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Made in America

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Made in America

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

 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. Americas Linguistics Social Sciences Travel Writing & Commentary United States Funny

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)
All stars
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Another fantastic book by Bill Bryson. So much information is packed into this book. There must be a whole army of researchers. Well done.

Well told, written and narrated.

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Pressed play largely due to it being Bill Bryson + it was free, without first really bothering to investigate the subject matter. I'm glad I did. Another thoroughly enjoyable Bryson title; a well-paced blend of knowledge and humour. A curiously engaging deep dive into speech, the origin of phrases we've commonly used for years and the unique contributions the American lexicon has made.

fascinating etymological journey through U.S. history

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a go go go good bo Bo Bo book, why do I have to write 15 words for a review?

great

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Bill Bryson is one of my go to authors. I’ve listened to Made in America three times and read the book once. Never disappointed.

Keep coming back

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Loved it had a bit of everything in it and a fair few good laughs

Loved it

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Interesting as always, especially so if interested in linguistics and etymology. While not perfect, the book is well researched, written & narrated.

Thoroughly enjoyable

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A great combination of American history and the story of American English. I really enjoyed it.

Fascinating story

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The story is great and the narration is great, too (despite one other reviewer saying it's "over-read" and "irritating"). I like William Roberts' narration, which is clear to understand. Yes, it's a little animated compared to some, but it's definitely not over the top.

Anything by Bill Bryson is worth a listen

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I love this book and I've read it several times. It is rich and varied and funny. the tales are told in a funny and gripping way. No wonder Bill Bryson writes on languages; he obviously loves words and writes with a light airy tone that belies the masses of research that clearly sit behind the adept construction of this book.
The last Bryson on audible I purchased had the author narrating. I don't really like his voice at all so I was pleased to see a different narrator for this one. Unfortunately, this narrator is very irritating. The book is so 'over-read' that it feels like I'm listening to a children's book. As an adult listener, im capable of picking up jokes without the narrator virtually waggling his eyebrows and nudging me in the ribs. Dial it down, dude. I'm able to interpret without your heavy handed delivery. This does detract from experience a great deal.

Very entertaining account of American vocabulary

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Truly in-depth look at language of the States United in America.
Bill Bryson has again provided an interesting informative instrument of ear candy for the eclectic bookworm, while William Roberts has made it aurally enjoyable, thank you gentlemen:-)

‘who knew ?’ well…, now i do :-)

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