Where We Stand: 30 Reasons for Loving Our Country

From Publishers Weekly
After September 11, commentators noted a widespread American desire for simplicity and patriotism and this collection of homilies by noted essayist Rosenblatt (Rules for Aging) seems designed to fit that nostalgic mood. Whether taking on topics such as politics, sports or his own childhood, Rosenblatt offers an upbeat look at the American character. Despite his occasional plea for Americans to be more comfortable with complexities, Rosenblatt's world of simple dichotomies appears to be taken right out of Forrest Gump but it's hard to disagree with them. Baseball, small towns, schoolteachers and the American people are good; people who promote censorship and terrorists are not. Speak of fair play, unity, human rights, decency, he tells politicians, you'll get us every time. Some of the most intriguing of these short essays are those in which Rosenblatt displays his political opinions: he's for increased government involvement and gun control, and thinks the Clinton scandal was overblown all attitudes he believes he shares with a majority of America. Written with a gently humorous, self-deprecating tone that will attract many who don't agree with the author's politics, this could be a by-the-cash-register pickup that will reassure Americans during the summer months. Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.


From Booklist
Rosenblatt, author of the best-selling Rules for Aging (2000), pays tribute to the U.S. in his latest collection of original essays. In light of the patriotic fervor awakened by the catastrophic events of September 11, the author considered it timely and relevant to illuminate the many unique reasons to praise, support, and love our country. Witty and sobering by turn, these delightful gems never advocate unreflective submission to flag and country; rather, they celebrate the diversity, the opportunity, the eccentricities, the contradictions, and the dreams and realities that combine to make this nation great. Sure to elicit plenty of chuckles, several nods, and a few tears, these essays will appeal to a broad cross-section of readers. Margaret Flanagan
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved


Book Description
In these 30 essays, Roger Rosenblatt draws on his 27 years of reporting and commenting on America to reaffirm the core values of our complex and wonderful country. Famous for his ability to put wise and important ideas into witty and instructive prose, the prize-winning journalist and commentator provides comfort and resolve for Americans in a time of threat. With his charm and humor, Rosenblatt reminds us of the fundamental political and moral strengths of America.

During the last 30 years, Rosenblatt believes, we have been living outside history in a bubble of wealth and power. The events of September 11, 2001, have gives us a chance to reacquaint ourselves with what the country stands for and what it should become. If we have lost our way as a country, it is because we have lost sight of the idealism on which America was founded. The fundamentals of American justice and society are more than America's virtues—they are standards by which a civilization measures its worth.





About the Author
Roger Rosenblatt is Editor-at-Large for Time, Inc. and a weekly commentator for the "NewsHour with Jim Lehrer." He's won many prizes, among them: 2 George Polk Awards (for essays in time magazine), a Peabody (for his NewsHour commentaries), an Emmy (NewsHour commentaries), a Robert F. Kennedy Book Award (for his book, Children of War). He holds a Ph.D. from Harvard, has written six books and a one-man comic off-Broadway show, cited by The New York Times as one of the best plays of the 1991 season. He is the author of the best-selling RULES FOR AGING He lives in Quogue, NY.



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After September 11, commentators noted a widespread American desire for simplicity and patriotism and this collection of homilies by noted essayist Rosenblatt (Rules for Aging) seems designed to fit that nostalgic mood. Whether taking on topics such as politics, sports or his own childhood, Rosenblatt offers an upbeat look at the American character. Despite his occasional plea for Americans to be more comfortable with complexities, Rosenblatt's world of simple dichotomies appears to be taken right out of Forrest Gump but it's hard to disagree with them. Baseball, small towns, schoolteachers and the American people are good; people who promote censorship and terrorists are not. Speak of fair play, unity, human rights, decency, he tells politicians, you'll get us every time. Some of the most intriguing of these short essays are those in which Rosenblatt displays his political opinions: he's for increased government involvement and gun control, and thinks the Clinton scandal was overblown all attitudes he believes he shares with a majority of America. Written with a gently humorous, self-deprecating tone that will attract many who don't agree with the author's politics, this could be a by-the-cash-register pickup that will reassure Americans during the summer months. Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information.


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