Andrew Smith's Reviews > Stephen Fry in America

I like Stephen Fry. He’s an engaging comedian, actor, writer and renowned brainiac. He’s been on British television for years, and as someone always attracted to all things American, I couldn’t resist grabbing an audio copy of this book, narrated by the man himself. It’s effectively a follow-up, or accompaniment, to a BBC television series which was released in 2008. Therefore some elements are somewhat dated, but nonetheless the opportunity to follow him as he visits every state in the Union was too tempting to miss.

It’s fair to say that his adventures are somewhat whistle-stop. I’d even say that some states barely get a visit. But Fry is amusing and interesting company as he scoots around the country in a black London Taxi. He’s clearly in love with, and in awe of, America and his enthusiasm for (nearly) everything he comes across is, in a sense, uplifting. But one of the more irritating elements – despite his pledge in his introduction to avoid such things – is the obvious set-ups for the television series which was the prime motivation behind his journey. These set-piece ‘adventures’ felt trite, and I skipped through a few of them. He’s much more interesting when he talks about things he came across, and people he met, whilst not being filmed.

A few takeaways:

Grimmest place: Trump’s casino in New Jersey

Most boring states: the Dakotas

Most beautiful state: Utah

Most friendly state: Actually, practically everywhere