Eye-opening and funny!

If you have had the experience of living in both the UK and the USA, I firmly believe that you will have an intense love for this book. It offers a unique perspective and presents a plethora of interesting details and cultural differences that you are bound to find fascinating.

Even if you only have the plan to visit one of the two countries, this book is still a great read. It can provide you with valuable insights and help you better understand the local culture, customs, and way of life. You will be able to gain a deeper appreciation for the place you are about to visit and make the most of your journey.

So, whether you are a seasoned traveler or someone who is just starting to explore the world, this book is definitely worth checking out. It will surely make you laugh, learn, and have a more enjoyable and fulfilling experience.

A cheeky insight into British and American differences.

I found myself in disagreement with a significant portion of what the author had to say. However, there were indeed some aspects that held true.

I am an American who has resided in the UK for the past eight years. It's important to note that a great deal has changed since she penned this edition.

After some time, the author's writing style began to grate on my nerves.

To be honest, I don't believe I would recommend this book.

The differences between British and American cultures are complex and multifaceted, and perhaps the author didn't fully capture the nuances.

Moreover, the outdated information in the book might mislead readers.

While it may have had some interesting points initially, the overall experience left much to be desired.

I would suggest looking for other sources that provide a more accurate and up-to-date perspective on the subject.

This is the revised edition from 2003. Undoubtedly, I must have purchased it as preparatory reading for my study abroad year in England. In fact, this might even be the third time I've perused it. Walmsley, an American residing in the UK, contrasts Yanks and Brits on various topics such as business, love and sex, parenting, food, television, and so on. I rediscovered my favorite lines once again (in a panel titled “Eating in Britain: Things that Confuse American Tourists”): “Why do Brits like snacks that combine two starches? (a) If you've got spaghetti, do you really need the toast? (b) What's a ‘chip-butty’? Is it fatal?” The explanation of the divergent sense of humor remains accurate, and I have a penchant for the Gray Jolliffe cartoons. Regrettably, a significant portion of the rest seems outdated. Although she updated it to include 2003's pop culture references, these have not endured well over time.

It's interesting to note how the cultural comparisons in the book have changed since its publication. Some of the differences she pointed out may have diminished or evolved, while new ones may have emerged. Nevertheless, it still provides a valuable snapshot of the cultural divide between the US and the UK at that particular moment.

Overall, while the book has its flaws, it's still an enjoyable read that offers some insights into the two cultures. It makes me wonder how a similar book written today would differ and what new aspects of the cultural exchange it would explore.

Brit-Think, Ameri-think by Jane Walmsley was recommended to me by the British bookstore in my local town. We visited this bookstore before our trip to the UK, where we currently are.

The book doesn't mainly focus on the differences in language. Instead, it concentrates on the differences in culture between the UK and the US. This book is really humorous. Although some of her references, like Brad and Jen, are quite outdated, a lot of her commentary accurately describes both British and American behavior.

I wouldn't consider it as absolute truth, but it does provide a bit of insight into why the Brits I've met act the way they do. I would recommend it to anyone traveling across the pond for the first time, whether from the US to the UK or vice versa.

SuBC bookstore rec and post a review - 25 points

You know what to expect when the author commences the book with the statement, "In writing this book, I've endeavored to be impartial and fair to both sides. If there's someone I haven't insulted... I'm sorry." It's rather humorous, albeit a touch outdated.

As I am neither British nor American, I lack the standing to assess the accuracy of the contents. However, a great deal of it seemed to ring true.

This initial statement sets a certain tone for the book. It makes the reader curious about what lies ahead and how the author will manage to be both evenhanded and yet have the audacity to make such a lighthearted apology about not insulting everyone.

The fact that it feels a bit outdated might give the impression that the book is from a bygone era, perhaps with different norms and sensibilities. But despite this, the sense that much of it is true makes one want to explore further and see what other insights and perspectives the author has to offer.

Overall, this opening paragraph intrigues the reader and makes them eager to delve into the rest of the book to discover more.

The story presented here is truly goofy and ludicrous. It's filled with such absurd情节 that it's almost worth chapter-flipping just to see what crazy thing will happen next.

The characters' actions are completely out of the ordinary, making the whole narrative a wild and entertaining ride.

You'll find yourself laughing out loud at the ridiculous situations they get into and the strange decisions they make.

