Books for/about - American Dream

Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas: A Savage Journey to the Heart of the American Dream

Publisher: Vintage
Authors: Hunter S. Thompson

ISBN: 0679785892
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Avg Cusomer Rating: 5
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Summary: Be afraid, be very afraid . . .
Reading_FEAR AND LOATHING IN LAS VEGAS_is like watching Uncle Sam and Bozo the Clown bludgeon to death Benji and not quite knowing whether to put a stop to the brutality or let it continue for the good of the people. The book jumps for the throat at the outset--two monsters, a Samoan attorney and a doctor of journalism, howl over the desert sands, gorging on an elephants supply of narcotics, towards the freaky stronghold of the American Dream, Las Vegas. This is a fable of excess, right and wrong, the twisted and the twisters--how far can you push it before the hammer finds its mark? Hunter S. Thompson's writing is fast and dangerous--it moves like mortar fire. There are no other comparable writers--his style springs from the self-stylized madness he dwells within--but more importantly he makes the reader laugh. Not laugh, clutch his gut in pain for fear his appendix will burst--Thompson finds humor in the darkest and most threatening corners of life and it is this talent which enables Dr. Gonzo and Raoul Duke to survive the kniving vortex of the American Dream. This book changed my life. Must also read the cynical, Thompson-like_KATZENJAMMER_by one Jackson McCrae for another great take on the sleaze-bags of the world and what they can do when left unchecked.

Summary: Not a fan
I have to admit that this was a required book for a college course I took on art and criminality, most of the required books I found interesting, but this was very boring and silly. I didn't like how the book had a modern tone and yet is obviously set in a past time. It is hard to imagine the Vegas they describe to a younger reader. Also the drug culture that is talked about profusly in the book is both boring and pointless. I think you would have to be interested in the drug sub culture to like this book and that is something I am not. Maybe this book is interesting to a certain type of reader, but I found it more or a nuissance than a pleasure.

Summary: Fear and Loathing Student Review
"Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas" has been called "the best book on the dope decade" by the New York Times Book Review. Duke's (Thompson's) gonzo reasoning in various areas of the book certainly reflect the mental madness and fiction of the 1970s dope fiend. The book reflects the promiscuous drug use that ran rampant then and the moral apathy of some Americans in that period.
"Fear and Loathing" as it's usually shortened, is not, in my humble opinion, a book about a doctor of journalism covering a big story, nor is it really about Duke and Dr. Gonzo's quest for the American Dream. It's simply a fantasy-esque tale that captivates the mind with its out of this world happenings. It's a story about two men tripping on ether and LSD in the desert and on the Vegas strip. That's the big picture to me at least. I'm not degrading Thompson's writing either. It's brilliant, and his story is great and fantastically humorous. That's why I chose to read the book, however, the book has many prime examples of it's being a tale about the crazy happenings that ensue after a day to day drug binge in Vegas. These crazy happenings aren't steps on a great quest in search of the American Dream; they're just humorous events. "Fear and Loathing" is simply an interesting story. It has no deep and profound message. It's definitely a good read if you're looking for a humorous and entertaining book.
I read this book for an English class reading project, and upon sharing my interest with my teacher, he was leery about approving my selection for use in the project. His reason was that it had been his experience with the text that most readers of "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas" were only interested in reading the book as a validation of their own unlawful drug use. I assured him that this was not the case, and used my love of the 1998 Fear and Loathing movie in my defense. However, after reading the book, and taking a step back from the pages, I can see how the book would be enjoyable for drug fiends and make non-drug users curious. It's for this reason, that I only recommend Hunter S. Thompson's, "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas" for mature and responsible readers of a high moral fiber.
The ink spilled on the pages of "Fear and Loathing" could be a dangerous invitation to a world of anarchy and misery to some, and it should be realized that this book is simply a humorous tale, not a written code of decorum, or a Bible for junkies. Reading about the crazy happenings surrounding two drug addicts is enjoyable. However becoming those two men, bent over toilets vomiting, wishing death upon themselves, and drugging and raping a young girl, I can see from the text, is not a great idea.

