Preview added to your library
A Good American By: Alex George

A Good American

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
Rate this book!

( 2688 customer ratings)

In order to rate this item, you must sign in first.

Penguin Group US, February 2012

Synopsis

An uplifting novel about the families we create and the places we call home.

It is 1904. When Frederick and Jette must flee her disapproving mother, where better to go than America, the land of the new? Originally set to board a boat to New York, at the last minute, they take one destined for New Orleans instead ("What's the difference? They're both new"), and later find themselves, more by chance than by design, in the small town of Beatrice, Missouri. Not speaking a word of English, they embark on their new life together.

Beatrice is populated with unforgettable characters: a jazz trumpeter from the Big Easy who cooks a mean gumbo, a teenage boy trapped in the body of a giant, a pretty schoolteacher who helps the young men in town learn about a lot more than just music, a minister who believes he has witnessed the Second Coming of Christ, and a malevolent, bicycle-riding dwarf.

A Good American is narrated by Frederick and Jette's grandson, James, who, in telling his ancestors' story, comes to realize he doesn't know his own story at all. From bare-knuckle prizefighting and Prohibition to sweet barbershop harmonies, the Kennedy assassination, and beyond, James's family is caught up in the sweep of history. Each new generation discovers afresh what it means to be an American. And, in the process, Frederick and Jette's progeny sometimes discover more about themselves than they had bargained for.

Poignant, funny, and heartbreaking, A Good American is a novel about being an outsider-in your country, in your hometown, and sometimes even in your own family. It is a universal story about our search for home.

Preview added to your library

A Good American

Penguin Group US, February 2012
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
( 2688 customer ratings)

You Might Like:

Recommended inDazzling Debuts

eBook Information

Imprint: Putnam Adult
ISBN: 9781101559895
Language:  English
Download options: Adobe DRM EPUB

Files Available for Download

If you use one of Kobo's free reading apps you won't need to worry about download options most of the time. Your Kobo reading app can easily add Kobo Store books to your library for a seamless reading experience.

Download options matter when:

  • You want to read your book on an eReader other than the Kobo eReader (see here for a list of supported eReaders).
  • The book you want is only available as an Adobe DRM PDF.

In both of these cases you will need to:

  1. Download a copy of your book to your computer.
  2. Open the book using a free application called Adobe Digital Editions.

You can also use Digital Editions to transfer the book to your eReader. See here for more information on Digital Editions.

Read this on:

  • Desktop More

    Kobo Desktop App

    You can read this item on your computer using our free Kobo Desktop Application. This application lets you read, manage your library of eBooks, and even shop for new ones. Check out our demo for more information!

    Download it now for PC!

    Download App!

    Mac user? Click here

    Download it now for Mac!

    Download App!

    PC user? Click here

    Learn More »
  • eReaders More

    eReading Devices

    You can read this item on your Kobo eReader (or other select electronic reading devices). The Kobo eReader lets you carry your whole library with you, so that you can read on the go.

    Visit kobo.com/ereaders »
  • Tablets More

    Tablets

    You can read this item on select tablets using one of our free Kobo apps. These apps let you read, manage your library of eBooks, and even shop for new ones.

    Learn More »
  • Kobo Vox More

    Kobo Vox

    You can read this item on your Kobo Vox eReader. The Kobo Vox eReader lets you read books with color, sound or interactive elements. Check out our demo for more information on the Kobo Vox.

    Learn More »
  • Kobo Arc More

    Kobo Arc

    You can read this item on your Kobo Arc using the Library app. This app lets you read, manage your library of eBooks, and shop for new books.

    Learn More »
  • Android More

    Android

    You can read this item on any Android device (phone, tablet) with one of our free Kobo apps. These apps let you read, manage your library of eBooks, and even shop for new ones.

    Learn More »
  • iPhone More

    iPhone

    You can read this item on the free Kobo app for iPhone. This app let you read, manage your library of eBooks, and even shop for new ones.

    Download the iPhone App! Learn More »

Goodreads Reviews for A Good American

{1}

By: {2}

Available on: {3}

Coming soon

Secure Transaction

Subtotal

Store Credit

Total

We'll charge your credit card {4} on {3}.

We'll charge your credit card {4} when the book is added to your Library.

Your store credit covers the cost of this purchase, so we don't charge your credit card

Use Quick Buy for all eBook purchases.
{0}
By clicking Buy Now, I agree to Kobo's Terms of Sale. BUY NOW Pre-Order

Thank you for your purchase

Thanks for pre-ordering

{2} is now in your library. You'll receive an email confirming your purchase very soon.

{2} has been pre-ordered. You'll receive a confirmation email confirming your pre-order very soon.

You were charged:

You will be charged: on {3}

You will be charged: when the book is added to your Library

Rakuten Super Points earned: {1}

Rakuten Super Points {1} earned after the book is added to your Library

{0}
Continue shopping