acinthedc's review against another edition

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2.0

Stavans states the intent of this book is to tell the history of America from a different perspective. Unfortunately, this reads like a pretty straightforward history text without much of a contrarian perspective. There is a lack of cohesiveness to the text and unnecessary pop culture references. There are a number of books cited that may actually provide a more nuanced and contrarian view on US history. Overall 1.5 out of 5

martig's review against another edition

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1.0

I couldn't finish reading this as closely as I wanted to originally. There are SO many interruptions from the author, with stuff that just doesn't matter. I had high hopes for this, but I ended up not liking it much at all.

vivamonty's review against another edition

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2.0

It didn't seem all that contrarian at all.

mlindner's review against another edition

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3.0

http://www.unshelved.com/bookclub/2015-2-6

nerdella_reads's review against another edition

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5.0

True to his word, the author contradicts himself in several places while pontificating, but that is part of what made this a good read. Depending on your experiences and what aspect of history you are examining, your perception changes. I also lived how the art was a juxtaposition of amazing ink drawings and rough sketches.

rushfan77's review against another edition

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3.0

I was expecting to read about something I had not read before but I was disappointed.

jameseckman's review

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2.0

While dubbed a contrarian history of the US, you'd have to an extreme right-winger to find much wrong with this book. On the other hand, it covers 500+ years of history in a graphics format, so its pretty watered down. The illustrations are decent, but I don't feel they add much to the text. An OK read for anyone with a passing familiarity of US history and possibly a good read for those without.

sarathebibliophagist's review

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1.0

I'm not even sure where to start. Full review on my blog.
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