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The Four Agreements Companion Book : Using the Four Agreements to Master the Dream of Your Life

Publisher: Amber-Allen Publishing
Authors: Miguel Ruiz Janet Mills

ISBN: 1878424483
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Summary: A Practical Guide to Help Us Decode Our Emotional Garbage
After reading The Four Agreements, I felt that it is great to learn the four agreements �V be impeccable with your word, don��t take anything personally, don��t make assumptions and always try your best. However, that book did not have enough practical ideas or skills to guide me decode our old agreements/emotional garbage, how to be aware and how to transform. This book has a practical guide to teach us how to live in the four agreements. It teaches us how to become aware and how to transform.

1. Bring the Awareness to Surface so We Can Let Go of the Parasites, the Old Agreement, the Judge, the Victim, the fear

2. How to transform by the second attention (become aware and not act on or judge too fast), action-reaction, attach-detach

Don Miguel Ruiz has a very playful style of writing when he was telling us the above skills. I think in essence, the above skills suggests us to slow down our thinking process to give us enough time to steer our feelings and actions to apply the four agreements and to enjoy life intensely within the moment. His dialogue about the four agreements and other people��s stories about applying the four agreements give me hope that I can live my life with what he has suggested. The dialogue helps us to decode certain emotional garbage and the dialogue helps me to break the old agreements. It is definitely a must-read if you have read the four agreements. Again, reading is not enough. However, putting the new adopted philosophies into everyday��s life is the way to turn the dream of hell to become the dream of heaven.

Summary: A Must Have!
Anyone who has read his first book will definitely want to read this one as well. This book actually helps the reader to implement the Four Agreements into daily life. Very insightful and I wish I had read it forty years ago!

Summary: Grounding Clarity, Simple Truth
This is an excellent book for anyone. Don Miguel shares a heartfelt vision of very fundemental and useful truths in a very practical way that is easy to understand and follow. His work also goes beyond the new-age people, and far beyond the pop-psych books, because he is the real deal. His connection with the indigenous traditions of his people gives his expressions an uncommon sincerity and authenticity. I guarantee it will help you, should you allow it. ...

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	The Man of My Dreams: A Novel Publisher: Random House Authors: Curtis Sittenfeld
ISBN: 1400064767 List Price: $22.95 Amazon Price: $14.92 Usually ships in 24 hours Buy this book from amazon.com or from amazon.co.uk	Avg Cusomer Rating: 4 Reviews: Summary: Another Complex and Interesting Protagonist The wonderfully misleading thing I found about this book as well as 'Prep' was that you think it's just another fluffy coming of age story complete with a wry, sarcastic narrator who always has some witty, glib comment to make while achieving a rich and deserving fictional happiness.How far this is from the truth. Sittenfeld carves out young Hannah Gavener's quest for her prince charming and happily ever after with a blunt end of sobering reality. Not afraid of embuing Hannah with some ugly characteristics makes her so much more identifiable, and consequently sympathetic and relatable. Sittenfeld is a terrific writer, and most importantly one that continues to not be afraid to present people as they really are without a concern for what anyone thinks. Summary: A very moving read I have not read her previous novel, Prep, so I don't have a basis for comparison. I would, however, consider this book to be amazing. I even considered giving it 5 stars, but didn't because that would mean perfection. The wonderful thing about the main character Hannah is that she's very unique. At times I couldn't even begin to fathom experiencing the way she way thinking and feeling and why, but other times her thoughts and emotions were dead on with things that I have felt. It was a very compelling story that I could not put down. Her character shows growth at the end and adapts a more realistic view of love as opposed to her initial idealistic view. There were times when the diction seemed a little wordy to me, or to use one of the character's words, perihprastic. But other times, Hannah's thoughts were stated in the most blunt and truthful way. The fast paced plot kept me intrigued because sometimes left key information to the imagination for awhile before revealing what actually happened. It is full of twists, turns, and even a few shocks here and there. Although some may have not liked the ended, I personally loved it. This novel teaches a valuable lesson and I consider it a must read. Summary: Prep Redux Self doubt and criticism, anxiety, inability to act in an uncomfortable social setting - all of these for readers of PREP, the author's previous novel, are revisited in the character of Hannah Gavener, a college student in the late 1990s. In the earlier work, Lee, from a middle class family, was faced with the daunting task of fitting into a blue-blood prep school. Hannah, on the other hand, has come from a family where the father maintained a tyrannical control until she and her mother and sister finally escaped. The result for Hannah, however, is an incapacity to navigate social situations, especially with boys. She literally pretends to sleep in a mixed social situation. In both works, the author imbues her lead character with the ability to analyze her social situations and her peers. But this understanding never really becomes particularly empowering. Also in both cases, the girls pine for a popular, hunky male, idealizing and pursuing them as men of their dreams with minimal results. Hannah is a curious case. In the first place, the reader learns little of her appearance, other than her peers commenting on her large bosom. She engages in minimal grooming or fashion. She seems to be a bit contradictory. It seems that her perceptiveness should translate into more self-affirming behavior and experiences. The book is insightful concerning the difficulties of adjusting and growing up for one who is not on automatic pilot. It will be interesting to see if the author moves beyond the Lee/Hannah stories in future work, as interesting as these two have been. Summary:

