to do so. Every time Wendy says, “Bloody hell!” Casey’s mother has to say a little prayer to save the whole car-load of them from heading in that direction themselves, bloody or not bloody.
But it’s the family’s trials and tribulations when dealing with America’s bureaucracy, red tape and general paper shuffling that is a joy to read. I love the fact that Wendy, who is married to an American citizen, has to first of all possess an American I.D. before being awarded an American I.D.
Casey speaks eloquently on such diverse subjects as tipping to racism. I lived eight years in America myself yet never before considered the absurdity of tipping a percentage of a bill. In Casey’s own words, “Does the waitress have to work any harder if I order a $30 steak or a $10 hamburger?” The answer, of course, is no, yet the more expensive item we order off the menu, the more it costs us in tips.
I remember one time in a restaurant in Florida where my wife and I had received particularly good service, and I’d decided that about 18-20% was merited as a tip. However when the bill arrived I noticed he’d already added his own tip to the bill. Now some restaurants do this, but it always states so on the menu and I didn’t recall seeing this, so I questioned it. The next words out of his mouth astounded me;
“Oh yeah, we always do that with English people.”
“Did I hear you correctly? Did you just say that you always add a tipping surcharge when English people are dining?”
“Yeah,” he replied, not taken aback at all, “We’ve found that foreigners don’t really know how much to tip.”
“Is that right? Well I’ll tell you exactly how much I’m tipping, shall I? Nothing. Zero. You blew it.”
“You’re not tipping me!!” he said, flabbergasted. “You can’t do that!” He actually said that.
“Oh yeah, I can. I can do whatever I like. And just for the record I was going to tip you more than 15% but you’ve just blown it”
He actually continued to argue, telling me that I couldn’t do that, it was against the law, against the Constitution, I had a legal duty, this is why they add the tip themselves to the bills of English people and on and on and on until I had to tell him to get the manager over here otherwise I wouldn’t even pay for the meal at all.
But back to Casey’s book. Sharing my own story is my way of giving the reader a taste - without including any spoilers - of what you’ll find inside this book. Not only is the book exceedingly funny but it also contains many gems of wisdom, and I cannot recommend it highly enough. A superb read!
I’m not kidding! If you think Bryson’s ‘Notes from a small island’ was a good read, this is much better although, of course, Travis Casey is heading for a huge island.
Travis Casey has a way of drawing the reader in as he shares his life and frustrations. If you’ve read the blurb you’ll know he’s returning home to Brainerd, Minnesota (home of the infamous Brainerd Diarrhoea, I believe), with his gorgeous English wife, Wendy, to look after elderly parents. Not many books can make me laugh out loud but I was chuckling away to myself before they’d even arrived.
You could write a book about Wendy herself, although I suspect Travis Casey’s life wouldn’t be worth living if he ever attempted to do so. Every time Wendy says, “Bloody hell!” Casey’s mother has to say a little prayer to save the whole car-load of them from heading in that direction themselves, bloody or not bloody.
But it’s the family’s trials and tribulations when dealing with America’s bureaucracy, red tape and general paper shuffling that is a joy to read. I love the fact that Wendy, who is married to an American citizen, has to first of all possess an American I.D. before being awarded an American I.D.
Casey speaks eloquently on such diverse subjects as tipping to racism. I lived eight years in America myself yet never before considered the absurdity of tipping a percentage of a bill. In Casey’s own words, “Does the waitress have to work any harder if I order a $30 steak or a $10 hamburger?” The answer, of course, is no, yet the more expensive item we order off the menu, the more it costs us in tips.
I remember one time in a restaurant in Florida where my wife and I had received particularly good service, and I’d decided that about 18-20% was merited as a tip. However when the bill arrived I noticed he’d already added his own tip to the bill. Now some restaurants do this, but it always states so on the menu and I didn’t recall seeing this, so I questioned it. The next words out of his mouth astounded me;
“Oh yeah, we always do that with English people.”
