Bryson's 1994 book is a wordy (in many ways) etymological history of America. The book is filled with his unique storytelling. He covers a wide range of topics including immigration, sports and games, sex and censorship, transportation, entertainment, business and consumption, and politics. He finishes the book with a discussion of offensive language and political correctness. I like the way he challenges America's tendency to white-wash our history and overestimate our exceptionalism. The nuggets of unusual information are fun. The reader comes away with knowledge of Pilgrims/Plymouth Rock, Bridegrooms/Dodgers, Woolworth's, Piggy Wiggly, Sears, Kodak, Kellogg, Hershey, Malls, "jumbo", Caesar salad, Conestoga wagon, Arroyo Seco freeway, Comstock Act, and many more tidbits. The book contains random historical quotes such as "I know it when I see it", that pitcher threw a "Linda Ronstadt", and a 1993 L&M cigarettes ad "Just what the doctor ordered." I have to admit I needed to hustle to finish in time and in the words of my late sister, "Whew, you are full of words."
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