Bill Geist Knihy

"The freer we are … the stronger we are," writes David Halberstam in this probing compilation of original essays which distill the essence of America, an evergreen subject rendered even more timely by recent world events that highlight cultural clashes and prompt us not just to reconsider foreign attitudes and aspirations but to think anew about our own.Each chapter explores fundamental qualities, concepts and accomplishments that shape the American the sheer size of our country; the legendary events of our history; the heroes, villains, and icons of our national mythology; our enduring dream of a meritocratic society; and the unmistakable spirit that defines us both to ourselves and the rest of the world. Halberstam's keen observations introduce richly varied contributions by distinguished and eloquent commentators like Russell Baker, Ben Bradlee, James Fallows, Cynthia Gorney, Vartan Gregorian, and Janet Maslin, among others, who consider everything from Manifest Destiny to the McCarthy hearings and from Paul Revere's midnight gallop to John Wayne's classic cowboy riding tall through the American Century. Inspiring, enlightening, and enhanced by more than 300 photographs and illustrations, this wide-ranging collection provides thought-provoking, often surprising insights into how today's America took shape, who we are as a nation now, and where our country is headed.From the Trade Paperback edition.

Provides a humorous account of entrepreneurship from breeding racing pigs to making monster trucks, proving that America is still the land of opportunity.

In a quirky exploration of small-town America, celebrated CBS News correspondent Bill Geist introduces us to a cast of eccentric characters and their offbeat lifestyles. From a frozen dead guy in Colorado to a parade in Minnesota where spectators are on the move while the marchers stand still, each vignette captures the charm and oddity of rural life. Geist recounts tales of a mailman navigating the Grand Canyon on horseback, a cow-chip enthusiast in Oklahoma, and a Nebraska mayor who wears multiple hats, including bartender and cemetery caretaker. He shares humorous anecdotes, like the motel clerk in Kansas who recommends a gas station for dining based on its microwave availability. With a deadpan style, Geist highlights the quirks of individuals such as a ninety-three-year-old pilot-paperboy and a Colorado entrepreneur using a sewer vacuum to manage prairie dogs. Events like the Mike the Headless Chicken Festival and Sundown Days in Iowa showcase the unique celebrations that define these communities. Through his journey, Geist reveals the fascinating, hysterical, and often bizarre aspects of life in flyover America, reminding us that even the most unusual stories can be heartwarming and entertaining.