Reviews

American Utopia by Maira Kalman, David Byrne

livvlong's review against another edition

adventurous funny inspiring reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? N/A

4.0

futurama1979's review against another edition

5.0

There's not anything to dislike about this book. The drawings are simplistic but beautiful and compliment the words well. The words are also simple and could stray into being too intentionally poetic except we know it's David Byrne, and he says and writes everything with this truthful genuineness. The words, when taken at that genuine face value, are beautiful too.

I read this while listening to the soundtrack from the Broadway show and it definitely added something special to the reading experience.

goodneighborbooks's review against another edition

5.0

I'm not sure how you review a book like this one... so I won't. Just experience it for yourself.

stiricide's review against another edition

I probably should have seen the musical before i read the book.

kathrynmcmahon's review against another edition

This was a gift.

ioana_cis's review against another edition

4.0

Read at once while sipping coffee... Well, not sure it is read the correct verb here... more like enjoyed during my coffee time. It had intriguing drawings and questionable text. Can't wait now to see the movie by Byrne on the same topic.

Must a question have an answer?
We're only tourists in this life
But beauty is not what we're after
Every day is a miracle

l0tt3_'s review against another edition

3.25

pure art.

babayagareads's review against another edition

3.0

Shout out Ashtabula, OH.

This piece is very David Byrne, and for me, that means instant rhythm. Not a must read, but definitely an enjoyable one.

overlap's review against another edition

hopeful lighthearted fast-paced

2.25

This book just didn't really do it for me, frankly

nicolec417's review against another edition

3.0

Lovely art by Kalman and meditative “lyrics,” but definitely works better in other media. Too short as a book.