Bill Bryson

Bill Bryson is a writer who goes on a trip across a large section of the United States, recording his thoughts and observations along the way. Though the book is about Bryson's travels, facts about Bryson are soon revealed through the course of his observations. He is a native of Des Moines, Iowa, and says that as a young man he couldn't wait to get out of the town. Finishing his trip, he says it's good to be home and admits that he could live in Des Moines.

Bryson seems concerned about equality. He speaks often of race issues. While in Mississippi, he recalls the three young men killed during the race issues of that region. He also writes about his impressions of the Blacks who are not served at a luncheonette counter in Washington, D.C., but who order their meals and leave. As a child...