In a Sunburned Country

By: Bill Bryson

Narrated by: Bill Bryson

Length: 11 hrs and 54 mins

Publisher's summary

Every time Bill Bryson walks out the door memorable travel literature threatens to break out. This time in Australia. His previous excursion up, down, and over the Appalachian Trail resulted in the sublime best seller A Walk in the Woods.

Now he has traveled around the world and all the way Down Under to Australia, the only island that is also a continent and the only continent that is also a country. Australia exists on a vast scale, a shockingly under-discovered country with the friendliest inhabitants, the hottest, driest weather, the most peculiar and lethal wildlife to be found on this planet, and more things that can kill you in extremely malicious ways than anywhere else: sharks, crocodiles, the 10 most deadly poisonous snakes on the planet, fluffy yet toxic caterpillars, seashells that actually attack you, and the unbelievable box jellyfish.

In a Sunburned Country is a delectably funny, fact-filled and adventurous performance by a writer who combines humor, wonder, and unflagging curiosity. Wherever Bryson goes he finds Australians who are cheerful, extroverted, and unfailingly obliging. They are the beaming products of a land with clean, safe cities, cold beer, and constant sunshine. Australia is an immense and fortunate land, and it has found in Bryson its perfect guide.

©2000 Bill Bryson (P)2000 Random House, Inc., Bantam Doubleday Dell Audio Publishing, A Division of Random House Inc.

Critic reviews

"Bryson's cheery Australian tale should entertain even the most listless driver. His strength lies in his ability to incorporate astounding facts about the country with nutty personal anecdotes." (Publishers Weekly)

Australia discovered

Bill Bryson's narration was very enjoyable. We just read it for our book club. It was a learning experience for all with Bills sense of humor it truly was a hit.

I always enjoy his books

His travelogue books are always very interesting and this did not disappoint. I love learning interesting facts about Australia.

BEST TRAVEL WRITER/COMMENTATOR EVER!

I HAVE LISTENED TO THIS BOOK 3 TIMES. IT GETS BETTER EACH TIME. I LOVED BRYSON'S WALK IN THE WOODS ABOUT THE APPALACHIAN TRAIL AND IT IS 5 STARS JUST FOR THE HUMOR AND IN THIS BOOK ON AUSTRALIA HE DOES NOT DISAPPOINT.

WRITERS LIKE BRYSON AND GROGGIN AND GARRISON KEILLOR AND MARK TWAIN AND DAVID SEDARIS HAVE A UNIQUE AND OFTENTIMES QUIRKY WAY OF LOOKING AT THE WORLD AROUND THEM. THIS BOOK IS A GREAT INTRODUCTION TO AN UNKNOWN COUNTRY, OR TO A TRAIL THAT RUNS CLOSE TO YOUR OWN BACKYARD. I WISH BRYSON WOULD WRITE A SERIES ON THE NATIONAL PARKS.

I WILL BE FOREVER GRATEFUL FOR HIS EXPLAINING THAT SPORT: CRICKET.

IT IS JUST A FUN LISTEN. I FOUND I COULD SKIP AROUND DURING THE 2ND READING AND RE-LISTEN TO MY FAVORITE ANTIDOTES. THEN RETURN TO CH 1 AND THE TELLING OF AUSTRALIA VS THE OTHER COUNTRIES. AND THE SHARK STORIES. ONE COMES WITH A PRIME MINISTER! GET IT, IT'S AUSSIE HUMOUR IN THERE, TOO.

HAVING A GOOD MAP OF AUSTRALIA AND GPS-ING BRYSON'S DESTINATIONS WAS FUN TO DO. IT'S A BIG COUNTRY. A FRIENDLY COUNTRY. ONE WITH GREAT LANGUAGE:" G'DAY"-" MATE" --THE LIST GOES ON. COPIED THEM DOWN TO TRY THEM OUT WITH THE FEW AUSSIES I KNOW IN THE STATES.

IT'S JUST A WONDERFUL BOOK. GET IT. YOU WON'T BE DISAPPOINTED.

I want to go back to Australia!

I love Bill Bryson's books and Ithis one made me miss Australia terribly....
must start planning a trip!

good, but not fantastic like 'A Short History...'

Would you try another book from Bill Bryson and/or Bill Bryson?

Yes, I plan trying 'At Home' after being recommended it from a colleague.

If you’ve listened to books by Bill Bryson before, how does this one compare?

This was another topic entirely, so may be an unfair comparison - but 'A Short History of Nearly Everything' blew me away

Could you see In a Sunburned Country being made into a movie or a TV series? Who should the stars be?

No

mild mannered hysteria.

I laughed I cried it was the gambit of emotion. I have listened to this book at least 20 times

Learn About How to Visit Australia

Would you listen to In a Sunburned Country again? Why?

I might listen to a few segments, especially if I were to consider a visit there.

Would you recommend In a Sunburned Country to your friends? Why or why not?

This is a very entertaining (and easy) read. You learn about how deadly so many animals can be in Australia and what a unique place it is. Reading this book really moves you to Google Map Austraila's great Outback. You realize how right Bill is--there is just nothing there for tens of thousands of square miles.

What about Bill Bryson’s performance did you like?

Bill Bryson is a very gifted reader of his own matial giving every humorous observation exactly the right tone and cadance to make you laugh out loud (very disconcerting to other passangers on the Shanghai subway where I commute).

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I like Bill's books a lot as they are among the few that can make me laugh out loud. He is a very entertaining writer even on topics you that you expect to be pretty serious.

Great listen

The fastest book I've ever listened to. Made me feel homesick for Australia. Highly recommended.

A story weaver

Weaving narrative and expository writing with humor, candor and deep insights. I’m hooked. Canted wait to hear all of his writings.

Typical Bill Bryson, which is a good thing!

I should note that I am a huge Bill Bryson fan, and this book did not disappoint. Bill wanders about as much as his story telling does as he roams all over Australia, recalling antidotes and obscure but fascinating history. I would highly recommend this book to any curious person.