Made in America cover art

Made in America

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Made in America

By: Bill Bryson
Narrated by: William Roberts
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About this listen

Featuring a special introduction written for the audiobook edition and read by the author

In Made in America, Bryson de-mythologizes his native land, explaining how a dusty hamlet with neither woods nor holly became Hollywood, how the Wild West wasn't won, why Americans say 'lootenant' and 'Toosday', how Americans were eating junk food long before the word itself was cooked up, as well as exposing the true origins of the G-string, the original $64,000 question, and Dr Kellogg of cornflakes fame.

©1994 Bill Bryson (P)2014 Audible, Inc.
Comedy & Humour Linguistics Travel Writing & Commentary United States Funny Witty Thought-Provoking Suspenseful Imperialism American History Old West Wild West
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Critic reviews

"Bryson offers a playfully anecdotal account of the etymology of distinctive words and phrases that help to create a distinctly American English." ( Publishers Weekly)
"A treat....Filled with surprises....A literate exploration of why we use, or mangle, our native tongue." ( USA Today)

What listeners say about Made in America

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  • Overall
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amazing funny and factual

Bill Bryson mixes facts and humour to keep a long book entertaining.... Narrator William Roberts has a easy voice to listen to over and over

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Bill Bryson does it again...

Bill Bryson dishes out a montage of historical accuracies that boggle the mind. l love history and Bill taught a grand class with this book. Enjoyed it fabulously. The narrator was superb. He really brought history alive.

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Excellent, as ever.

Bryson informs and educates with ease. The narration is as easy on the ear as the written word is wonderful.

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Great Bryson

Another fact filled Bryson classic. Running from before the creation of the USA, this well performed audio book leads you through the origin of thousands of words and Americanism's, using Bryson's witty and satirical humour. A multi-listen book to play again and again.

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Once again. A brilliant Bill Bryson book.

As usual, another excellent listen. Very amusing. Told as only Bill Bryson can.
Excellent performance by the narrator.
Would recommend.

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Understanding

I knew the USA was sad but this confirms it. Speaking as uk citizen we not kind either.

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I really enjoyed this

Excellent book backed up by a tremendous performance by William Roberts. Thought provoking dive into etymology of American English.

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An Enjoyable Listen

I have been a Bill Bryson fan for man years and his books never disappoint. This was a very interesting journey through American history and the formation of the "American" language as we know it today. there were times that were a struggle to stay listening, but these were few. Overall I'd recommend this book as a cheerful holiday listen, not too taxing on the brain, but you might just learn something.

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Bill Bryson does it again

Another great book from Mr Bryson, read it or listen to it and get a new perspective on the USA.

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other triump

If you could sum up Made in America in three words, what would they be?

What a mix

What was one of the most memorable moments of Made in America?

Showing what a insecure bunch the Americans'

What does William Roberts bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?

Can read a book whilst working in the garden

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

Gave me another view of the USA

Any additional comments?

Bill Byron can be listened to, over and over again, the man is fantastic

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