I’ve mentioned before how much I enjoyed A Good American, Alex George’s story of a family of German origin who make their way in Missouri, after Frederick and Jette Meisenheimer immigrate from Hanover in 1904.
The writing is spirited and compelling, but it was the plot that initially sucked me into this story. What would it be like if you caught a ship to another country—and spoke none of the language and had no idea of what you’d do once you arrived? That’s Frederick and Jette’s situation, and it is both joyous and occasionally heartbreaking to see what happens to them in the following decades.
You can learn more about the novel in an excerpt I posted on the blog in November, and in this interview with Alex George.
Alex came by our office a few weeks ago, and we asked him some questions on video. Here, he tell us about his top five “good Americans” and shares some stories from his book tour:
Now—information about what you’ve all been waiting for! Alex signed two hardcovers of A Good American, and we will give those away to two lucky readers.
TO ENTER: Comment on this post with the name of an American you admire, and why.
CONTEST DETAILS: Two winners will be chosen by random.org from among entries received by 5 pm CST on Friday, March 30. The winners will each receive a signed copy of A Good American. Prize must be shipped to a North American address. Good luck!
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ETA: Congratulations to our winners, Mildred and Erin! Mildred admires Barack Obama as “the first black American to become president,” and Erin admires John Muir, “because he did so much for preservation and had amazing insight and wrote such wonderful books on the beauty of America.”
Thank you to all who entered! Contest is now closed.
My “hero” is our servicemen who are serving our country fighting, dying and suffering wounds both physical and emotional that will be with them all the rest of their lives.
The concept of a ‘good’ American is filled with interesting vibes, isn’t it? I think I would choose Harriet Tubman, fighting for her people as well as for her country to do what is right. Her story is an inspiration in each book I read about her. Thanks for the chance to read this book.
I admire Jennifer Arnold, author of Through a Dogs Eyes, because not only did she overcome adversity, she has changed thousands of lives through her hard work and dedication.
I think I’m going to highlight John Bryson, the US Secretary of Commerce. A Good American, indeed.
John Muir. Because he did so much for preservation and had amazing insight and wrote such wonderful books on the beauty of America. (I know he was born in Scotland, but he became an American citizen, isn’t that what America is all about?)
My good American would have to be Ted Kangas, my father. The son of Greek immigrants, he grew up during the Depression, served as a US Marine in WW2, started a family restaurant, and a family. Even though we were never “rich” financially, he managed to put 3 kids through college. My dad truly lived the American dream! Miss him!
Ronald Reagan. Above all I admire his unabashed sense of country.
I would choose Laura Ingalls Wilder, author of the Little House books, for sharing her stories of growing up in a pioneer family. She instilled in me a love of American History.
Hillary Clinton and any other woman who has managed to break through a ‘boys world’.
Elizabeth Cady Stanton and the other suffragists. Thanks for the vote, ladies!
President Barack Obama is a great American. He is doing his best, and that is all you can ask.
Theodore Roosevelt
sorry,the reason would be a great financial policy president.And his work with conserving Nature and the Parks.
Hillary Clinton!!
Stephenie Meyer for creating and writing the TWILIGHT series.
My husbands Grandfather Angelo Petrucci , who after fighting in the Italian Army, came to New York, became an American Citizen, joined the United States Army, was a sharp shooter for General Eisenhower. Defended his new country, fell in love and started a business from scratch with his new wife beside him and made a life for himself and his wife Georgette from nothing but hard work and a dream. Taught my husband life lessons to become the man he is today(wonderful) Thanks Grandpa! we miss you
I would choose Barack Obama off the top of my head! He is a down-to-earth, intelligent, compassionate man who cares about where America is headed.
My husband, Thomas would be my pick. He is a great son, a wonderful father, a terrific brother, a good neighbor, and an awesome husband. He works hard to support and care for his family.
My father! Went thru alot in WWII.
The Service Men and Women who service or country all over the world. I admire their bravery and their dedication. I also believe this true of their families who are without out them when they are gone. God Bless them all.
I admire Franklin Graham because of the tireless work he does with Samaritan’s Purse.
A great American is Mark twain.
Firefighters and police officers
George Washington because he was a truly great leader and we need his kind back.
Don’t laugh, but my thought for great Americans would be Roy Rogers and Dale Evans. They entertained so many young and old people with their western movies and sincere, helpful living advice.
My current favorite great American is our President Barack Obama, who is doing the best with what he has to deal with, and trying to do right by us!
Gabrielle Gifford, what an inspiration!
And my dad, who I miss more than I can say..