“Did I hear you correctly? Did you just say that you always add a tipping surcharge when English people are dining?”
“Yeah,” he replied, not taken aback at all, “We’ve found that foreigners don’t really know how much to tip.”
“Is that right? Well I’ll tell you exactly how much I’m tipping, shall I? Nothing. Zero. You blew it.”
“You’re not tipping me!!” he said, flabbergasted. “You can’t do that!” He actually said that.
“Oh yeah, I can. I can do whatever I like. And just for the record I was going to tip you more than 15% but you’ve just blown it”
He actually continued to argue, telling me that I couldn’t do that, it was against the law, against the Constitution, I had a legal duty, this is why they add the tip themselves to the bills of English people and on and on and on until I had to tell him to get the manager over here otherwise I wouldn’t even pay for the meal at all.
But back to Casey’s book. Sharing my own story is my way of giving the reader a taste - without including any spoilers - of what you’ll find inside this book. Not only is the book exceedingly funny but it also contains many gems of wisdom, and I cannot recommend it highly enough. A superb read!
May 22, 2020
When Travis’ parents ask for his help, he packs up his life in Britain and moves back to America. Both he and his British wife are in for an adventure of a lifetime as ex-pats trying to assimilate as Americans. As they overcome each obstacle, they learn the most valuable lesson of all: be flexible and keep your sense of humor.
Travis Casey is a satirist and in his own blend of British and American humor, he sheds light on what it means to be an ex-pat trying to adjust to life across the Pond. I found his humor to be side-splitting and quite enjoyable. His views on how America has changed in twenty years are spot-on and I found myself nodding in agreement. The family dynamics between his parents and his wife had me in stitches one minute and thoughtful the next. Expats around the world will relate to Travis Casey.
If you’re a fan of Bill Bryson, you will want to read Foreigner in My Own Backyard. Hilarious, insightful, humorous, and a must-read. Highly recommend!
My Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by: Mrs. N
This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/po...
Travis Casey is a satirist and in his own blend of British and American humor, he sheds light on what it means to be an ex-pat trying to adjust to life across the Pond. I found his humor to be side-splitting and quite enjoyable. His views on how America has changed in twenty years are spot-on and I found myself nodding in agreement. The family dynamics between his parents and his wife had me in stitches one minute and thoughtful the next. Expats around the world will relate to Travis Casey.
If you’re a fan of Bill Bryson, you will want to read Foreigner in My Own Backyard. Hilarious, insightful, humorous, and a must-read. Highly recommend!
My Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by: Mrs. N
This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/po...
August 24, 2020
Entertaining
Travis writes in a direct and descriptive manner, so much so that you feel as if you are part of the family and on the trip with him.
Having had a strict upbringing in a religious home as soon as he is old enough he escapes and joins the Navy using Hawaii as his home port. He traveled the seas and his excursions took him to The Philippines, South Korea, Singapore, Australia, Alaska, Seattle and Maui.
Whilst in Hawaii he met his British-born (drop dead gorgeous) wife to be Wendy. He was seconded to Scotland and she went with him and shortly after they married. Leaving the Navy after 9 years they lived with in Eastbourne. After several decades in the British Isles and obtaining U.K. Citizenship they moved back temporarily to America to care for his ailing elderly parents.
Their trials and tribulations dealing with America’s bureaucracy, red tape and general paper shuffling that is a joy to read. Even though Wendy is married to an American citizen this is not a simple and straight forward process. Eventually Wendy is granted her Visa and along with their dogs Shauna and Sasha off they go to look after the parents.
They have to drive his parents from his sister's home in Tampa back to their home in Minnesota,not straight home as Dad wants to visit Ruby Falls in Cattanooga, Tennessee. There are plenty of rants along the arduous journey and I found myself chuckling more than once.
Once ensconced in his parents home Travis sets about looking for employment, eventually finding work at a Madden´s Golf Resort in the pro shop.
Full of subtle and underlying humor this fun, quick and easy read book was a joy to read. I highly recommend it. Thank you Travis
Travis writes in a direct and descriptive manner, so much so that you feel as if you are part of the family and on the trip with him.
