The Lost Continent: Travels in Small-Town America is a personal account written by American author Bill Bryson. The book tells the story of his 13, 978-mile trip around the United States between the years of 1987 and 1988. The book begins with an introduction to Des Moines, Iowa: Bryson’s birthplace. The author recollects his childhood which according to him was filled with boredom. He also describes his hometown as the kind of place people move in with great expectations but after some time can’t wait to get out. Bryson recalls the small family trips outside the town which inspired him to plan for a larger trip.
After achieving adulthood, Bryson begins his journey with the hope of finding the “perfect town.” He starts by traveling to his grandparent’s house and then moves across the Mid-West. In the course of his journey, Bryson meets two childhood friends, Hal and Lucia in Philadelphia where he decides to spend the night. From there, he visits his older brother and his family in Bloomsburg. During his stay, he visits Lancaster County.
After visiting more than thirty counties, Bryson realizes that there is no such place as a perfect town. Different areas have different qualities that make them unique whether good or bad. As he completes his journey, he makes his way back home. After traveling over 13,000 miles, Bryson concludes that his hometown (the place he vowed to leave as a child), might be the perfect place for him to settle down.
