I'm currently reading Blue Highways which is a captivating read and has been a goldmine of quotes related to rural America and societal changes at hand back in the late 70s. I highly recommend it. I'm also very nearly finished with Team of Rivals which I've been tackling in between things, very dense read but it will tell you everything and more that you could possibly want to know about Lincoln and his cabinet.
Which book by Bryson have you read? He's been on my list for some time now.
I think I've read The Lost Continent. I've also read A Short History of Nearly Everything , Made in America and started reading At Home. TLC: don't remember much, ASHoNE: great stories but I already knew some of the science tales, MiA: disappointing / boring, AH: great first part. Bryson's best when he's passionately telling a story. For me he hits the sweet spot between fascinating and informative writing. Of those four I'd suggest At Home or ASHoNE, both are great.