What do You think about Dave Barry's Only Travel Guide You'll Ever Need (1999)?
I didn't find this book all that funny-it may have made me smile slightly once or twice, but overall was disappointing. The humor relied too much on cliches. It was clear where the author had some first-hand experience, and where he was just filling in the blanks with made up words and obviously false, silly facts. There was also too much repetition. For example, showing the same obviously fake full page map for every major city in Europe. The first time was cute, second was also cute when you realize it's the exact same map. Third time wearing thin. And by the sixth it just feels like filler to increase the page count. A lot of the text felt the same, with jokes that are only mildly funny to begin with repeated and then repeated again. This is the first book by Dave Barry I've read, and based on his reputation (he won a Pulitzer and has written a lot of books) I was hoping for more. The last two chapters were strongest. There's a section on staying at a quaint country inn that was the strongest section in the book, I think because it played off his experience as a columnist. I think if it were more a collection of columns and anecdotes that played to that strength, rather than trying to find something funny to say about every state in the US and every major western European country, I would have enjoyed it more.
—Christina
This is one of those books that I read in just one or two sittings. It was that good (and that short). Anytime a friend or loved one of mine is going on vacation or traveling for business, I encourage them to read this book prior to their departure. They almost never do, but that's their loss.Most critics will agree that this is Barry's best book (followed closely by "Greatest Hits"). Of the Barry titles that I have read, I would tend to agree. It's very cohesive and contains illustrations that add a dash of extra hilarity to his writing.The section where he details every state in the USA (They're Progressive!) is worth the cover price. The way he details foreign countries that he has (and hasn't) visited are hilarious as he tends to play a lot on stereotypes, but I would read the designated section for visiting any of them to see if I agree.If you've read anything by Dave Barry before, you know what you are going to get. A quick read, a lot of laughs, and a desire for more.Also recommended: "Dave Barry's Greatest Hits" & "Dave Barry is Not Making this Up."
—Wes Locher
This is very funny in parts and possible to finish in an afternoon. Dave Barry gives his refreshing take on travelling both internally in the US and abroad, going into detail about all 50 states and the individual European nations. Apparently the only thing Europeans have in common is that they hate each other, pretty fair. Interesting that all the old American gripes about continental Europe come up, the bad food in England, bad manners in France and bad driving in Italy and how to visitors from the US, whatever time of day or night you want food: Europe is closed ! The book genuinely did make me laugh out loud in places.
—Joanne Nock
