Arts & Entertainment

Just in Time for Super Tuesday -- Books about America

Here are recommendations from the Strongsville Library

In the spirit of election time, here are three great new books dealing with politics, government, and the American dream. Happy reading!

A Good American: A Novel By Alex George, February 2012, 387 pages.

It is 1904 when Frederick and Jette must flee her disapproving mother and head to America, the land of the new.  Originally set to board a boat to New York, at the last minute, they take one destined for New Orleans instead and later find themselves in the small town of Beatrice, Missouri. Not speaking a word of English, they embark on their new life together.  This book is narrated by Frederick and Jette's grandson, James, who, in telling his ancestors' story, comes to realize he doesn't know his own story at all. From bare-knuckle prizefighting and Prohibition to sweet barbershop harmonies, the Kennedy assassination, and beyond, James's family is caught up in the sweep of history. Each new generation discovers afresh what it means to be an American. And, in the process, Frederick and Jette's progeny sometimes discover more about themselves than they had bargained for.  This is a poignant, funny, and heartbreaking read all in one!

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Taft 2012 By Jason Heller, January 2012, 246 pages.  

Just in time for the primary elections, this satirical novel is, in essence, Rip Van Winkle with a presidential twist.  In this case, William Howard Taft (a bit the worse for wear, but no older) shows up at the West Lawn of the White House 100 years after he failed to show up for his successor’s inaugural.  And, all of a sudden, the man who never wanted to be president in the first place, finds himself hurtling towards it again.   This debut novel is a quick read full of laughs.  If you enjoy politics, pick up this fun novel and hang on for a great ride.

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Watergate By Thomas Mallon, February 2012, 432 pages.

Here’s another book to distract readers from the election year follies.  Thomas Mallon, author of Dewey Defeats Truman, takes on Watergate from the points of view of seven people we only thought we knew. Mallon stays close to the chronology of events, but focuses on the people and shows the Nixons in a sympathetic light. A definite highlight of the book is Teddy Roosevelt’s acid-tongued 90 year old daughter. A third rate burglary is turned into first class, page-turning entertainment.

Reviews are brought to you each week by librarians Jennifer Niederhausen, Dona Stein and Heather Timko, Adult Services Division, .

 


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