This much I know: Bill Bryson

Travel, and the notion of travel, appealed to me as far back as I can remember. I think it had a lot to do with growing up in Des Moines, Iowa, in the middle of nowhere.

I don’t recall learning to write. But I do remember when I couldn’t read, and then learning to read, and the idea that this whole, magical world became accessible to me.

Both my parents were Irish. I grew up Catholic, surrounded by nuns, but I’m not very spiritual. I’ve been to Ireland many times, but have not spent enough time there.