The American Dream: Stories from the Heart of Our Nation by Dan Rather

The American Dream: Stories from the Heart of Our Nation Reviews

• 
  Tracey

  I checked out the audiobook version of The American Dream from the library so I'd have something to listen to on my trip this weekend - if I'm driving by myself, I'd rather listen to talking than music, as it keeps me more alert.
  
  Dan Rather first touched on the concept of exploring the American Dreams of men & women around the country in short segments on the CBS Evening News. He then took the idea and expanded it into this book. Each chapter revolves around a topic such as Service, Fame or Education. He discusses how that topic touched his life, then talks about 2-3 people whose story also touches on that concept.
  
  There's definitely a liberal bias to the stories he chose and the way they are presented, but it was still a pleasant diversion for the hours I was
  on the road. Please note the audiobook is abridged - I may go back & read the book itself at some point.
• 
  Jim

  A few of the stories in here are captivating but a little of Rather's voice goes a long way.
• 
  Bonnie

  This is an interesting collection of stories that are meant to illustrate a variety of Americans achieving their dreams. Rather picks his stories from real present-day people, and does the narration himself. Some are more engaging than others, and his picks themselves reveal a bit of a bias, as if he wants you to believe these "dreams" are more noteworthy than others. I listened to the audio, and I got a bit tired of his voice, perhaps because it was a documentary-style book.
• 
  Jena

  Divided into these categories, of what people strive for in America:
  Freedom
  Work and Wealth
  The Pursuit of Happiness
  Family
  The Spotlight
  Education
  Innovation
  Service to Others
  
  
  Chris Gardener is in this book, as is Michael A. Cruz, and Amarillo boy whose dad worked at Pantex, and Deborah Cline, who grows her own garden and helps with the Lubbock Food Bank.
  
  Very inspiring book.
  
• 
  JaNae

  Listened to Dan Rather read his own book. Enjoyed hearing the stories he shared and liked the insights he added.
• 
  Steve Lane

  I thought I would enjoy Dan Rather in an audio book but after awhile it just seemed to drone on and on.
• 
  Kelsey

  A happy reminder of when Dan Rather was such a familiar voice in more optimistic times. A good boost of encouragement during this 2016 election season when appreciation seems rare.
• 
  Anne Marie

  I picked up this book because I had heard good things about these types of non-fiction, especially Tom Brokaw’s book, The Greatest Generation. Unfortunately, I couldn’t get into this book. I had an open mind, especially during this time of pandemic, riots, and way too much criticism of the government. But just the introduction was too long. I wanted to get into the stories! Then as I continued to read, I felt too much like I was reading a textbook. There weren’t any pictures, and I felt too much has happened since the introduction was written...before 9/11. So if I come across another book like this, I’ll give it another try, but I have to move on from this one. Better luck next time.
• 
  Amy T. - Book lover!

  I really love this book because it lets us hear that the American Dream means so many things to so many people. It’s still something we can dream today, and “success” isn’t just about how much money is in your bank account. I use this in my classroom still today in 2019.