Having had a strict upbringing in a religious home as soon as he is old enough he escapes and joins the Navy using Hawaii as his home port. He traveled the seas and his excursions took him to The Philippines, South Korea, Singapore, Australia, Alaska, Seattle and Maui.
Whilst in Hawaii he met his British-born (drop dead gorgeous) wife to be Wendy. He was seconded to Scotland and she went with him and shortly after they married. Leaving the Navy after 9 years they lived with in Eastbourne. After several decades in the British Isles and obtaining U.K. Citizenship they moved back temporarily to America to care for his ailing elderly parents.
Their trials and tribulations dealing with America’s bureaucracy, red tape and general paper shuffling that is a joy to read. Even though Wendy is married to an American citizen this is not a simple and straight forward process. Eventually Wendy is granted her Visa and along with their dogs Shauna and Sasha off they go to look after the parents.
They have to drive his parents from his sister's home in Tampa back to their home in Minnesota,not straight home as Dad wants to visit Ruby Falls in Cattanooga, Tennessee. There are plenty of rants along the arduous journey and I found myself chuckling more than once.
Once ensconced in his parents home Travis sets about looking for employment, eventually finding work at a Madden´s Golf Resort in the pro shop.
Full of subtle and underlying humor this fun, quick and easy read book was a joy to read. I highly recommend it. Thank you Travis
March 19, 2019
Interesting
This book is a funny memoir about an American who has been living in the UK for 20 years. With his English wife, he returns to care for his elderly parents. First they must overcome American bureaucracy both in the UK and US. There is the drive from Florida to Michigan which is at times vary funny. I did not like his continual degrading remarks about the US.
This book is a funny memoir about an American who has been living in the UK for 20 years. With his English wife, he returns to care for his elderly parents. First they must overcome American bureaucracy both in the UK and US. There is the drive from Florida to Michigan which is at times vary funny. I did not like his continual degrading remarks about the US.
August 23, 2014
This book is full of subtle and underlying humor. The author has a unique ability to understate things which makes it funnier. I am a Travis Casey fan and this book is different from his other work, Tyler's Trouble Trilogy – perhaps even funnier if that's possible.
Travis leaves his home in England to help his Mom and Dad out. They are both ill and he becomes their caretaker but it doesn't sound like they want to be taken care of. The drive with him, his wife, parents and three dogs from Florida to Minnesota was the funniest travel adventure ever. I especially loved the part where his wife kept yelling at him because he couldn't back up with a trailer on the back of the car.
The book changes slightly as he settles into American life and takes notice of what has changed since he lived here. He makes some great observations. I could feel his pain as he deals with a system he is not familiar with.
In usual Travis Casey style, this is a fun, quick, easy read. A fantastic book!
Travis leaves his home in England to help his Mom and Dad out. They are both ill and he becomes their caretaker but it doesn't sound like they want to be taken care of. The drive with him, his wife, parents and three dogs from Florida to Minnesota was the funniest travel adventure ever. I especially loved the part where his wife kept yelling at him because he couldn't back up with a trailer on the back of the car.
The book changes slightly as he settles into American life and takes notice of what has changed since he lived here. He makes some great observations. I could feel his pain as he deals with a system he is not familiar with.
In usual Travis Casey style, this is a fun, quick, easy read. A fantastic book!
October 4, 2014
Foreigner In My Own Backyard by Travis Casey had me laughing until I was in tears. This memoir/travel adventure intrigued me, as I live in an Ameri-Brit household. The author shares with humo(u)r and warmth his story of returning to the US to care for his aging parents after a 20 year absence. He has been in the UK and brings back his British wife. The everyday challenges of family life, blended with the subtle yet immense differences between the American and British cultures are handled very well.
Prepare to laugh. This is a some funny stuff.
Prepare to laugh. This is a some funny stuff.
