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When I read Bill Bryson, I am prepared to learn a lot about whatever locale he is covering in the book, knowing some of it will go right over my head, plus to be entertained by his snarky humor. No different here. Some of the Australian towns were less interesting than others, but it's obvious that Bill enjoys his travels even with all his complaints and sarcasm. Australia is so "preposterously outsized" he could travel it forever and never see all there is.

He was amazed by how we never hear much news from Australia. Who could remember their Prime Ministers or name any time they tried to invade a neighboring island? On the other hand, some Australians know more about what our Prez is up to than do our own next door neighbors.

Here are his closing words... what he wants us to take from the book if nothing else.... No sarcasm this time.

Australia is mostly empty and a long way away. Its population is small and its role in the world consequently peripheral. It doesn't have coups, recklessly over-fish, arm disagreeable despots, grow coca in provocative quantities, or throw its weight around in a brash and unseemly manner. It is stable and peaceful and good; it doesn't need watching and so we don't. But I will tell you this, the loss is entirely ours. You see Australia is an interesting place. It truly is. And that really is all I'm saying.

This audiobook was narrated by the author. It took me a bit of time to get used to his voice and his very deadpan delivery of his dry humor. Props to him for getting it right. I will be listening to him again soon, I hope.