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Dreams from My Father: A Story of Race and Inheritance

Publisher: Three Rivers Press
Authors: Barack Obama

ISBN: 1400082773
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Summary: Not What You'd Expect
So like any number of other American disaffected from the political process and the culture of corruption these days in Washington, I picked up Barack Obama's autobiography in hopes of finding someone to believe in for the future. I'm not going to say I was disappointed, but the book wasn't your typical "I'm going to run for President someday, listen to my ideas" story either. In fact, much of it isn't political at all, rather it is a well written, sometimes interesting, sometimes fascinating story about Obama's life from Hawaii to Indonesia to Chicago to Kenya.

Pay more attention to the subtitle than the title, as Obama very carefully develops his credibility on issues of race, and I was left with the impression that he may be one of the few who can speak with authority and eloquence on immigration, family, and the issue of black-white race relations that has haunted our country for so long. He just might be someone who can start the healing process if given the chance.

The other aspect of this book I enjoyed the most was how refreshingly honest it is. No political editing, no glossed over sections. Obama very clearly states what he did and didn't do, what his regrets are, and what he has learned from his mistakes.

And couldn't we all use a little bit of honesty and eloquence from our leaders about now?

Some say Obama is a rising star. I hope so. I gave it four stars because it gets a little long winded in places, but it is still a very good read.

Summary: Captivating
I admired Senator Obama, but I wanted to know more about him. Now I can only hope that someone with his integrity, values, intellect, honesty, modesty and motivation can lead this country in the future. I really feel like I know "Barry" and hope I am fortunate enough to hear Senator Obama speak in the near future. The book has so many story lines 1) Growing up inter-racial, 2) Learning about his African family 3) The influence of grandparents 3) Becoming focused as a young adult after a confusing childhood 4) the life of a community organizer and much more! I was only sorry it ended when it did!

Summary: Senator Barack Obama is the real deal!
As a Chicago resident, I am a big fan. This is our magnificent U.S. Senator from the great State of Illinois. And this web page says it all about what I think of this book and Senator Obama: http://www.billslater.com/who_is_barack_obama.htm
Read the book and check out his speeches. You will see why I am praying for this brilliant leader to be U.S. President someday. And may that day come sooner than later. God Bless Senator Obama and his Family!

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That Noble Dream: The 'Objectivity Question' and the American Historical Profession (Ideas in Context)

Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Authors: Peter Novick Quentin Skinner Lorraine Daston Dorothy Ross James Tully

ISBN: 0521357454
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Summary: Valuable, but only with cautious scrutiny
This author writing about objectivity seemed to really struggle with it himself. There is so much bias present that it's difficult to discern when Novick is speaking or when he is merely "echoing" the sentiments of others. Whatever the case, he simulatenously presents a valuable, if dense, tome about the history of history while, if it's taken at face value, failing to provide a fair and equitable account of the "objective truth."

