This topic from Long and Short Reviews was an interesting one. I couldn't think of any interest of mine that had been inspired by a book. There was, however, an interest which had been revived, if you will, by a book - that book being The American Presidents Without The Boring Bits.
As a teenager I was fixated with the USA. I would spend hours poring over world atlases and an enormous dictionary my dad had bought because it had all the presidents in the back, memorising state capitals and presidents and anything else I could come up with. I fully intended to emigrate and get my green card as soon as I finished university, so I figured I needed all the information I could get.
However, life happened, and here I am still in the UK. I happened upon the above book, bought it, and found myself fascinated by the USA all over again. I no longer have plans to emigrate (I'd be lost without the NHS) but my retro-Americana is all over the house and I can still remember all the state capitals. Well, nearly. I still get the Dakotas and Carolinas mixed up.
So what about you?
I think we humans are often fascinated by things outside the norm. I'd say most Americans are at least a little bit Anglophile-ish (so you, in reverse). I think I'll have to check out the book you refer to!
ReplyDeleteYes, I've heard that. Makes sense!
DeleteWhat a neat hobby!
ReplyDeleteAnd most Canadians are a little Anglophile-ish, too. :)
I love England, but I'll never lose my fascination for the USA.
DeleteThat book sounds interesting...and I'm one of those not-so-closed Anglophiles Marianne referred to. And, re: NHS...yeah... I hear you on that.
ReplyDeleteYeah - I couldn't do without it.
DeleteI've been fascinated by everything British since watching Are You Being Served? and reading everything about the Beatles, so I get it. :-)
ReplyDeleteI love Are You Being Served!
DeleteHow interesting, Tanith! I'm impressed by your knowledge of the capitals of the states. Not many of our youth (or adults) here in the U.S. can claim this fact. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteSo I've heard - it's fairly useless knowledge in my case, I admit.
DeleteHow interesting. I think we are intregued by things outside out realm. I know I am fascinated with the UK and Ireland, all the castles and ruins. I have a whole book shelf dedicated to them. Hope to visit one day. LOL Thanks for sharing. Here's mine. https://www.tenastetler.com/a-project-or-hobby-inspired-by-a-book/
ReplyDeleteI agree the UK and Ireland are beautiful.
DeleteIt pains me to admit it, but it sounds as if you're more knowledgeable about America than a good many Americans...
ReplyDeleteMy answer is here.
Possibly, but then I've met a few Americans more knowledgeable than me about the UK.
DeleteAnd here is New Mexico I've always dreamt of visiting the UK and spending an entire summer visiting all I can. Of course playing the Old Course at St Andrews tops the list. https://pmprescott.blogspot.com/2020/07/this-weeks-challenge-is-project-or.html
ReplyDeleteI think you'd enjoy it.
DeleteThis was a hard topic, but I'm enjoying how everyone has tweaked it. Funny, I've always been fascinated by the UK. So much fascinating history. I watched the TV series and read all volumes of Simon Schama's History of Britain when they came out and we still watch Time Team and a bazillion other docos whenever they air.
ReplyDeleteI love Time Team as well.
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