Synopses & Reviews
The American Dream is inherently inclusive, and has the power to strike a chord in all of us. It defines us as a people, even as we add to its meaning with each new chapter in our national experience and our individual actions. [This book] is the result of my quest to discover the American dream as your neighbors are creating it today -- I hope that you receive it well. And I wish all of you the best in bringing your own dreams to fruition.--Dan Rather, from the Introduction
An inspirational look at how our nation's earliest ideals resonate in today's world, The American Dream shows us in very personal terms that America is still a place where hard work, dedication, and vision can transform dreams into reality. Bestselling author and award-winning journalist Dan Rather provides a powerful look at Americans who struggle for and achieve their desires and ambitions. He has gathered the stories of ordinary men and women who are accomplishing the extraordinary, and demonstrates how the American dream guides us as individuals and as a society, binding us together, even amid the fragmenting and self-isolating tendencies of modern American life.
Each person in this book exemplifies the American dream, living and expressing this national ideal in his or her own way. For some the American dream is simply to own a home or start a family. Some wish to serve God, country, or community; to teach; to test boundaries; to rise out of poverty. Some yearn to live off the land or run their own business. Some want to learn to read or earn a college degree. There are those who work to achieve fame and fortune, while still others simply wish to exercise fundamental American rights:
to openly practice their religion, to speak what is in their minds and hearts, and to protest.
Stirring and provocative, The American Dream illustrates that the basic American desire for "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness" is alive and well. It also confirms what our founding fathers always believed: that we are a country of visionaries, in ways big and small.
Review
“The best book Ive read in a long time.” Ann Landers
Review
“Fascinating and...inspiring. Recommended.” Library Journal
Review
“With a newscasters keen eye for an arresting story..., Rather brings a surprisingly fresh approach to an old question.” Publishers Weekly
Synopsis
Inspired by "The American Dream" weekly segments reported by Rather on the "CBS Evening News", this inspirational new book is composed of true stories of success, American style. Rather reveals in very personal terms that America is still a place where hard work, dedication, and vision can transform one's dreams into reality.
About the Author
Dan Rather has received virtually every honor in broadcast journalism, including numerous Emmy Awards and the Peabody Award. He is anchor and managing editor of CBS Evening News, anchor of 48 Hours, and correspondent for 60 Minutes II. He is also the authorof such bestsellers as Deadlines & Datelines, The Camera Never Blinks, and The Palace Guard. He lives in New York City with his wife, Jean.