Summary: Deliberate misrepresentation of evidence
Deliberate misrepresentation of evidence and plagiarism are among the most grievous sins a historian may commit. Not only would this do a disservice to our understanding of the past, but of the present and even the future. Peter Novick's treatment of Charles Beard's critics is a case to these points. Just as Hofstadter and others claimed that Beard had misrepresented the evidence, a similar claim may be made that Novick has misrepresented Hofstadter's critique of Beard. In his book, That Noble Dream, The "Objectivity Question" and the American Historical Profession, Novick staunchly defends Beard and Becker from their critics by attacking their credibility and dismissing the shortcomings of the progressives. Along the way Novick makes an enticing argument that History as a discipline has been fragmenting, it had been endlessly whittled down internally, and he concluded by proudly proclaiming that history is dead. And his argument is strengthened by its appearance as formal historical writing. But his provocative view of History's fragmentation, is, as Beard would say, only one interpretation. And we must attend to the particular matter of Novick's misrepresentation of Hofstadter's critique of Beard. From that, we might more clearly evaluate Novick's position. Novick not only fails to cite his use of Hofstadter's text entirely honestly, he is guilty of misrepresenting him as well. In The Progressive Historians, Turner, Beard, Parrington, Hofstadter wrote:
In 1938, when a considerable number of intellectuals were queried by the editors of the New Republic for its symposium on "Books That Changed Our Minds," Beard's name ranked second only to Veblen's (and ahead of Dewey's and Freud's) among thinkers acknowledged with gratitude, and the two titles most often mentioned by the respondents were The Theory of the Leisure Class and An Economic Interpretation of the Constitution. (220)
Though Novick provides the correct title for the source of this information, he nowhere suggests that the following are any but his own words:
In the 1938 New Republic symposium on "Books That Changed our Minds," Beard was ranked second only to Veblen in influence, ahead of Dewey and Freud. (240)

Novick's phrasing certainly wouldn't pass "the smell test" for plagiarism in a historical writing course. He is in the very least guilty of shoddy editing (Stephen Ambrose was skewered for similar shortcomings in his work). As such, this cracks open an unpleasant door for our perception of Novick's work, namely the door of questionable credibility. Though Novick uses the form of historical writing this not presuppose that he is not inaccurate, unbiased, or unprofessional in his methodology. Indeed, his book's premise is that historians cannot be objective; hence, can we believe his is an objective representation? He misrepresented the context of Hofstadter's work and used his words as his own. Is this laudable scholarship?

Summary: Must read for every historian
When a professor assigned Peter Novick's "That Noble Dream" as one of the last readings in one of my seminars, I blanched. Who, I inwardly groaned, would force students to read a book this huge in the waning weeks of the semester, a time when the heavy weight of tests, papers, and grading exams rests on your shoulders? "Look at the size of that font! How in the heck are we supposed to get through that thing in a week?" wailed a fellow sufferer, echoing what we all thought as we blearily thumbed through the book. Initial skimming seemed to confirm that this would be one of those scholarly books that take years off your life even as you promptly forget what you read a mere five minutes ago. Now, I've done some power reading during my tenure as an undergraduate and graduate student; I once cruised through Herodotus in two days and Thucycdides in even less time. You learn to accept things like this in the unnatural world of the academy. With lengthy papers due at the same time I opened this book, I decided to power stuff this one. Even now I can hear the knowing snickers of graduate students across the nation who may be reading this review, seminar hardened souls amused to no end that I actually assumed I had to READ the book. I can hear the chorus: just skim through it over the course of a few hours, learn the main argument, take a few notes, and nod sagely in class.

