BuzzFlash Reviews
A Patriot's Handbook (3-CDs), Compiled by Caroline Kennedy
Edited by Caroline Kennedy
BUZZFLASH REVIEWS
The audio version exceeds the original book because we can hear many of the original speeches, as they were spoken, and feel the forcefulness of recreating the passionate words by actors and actresses.
In a time when our leadership represents so much of what is wrong with America, it is a shot in the arm to literally hear and be reminded of what makes this nation so great (even if occasionally form politicians who we otherwise give short shrift to).
This is a BuzzFlash bargain offering: 3-CDs that offer 3.5 hours of great listening.
From Booklist:
The first selection is the lyrics to the national anthem, and the last one is an excerpt from the fiction of highly esteemed contemporary writer Annie Proulx; selections in between include George Washington's "Farewell Address," Sojourner Truth's speech "Ain't I a Woman," the text of Brown v. the Board of Education, and the words to the Grateful Dead's song "U.S. Blues."
From an Online Reviewer:
I was astonished at the collection. At first glance, you would think this book would have little bits and pieces of what America means. But, oh no, this includes everything. Caroline Kennedy in her opening chapter tells us this is her interpretation of Patriotism and what was handed down by her family. There is nothing missing! I am most impressed with this book, and I will give it often as a gift.
The book is separated into 12 chapters. A selection of the chapters I liked the most follows:
The Flag: contains the words to the "Star Spangled Banner", Pledge of Allegiance, US Blues by the Grateful Dead, "The Mike Christian Story" by John McCain and other collections of flag memories.
Visions of America: Several essays by Presidents, poem by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, Ronald Regan's farewell address and other memories of how America has changed.
Portraits of Americans: "The Picture of Dorian Gray" by Oscar Wilde, "Take Me Out To The Ballgame" by Albert Von Tilzer, "The Story of a Novel", by Tom Wolfe, Bush vs Gore-531 US 09 (2000) and other memories of famous Americans.
Freedom: "The Declaration of Independence" by Thomas Jefferson, "Freedom" by E.B. White, "I've Got The Light Of Freedom", by Pete Seeger and other memories of freedon.
Equality: "Letter to John Adams," by Abigal Adams, "Brown vs. Board of Education,(1954), "Feminine Mystique: by Betty Friedan and other memories of equality.
The Individual: "Self Reliance" by Ralph Waldo Emerson, "Walden" by Henry David Thoreau, "Imn Search of Our Mohter's Gardens," by Alice Walker and other memories of strong individuals.
Work, Opportunity and Invention: "I Hear America Singing," by Walt Whitman, "The Jungle" by Upton Sinclair, "Brother Can You Spare A Dime," by EY Harburg, Richard Nixon and Nikita Krushchev, "The Kitchen Debate"(1959), " King Leer" by Groucho Marx, "The Joy Luck Club" by Amy Tan, Bill Gates on "Capitalizing on the 'Cognitive Niche', "Surfin'USA" by Chuck Berry and Brian Wilson, Joan Didion, "Los Angeles Notebook", "Big Yellow Taxi" by Joni Mitchell ande many, many other memories of work, opportunity and invention .
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