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Customer Reviews of In Search of America

Worth the time
Peter Jennings narrates this abridged series of interesting vignettes about Americans living in America and by doing so creating and recreating America. He examines the old tensions in our democracy like big or small federal government, corporatism versus individualism, and secularism versus religious fervor. In some cases he elevates historical figures too highly, like Jefferson, despite his seditious writings in the Kentucky Resolutions, and W E B Du Bois, despite his socialist rantings from early in the century. Jennings and Brewster would have done well to feature other more worthy people in their book. I enjoyed the profile of the Club for Growth using populist tactic against unresponsive Republicans, and the profile of CFG's mouldy counterpart on the left. The heart rending story of Gary, Indiana and its misinformed leaders is a cautionary tale to any group in America that expects to dwell for long periods at the federal trough, administrations and sentiments change, don't get too comfortable. I would have liked to have heard how outside threats have molded our country (aside from 9-11), because I feel that it defines a portion of the core of our country. Start at the XYZ affair up to the communist involvement in the FDR administration and I think you have rounded out a view of America more fully. Perhaps this is in the unabridged version.

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Peter Jenning's lack of science.
I was very disappointed to see the value of the science and fact of evolution degraded by only reproting the story of one man's fanatical and (even though he worked in nuclear science) unscientific war against reason and science.

Creation as a biological theory has been tested over and over by scientists and the evidence plainly shows that it does not explain how there are many species of animals. Evolution explains and fits the available fact, has been tested rigoursly by many branches of science, is falsifiable and thus a subject for science (creationism is not), and is now considered a unifying biological principal, accepted as fact by almost all practicing biologists.

There is not much usable science in a multi-translated Bronze Age book, the bible, and I would argue very little philosophical value. It requires faith to be believed.

Peter Jennings and his co-author have done a disservice to the truth. I am sorely disappointed in this book.

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It had potential
I was so excited to receive this book in the mail but was saddened and disheartened by its representation of the Mormon faith (I know by writing this some may get the book simply for that.) I feel that the authors would have written a far different story had they actually spoken to a member of this Church. Whether or not they believe as we do, this people's history is integral and closely entwined to this country's. My hope that those who read this realize that the information listed (regarding the basic beliefs of the Mormon religion) is false and distorted. And while I cede this book was not written for those seeking to know more of this Church, I am disappointed because I know some will close this book and it will become all they've ever learned of it. I encourage you to carefully consider purchasing a book that contains this false information.
This fact alone made me put down the book... Thus I cannot review any of the remaining content.