American Homes

by Ryan Ridge

An eccentric, otherworldly guide to the domestic spaces Americans inhabit.

Genres: Nonfiction

128 pages, Paperback

First published August 31, 2013

Reviews

[Sian Griffiths · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ridge proves a book can be both deep and delightful. Blending humor with insight, poetry and art with prose, this comic book (in both senses of the word) challenges both genre limitations and, perhaps more importantly, the notion that great thinking must be serious and grim. Ridge's meditation on American homes poses questions about not only American homes themselves but also American history and the dreams that shape our American future. Highly recommend.

[Deanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was required reading for a creative writing class. From that perspective it was great. It is a fascinating and instructive way for me to learn about form and craft and all those other important writerish things. From a personal enjoyment perspective, I'd give it 3.5 stars. It started out so funny and creative. I was laughing and telling my family they had to read it. But by the end I was getting a little bored. Maybe because I read it all in one sitting, I just got desensitized and was just glossing over it at the end. Also there were some names and cultural references that I didn't get. That might have been part of my problem. Overall, it is a fabulous example of creativity and skill. All word nerds could appreciate the puns and other fancy tricks. Someone else read it quick and call me so we can talk about it!

[Cooper Renner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Weird, provocative, funny—what’s not to like? Great zinger lines and lovely pen illustrations.

[Mel Bosworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant! Not to be missed.