The Body: A Guide for Occupants

The Body: A Guide for Occupants by Bill Bryson is an informative, humorous look at what makes a human.

Going part by part (or system by system) Bryson uses his famous humor to impart the fun, interesting, and strange facts about the human body and the people who study us.

This is a great introduction for those of us who did not take a lot of physiology classes in school. You will also be better at trivia games once you read it!

Bryson, Bill. (2019). The Body: A Guide for Occupants. New York: Doubleday.

In A Sunburned Country

Bill Bryson is a well known travel author who might be just a bit mad. In his account of Australia - In a Sunburned Country - he captures the feel of the country while continuously warning potential visitors to keep away.

Filled with history and lore, Sunburned, is a history/travel/dangerous animal account. Bryson points out that almost every animal, insect and fish in Australia has the potential to kill. They have the deadliest spider, snake, jellyfish, croc, etc...

At the same time he paints a picture of a friendly, HUGE country that is worth the risk.

One sentence description (for class): This whirlwind tour of Australia, as told by a quirky narrator who balances each awe-inspiring sight with a deadly creature, will leave readers wondering whether to rush to or run from the Land Down Under.

Bryson, Bill. (2000). In a Sunburned Country. New York: Broadway Books.