March 21, 2019
You must have to be American to enjoy this book which is far more predictable smart alec than satire. He needs to read some real literature on subtle racism which he displays without even knowing it. Disrespectful to his ageing parents (except for the final few paragraphs where he manages to redeem himself a little). He paints an America and Americans the way I thought it was and my views have been consolidated.
August 1, 2014
I laughed so hard I had to put my Kindle down on several occasions. I loved the humorous outlook on very real situations and many I related too directly. Travis kept me turning pages and thinking about what could possibly happen next. This is a great book to lift your mood. It takes a look at things in America from a different prospective. Keep writing Travis so I can keep reading.
November 2, 2014
Funny good read!
November 2, 2014
I enjoyed this fun book - great read
November 3, 2014
So funny, highly recommend for a great laugh.
November 4, 2014
Another great book by this author.
November 2, 2014
I loved it!
June 15, 2020
I downloaded this book for free and thought I give it a whirl. I am not the target audience, hence the two stars. The target audience is Ex-pats who clearly had it with the United States of America. Mr. Casey is snarky, irreverent, and snobby, with occasional wit sprinkled throughout. Maybe it's British humor that I just don't understand.
August 31, 2020
Not nearing the league of revered and brilliant Mr. Bill Bryson as some reviews have stated, but entertaining enough as I like smart and snarky memoirists and travel diarists. I also agree with his unfavorable notes about American culture, as compared to the UK or not.
September 6, 2024
Don’t miss an opportunity to read this book by Travis Casey. Depicting snippets of life in the UK when compared to residing again in the USA, Casey’s insightful, humorous, and creative perspectives will delightfully entertain you on every page.
December 27, 2024
changes
Reading and finding out how your parents need or do not need you. They still want to be independent. You have to know or not know what to do. I agree that someone needs to be informed of what is going on when parents or you are having problems.
Reading and finding out how your parents need or do not need you. They still want to be independent. You have to know or not know what to do. I agree that someone needs to be informed of what is going on when parents or you are having problems.
January 1, 2022
A Good Read
I really enjoyed this book. It was entertaining and informative. I will definitely look for other works by this author.
I really enjoyed this book. It was entertaining and informative. I will definitely look for other works by this author.
Read
December 28, 2022Great read!
Another fantastic read! On to number three. Travis is an amazing, entertaining writer. Highly recommend this book and the r.v. book.
Another fantastic read! On to number three. Travis is an amazing, entertaining writer. Highly recommend this book and the r.v. book.
November 5, 2023
I chose this book because I wanted laugh out loud funny. Instead I found if painful to read as this man watched his family bicker and is waiting for his parents to die. Not funny.
May 20, 2025
The author is a Midwesterner who escaped a strict religious home by joining the Navy. He ended up married to an Englishwoman, spending several decades in England and even becoming an English citizen. They've now moved back to the U.S. temporarily to care for his aging parents.
Like most care-giver stories, there are lots of layers to the onion and the move was motivated by several factors, only one of which was desire to help his parents. Self-employed after he left the Navy and unemployed for some years, his writing (two novels) occupies his time, but doesn't pay the bills. Although he prefers to live in England he hopes that a change of scenery will jump-start his writing career and improve his financial situation.
But first he must drive his parents from his sister's home in Tampa back to their home in Minnesota. It's an epic journey and everyone who has ever cared for an elderly person will chuckle and recognize the frustrations. Robert Benchley said, "There are two kinds of travel: First Class and with children." Had he lived long enough to deal with elderly parents, he probably would added a third type - steerage or with frail, but stubborn old folks. Once they reach the parents' home and he finds a job, the daily care-giving falls mostly on his wife, but he must deal with his father's determination to drive, his mother's depression and possible dementia, and the resistance of both to the unwelcome, but necessary changes in their lives.
Although I generally avoid ranters, his observations are sometimes perceptive and sometimes witty. He claims that the American custom of saying "innerstate" and "innernational" is not a sign of laziness, but of provincialism. He counters by spelling the words "inTerstate" and "inTernational." It's amusing the first couple of times. I suspect that his strictures against the obstructionist INS are valid. I certainly wouldn't want to have much to do with them.
