Title: Unveiling the Heart of America: A Review of "America" by Mike Bond

"America" by Mike Bond is a gripping and thought-provoking exploration of the complexities and contradictions that define the American experience. Through a captivating narrative that spans centuries and traverses the country's diverse landscapes, Bond offers readers a panoramic view of the nation's history, identity, and soul.

At its core, "America" is a deeply introspective journey that delves into the essence of what it means to be American. Through the eyes of its diverse cast of characters—from Native Americans fighting to preserve their ancestral lands to immigrants seeking refuge and opportunity—Bond paints a rich tapestry of experiences that reflect the diversity and resilience of the American spirit.

One of the most compelling aspects of the book is Bond's unflinching portrayal of America's triumphs and tribulations. From the founding ideals of liberty and equality to the dark shadows of slavery, genocide, and systemic injustice, Bond confronts the complexities of American history with honesty and nuance. He does not shy away from uncomfortable truths, instead inviting readers to grapple with the contradictions that lie at the heart of the nation's identity.

What sets "America" apart is Bond's lyrical prose and vivid imagery, which bring the landscape of the United States to life with breathtaking clarity. Whether describing the rugged beauty of the Rocky Mountains, the bustling streets of New York City, or the serene majesty of the Grand Canyon, Bond's writing evokes a sense of place that is both intimate and expansive.

Beyond its evocative storytelling, "America" is also a meditation on the power of place and the interconnectedness of humanity with the natural world. Through his portrayal of the land and its people, Bond highlights the profound impact of human activity on the environment and the urgent need for stewardship and conservation.

At its heart, "America" is a deeply human story—a testament to the resilience, courage, and hope that endure in the face of adversity. Through moments of triumph and tragedy, Bond reminds us of the indomitable spirit that has shaped the nation's history and continues to inspire generations of Americans.

In conclusion, "America" is a masterfully crafted work that offers readers a compelling and nuanced portrait of the nation's past, present, and future. With its rich characters, evocative prose, and thought-provoking themes, Bond's book is a poignant reminder of the enduring ideals and aspirations that unite us as Americans. It is a testament to the power of storytelling to illuminate the soul of a nation and inspire us to strive for a more just, equitable, and compassionate society.

As you can see it took me a long time to finish this book. What was promising at first for me, eventually failed to hit the mark. This is a 2.5 for me.
I was really excited to read this book as I love historical fiction and wanted to read something outside of WW2. I made it to the 70% mark and was enjoying it for the most part, but then felt like I was being hammered with the author’s views and beliefs rather than actually seeing the characters growth from kids to young adults. At this point I just wanted to finish the book as I no longer cared what was happening to the characters. I will not be continuing the series.

I do appreciate NetGalley for allowing me the opportunity to read and review this book.

Book #1 in a planned series. The series will follow American history through the eyes of four people. They are about 10 when the series starts in 1950. This volume will follow them as they grow to adulthood in the 60s and 70s. As this generation grows and changes, so will America's everchanging values. If the series maintains this level of writing, the series could easily become part of literary's history.

Interesting coming of age story for four kids, that covers pre-teen years up until their early 20s.

I enjoyed the way it was written and the historical context. Another high point for me was how the characters were allowed to develop and change their beliefs as they got older and started noticing the world around them.

I’ve read some articles saying this will be a 7 part series, others say 3. Either way I’m looking forward to the next installment.

If you like history book. You will like this book.This author writes good books.I will be read next book in this series. I buy the next book.Good book to read.This will happen again.

Mike Bond is clearly a student of history and world events. He’s also a fine writer. Sometimes, it isn’t the best novel to combine everything the author knows into one project, even if he takes seven books to do it.
America is the first novel in a seven-book series tracing the history of the United States and many other world conflicts. Having lived through many of the events described in the book, purportedly from the point of view of different characters, I didn’t find the author’s narrative to be balanced journalism or believable dialogue for his characters. Many times, he quotes speeches and writing from the time, though always with a slant.
The book switches point of view often between two male characters and two females. Despite growing up in the same community, and the same household for three of them, they have divergent views on war, patriotism and education that feel, at least in the last half of the book, preachy. However, I loved the first half, where the author introduces Mick, Troy, Tara and Daisy, and their rural childhoods and coming of age stories set the stage for the novel.
Bond then takes the four and tries to cover all the politics, religious issues, sexuality, and philosophy onto them. Maybe ONE character’s quest would have been okay, but the reach of this book, and the number of characters needed to cover the agenda, was just too much.
Bond is an excellent writer. His settings are brilliant, almost sentimental and his characters are people I liked knowing. I just wish they hadn’t fallen into the stereotypes of the day and used a bit more common sense. And restraint.

A travel through the interesting times of several young people from the 1940’s to the late 60’s.
I enjoyed their times and experiences from high school and beyond.
I do think that a high school student would like the story from a historical standpoint. As an adult, there was not really anything new in this story.
One thing I must comment on however, I used to live in the area of Rockland County where a majority of the story takes place. The geography was quite accurate
It was an easy read.

