A review by ttodd86
Fantasyland: How America Went Haywire: A 500-Year History by Kurt Andersen

5.0

Like many Americans, the 2016 election left me with more questions than answers -- many focused on my own understanding of the country I have lived in my entire life. As a result, I embarked on a bit of a quest for America, reading biographies such as Chernow's "Washington: A Life," in hopes of some sign to place our current era in perspective against our history. While I read some good books, and numerous articles from a range of publications, it was Kurt Andersen's "Fantasyland ..." that gave me an understanding. No doubt, some of what he lays out about America's history will offend. This book makes you think about your own values and opinions. But what he makes clear is that where we are today -- some three years into a Trump administration -- may not have been predictable, but is certainly not outside of the parameters of the American experience. Our roots are built, and have grown, on fantasy and delusion of most every type -- ground that has been especially fertile for exploitation by modern technology, marketing and social media. This is a hugely important book and one that should be read by anyone concerned about where we are currently and where we may be headed.