One Summer

America, 1927

By: Bill Bryson

Narrated by: Bill Bryson

Length: 17 hrs and 3 mins

Publisher's summary

Audie Award Finalist, History, 2014

One of the most admired nonfiction writers of our time retells the story of one truly fabulous year in the life of his native country - a fascinating and gripping narrative featuring such outsized American heroes as Charles Lindbergh, Babe Ruth, and yes Herbert Hoover, and a gallery of criminals (Al Capone), eccentrics (Shipwreck Kelly), and close-mouthed politicians (Calvin Coolidge). It was the year Americans attempted and accomplished outsized things and came of age in a big, brawling manner. What a country. What a summer. And what a writer to bring it all so vividly alive for us in this certain best-seller.

©2013 Bill Bryson (P)2013 Random House Audio

My favorite book of 2013

Would you consider the audio edition of One Summer to be better than the print version?

Probably--I get more from listening to a book because I can listen to every word (and not speed read like I do print books)

What other book might you compare One Summer to and why?

I cannot think of anything to compare it to--it is so unique i how it weaves Lindberg's famous flight and the history of flying, with other significant yet unknown events and people

What does Bill Bryson bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

He is a great narrator--I loved listening to him read his own book. (And I am critical of many authors reading their own works.)

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

If I had the time, I might have. I was sorry when I got to the end.

Any additional comments?

After finishing this book, I also listened to Bryson's other books--A Short History of Nearly Everything and Made in America. He is so entertaining--I am looking forward to listening to other books.

Entertaining Listen

What made the experience of listening to One Summer the most enjoyable?

Bryson deftly links certain historical events and people to the larger and more memorable events of the Summer of 1927.

What did you like best about this story?

How very "American" the period was, and how profoundly our current culture is connected to the events and issues of the 20's.

What about Bill Bryson’s performance did you like?

Bryson has an intelligent and wry delivery, and a keen sense of irony and history.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

There are way too many individual events covered in this book to ever consider making it into a movie.

Any additional comments?

A very generalized, but enjoyable, trip through an important period in American cultural history.

I didn't know that either!

That's what I kept saying. I didn't know that. I didn't realize that. I don't remember hearing that. I never connected those events or people or times.

It is entirely possible that any year looks extraordinary when one considers all that happens in society, culture, economics, sports, invention and more but I do believe that 1927 was one heck of a year.

I am a Bill Bryson fan. His humor appeals to me. It is not uncommon for me to be working in the garden and burst out laughing. If this frightens a rabbit or two, better still.

I did enjoy the book.

Bryson is a fabulous storyteller!

I everything Bill Bryson writes. he is gripping and impossible to put down. He ties the different event together with masterful clarity.

Fascinating history

I had no idea so much happened in that one summer. Extremely well written. I have recommended this book to all my friends.

Captures America in one crucial year Between Wars

Bryson does a fine job narrating his own book. Captures a critical period of US history between WW1
& WW2

Another Great Book By Bryson

When I first saw the title of this book I wasn't terribly intrigued. One summer? 1927? But, given every book I've ever read by Bill Bryson has been well worth it, I figured I'd give it a shot. And boy, am I sure glad I did?!?

One of the things that I'm always struck about by a good book is how it causes me to think about and become interested in things and people and events that I never was aware of or thought about before. In that context, this book delivers and then some!

There are so many wonderful characters and events the are brought to life in this book; I'm sure I'll have lots of new things to explore for a long time to come.

Bill Bryson is easily one of my favorite authors and I eagerly await his next book.

Good listen

This book covers a lot of ground during what was an interesting time in US history. Bryson explores a lot of topics including, politics, sports, aviation, automobiles, media, finance, crime, and includes a colorful cast of characters that highlight the many interesting stories within this book. As usual with Bryson his prose never fails to both inform and entertain.

Doesn't get any better than this!

Any additional comments?

There are so many different stories about people and America that you never lose attention. He ties them all together so well, you will want to read all his books. And I have.

Great look inside our recent past

I think I’ve read or listened to all of his books now. I’m going to say this is probably my favorite. The names and places and events of our grandparent’s world all relayed in great Bill Bryson fashion.