Brit-Think, Ameri-Think: A Transatlantic Survival Guide, Revised Edition (Paperback)

~ (Author)
Key Phrases: Having It All, New York, Los Angeles (more...)

Product Details

• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: Penguin (Non-Classics); Rev Sub edition (February 25, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0142001341
• ISBN-13: 978-0142001349
• Product Dimensions: 7.7 x 5 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (30 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #53,367 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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  #53 in	Books > Travel > Europe > Great Britain

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

34 of 35 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect as Half of the Whole Picture, July 20, 2004

By	JR Peterman (Ukiah, CA) - See all my reviews

This book by an American born woman who has been transplanted to Britain is a very enjoyable read. Her anecdotal style makes the information fun and fascinating, and her insights invaluable, though one must have a sense of humor about both cultures as she is very tongue-in-cheek. As opposed to most other books I've read on the subject that are almost strictly technical, Walmsley tells the readers in a very conversational style about many differences that wouldn't occur to most travelers - differences in attitude (about sex, gender issues, finance, etc.), values, customs, etiquette and habits; and she may sometimes touch a little on why the discrepencies exist.

Because this is in no way a dictionary style book, she does not offer alternate words, phrases or technical info. Thus, as a supplement, I highly recommend "Divided by a Common Language" by Christopher Davies, who (as opposed to Walmsley) is a Brit who now lives in Florida.

All in all - a humorous, anecdotal insight into two very different cultures. Even though this may not be as technical as some travelers would prefer, the information is crucial for developing a truer understanding than is offered in any travel guide, so do not pass it over for the latter; buy it as well.

23 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very funny and very true, October 6, 1999

By	Hugh Mason "narrateo" (London, England) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Brit-Think, Ameri-Think: A Transatlantic Survival Guide (Paperback)

This book creases me up. As an angry young man growing up in England, it was fashionable to rage against the cultural imperialism of the folks with whom we share something of a common language but actually surprisingly little culture across the water. Now I thoroughly enjoy visiting the US and doing most of my business with Americans - and I put some of the fun and success I've had doing that down to this book. It was bought for me by an all-american gal with the words 'Hugh, read this if you want us get along!" (by the way that's 'get along' not 'get on' - just one example of a potential pitfall for the unwary!). Thank you Marly - and I hereby pass on your commendation to anyone else who's trying to have business or personal relationship across the atlantic divide!

22 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars It's a HUMOR book, y'all ...., October 10, 2003

By	JennyJuniper "regal188" (NC USA) - See all my reviews

As a Brit married to a Yank, I had to laugh at a few of the customer reviews below. Some people seemed to be very seriously expecting a guide about how to avoid horrible breaches of business etiquette. Just because it has 'Survival Guide' in the title..... lighten up!

Admittedly, it probably is a little dated. I was given my treasured, tattered copy a number of years ago by an Anglophile Yank, and laughed my head off at the very accurate observations. I suddenly understood why my American friends thought I had a 'poor self-image' - they take all that self-depracating humor seriously!