What's So Great about America by Dinesh D'Souza
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Book Reviews of What's So Great about America
Book Review: Perpetually relevant
Summary: 5 Stars
In the aftermath of 9/11 a lot of ink was spilt on trying to understand why America was attacked and how do America's enemies perceive this nation. Amidst all of the soul-searching a new theme had gradually emerged especially on the intellectual left: America was attacked because America is an awful country that has always been doing a lot of bad domestically and abroad. In words of one infamous preacher, America's chickens had come home to roost. And yet America to this day attracts more voluntary immigration than any other nation on Earth. One of those immigrants is Dinesh D'Souza, the author of this book. In that capacity he is one of the best people around to tell America what is so great about her, and to remind her many detractors that its greatest achievements are the true reasons why so many hate her. D'Souza is not an uncritical admirer of America, but someone who has truly lived an American dream and achieved a remarkable level of success in his professional life. Like many other immigrants from traditional cultures, he is also apprehensive about bringing up his kids in a country where there are no absolute and immutable social norms. But just like many others, he is also appreciative of living in a country that enables one to pursue one's dreams and not be restrained by the circumstances of one's birth. These are the enduring messages of the American way of life. So even though the book was written as a response to particular historical events and circumstances, it remains fresh and relevant for as long as the idea of American dream is fresh and relevant. And if history is any guide, this will remain true for many more years.Book Review: very good indeed
Summary: 5 Stars
In 430 BC, shortly after the outbreak of the philopenesean war Pericles faced the dilemma of how to articulate the blessings of freedom (which were taken for granted) to the people of athens and compel them to make sacrifices and the ultimate sacrifice of ones life. Pericles said that they have the sweetest life of all and in order keep the good life possible they must create an eros for their country. This eros will justify the sacrifices that are needed to protect athenian liberty. dinesh dsouza posses this kind of eros and shows us that In the world today America has the good life. A life which deserves our sacrifice. In the book he describes Americas greatness through refuting the criticsms of all of america's worst critics from judge bork to noam chomsky and reverened jesse jackson.
The good stuff: 1) dsouza shows why America is NOT a racist nation like so many people claim.
2) Contrary to popular belief The west is not wealthy because they stole everyone else's stuff
3)Dinesh conceded that we went into Iraq in part for oil. unfortunately we only go fight for human rights if we can make some money out of it. During 1996 Liberals wanted us to go way into Africa and fight in the middle of the damn jungle?! c'mon guys dream on!
4) dinesh states that avoiding war with muslims is impossible because they won't rest until we're all dead. So much for pacifism.
Concluson: really enjoyed the book. Particularly good if your a highschool or college student (like me) who has to deal with liberal B.S from your teachers or other students every day.
Book Review: What's so Great About America
Summary: 5 Stars
What's so great about America? A question posed by many and answered by few. Dinesh D'Souza, an Indian immigrant and now American national, answers this question by tackling America's issues, not as a jingoistic patriot, but as an outsider becoming an American. His frank, honest views are refreshing in growing up "in the system" does not taint them. He can bring up America's hardest, most sensitive issues without fear of being accused of promoting a political, social, economic, or racial agenda. His views will find agreement in both the liberal and conservative circles as well as drawing criticism from the left and right. This book is well researched evident by the bibliography with works from varied authors. Only those who are too closed minded to see any argument but their own will despise this book. As an American who was born and raised in America, I lost sight of what made America so great. I became complacent. After reading Dinesh's book I have found my way again and have hope for our future. We are a nation that should not find pockets of people who agree with our views and culture, rather we should invite discussion and enjoy our diverse cultures while we all adapt to being American and striving to the American dream with our beloved freedom. I am proud to be an American, I am proud to defend her, and with Dinesh's book I learned more on "What's so Great About America".Book Review: I LIKE THIS BOOK BECAUSE IT TOLD ME WHAT I WANTED TO HEAR!
Summary: 5 Stars
I'm glad I read this book! I wanted to read a book that would tell me, an American, that America is the greatest country ever. This book did not fail to disappoint.By comparing America to third world countries instead of first world countries like Sweden or New Zealand, D'Souza makes me feel very proud of my country. Also by rejecting the idea that we made a buttload of money off of slavery and imperialism, and still do to this day. In fact, this selective comparison and omission of facts has caused me to never, ever, believe that America is anything OTHER then number one, despite factual or logical evidence! (It's not like I'm going to read a slave narrative as my next book or anything...DUH!)
When somebody tries to rain on my parade by having me compare the feedoms enjoyed by me and those enjoyed by a guy living in Belgium or something, I don't have to pull out "America is the greatest nation ever!" from my butt, because D'Souza has done so for me in book form!
For other ways to love your country, not because of what it is or what it does, but rather as if it were a team sport, I suggest the music of Toby Keith, and the fashion stylings of shirts with American Eagles crying about 9-11 on them. Oh and don't forget the flag for your car that's probably made in China!
USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA we are the best! Hell yeah!
Book Review: Loved it, but I agreed with the premise from the outset
Summary: 5 Stars
While I skew towards the conservative side, I don't read a lot of politically conservative books. Most books about politics are so one-sided that they don't tend to present a realistic view of the world. I read this book on the recommendation of a friend who is fairly level-headed and I really enjoyed the perspective D'Souza shares.
D'Souza begins the book with a fairly deep look at what he defines as the three "schools" of hating America that are most prevalent in the world and acknowledges the credible points in each one of the arguments. He spends the rest of the book systematically explaining why he believes that America offers something wonderful and unique in the world.
I enjoyed his arguments because he stuck to logical paths which a reasonable person could follow from one point to the next. It isn't that there aren't counter-arguments to D'Souza's points, but that they warrant counter points because they maintain coherence and logic where so much political rhetoric just leans on the pre-existing agreement of its audience.
Whether you agree or disagree with D'Souza's conclusions on America, I believe this book offers a tight logical explanation of what you are arguing for or against.