Book Review: America, América
Here’s my review of America, América by Greg Grandin. Don’t forget to leave a comment if you’ve read it too, or plan to read it. Then check out today’s writing prompt at the bottom of this post.
America, América: A New History of the New World by Greg Grandin is one of the most important history books written in the past few decades, so luckily, it's as engaging and accessible as it is comprehensive. And I say this as someone who studied Latin American and Latino history in grad school. I cannot recommend this book enough.
Starting with the Spanish conquest of the Americas, followed by the English conquest, this book lays out the intermingled histories of the Americas as we know them today and how it's impossible to disconnect their histories if you want a realistic and comprehensive compilation of them, though most history books wind up doing just that. It also does not sugarcoat one iota of those intermingled histories. The brutality and industry of historical and modern-day conquest and slavery and oppression are outlined thoroughly, just as the ideals and writings of humanistic leaders and authors and activists are, as they push and pull each other into a new millennium across continents.
There are so many detailed and thoughtful analyses offered in this book that a brief synopsis will not do it justice. One key takeaway for me, however, included the multifaceted ways various historical documents and writings were (and are) often used and leveraged to validate various actions that have changed the course of history across continents, chief among them being the Monroe Doctrine, the Marshall Plan, and the various writings leading to Pan-Americanism, the League of Nations, and the United Nations. Another key takeaway is the Americas’ complicated history with concepts and practices linked to conquest, government, private property, capitalistic enterprises, war, political strategy and interference, socialism, and ideals based in humanism.
While I don't expect everyone to read this book due to its intellectual heft and length, I will say that they absolutely should, even if it takes a month or so to complete by reading a chapter or two per day. I will also say that America, América should be included in history curriculums in schools across continents as soon as possible. That's how valuable and important this book is.
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Today’s Writing Prompt
Writing Prompt: 1600s
Write a scene that takes place in the 1600s.
Writing Tip
Before you start writing, consider: Who is in this scene? Where are they? Why? etc.
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