Rose Rosetree’s Reviews > In a Sunburned Country > Status Update

The last hundred years in Australia have been the most phenomenal opportunity for immigrants.

Even the hundreds of British orphans shipped there, on the assumption that--having no families or people who cared about them, the kiddies would do just fine. As if to say:

"Australia is bigger than England, so the orphans lives would be better."

Finally, I learn from Bill Bryson that both his parents were professional writers, journalists.

One more impressive thing about him!

Fascinating, how people in Australia used to look noticeably happier in the 1950's. I'll bet that was true in America, too, except for the victims of systemic racism and bigotry.

More delightful writing today from Bill Bryson!

Do you know about the rabbit problem in Australia?

I first learned about it when in high school, in the 60s. Until today I had no idea the problem is back, or why.

Trust Bill Bryson, when he isn't making me laugh-laugh-laugh, he's making sense out of things that have happened. Even if those things may not make much sense at all!

To my Australian friends, however, please skip over his remarks on Canberra. I feel a little embarrassed, how funny I found them. Particularly his evaluation of the potential cost, vs. the benefit, of skateboarding.

When Bill reads his own travel books, I laugh far louder.

Today may have amounted to a record, from all his travel writing. I laughed so long, so loudly.

One funny, informative, story after another.

And wait until you learn how the name Canberra was chosen for the nation's capital.

Join Bill for the most amazing saga of a train ride I've ever encountered.

Of course, I wasn't traveling across the huge continent of Australia.

And, wherever he goes, Bryson brings his delectable sense of humor.

Deftly concealed within the friendly tone and gentle humor of the first chapter, Bill Brysons tells me more than I've ever known about Australia.

Including an Australian teen who sat next to me in paired desks for one semester of high school.

Including many Energy Spirituality® clients for whom I've facilitated personal sessions over the last 15 years.

What a thrill to finally bereading this book!