Scan barcode
A review by nickadams
American Nations: A History of the Eleven Rival Regional Cultures of North America by Colin Woodard
4.0
Is it worth three stars? No. Could I justify a full two star rating? No. Hence, with a lack of possible middleground, I erred on the side of generosity.
Read most charitably: American Nations provides an interesting, albeit biased, paradigm through which to view the social, cultural, and economic development and divisions throughout the United States (as well as other parts of North America), expanding upon ideas first presented in Garreu's 1981 work. Although the writing can be a touch monotone and repetitive, many readers will find insight into less readily apparent factors driving both divisions and alliances throughout the modern U.S.
In a less charitable reading: American Nations represents an unforgivably biased (for a non-fiction work) perspective on the various histories and cultural facets which are argued to be driving nearly all facets of life in a proposed eleven separate nations within the North American (predominantly U.S.-focused) continent. With multiple re-used chapter starters, repetitive phrasing, and countless un-sourced quotes, Woodard has lazily (and somewhat hastily) rehashed a similar thesis first proposed by Garreu in 1981 (see 'The Nine Nations of North America').
While the truth obviously lies somewhere in the middle, I was disappointed with Woodard's style and the obvious bleed of his opinions (founded or not) into his purported non-fiction work. Woodard hails from Maine, which perhaps explain why much of the last third (if not more) is focused on the merits of the nations of (in order) Yankeedom (which includes Maine), New Netherlands, Left Coast (founded by those from Yankeedom), and selections of the Midlands, while aligning the Deep South, Greater Appalachia, and parts of Tidewater with Nazism and the rise of the Third Reich. Nary a negative mention of Yankeedom/New Netherlands can be found as the book progresses, which culminates in a four chapter rant on the U.S. Democratic vs. Republican party, espousing the benefits of socialism and railing against those who oppose it.
In summary, an interesting (though reductive) concept, heavily diluted by poor writing.
As a note: Walter Dixon, the narrator of the audiobook, manages to have both a dry/monotone voice, as well as appaling (and at some points offensive) attempts at regional dialects. Highly recommend listening at 1.5x speed to avoid falling asleep.
Read most charitably: American Nations provides an interesting, albeit biased, paradigm through which to view the social, cultural, and economic development and divisions throughout the United States (as well as other parts of North America), expanding upon ideas first presented in Garreu's 1981 work. Although the writing can be a touch monotone and repetitive, many readers will find insight into less readily apparent factors driving both divisions and alliances throughout the modern U.S.
In a less charitable reading: American Nations represents an unforgivably biased (for a non-fiction work) perspective on the various histories and cultural facets which are argued to be driving nearly all facets of life in a proposed eleven separate nations within the North American (predominantly U.S.-focused) continent. With multiple re-used chapter starters, repetitive phrasing, and countless un-sourced quotes, Woodard has lazily (and somewhat hastily) rehashed a similar thesis first proposed by Garreu in 1981 (see 'The Nine Nations of North America').
While the truth obviously lies somewhere in the middle, I was disappointed with Woodard's style and the obvious bleed of his opinions (founded or not) into his purported non-fiction work. Woodard hails from Maine, which perhaps explain why much of the last third (if not more) is focused on the merits of the nations of (in order) Yankeedom (which includes Maine), New Netherlands, Left Coast (founded by those from Yankeedom), and selections of the Midlands, while aligning the Deep South, Greater Appalachia, and parts of Tidewater with Nazism and the rise of the Third Reich. Nary a negative mention of Yankeedom/New Netherlands can be found as the book progresses, which culminates in a four chapter rant on the U.S. Democratic vs. Republican party, espousing the benefits of socialism and railing against those who oppose it.
In summary, an interesting (though reductive) concept, heavily diluted by poor writing.
As a note: Walter Dixon, the narrator of the audiobook, manages to have both a dry/monotone voice, as well as appaling (and at some points offensive) attempts at regional dialects. Highly recommend listening at 1.5x speed to avoid falling asleep.