I'm visiting Australia. Not physically, more's the pity.
With a few minutes between appointments, I wandered into a small charity shop. Perusing the bookshelves, I spied a copy of In a Sunburned Country. I have been meaning to read this book for years, but somehow kept forgetting. Now was my chance. A perfect antidote to The Girl With a Dragon Tattoo.
After my appointment I settled into one of those comfy chairs by the window with a coffee and my new book. What happened next was not elegant. But if you have ever read Bill Bryson, you will understand.
I soon found myself making indelicate snorting noises. I was almost choking with the effort to keep from laughing out loud. Soon, I knew my face was red. And wet from the tears streaming down my cheeks. I stared out the window and composed myself and started again. My body was involuntarily shaking. Those leather chairs proved to be of little use in supporting me as I crumpled helplessly. I surreptitiously reached into my bag for a bottle of water as a distraction. But it was useless. I should have known better.
A couple minutes later, a man passed by me on his way out. "Must be a rip snorter", he said, with a wink.
I hate when that happens!! Sounds like a great read! I have yet to get into The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. It is on my list of books TBR. My list is growing exponentially. Yikes!
ReplyDeleteHugs
SueAnn
I love "rip-snorters" and I love Bill Bryson, so I'll have to check it out. I've never heard of it, so thanks for the cool review! Are you composed yet?
ReplyDeleteI loved that book. Actually, I love anything by Bryson. His "The Mother Tongue - English and How It Got that Way" is brilliant.
ReplyDeleteI've never read this, but I'll put it on my list of books to read on the bus!!
ReplyDeleteI read this book and also laughed through it. Have you read "A Walk in the Woods?" Good stuff.
ReplyDeleteSueAnn: it is a little embarrassing, to say the least!
ReplyDeleteSusan: I was shocked to see that this is a 10 year old book! get it.
and, yes, I'm fine. until the next chapter...
Jazz: there are few authors who can consistently give you a good belly laugh seemingly from out of nowhere.
XUP: well, that would be one way to get the two seater for yourself.
SAW: yes, and Notes from an Island, and Neither Here nor There...
ohmigosh. I have GOT to read this book. LOL
ReplyDeleteSanna, yeah I could use some laughs right now - with or without the snorting:)
ReplyDeleteBrill Bryson is a very funny writer; this one of his has got away so far. After your post it is definitely on my list.
ReplyDeleteAnnie: if you haven't read any of his books, you are in for a real treat!
ReplyDeleteJeannette: oh dear. we all need a diversion from life every now and then, so why not find someone with a humurous take on life.
Friko: and I found out that he has a new book coming out in October. yay!
Bill Bryson is a master of the art of making the reader lose all control at laughing out loud.What fun!
ReplyDeleteMeggie: and with his new book, he travels to every room in his house and writes about it... what fun, indeed!
ReplyDeleteI found myself doing this recently. All alone with a book and convulsed with laughter.
ReplyDeleteI think I will blog about it soon.
Nuts in May
Maggie: and then hours later, as the scene replays in your head, the laughter erupts all over again! instant happy.
ReplyDelete...the only time I laughed...er snorted...out loud in public was in a doctors waiting room while reading David Sedaris. Now I have got to read Bryson:)
ReplyDeleteI love him too and I loved that book. He does make you snort.
ReplyDeleteohhh i got excited thinking your were here lol
ReplyDelete:)
p.s i moved my blog i can't remember if i emailed you the details(?)
x
Some blokes would do anything for a rip-snorter beer........?
ReplyDeleteI love most things Australian (although I'd have to visit during the summer when it's winter), especially Chris Lilley.
Oliag: even if you haven't travelled to the places he writes about he is very, very funny.
ReplyDeleteNora: next time I will remember to read him in a less public place.
Chloe: oh how I wish! I will give you fair warning when I visit again (and yes, you did send your new link and I like your new look)
Lena: after I came back from Australia, I spent years pining to go back (and would watch any drivel on TV just to hear the accent)
Embarrassing but rather wonderful too. i remember Bridget Jones' Diary reducing me to a similar state while I was commuting on the London Underground years ago. Of course, in London, nobody winks; everyone just avoids eye contact with the snorting nutter...
ReplyDeleteDancingBeastie: oh yes, that was another one...
ReplyDeleteall in all, it wasn't an unwelcome encounter!