I agree with him about the absurd and irritating tipping system, which I avoid by cooking and eating at home. The inanity and vulgarity of television is also easy to avoid. Mine aren't even plugged in. I agree with him that the steady diet of television violence is having serious effects on our culture. I also agree that Americans are too concerned about gun rights and too little about human rights violations and that our mania over national security has left us unable to formulate sensible, effective policies on any level.
I was interested in his reactions to American medical care. He's first impressed with the efficiency and luxury of his local hospital, but quickly comes to realize that it comes at the expense of crippling insurance premiums and that it depends on convincing a sizable portion of Americans that they're ill and must have constant medical supervision and a long list of maintenance (i.e. life-long) prescriptions. He's right and it's a rare American now who takes control of his/her own health decisions. He concludes that England's NHS may be socialism, but he prefers it to the U.S. system.
He's big on stereotypes: all Southerners are toothless rednecks, all Jews are greedy. He objects (rightly) to being addressed as "boy" by an INS employee, but describes the New York waitress who harasses him for a tip as a "little Jewish lady." I suppose he was able to identify her by the Nazi concentration camp tattoo on her arm.
It's all in the name of humor. He gives us an example a joke with no point and no humor, but claims that it's funny if he starts it "Did you hear the one about the Jewish son...." If you still aren't laughing you're a slave to political correctness. PC is a big problem now and limits what a writer can say without sounding racist. Fortunately, he has a brief encounter with "Ray" who tells us everything that's wrong with black Americans and it's okay because Ray has a black son-in-law. (And a granddaughter who's bi-polar because it's trendy.) It you believe in "Ray" you must put your dentures under your pillow every night in hopes that a windfall from the Tooth Fairy will finance your retirement.
So I'm giving it four stars because the family story is interesting, but as social commentary it's patchy. However, I bought it and have paid for the sequel, so if Mr. Casey TRULY wishes to support himself as a writer, he should value my four-star review (and my $4) more than all his five-star reviews from those who aren't purchasers. We'll see.
Like most care-giver stories, there are lots of layers to the onion and the move was motivated by several factors, only one of which was desire to help his parents. Self-employed after he left the Navy and unemployed for some years, his writing (two novels) occupies his time, but doesn't pay the bills. Although he prefers to live in England he hopes that a change of scenery will jump-start his writing career and improve his financial situation.
But first he must drive his parents from his sister's home in Tampa back to their home in Minnesota. It's an epic journey and everyone who has ever cared for an elderly person will chuckle and recognize the frustrations. Robert Benchley said, "There are two kinds of travel: First Class and with children." Had he lived long enough to deal with elderly parents, he probably would added a third type - steerage or with frail, but stubborn old folks. Once they reach the parents' home and he finds a job, the daily care-giving falls mostly on his wife, but he must deal with his father's determination to drive, his mother's depression and possible dementia, and the resistance of both to the unwelcome, but necessary changes in their lives.
Although I generally avoid ranters, his observations are sometimes perceptive and sometimes witty. He claims that the American custom of saying "innerstate" and "innernational" is not a sign of laziness, but of provincialism. He counters by spelling the words "inTerstate" and "inTernational." It's amusing the first couple of times. I suspect that his strictures against the obstructionist INS are valid. I certainly wouldn't want to have much to do with them.
I agree with him about the absurd and irritating tipping system, which I avoid by cooking and eating at home. The inanity and vulgarity of television is also easy to avoid. Mine aren't even plugged in. I agree with him that the steady diet of television violence is having serious effects on our culture. I also agree that Americans are too concerned about gun rights and too little about human rights violations and that our mania over national security has left us unable to formulate sensible, effective policies on any level.
