Take a look at Americans in their natural habitat: guys shopping for barbecue grills; doing that special walk men do when in the presence of lumber; superefficient soccer Ubermoms who chair school auctions; organize PTAs; and weigh less than their kids; and suburban chain restaurants; which if they merged would be called Chili's Olive Garden Hard Rock Outback Cantina. Are we as shallow as we look? Many around the world see us as the great bimbos. Sure; Americans work hard and are energetic; but that is because we are money-hungry and don't know how to relax. But if you probe deeper; you find that we behave the way we do because we live under the spell of paradise. We are the inheritors of a sense of limitless possibilities; raised to think in the future tense and to strive toward the happiness we naturally accept. On Paradise Drive; at once serious and comic; describes this distinct American future-mindedness that shapes our personalities and underlies our beliefs.
#1117922 in Books Rowman n Littlefield Publishers 2008-11-01Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 10.90 x .87 x 8.94l; 2.50 #File Name: 0742556832288 pages
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. The vicarious experience of a life time.By steven w fortadoAn epic journey through Afghanistan at the height of war; Iran circumnavigating bureaucrats and minders; China crossing a nuclear testing range; and many; many more. All to literally follow the footsteps of Polo from his original book; not by airline hops but step by step on foot (or car). Fantastic just for the photos; but read; read; read the text! You'll wish you had been along. Apparently there is debate among historians over whether Polo made the whole journey or borrowed from tales of the time. The authors intersperse quotes from Polo paralleling photos that clearly demonstrates Polo's veracity. The story of how Polo's book got written is worth the price alone. You'll wish you had gone along on this trek. The armchair experience of a lifetime. This is my go-to gift for worldly friends.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. More maps; please!By Carol PApparently published to accompany a PBS video of the same title. Loved reading it. My one complaint (wish I could give 4.5 stars) was that there were no maps within the text to show the route followed by (1) the authors and (2) Marco Polo; at least the path that the authors believe he probably traveled. There were two maps on the end papers; but they did not trace the path followed by the authors and many places mentioned by the authors were not on them. It does seem like something that could have been accomplished easily; since the video (I watched it after reading the book) did have maps interspersed throughout that showed their travels. Otherwise; an entertaining read.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. What a beautiful book! A must have for Marco Polo FansBy TeacherGalWhat a beautiful book! It's a must have if you have seen the documentary; In the Footsteps of Marco. I've bought many books from this seller and have never been disappointed with the quality of the books; their price; or speed of delivery. I almost feel as if I have cheated them!Thanks!