I admire my good friend, MSG Brendan O’Connor, winner of the Distinguished Service Cross. MSG O’Connor was previously a commissioned officer and resigned his commission in order to become a Special Forces Medic. In 2006, at 47 years old, MSG O’Connor volunteered to lead a group of 8 SF forces to save a group of American and Afghan soldiers who were pinned down under enemy fire in Kandahar Provice, Afghanistan. MSG O’Connor crawled 90 yards under heavy enemy fire in order to reach the stranded soldiers and administer first aid, saving at least 3 lives. MSG O’Connor carryied one wounded man to safety (he later died). You can read more about this American hero here: http://www.blackfive.net/main/2008/05/msg-brendan-oco.html
Henrietta Lacks! I feel she embodies the description of “A good American” because of her wonderful unwitting contribution to medicine.
I am halfway through the book, The Immortal life of Henrietta Lacks. It takes me longer to read a novel now. I am a sole parent to a ten month old daughter. Someday I will teach my daughter about all the strong woman role models that came before her. Henrietta fought valiantly and with dignity against a disease that was once a death sentance. It’s amazing that her cells are still providing research into many diseases all over the world!
My husband Gene. Who works very hard for me to be able to stay at home and volunteer. Who loved me from afar in Canada, and maintained a long distance relationship for 5 years, before I immigrated here to marry him…the love of my life.
I admire Hillary Clinton as a good American. She represents us to nations all over the world and I think she’s good at what she does.
My husband Carl, because he is such a great daddy to our little girls and such a fun partner in life.
I agree with Erin – John Muir is inspirational and on my mind as the green of spring peeks out.
I would like to meet Barack Obama. I think he’s doing a great job under adverse circumstances.
I most admire my late father who immigrated to the USA from Russia @ 12 years of age. He became the best family practice doctor in the world! We salute him as he would have celebrated his 100th birthday on April 15.
At the age of 57 I have lived through some dramatic changes to our American culture. Most of those inspired by true Americans in every sense of the word. But those that have influenced me the most are – my father – who insisted every American exercise his right to VOTE. (was quite embarrassing as I was growing up because he was quite vocal and would not relent.) Immigrants who found there way to this country with a pittance in there pocket and a dream in their heart. (My husband’s family) And all those wonderful wonderful soldiers and sailors who give their life every day to keep our country safe and to keep other country’s safe. Blessings to them all! God Bless America!
Barack Obama the first black American to become president
My daughter, Simone, who puts up with having a mom with MS, never complains about it, and has gone on to achieve great things so far at college and will excel in the future! I am very lucky!
FDR, by far!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hillary Clinton. How brave she is to do the job she does!
Temple Grandin, who, despite being autistic, earned her PhD and has worked to better the lives of animals.
Louis Zamperini, when I have a bad day I think of how painful his life was and how he didn’t let it break his spirit.
I admire Temple Grandin because of all she accomplished despite her Asperger’s.
Abraham Lincoln because of how self-accomplished he was.
Our teachers, who work hard to get the rest of us on a good start to becoming good Americans ourselves.
I admire all of our servicemen and women, our firefighters, police officers and anyone else who puts themselves on the front line every day when they go to work. It takes a special kind of dedication to choose that line of work.
Harriet Tubman, who saved dozens as a guide on the Underground Railroad. She worked her whole life, including as a nurse, to benefit others.
I’d go with Billy Graham,from NC,a Christian Evangelist
I’ll choose George Washington,also his wife Martha..for what they stood for .
My friend, Frances, who gives her heart and soul to animals that have been abused, forgotten and neglected. Her example of commitment, dedication and loyalty has been a beacon of light in my own life and to all those that know her.
My grandparents, Gioconda and James D’Adamo who came from Italy in 1903 and made a remarkable life, with young three boys in Upstate NY.
My pick would be Abraham Lincoln. He grew up being poor to become one of the greatest presidents that ever lived.
I admire our president, Barack Obama, for his commitment to making health care affordable for all Americans.
My hero……..my father. World War II, on the battleship Washington. Passed away five years ago. My role model for work ethic and courage.
I would pick President Barack Obama for doing many things that others have tried and failed at. Among many other things, he passed a health care bill, accomplished the task that the country went to war with Afghanistan over, stopped an epidemic in its tracks (Swine Flu, ) has a sense of humor and can sing!
I would have to say Hillary Clinton, she has hung in there and been diplomatic to all.
I greatly admire writer Laura Hillenbrand, for persevering–and so successfully–in her writing career despite debilitating illness. And the world is so much richer because she does!