American Dreams: The United States Since 1945

I am a big enthusiast of H.W. Brands. His books are eminently readable and cover interesting times. Also pick up his book on the California Gold Rush, The Age of Gold. Fascinating. Like they said in A Christmas Carol, I am the ghost of Christmas past, long past, no, your past. This is that book. America became the world power it is with the end of the WWII. The story of the baby boomers takes off from here. Children, demographics, material good consumption and the march forward. Having laid out like this is a primer on who we are and where we are via the world. Informative and a really fun read.

My wife had to get this book for a history class at her university. As a high school history teacher, I couldn't help but to read it myself. A great book! I found myself not able to put it down.

Absolutely a great summary of America after WWIIA true piece of Americana in and of itself.I highly recommend this work of American history.Dr. Stanley E. Toompas, Optometrist& Author of, "I'm the One the Other Isn't"

Very few penned notes within, clean and uncrinkled. Everything is legible.

The art in this very useful book is to select the important highlights, to treat them with careful but concise analysis, and to link them together to paint a picture of history as a running stream. Events do connect and H. W. Brands does a wonderful job in taking us into the heart of events, showing us what is important about them, throwing each event onto a larger scale so we are constantly aware of the growing power and complexity of America. I was particularly interested in his treatment of the racial conflict in America, long boiling just under the surface of American society but sporadically erupting into volcanic bursts of hatred and violence, ultimately leading to the Civil Rights Act of 1964. I was reminded of the uselessness of Vietnam. I read of the growing involvement of the federal government in the major problems facing Americans: medical care, education, sexual equality, infrastructure development, the peacetime uses of atomic power. Each of these events precipitated vast quantities of emotion and media attention. Each contributes to the story of America in 2010. H.W.Brands, in my opinion, does a great job in weaving together this story and in keeping our attention riveted on the big picture.

It sure hit all of the topics that I experienced in my life. Great book!

Kinda ripped right through it didn't he? Fine for very quick overview, need something else for a bit more depth.

This book is easy to understand and is ideal for anyone interested in history from 1945 onward.

Very impressive summary of post-war American History. H.W. Brands writes in a really accessible way, ensuring that everyone can benefit from the book - even those with just a passing interest in American history. As I'm studying US History at university, I brought this to get a general overview to jog my memory and haven't been let down.The book seems to be unbiased, and whilst squeezing this much history into 400-odd pages means that detail is lacking on some topics, it will spur further research for anyone interested in looking at particular topics in more detail. Overall, a really enjoyable and informative text.

was as promised

Not as good as his other books. .too much opinion and not enough details.Balanced explanations...u can see both sides of the issues.