Friday, May 17, 2013

Book Review: A GOOD AMERICAN by Alex George

Published: 2012, Amy Einhorn Books/Putnam
Format: Paperback
Genre: Historical Fiction


After falling in love and conceiving a child amidst strong family disapproval, Frederick and Jette Misenheimer leave Germany in 1904 and sail to America. The story continues down through four more generations of the Misenheimer family as they make their home in small-town Missouri.  As told through anecdotes by Frederick and Jette’s great-grandson, James, A Good American reads more like a memoir.  A Good American captures American history as seen through immigrant’s eyes.  The beginning of the story is endearing, touching, hilarious, and heartbreaking; however, when James begins to narrate his own life, the story’s tone shifts.  His narrative includes caricatured characters and jaded experiences.  Overall, though, the story, along with its surprise ending, portrays the heart and humor of what it means to be a good American.     

-Amy

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