The world is very lucky to have America. It's got to be the first time in the whole history of the planet that a country has been the dominant force in the world and it has actually been a force for good... America really deserves more credit. Bill Bryson americacountrycredit share on social
I had always thought that once you grew up you could do anything you wanted - stay up all night or eat ice-cream straight out of the container. Bill Bryson containercreameat Change image and share on social
If you go out on the Appalachian Trail, you have to bring so much more equipment - a tent, sleeping bag - but if you go hiking in England, or Europe, generally, towns and villages are near enough together at the end of the day you can always go to a nice little inn and have a hot bath and something to drink. Bill Bryson appalachianbagbath share on social
Have you ever seen Glenn Beck in operation? It is the most terrifying thing. It's so bad that you think he's going to announce in a minute that it's all a great con. He makes Sarah Palin look reasonable and steady. Bill Bryson announcebadbeck share on social
Maine is wonderful. It can be very hard. I mean, if you look at the profile maps it doesn't look it, but somehow when you get out there it's really steep and hard. Bill Bryson hardmainemap Change image and share on social
I could give you a long list of things I like about Britain, but essentially what it comes down to is that I feel about Britain the same way I feel about my wife. I'm crazy about my wife - we just kind of suit each other. I wouldn't say that she's the most fantastic human being that's ever lived, but she is for me. Bill Bryson britaincrazyessentially share on social
In a funny way, nothing makes you feel more like a native of your own country than to live where nearly everyone is not. Bill Bryson countryfeelfunny Change image and share on social
England was full of words I'd never heard before - streaky bacon, short back and sides, Belisha beacon, serviettes, high tea, ice-cream cornet. Bill Bryson backbaconbeacon Change image and share on social
The real problem you get with humour is that you only have so many kinds of jokes within you, and you mine that vein a lot. This isn't just common to me; it's anybody who's funny. Bill Bryson commonfunnyhumour Change image and share on social
Where I grew up, in Des Moines, Iowa, there is hardly any downtown economic activity now. Everybody shops in malls - you don't find a sense of community in malls. Bill Bryson activitycommunitydowntown Change image and share on social