In "The Lost Continent: Travels in Small Town America," Bill Bryson humorously reflects on his journey to Nebraska, describing it as a state lacking excitement and charm. He suggests that expressing the desire to travel there is something one should avoid, given Nebraska's perceived dullness in comparison to its neighbors.

He further emphasizes this by contrasting Nebraska with Iowa, portraying the latter as a more vibrant and appealing destination due to its green landscape and varied topography. Bryson paints Nebraska as an expansive stretch of emptiness, likening it to a vast, monotonous area devoid of the allure found in other states.