Harley-Davidson bikers . . . Grand Canyon river rats. . .Mormon archaeologists. . . Spelling bee prodigies…
For more than fifteen ...
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reviews
Jun 21, 2010
Karen
rated it: 
My Friend Nicole passed this book my way and it was absolutely fantastic. Hampton Side’s “Americana: Dispatches from the New Frontier” is comprised of thirty chapters, each reflecting on a different American subculture or perspective. The stories each vary drastically in tone, some taking more of a travel writer feel and some hardcore journalism.
As with all collections, some pieces are bound to be more interesting than others, but I really don’t think that there was a low point in t More...
As with all collections, some pieces are bound to be more interesting than others, but I really don’t think that there was a low point in t More...
Mar 05, 2009
Patrick
rated it: 
It is precisely because Hampton Sides writes with articulate verbosity that I like him. Knowing clever words and using them wisely is craftsmanship not showoffyness. And he doesn’t need me to defend him—but there are critics among you who find him elitist and wordy. Can you imagine such a thing? He also has a macho bravura that takes him places other chroniclers of the human condition shy away from. The annual Harley hog-fest in Sturgis, South Dakota for example. Or tracking the Bassmasters in R
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Jan 17, 2010
Jonestw4
rated it:
Hampton Sides is one of my favorite writers of History. Here is a collection of articles written mostly for "Outback" maganize about various people and pursuits in America. Some of it is a bit dated, with stories from back in the early 90's, but there's lots to enjoy here, and an especially riveting article about three people who survived the 911 attacks, and their memories of that day.
Dec 22, 2011
This is a great collection of 30 short non-fiction stories of American subcultures. Fasinating and bizarre characters keep me constantly curious about people and human behavior. This book helps me appreciate the many different places and environments I've found myself around the world, and the interesting people I've met. Few careers would have afforded me this gift.
Jul 26, 2009
Debbie (Readerbuzz)
rated it:
I loved this book, from essays about Airstream trailer road clubs to a bass fisherman tournament; left on my own to seek out reading material, I would have sought out nary a one. The author can write and I once again find myself following a good writer wherever he takes me like a loyal dog.
Nov 15, 2009
Elizabeth
rated it: 
3.5 instead of just a 3. Sides is a great writer, but some of the essays are brief enough to leave you wanting more, like the second half of "Embedded". He starts talking about al-Issawi, the top correspondent of Al-Jazeera, only to stop the essay soon after. I'm sure these limits were based more on length for the magazine he's writing for & not his own choosing. A good collection to get lost in.
May 23, 2009
Lauren
rated it:
THE STORIES IN HERE ARE SOOO COOL. Tupper Ware Parties! and a secret camp for the FILTHY RICH Politians of America dating back to the 1900 or something. haha SOO COOL.
Jul 31, 2007
Drew
rated it:
I love American Travel narrative and Hampton Sides does a great job with this one. He is a writer at Outside magazine and writes great narrative. this book takes him all over the US of A to inhabit strange subcultures, from the harley rallies at Sturgis to hippy communes in the west. one of my favorite authors. I read everything he writes.
Mar 04, 2008
Karl
rated it:
This anthology is spotty. Some of the pop culture pieces are now 15 years old. But there are some terrific pieces in here too: "In Darkest Bohemia", ""The Silver City", "A Murder in Falkner", "This is Not the Place", "At Home in a Fake Place", and "Points of Impact." Worth a look see if you're interested in this sort of thing.
Aug 09, 2007
Kimberly
rated it:
I've been thinking about this book alot lately. After reading Hunter S. Thompson, the piece of the Hell's Angels is disappointing. And the piece on that local murder was too long. But other than that, I really enjoyed this collection of articles, and like I said, they keep popping up in my memory.
Feb 06, 2008
Karson
rated it:
Read this one a while ago. Tons of fun. It is kind of brief scan of the different types of people in America, and the variety of cultures within it. From sneaking into FreeMason meetings to Christian rallies in Appalachia to techno raves in the middle of the forrest. It's pretty fun.
Mar 12, 2009
kenpen
rated it:
This book is a series of article about many different topics, such as the Bohemian Grove, the Iditarod, Mormon archeology, and the Church of God in Christ. Really interesting snippets into all sorts of stories.
Apr 05, 2011
Karen
rated it:
It's hard to give this book a rating since there were some stories in the collection that I really liked and others that I was less crazy about. On the whole, though, I enjoyed it.
Sep 06, 2011
Ed
rated it:
Overall, very well-written. Some very interesting and entertaing stories on America and Americans. The profiles on 9-11 are gutwrenching.
May 23, 2008
Laurel
rated it:
Not the best, but good to keep on your nightstand. The stories he tells of the people he meets can be pretty fascinating at times.
Dec 16, 2009
j
rated it:
Collection of articles dealing with different aspects of American culture and society. I bought it to read on the planes. Good reading.
Apr 24, 2007
Javier
rated it:
The 9/11 stories rank among the most powerful essays I have ever read.
Feb 06, 2012
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