Despite its goofy nature, there's a certain charm to the story that keeps you engaged and eager to discover what lies ahead on the next page.

It's a lighthearted and fun read that's perfect for when you want to escape into a world of pure silliness.

The movie was funny, yet it had a repetitive nature.

However, it did offer a good cultural glimpse of the eighties.

It managed to capture the essence of that era with its fashion, music, and social trends.

The characters and their antics were entertaining, even if the plot had a certain predictability.

Despite the repetition, there were moments that made you laugh out loud and reminded you of the unique charm of the eighties.

It was like taking a trip back in time and experiencing that decade all over again.

The movie may not have been a masterpiece, but it was an enjoyable and nostalgic ride.

Overall, it was a fun way to spend some time and get a taste of the cultural atmosphere of the eighties.

Regardless of which side of the pond one is on (See the trans-Atlanticism there?), Walmsley's short work is truly enjoyable to read, especially when approached with an open mind.

Certainly, well-travelled readers might scoff at some of the tongue-in-cheek references or explanations suggesting that one's culture should be checked at the airport door. However, that's precisely how many comparative culture books should be.

Not everyone leads a NY-LON life, so certain things need to be detailed a little more thoroughly. As for those who claim she doesn't know the real England, it's important to remember that these are generalizations. After all, not every Americanism she noted is a blanket depiction of the country, is it? (For example, I personally deplore most American television, and I grew up in a rural locale surrounded by others who felt the same way.)

Read this with an air of curiosity and, if possible, accompanied by a cuppa and a bickie. Or perhaps a tub of mocha chip. The choice is yours.

By approaching the work with an open heart and mind, one can truly appreciate the insights and humor that Walmsley has to offer. It's a lighthearted yet thought-provoking read that can enhance one's understanding of different cultures. So, sit back, relax, and enjoy the journey through the pages of this engaging short work.

The worst book I've read in a hot minute. It feels so dated and stale, as if it's from a bygone era. The author seems to be trying way too hard to be witty, but it just comes across as forced and unfunny. I made the mistake of buying this book on impulse when I was purchasing "Watching the English". Please don't fall into the same trap as I did.

Or better yet, if you really want this book, just pay the shipping and I will mail it to you myself. I have no other reason for doing this except to get it out of my sight as soon as possible. Oh, and another thing that really annoyed me was her attempt to explain coolness. It was so convoluted and pretentious that it made me want to kill myself.

I would not recommend this book to anyone. Save your money and your sanity and look for something else to read.

The article had several interesting points.

First of all, the layout was really good. It was well-organized and easy to follow, which made the reading experience very pleasant.

Secondly, it was an extremely entertaining read. The content was engaging and full of humor, which kept me hooked from the beginning to the end.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this article. It managed to combine interesting points with a great layout and entertaining writing style, making it a truly enjoyable piece of work.

I would highly recommend this article to anyone looking for a fun and engaging read. It's definitely worth taking the time to check out.

I'm already looking forward to reading more from the author in the future.

The author and I share two commonalities.

We are both American women who have married British men.

And we both reside in the UK.

After perusing the book, I can only reach the conclusion that Jane Walmsley inhabits a world that is vastly different from that of the average Brit and American! I highly doubt that Ms. Walmsley has ever interacted extensively with the ordinary, estate-dwelling British citizen. This lack of interaction has presumably led her to pen a book that is both unhelpful and inaccurate. She devotes an inordinate amount of time attempting to sanitize life in the UK and make it seem charming and quaint. Of course, it is entirely possible that she is well aware of the truth but dare not write about it for fear that her windows might be smashed with bricks and her car petrol-bombed.

If you are seeking an accurate depiction of the British mentality, AVOID THIS BOOK!

It's rather difficult to provide a rating as I'll have to assess the knowledge in comparison with other sources and so on.

I didn't initially realize how old this was. I noted the revised date of 2003 instead of the original date of 1986. This accounts for some of the outdated sense of the more familiar American content and the lack of influence of recent events and technology.

A few references are inserted, but they seem to disrupt the flow.

However, the information is divided into nice small sections, which makes it easier to remember and refer to. The writing is engaging, often creating memorable facts through understated exaggeration.

This gives the text a certain charm and makes it more accessible to readers.

Overall, while there are some drawbacks, there are also some positive aspects to consider when evaluating this piece of work.