Well, a funny thing happened on the way to the end of Novick's treatment of the noble profession: I rapidly discovered that this book is brilliant; a veritable cathedral of razor sharp analysis, amazing use of primary source material, and all written with one eye firmly planted on the bigger picture. What human being is capable of this Gibbonesque treatment of the American historical profession? Apparently a University of Chicago professor with a whole lot of time on his hands, a man whose primary field of research has little to do with American history. Well, Gibbon's inspiration for his enormous masterwork came from a visit to the ruins of Rome, so why not an equally impressive history from someone working outside his field? A comprehensive summary of the book is an exercise in futility here, but I think I should take a stab at it since I am studying history and often must summarize scads of material into a few precious paragraphs. My review will be inferior anyway compared to the extremely insightful essay found below on this very page.

Novick begins with an examination of the German methodologies of history---an appropriate starting point because Americans wishing to study the past on an advanced level in the nineteenth century needed to go to school in Europe---in an attempt to discover how the first generation of professional American historians approached their craft. To be sure, amateur historians like Parkman, Prescott, and Adams wrote narrative histories on such huge topics as North America, Mexico, and the early governments of the United States. But in an age where scientific methods came of age, men stood up and rejected the narratives, believing that the very same techniques could, and should, be applied to the study of history. An age of strict objectivity called for an equally rigorous impartiality in looking at the past, and the first trained historians here did so with relish. Worshipping the phrase "wie es eigentlich gewesen," or studying history "as it really was," our academic ancestors attempted to collect as much factual evidence from historical sources as possible, crafting "building blocks" of history so that in the near future men could unearth the universal truth by putting these blocks together. Amusingly, Novick discovers that the American historians misunderstood this magical phrase, that it should translate as "as it essentially is," a different ballgame altogether that means a historian should employ his intuition in his studies. Since this is the exact opposite of how our historians applied the phrase, the entire edifice of our profession balances upon a translation error! Study hard for those proficiency exams, my friends!

Novick's scrupulous treatment of the succeeding years of the profession reveals metatectonic (a word that appears throughout the book, and frankly, I love it and use it whenever possible) themes, but the biggest one may be that big social changes lead to big changes in the academy. While many scholars like to think they create rather than react to societal transformations, Novick proves them wrong repeatedly. War, for example, served to bring about sea changes in how historians studied history. The nightmares unfolding at places like Ypres and the concomitant moral discord after that war led to a short period of "doubt casting" in every field of western human endeavor. Things that seemed indisputable before millions died in the mud suddenly assumed a worrisome etherealness, a hazy uncertainty that ushered in the beginnings of relativism. The Second World War and the subsequent Cold War, with its need for absolute convictions (Hitler and Communism bad, Us good), temporarily quashed proto-relativism in favor of consensus. We are where we are at now, in an age of unbridled relativism, "social construction," and "deconstruction" because of the Vietnam War and the rise of the New Left historians. Novick outlines it all in one page after another, pages rife with the words of the historians who were there when it happened.

A short review fails to relate the impressiveness of this work. There are a few omissions here, one being the pedagogical functions of history as mentioned in a previous review. The other problem concerns the shortage of information about earning credentials in the profession. For information on how much fun that process is, you need to look at Theodore Hamerow's curmudgeonly treatment of life in graduate school, "Reflections on History and Historians."

