Entertaining History
Never has American History been presented in such a thoroughly enjoyable, believable and entertaining way. Although fiction, A Good American guides the reader through the years from the mass immigration to America of the early 1900s to the present day by way of a generational story of the Meisenheimer family. The writing style is mesmerizing-- simple, yet eloquent, in drawing the reader into the milieu of small town America. There is laughter, tears and a mystery that one does not easily forget. A Good American is a must read primer on American culture and trends in the last century. It has been a long time since I enjoyed a book as thoroughly as I enjoyed this one!
Rated of 5
by Frances B. (Virginia Beach, Virginia)
A Good American
Alex George's first novel, A Good American, is a well written and highly entertaining book. It left me wanting more long after the last page was finished.
This epic tale of one family's journey from immigrant to Good American is a rare treat. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys writing at it's best.
Rated of 5
by Steve B. (Spring, TX)
A Tale of American Immigrants & Their Descendants
One of the best generational stories I have ever read. The author, Alex George, is himself an immigrant and he obviously has fallen in love with America. His understanding of the challenges and opportunities experienced by our ancestors upon entry into the United States is evident. This novel presents the reader with a wide range of emotional highs and lows, joys and tragedies, and examples of good behavior and dastardly acts. It also illustrates how those who work hard are rewarded but also, in the concluding pages; a surprise is revealed about how one character has used crime, deceit and abandonment to create his fortune. In the Author’s Note, Mr. George tells us why he likes America and in turn caused me to reflect on what I have often taken for granted about how lucky we are that our ancestors chose to be Americans.
Rated of 5
by Ann L. (Arnold, MD)
A Good American
This was an interesting 3 generation family saga story taking place mainly in Missouri. It held my attention all the way through with good characters and a story line that had several twists and turns. The author has a smooth easy style of writing which makes it fun to read. There is one especially witty dialogue between two characters who are carrying on a conversation but each one is talking about something else that the other is not aware of. I would highly recommend this as a very enjoyable book to read.
Rated of 5
by Joan B. (Ellicott City, MD)
A Good American
I really loved reading this book. The theme that really called to me was the joy, comfort and fellowship the generations of the family recieved from music. I have always depended on the happiness that music can bring to the soul. It was a thrill to have that feeling expressed in a novel.
How delightful to have the feelings of patriotism described and expressed in a modern novel. My wish would be for everyone to read and feel this love of the USA.
The story line was somewhat like a soap or even reality TV. However, the underlying themes of the plot line were inspiring.
Rated of 5
by Jean O. (DePere, WI)
A Good American
This is a wonderful book. The prose is beautiful and flowing, the characters are real and interesting. I tabbed several passages because they are memorable. Usually I do not read a book twice, but I am in the process of doing that now. It seemed too abrupt to leave the story. I need more time to savor.
Rated of 5
by Rebecca G. (Menlo Park, CA)
"A Good American" truly a great read!
"A Good American" grabs your attention in the first chapter and doesn't let go... if you like stories about families, this is for you. I enjoyed the author's story-telling ability and his use of rich language to describe the relationship between the many characters.
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Although heavy on the scientific details, which slowed down the story for me (OK, I admit, I was one of those liberal arts majors who skipped out on...
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Loved this book. Magical, quirky, enchanting I could go on. All books do not have to be literary fiction, sometimes it is just so comforting to read...
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U.S. ebook sales up in 2012, but rate of growth is slowing(May 16 2013) In 2012, trade book sales (i.e. non academic book sales) rose 6.9%, to $15.049 billion, and e-book sales continued to grow, although the rate of growth...
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by Mary S. (Hilton Head Island, SC)