I have now read the first and third books. Bond's characters are extraordinarily alive and reveal the angsts that took hold of much of a generation through the eyes of three children growing up together. Tara claws for meaning through the music of the time. Mick seeks for meaning through keen and independent observation throughout a lifelong global quest. Troy embraces his meaning through a more traditional morality as he wrestles with the bedrock insecurities of a foundling. It is raw, sometimes unnerving, and the prevalent free sex sensuality is ultimately as unsatisfying as the drug and social rebellion that could never bring what was ultimately being sought for, inner peace and satisfying purpose. Like Revolution, it will open younger eyes to this turbulent period and give those of us who lived through it the opportunity for reflection of its highs and lows. All of us will finish with a better understanding of how we got to where we are today and the forces we are grappling with while deciding our future course.

America is a very interesting introduction to this upcoming series of books. We learn the stories of Mick, Troy and Tara - from children through their college years. We see their development - including the development of their ideas, outlooks, and beliefs. We also see the adult perspective of the time through the interactions of the adult family members described in the book.

I was hesitant on this book whereas the time era focuses on is not one of my favorites. After reading America, I'm hooked! I cannot wait for the next volume!

America by Mike Bond tells the story of Troy, Mick, Tara and Daisy. It starts after WW2 and continues until the Vietnam war. An action paced thriller! I now need to get the second and third books to finish the story. Reminds me of Ken Follett’s The Century Trilogy. I recommend. Thank you NetGallery for letting me review this book.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Big City Press for the opportunity to read America by Mike Bond.

Having been the age of the protags during this timeframe, i have enjoyed a sort of reliving of the history written about in this book. I think honk the author perfecting captured the mood, the feelings, the atmosphere so many of us grew up with. Can't wait for Vol. 2.

I found this book very interesting. It covered a lot of the cultural norms of that time, mostly through the stories of Troy, Mick, and Tara. It touches on different local people and their stories, the demise of the family farms, Vietnam, and other facets of life in those years. While I liked the boys, I was not that drawn into Tara's life, but maybe that's just me. There are quite a few sexual scenes, which at times were pretty explicit, so not for younger readers. I do recommend this book, and am guessing the others in the series are as well done.
Thanks Netgalley for the chance to read the ARC, and offer my thoughts.

I grew up during the same time period and it is a quite accurate representation of that age. I enjoyed reliving some of the episodes that were important to my growth.

There sure was a lot going on in America in the sixties! Troy, Tara, Mick, and Daisy experience it all! This book would be great for Boomers who enjoy sixties nostalgia, or for anyone curious about learning about the U.S. in the sixties.

This book was sent to me electronically by Netgalley for review. Thanks to the publisher and the author. Despite the language, this was a good novel…historical…two boys and a girl grow up on a farm and set off to survive in a world of change during the Kennedy Era, This talented author has written a page turner. Enjoy looking into the past again.

he book covers some monumental changes in America in the 1950s and into the 1960: as portrayed by individuals living in a small New York town. It follows the O’Brien family (mom,dad, Mick, Tara) and the adopted son (Troy) as they navigate the day to day life in that era.

Nicely written and you feel attached to the characters, but it left me wanting something more. There really is no definite ending, the story just stops. I get that this is one book in a series, but I kept waiting for something major to happen with these characters and it….just didn’t. Left feeling meh about it. Probably won’t try to read the second installment.

The blurb for this book had me interested, however, the book itself had me pretty bored. I didn't really feel any connection with the characters, and I wasn't a fan of how the author would constantly tell me (the reader) what was happening, instead of showing anything. Also, there was a lot of sex involved, which was not what I was expecting, and it was very intrusive and completely stopped the otherwise dull story in its tracks.

Written in the third person context this book provides a narrow view of the 1960s, constantly beating the themes of sex, racism, sex, war/politics, and sex. The author starts the series off with a coming of age novel set in the 1960s. The main characters - Troy, Tara, Mick, and Daisy - are dealing with all of the obstacles, dreams, and possibilities that are happening around them. We see them each grow, mature, and change as their horizons are expanded to the larger world around them. Each of the four main characters were complex and realistic and it was easy to slip inside their lives and experience things alongside them. he plot gradually became introspective just as teens and young characters turned toward anti-establishment ideas. Overall, the novel seemed to be geared for young adults.


My thanks to Meryl Moss Media, the author and NetGalley.

America is the first book in Mike Bond’s upcoming series of seven novels. The story follows the O’Brien family kids - Troy, Mich, Tara and their friend Daisy. The youth start out in ages 10-12 and by the end of the book are in their early 20’s. The story takes place in the mid 1950’s, a very tumultuous time. I was intrigued by this story, since I was born in the mid-50’s. It was a fun look back in history. The story has LOTS of sexual content. I enjoyed this story and look forward to reading the others.

Thank you #NetGalley, #BigCityPress and #MikeBond for the ARC for my honest review.

Thanks to Netgalley for an ARC of this book.
The first in a planned seven-volume series, America begins in the 1950s as the country is undergoing a good amount of change. The focal point in the O'Brien family, which grows with the adoption of 11-year-old Troy. Hee and brother Mick, along with sister Tara, come of age at the dawn of the 60s and accompanying revolution. I found it to be well written, with good character development. I'm looking forward to the next volume of the saga. This would be a good book for book groups to discuss.