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	Bait and Switch: The (Futile) Pursuit of the American Dream Publisher: Metropolitan Books Authors: Barbara Ehrenreich
ISBN: 0805076069 List Price: $24.00 Amazon Price: $15.60 Usually ships in 24 hours Buy this book from amazon.com or from amazon.co.uk	Avg Cusomer Rating: 3 Reviews: Summary: She Ain't So Old and Angry Many Amazon reviewers appear very angry at Ehrenreich's frustration and depression regarding her job hunt and, ironically -- because she focuses on the "blame the victim" strategy of corporate America -- blame her for her failure to find a good job. Any middle-aged woman (even maybe a former "hippie", as one reviewer described Ehrenreich) whose company went out of business, needed to make lay-offs or otherwise turned her loose, might easily find herself in the same position as Ehrenreich's, who set out with an acceptable (if fabricated) resume, respectable clothes, and a fair amount of determination, to find a full-time, good paying white-collar position with benefits. This book describes the scams of the career coaching industry, in which unlicensed, uncredentialed "counselors" who would otherwise be unemployed themselves, prey on desperate job-seekers. If it does not sufficiently describe work in corporate America, that's because, despite her acceptable credentials, including a college degree, Ehrenreich couldn't find a good job. In Ehrenreich's view, corporate America has created a class of middle-aged, unemployed professionals whose members are wrongly castigated by self-justifying former employers as "losers". The bottom-feeders in this underworld of users and used are the so-called career coaches who, adopting the corporate mantra, blame unemployment on the unemployed. While picking the few dollars left in their victims' rapidly emptying pockets, these self-anointed experts administer personality tests that have no scientific basis, spout psycho-babble and other self-help platitudes, and promote their own videos and other "coaching" products, all the while exhorting their exhausted, frightened clients to "think positively" and "change". The changes that are accomplished by means of such manipulation and bullying are superficial and pathetic, as ordinary human beings in increasingly dire circumstances try to emulate what they believe are corporate models, wearing suits and ties to 7-Eleven, handing business cards to total strangers and trying to smile and act "positive" even while their bills mount and savings dwindle. Depressing? Yes. Angry? Sometimes. Ehrenreich didn't fail to find a good job, however, because her attitude was "negative" and her networking shallow -- she failed to find a good job because, like many unemployed Americans, she was middle-aged and did not have well-placed connections. My criticism of this book is that the coaching stories grow wearisome after awhile -- the point has been made --and I wish that the author had taken one of the crummy jobs offered to her so that she could have written about the next step in corporate America's "bait and switch" act. I suspect, however, that the process had ground her down to the point that she just couldn't take any more. Summary: Ms. Barbara Looks for a Job This is a book about an angry, bitchy, curmudgeon, a wrinkled old harpy, who sets about on the job hunt, an entitled woman with a fabricated resume and loads of contempt. In a nutshell, she is an unhappy, angry has-been, disdainful of everyone--especially fat people and Christians. She absolutely HATES fat people. Christians are a close second. Does she like anyone? Here's the irony: She found TWO jobs--despite her BAD attitude. The problem: They weren't "good" enough. She turned both down, for reasons unexplained. Would I recommend this book. NO!!! Summary: good look at problem of corporate America For me, reading Barbara Ehrenreich's Bait and Switch is like reminiscing about getting a job out of grad school. Ehrenreich often points out that her age was a problem in getting employment, but I was in my twenties and had the same experiences. Essentially, she is a writer who disguises herself as a person with PR experience who wants a job in the corporate world. She goes to numerous coaching sessions and resume building sessions, which are costly. She goes to networking events, including religious-based ones. It is quite sad and tragic to follow her on her job search; however, I felt like I was reliving my own experiences. In the end, she doesn't even find a job but just gets offers to be a salesperson with no benefits, health insurance or workplace. For anyone seeking a job, this is a great read if you need some empathy; however, it is a depressing read as it is too close to home. The countless hours spent job searching on the internet, tailoring your resume to each job, changing and updating your resume. Ugh. She definitely conveys the futile feeling of never finding work. Luckily for her, she is a writer and could go back to her real job where she had a salary--unlike the people she met along the way. I became a fan of Ehrenreich's after reading Nickel and Dimed. Just like in that book, she shows us what it is truly like to be in the position of someone looking for job survival. However, her solution for what's wrong with corporate America is a bit unrealistic. She proposes that the unemployed unite and lobby for their rights because they have the time. But what she is leaving out is that though they have time, they are not meeting their bills to survive and their job search is not a "farce" like hers was. If anything, it is people who know what's going on and who have the time and MONEY who should be lobbying for them. I recommend this book to people in senior positions in corporate America and people who work in legislature to see what they can do to make the situation better for the average corporate worker.--Dina Di Maio Summary:

