I’m reading “Made in America” right now. It’s a history of the American English language.

I mentioned it to someone the other day, and she asked what class it's for. Here’s the surprising thing: it’s not for any class. Yes, I’m reading a book on the evolution of the American English language for fun because it's by Bill Bryson.

I first discovered Bryson back in April, when I read his memoir, "The Life and Times of the Thunderbolt Kid". Reading it, I laughed so hard I almost cried. It was one of those books people give you funny looks for when you read it in public because you keep exploding into hysterical fits of laughter.

After that I read "A Walk in the Woods", which a lot of people consider his magnum opus. I understand why. It’s not nearly as funny as "Thunderbolt Kid", but it tells a genuinely moving story in a humble entertaining fashion.

I spent the summer working my way through his various travel books and stumbled across "Made in America" in a bookstore. I jumped on it.

It’s extremely rare to find an author who can combine facts, humor, personal anecdotes and still come up with some sort of universal themes.

So if you’re looking for a book, I’d say anything Bill Bryson would be an excellent choice.