• One Summer

  • America, 1927
  • By: Bill Bryson
  • Narrated by: Bill Bryson
  • Length: 17 hrs and 3 mins
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars (4,546 ratings)

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One Summer  By  cover art

One Summer

By: Bill Bryson
Narrated by: Bill Bryson
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Editorial reviews

Editors Select, October 2013 - When I'm in the mood for nonfiction, Bill Bryson's brand of witty, creative narrative is exactly what I look for, which is why One Summer: America, 1927; is on my list for October. In this book, Bryson takes us on an in-depth journey through a particularly eventful five months in American history: May - September, 1927. Not all newsworthy stories make it to the front page, but Bryson ensures the obscure, peculiar, and downright fascinating details of this summer are not forgotten, seamlessly weaving them into the events of the big headlines - Charles Lindbergh's solo flight, Babe Ruth's home run streak, and Al Capone's rise to power, to name a few. Self-narrated, One Summer is sure to be must-listen for Bryson fans, nonfiction listeners, and anyone who found themselves obsessing over the details in history class. Sam, Audible Editor

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
  • Unabridged Audiobook
  • Categories: History

What listeners say about One Summer

Average customer ratings
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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Great book, breathy voice

I enjoyed Bryson’s writing, a great way to tell a large historical story with wit and interest. I highly recommend the book. I do, however, think the narrator of his “A Walk in the Woods” was a lot better narrator. Bryson’s voice isn’t as strong or clear. That being said, I still enjoyed it a great deal.

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    2 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

“One summer” isn’t one of Bryson’s best...

There’s no doubt that the summer of 1927 was part of a fascinating era in American history, but the name “One Summer” is misleading since the book covers the better part of three decades. And Bryson manages to overwhelm its romantic appeal with way too much minutia and too many of his trademark sarcastic asides.
I listened to the Audible version with Bryson as narrator, and that alone almost made me give up on the story. His voice is flat and cloying, a weird mix of his Iowa roots and his time spent living in England. I’ve read and enjoyed other print books by Bryson, but this one was a big disappointment.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Brilliant and eye opening!

My first Bill Bryson book, but definitely not my last! It is meticulously researched, brilliantly written and enjoyably narrated. Can't wait to experience many more!

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    5 out of 5 stars
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An interesting perspective on our history

This is a very detailed and fascinating look at a brief period in our time when, it seems, everything was changing.

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    5 out of 5 stars

One Magic Summer

I love Bill Bryson and especially love when he is the narrator of his audiobooks. This one is an incredible portrait of America before the Great Depression. A lot happened in our country during that time and particularly in the world of professional baseball which I love. He weaves it all into a story that will fascinate, amuse and delight as well as break your heart.

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very interesting!

Love Bill Bryson books, I always learn so much and he explains everything so well and he's hilarious.

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    5 out of 5 stars

Another Great Book by Bryson

I didn't realize how many things happened in that one fateful summer. Excellent narration.

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  • Overall
    2 out of 5 stars

was not what I expected

struggled and did not get far into it - subject matter and style was not what I expected. dry

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Classic Bryson

A wonderful story that I would know nothing of, if it weren't for the brilliant reporting of Bill Bryson.

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History told in 3 dimensions

The author brings 1927 alive by reminding us just how much was going on during that period in America. I learned so many details of famous people’s lives, and discovered how little I actually knew.

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