Made in America (Revised)

made in america: An Informal History of the English Language in the United States | Bill Bryson

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Not a bad mix of American word origins and popular culture, covering things like cars, baseball, fast food, etc. It is a a bit long-winded though, and would have been better with half the size, and less meandering. I read that some of his statements here have been found to be wrong, but it seemed mostly OK to me and it has a good list of sources that might be worthwhile looking into. Bryson is always somewhat fun to read.

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KCofKaysville

made in america: An Informal History of the English Language in the United States | Bill Bryson

Starting a book about English as spoken in America with a lot of trivia thrown in.

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Tineke

Made in America (Revised) | Bill Bryson

This is an incredibly fun and informative book. I've now just learned about the song Dixie's land by Daniel Decatur Emmett (1859) and what Dixie's land means. I realise it has very negative connotations by the Youtube comments, but bear in mind I cannot possibly have the same feelings you have with these things, because I'm not American and haven't been raised with your history. I did like the song and didn't hear anything racist in them.

Catherine_Willoughby Many non Americans see American songs, stories and poetry differently from how those from The States do. I don't know if an outsider eye is better or worse because each County has its own culture or history on different matters . That's why the states shouldn't ban or edit art (music/movies/tv), everything is easily accessible intentionally in its original form. All that should be done is a warning like an Age/flashing light warning 4y

Tineke @Catherine_Willoughby exactly! This is exactly the way with the Black Pete discussion here in the Netherlands. Many people have had their say about this tradition of ours. But what outsiders don't know is that so many things: art, tradition and all other things that make life understandable, worth living, fun, beautiful are often suffused with so much feeling, often connected with (ones) history. It's difficult to find an acceptable middle ground. 4y

Tineke Sometimes one has to veer to the right, sometimes to the left and sometimes you'll have to find the middle ground. Only time will tell how it will be. I will not pretend to know how life is for others, but will try to understand and listen, even though I might not agree. 4y

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KathyWheeler

made in america: An Informal History of the English Language in the United States | Bill Bryson

This book is just fascinating! I‘ve only just started it and have learned that practically all the history I‘ve been taught was a lie.

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Miss_Shush

made in america: An Informal History of the English Language in the United States | Bill Bryson

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Fun, cheeky little book. Bryson loves words and wordplay and keeps it light. Another #reread

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dickgrant

made in america: An Informal History of the English Language in the United States | Bill Bryson

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Very good review of American English language and the words it has gifted the world. Some parts are a little "listy" but loads of great information and Bryson's writing style is very readable as always
#bryson #language

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Ja_Mez

made in america: An Informal History of the English Language in the United States | Bill Bryson

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Another great, if a bit dated, piece of writing by Bill Bryson. If you're interested in English language and how it evoved, both Made in America and the Mother Tongue are great books to read.

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1891293788

#bookstagram #booksandcoffee #books #bookreview #2017reads #b #litsyatoz

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Ja_Mez

made in america: An Informal History of the English Language in the United States | Bill Bryson

Reading about movie because I can't watch a movie during a blackout on a rainy day. At least we're out of the drought.

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Ja_Mez

made in america: An Informal History of the English Language in the United States | Bill Bryson

Just gonna leave this quote here for some good reading.

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Ja_Mez

made in america: An Informal History of the English Language in the United States | Bill Bryson

I had to do a double take when it said the Sears Tower is still the tallest building in the world. A lot has changes over the past 20 years after this book was written. I wonder if there's an updated edition.

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