I was interested in his reactions to American medical care. He's first impressed with the efficiency and luxury of his local hospital, but quickly comes to realize that it comes at the expense of crippling insurance premiums and that it depends on convincing a sizable portion of Americans that they're ill and must have constant medical supervision and a long list of maintenance (i.e. life-long) prescriptions. He's right and it's a rare American now who takes control of his/her own health decisions. He concludes that England's NHS may be socialism, but he prefers it to the U.S. system.
He's big on stereotypes: all Southerners are toothless rednecks, all Jews are greedy. He objects (rightly) to being addressed as "boy" by an INS employee, but describes the New York waitress who harasses him for a tip as a "little Jewish lady." I suppose he was able to identify her by the Nazi concentration camp tattoo on her arm.
It's all in the name of humor. He gives us an example a joke with no point and no humor, but claims that it's funny if he starts it "Did you hear the one about the Jewish son...." If you still aren't laughing you're a slave to political correctness. PC is a big problem now and limits what a writer can say without sounding racist. Fortunately, he has a brief encounter with "Ray" who tells us everything that's wrong with black Americans and it's okay because Ray has a black son-in-law. (And a granddaughter who's bi-polar because it's trendy.) It you believe in "Ray" you must put your dentures under your pillow every night in hopes that a windfall from the Tooth Fairy will finance your retirement.
So I'm giving it four stars because the family story is interesting, but as social commentary it's patchy. However, I bought it and have paid for the sequel, so if Mr. Casey TRULY wishes to support himself as a writer, he should value my four-star review (and my $4) more than all his five-star reviews from those who aren't purchasers. We'll see.
June 8, 2015
Travis Casey writes in such an accomplished and light-hearted style it is hard not to enjoy reading his books. Where his subject matter could become serious, he uses satire and wit to lift the tone. Some chapters are laugh-out-loud funny and others had me smiling and chuckling.
The book covers his transition from an American living in the UK (land of Uck, as one bemused US citizen called it – United Kingdom, or Britain as most people know it) to his travel back to his birth land and his family. Casey spent a long time in the UK and married a Brit so his change of residence has not been easy, from the beginning of his attempts to get his wife, the long-suffering Wendy, the correct entry requirements for the US. The beginning of the book relates the kind of irritating bureaucracy that annoys most of us – but it is done in such an amusing way the reader is left smiling in disbelief at the antics of ‘jobsworths’ (as in ‘It’s more than my job’s worth to help you’) and the frustrations of red tape regulations.
As a Brit I was fascinated by insights into the American way of life in Minnesota and Casey’s portrayals of his family and the adjustments everyone had to make to live together amicably. What comes across very strongly is that despite the physical and emotional difficulties inherent in their new roles as carers/dependants, the bond of love and care within the family is an unstoppable force that overcomes all obstacles. The tale is ultimately one of upliftment and affirmation of life that makes this book endearing, enlightening and a thoroughly good read.
Other parts of the book cover subjects such as a comparison between US and UK health care systems, the practice of giving service tips, obesity, the justice system and racism – but just when you think the chapter is becoming serious there’s that quirky, satirical humour again to lighten the mood. A delightful, fun read with some serious comments put forward along the way. It shows off Casey’s talent and confirms that he is an author to watch because I have no doubt there is more to come from this intriguing author.
The book covers his transition from an American living in the UK (land of Uck, as one bemused US citizen called it – United Kingdom, or Britain as most people know it) to his travel back to his birth land and his family. Casey spent a long time in the UK and married a Brit so his change of residence has not been easy, from the beginning of his attempts to get his wife, the long-suffering Wendy, the correct entry requirements for the US. The beginning of the book relates the kind of irritating bureaucracy that annoys most of us – but it is done in such an amusing way the reader is left smiling in disbelief at the antics of ‘jobsworths’ (as in ‘It’s more than my job’s worth to help you’) and the frustrations of red tape regulations.
As a Brit I was fascinated by insights into the American way of life in Minnesota and Casey’s portrayals of his family and the adjustments everyone had to make to live together amicably. What comes across very strongly is that despite the physical and emotional difficulties inherent in their new roles as carers/dependants, the bond of love and care within the family is an unstoppable force that overcomes all obstacles. The tale is ultimately one of upliftment and affirmation of life that makes this book endearing, enlightening and a thoroughly good read.
