I often refer to Bill Bryson's narrative as a combination of Dave Barry and the late Sir Peter Ustinov. While he is a perfectly intelligent person, he conjurs up the most unexpected images/situations in a way that forces unstoppable laughter. This became apparent when I was on vacation, reading one of Bryson's books. The narrative was progressing consistently enough when he wrote of something so funny, I not only burst into tears laughing, but almost into a paroxysm of laughter. Covering my face with the book, I eventually managed to control myself, where a fellow tourist approached me and asked, "What is that you are reading?" "Bill Bryson," I said. "He's very funny." "Yes, I can see." was the response I received.

What Bill Bryson offers in his books is not a common thing: He explains the environment and context of the people and places he visits around the world. This, together with his humour, make for very compelling books. When I was first told of Bryson ("He travels and writes about his experiences"), I wasn't too impressed. By the time I finished the first page of his books, I was hooked.