There's Nothing Wrong With Germany: ...But Here's 50 Things You'll Notice

by Paul Hughes

Whether you are visiting Germany, moving there, or just curious, this book provides you with a hilarious take on what makes Germany, German. In a country where Sauerkraut juice is an actual thing, you might be thinking it is going to be a real ordeal to get used to German life. And, while it's inevitable that some things you’ll see in your first few months will surprise and shock you, there’s truly nothing wrong with Germany... but you may notice a few things. Whether it’s pooping on a shelf, never apologizing, or trying to break the sound barrier on the Autobahn, one thing is for sure; you are going to find a lot to love about Germany. You will read a lighthearted collection of things Paul Hughes personally noticed in his day-to-day life since emigrating from Britain in 2015 and marrying a German. It is the quirks and observations that in his opinion make Germany as unique, as it is beautiful. Paul shared his findings of Germany with a large ex-pat audience in the form of the US Army, when presenting the morning show on the American Forces Network between 2014 and 2018. Paul also writes for Wall Street International Magazine and features on several Expat websites. Paul also hosted a podcast with fellow expats called “The Paul “the Brit” Podcast -Life in Germany” which is available on iTunes.

Genres: Nonfiction, Travel

131 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 14, 2019

Reviews

[Denise · Rating 2 out of 5]

Every once in a while, I'll pick up a book like this because it amuses me to see what foreigners consider curious, noteworthy, or just plain weird about my native country. This one was all in all mildly entertaining, but rather incoherently structured. The writing felt rather amateurish, and having an actual German speaker check the spelling of the occasional German words and phrases would have been helpful. Not to mention, the choice to include an article about a visit to Dachau concentration camp in what is otherwise billed as fun, lighthearted entertainment is somewhat... questionable, to put it mildly.

[Mehdi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well, it's not a particularly well-written or useful book! With some unrelated stories from the author's life (which don't have anything to do with the subject)
As an expat, I can confirm (and feel) what he says in the book about his experiences here

[Yvonne Marnell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable read

Being German and living in the UK, I do get asked many stereotypical questions about my home country. I think I will signpost people to this book. It explains so many different layers of our culture and is well written.

[Kiran · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this read. I've almost been in the same position as Paul and made me feel like I'm not the only stranger in Germany. Learnt some new rules about Germany as well :D He really explains most of the common things you notice in Germany.

[Kim Hayes · Rating 3 out of 5]

A simple but enjoyable little book. I’d like to see the idea expanded into more pages.