Other parts of the book cover subjects such as a comparison between US and UK health care systems, the practice of giving service tips, obesity, the justice system and racism – but just when you think the chapter is becoming serious there’s that quirky, satirical humour again to lighten the mood. A delightful, fun read with some serious comments put forward along the way. It shows off Casey’s talent and confirms that he is an author to watch because I have no doubt there is more to come from this intriguing author.
September 4, 2014
I really enjoyed the book and will add it to my Americans Abroad reading list.
There was so much in it that I could identify with - I've been living abroad for nearly 20 years now and, yes, going back to the US from time to time is an exercise in reverse culture shock. It's not the same place as it was in the late 1980's. And our family (1 American, 1 French and 2 duals) have had exactly the same experience at immigration in the US. Sometimes papa gets to go through with the family, and sometimes we get yelled at and told "foreigners over THERE!" (Great thing, by the way, to do to someone in front of his kids. Sure makes him feel welcome.)
A few mild criticisms of the book: typos and some grammatical errors. The end was a bit abrupt and I would have liked to see a thoughtful summary of what has happened so far at the end. But hopefully the author will write another installment as soon as he has more to say.
There was so much in it that I could identify with - I've been living abroad for nearly 20 years now and, yes, going back to the US from time to time is an exercise in reverse culture shock. It's not the same place as it was in the late 1980's. And our family (1 American, 1 French and 2 duals) have had exactly the same experience at immigration in the US. Sometimes papa gets to go through with the family, and sometimes we get yelled at and told "foreigners over THERE!" (Great thing, by the way, to do to someone in front of his kids. Sure makes him feel welcome.)
A few mild criticisms of the book: typos and some grammatical errors. The end was a bit abrupt and I would have liked to see a thoughtful summary of what has happened so far at the end. But hopefully the author will write another installment as soon as he has more to say.
April 1, 2015
This book did make me chuckle!
I felt really sorry for the author; Yank in the UK, Brit in the US! But it’s all done with tremendous ‘tongue in cheek’ humour (which as a Brit I really appreciated). Really good to see the trials and tribulations a US citizen goes through (it’s not just us ‘foreigners’!).
There’s lots of quite serious moments which actually have comedic value. My own grandmother had Alzheimer’s so again, I appreciated finding humour in the darker places.
This book follows Travis as he repatriates to the US (temporarily). His wife, Wendy is a great backseat driver, and adds fuel to the flames created by his ageing parents. I’m sure they make a great team in reality, and hope the author wasn’t in too much trouble for being so open about his view on things. Maybe Wendy could write a book from her pov, just for balance? ;-P
Just remind me never to try to go over to the US as anything but a tourist! ;-P
A must read to heighten your spirits.
I felt really sorry for the author; Yank in the UK, Brit in the US! But it’s all done with tremendous ‘tongue in cheek’ humour (which as a Brit I really appreciated). Really good to see the trials and tribulations a US citizen goes through (it’s not just us ‘foreigners’!).
There’s lots of quite serious moments which actually have comedic value. My own grandmother had Alzheimer’s so again, I appreciated finding humour in the darker places.
This book follows Travis as he repatriates to the US (temporarily). His wife, Wendy is a great backseat driver, and adds fuel to the flames created by his ageing parents. I’m sure they make a great team in reality, and hope the author wasn’t in too much trouble for being so open about his view on things. Maybe Wendy could write a book from her pov, just for balance? ;-P
Just remind me never to try to go over to the US as anything but a tourist! ;-P
A must read to heighten your spirits.
September 16, 2015
I'd read many reviews of this book before actually reading it and my humble opinion is that the book doesn't do them justice. It initially appealed to me as one of the potentially extremely funny books highlighting shocking differences among English and American cultures, but in the end it just became a disappointment. It is a light and relatively enjoyable book, but it's far from being an English satire or an American comedy.
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