The Best American Travel Writing 2016 (The Best American Series)

Uneven. I did enjoy ex-American Bill Bryson's intro on why we travel and/or read about travel. He notes the homogenization of the world and the fact that many travel writers think there are no good places left. And while that may mean that a few travel writers need a real job other than goofing off somewhere, most of us have jobs and "stuff" that keeps us home and we read to understand and experience other places and cultures. And so I was disappointed in half of the articles because they were super-specific and limited in scope.Still, the articles were often interesting and most were completely out of left field in their descriptions of things like playing odd musical instruments, a film festival in North Korea and smuggling cigarettes. What was my favorite? Don't really have one. So, 3 stars.

This latest entry in the Best American Travel Writing series includes more heavy, issue-based stories than its predecessors, covering topics like climate change, the status of indigenous people, and nuclear radiation. It also has some slow spots; unfortunately many of the longest stories are not the best. There are some great highlights though, including Pico Iyer's exploration of foreignness, Sara Corbett's exploration into the mysteries of Japanese culture and Michael Chabon's story of being happily lost in Morocco. Patrick Symmes' gentle condemnation of travelers who want to see Cuba "before it changes" was a revelation, and Patricia Marx's essay on plastic surgery provided fascinating insight into Korea. The short foreword by Jason Wilson and Introduction by Bill Bryson are also entertaining.

I purchase this book every year. They are not travel guide books designed for tourists. They are short stories about each author's experiences at locations around the world. The authors have often traveled to these locations not as tourists, but for research, study, work assignments and other purposes. Always good reading and an easy book to read a story or two, put down, and pick up again for another story or two. It's an interesting world out there beyond the tourist traps and this series brings it to life.

I was thrilled to discover that these are in-depth stories of place and experiences, not "travel stories" skimming the surface of other lands. Stories just long enough to fully engage and be fascinated.

I like most of what I've read written by Bill Bryson and now I can say I like what he's overseen as editor. Nice variety of essays, all well-written, none self-conscious. None stands out as exemplary of the best travel writing but I didn't regret reading any.

Bill Bryson is a fantastic editor who has chosen a wide variety of stories on some fascinating topics. The Paul Theroux piece is a bit windy, but all the others are a great read, especially wlarus hunting in Greenland...

The best of travel stories by seasoned and upcoming writers. Bryson's taxi ride to the Tokyo train station is hilarious and as is Airbnb's adventures abroad.

Excellent - couldn't put it down. Not your usual travel book - with things to do and places to see.

One of the best travel books I've read. Stories short, yet interesting and varied. Loved them all. Bill Bryson still my favourite!

Excellent, best writer around.

Extrem schlechter Zustand - NICHT wie angegeben.

Bryson is the best as always, with style and content. Great book, but I still prefer his earlier books.

No complaints re vendor - product arrived on time and very well packaged. Not sure what I expected but theres very little Bill Bryson. Interesting stories. Not so sure I would have bought if I had been able to read part of it beforehand. Intelligent writing but I prefer something lighter.