Somewhere In America: Under The Radar With Chicken Warriors, Left-Wing Patriots, Angry Nudists, And Others

by Mark Singer

Mark Singer’s lively and extremely popular “U.S. Journal” column in The New Yorker featured under-the-radar stories that were unusual but emblematic tales of American life. A first-time collection of these pieces, Somewhere in America offers an illuminating glimpse of the cultural kaleidoscope of our country. From worm farmers in Weleetka, Oklahoma, to angry nudists in Wilmington, Vermont, Singer proves that “sometimes you don’t even need a passport to experience a new nation” (U.S. News & World Report).

Genres: Nonfiction, Essays, Travel

255 pages, Paperback

First published June 17, 2004

Reviews

[Steve Albert · Rating 4 out of 5]

I get what some of the other reviewers are saying about how they wanted more. A few of the stories do feel like they were written essay style and edited inverted pyramid style. But the writing itself is enjoyable. In the intro Singer states he didn't want to just hold up people and say 'stare at this weirdo,' but rather he was looking to show how people are shaped by their environments and vice versa. I thought it worked.

[Ginger · Rating 4 out of 5]

so it's not faulkner... but it's a nice light reading, books of regional vignettes... think of a literary episode of "all things considered"...

[Cathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

You learn a lot about America by reading non-fiction pieces from around the country. This is a great example of local flavor.

[Michele · Rating 3 out of 5]

Collection of essays on American subcultures; presents the stories behind the headlines.

[Megan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Each chapter read as its own story, some better than others. A quick read - though not much gained.

[Andy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a nice collection of some fun and some heartbreaking stories. A nice change of pace, read a 15 page story here and there, kind of collection.

[Veronica · Rating 2 out of 5]

What a wasted opportunity. The writer finds himself in all those interesting settings and situations, but has almost nothing interesting to say about any of them.

[Sidd · Rating 3 out of 5]

The hidden America. The non-mainstream America. The off-radar America.

[Carlene · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyed this collection of stories of America behind the headlines-some more than others.