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Suburban Nation: The Rise of Sprawl and the Decline of the American Dream

Publisher: North Point Press
Authors: Andres Duany Elizabeth Plater-Zyberk Jeff Speck

ISBN: 0865476063
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Summary: Every US resident should read this!
This book is a plea for sanity. It addresses what I believe to be the key issue in the US today since suburban sprawl-living affects all areas of life in so many ways. It affects the way people live and think, the environment, it affects people's state of mind, quality of life, their perspective on things, physical state, everything. This should be mandatory reading. I myself moved back to Europe with my American husband precisely because of the life-style this sprawl and car culture forces upon you. I especially moved to let my boys have more independence when they get older. If towns were built differently I would have no problem living there! The book is very insightful and informative but mostly I just kept nodding my head thinking "That's it! My sentiments exactly!". I'm going to send this to our architect friend in Florida, and hope he passes it around the office (the architect firm where my husband worked before our move). Many US residents just don't have anything to compare their living to, they don't know anything else. It was quite funny how when some friends proudly introduced their massive mansions to us I could've not cared less -all I kept thinking was "Yeah, sure but YOU LIVE IN THE MIDDLE OF NOWHERE!" This book is spot on and it's mission is most important. Read it!!!

Summary: Good intentions do not a great city make.
Duany explains not only how to rectify urban planning disasters, but how they came to be in the first place. Well intentioned and reasonable beaurcracy can have unfortunate consequences down the road.

My favorite discussion regards the fire department's road requirements. The next time you are driving down a subdivision street that is wide enough for four cars, realize that its only that wide because fire marshalls demand it. It is a case where the once-in-a-lifetime worse case scenario has resulted in a terrible streetscape for a lifetime.

Duany is fair in his writing. He admits that he could not make do without his car, and this book is not a treatise against cars. But I believe it can be regarded as a treatise for communities. Everyone deserves a home to call their own, but not everyone thinks that home is a McMansion or sprawling apartment complex. This book is for those people.

Summary: Great Look at the Problem of Sprawl
Living in Northern Virginia, everyday tasks are affected by sprawl. Whether it is going to the grocery store and getting stuck in traffic on the road outside your house, or having friends/family pushed 90 mins outside of D.C. to find a house, it is clear that some fresh ideas are needed. Although this book, nor any other, would be able to solve a problem as widespread as this, and I don't think the authors intended that, Suburban Nation explains the theory of "new urbanism" while realizing that it is not going to be an overnight fix. This is a book I'll recommend to anyone interested in learning more about American society, the future of real estate, and the environment.

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Snoozers : 7 Short Short Bedtime Stories for Lively Little Kids

Publisher: Little Simon
Authors: Sandra Boynton

ISBN: 0689817746
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Summary: Very good, but not calming
My 15 month old girls really like this book. I like the table of contents tabs and the variety of short stories (and one song). I put it in their bedroom to read at bedtime. They are very active and our bedtime routine is to be quiet and calm to settle them down before sleep. This book is a little bit too lively for our bedtime. I'm going to move this book to our playroom to read during the day with many of our other Boynton favorites. We'll stick with our calm bedtime favorites: Goodnight Moon and I'm Thankful Each Day.

Summary: Fun for baby AND parents!
Our 8-month-old hears the delightful short stories in "Snoozers" each night as part of his bedtime routine. The book always holds his attention and interest. One of the stories calls for a second voice to help tell it. We've had lots of fun experimenting with this second voice. While one of us reads to our son, the other is tidying up or putting away laundry in his room or the neighboring room. As long as that person is within earshot as the story is being told, they chime in at all the right times. Some nights the voice is unexpectedly boisterous; other nights it's sweet and subtle. One never knows what to expect!

Summary: Bedtime Favorite
My 19 month old loves this book! She even sings along to the silly lullabye. I think this book is great.

Summary:

search for American+Dream at amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, google.com

Computers and Electronics Books || Automotive Books || Misc Books

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