Review: Wouldn't visit UK without this book in hand!
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 04 14, 2013
As per the title of the book - this is a guide to Americans of many things British. It is in dictionary style, offering from A - Z amazing detail of the differences between the British and American cultures in language, food, work, sports, special holidays observed, politics, education, social strata and basic everyday life. This perspective is provided by an author who has experienced life in both countries and who is married to a British man whom she also uses as a source of experienced information.I found "An American Guide to Britishness" clever, funny and extremely informative. If I were ever to visit the UK, I wouldn't leave without this book in hand. Seriously. As an American reader, I felt this was written exactly how I needed it to be. I have nothing to go on as I have never visited UK but I felt I got the best possible informative vision of life there. By using what she knows I know - she gives excellent points of comparison. How could I know the size of a typical British oven had she not 'shown' me by comparing it to my own? It's all of these small things that add up to the whole -the differences in language, way of life...it's the best I've ever been given. And thank you for that. I feel this was written honestly and with sincere appreciation of both countries. This book is like a conversation - the author is speaking to me, an American, in a way she knows that I will understand.Really enjoyable read!