veewatson 's review for:

Paradise Now: The Story of American Utopianism by Chris Jennings

3.0

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3.5 stars. Almost a four star book but I found it a bit condescending with little empathy to his historical subjects. I believe we can be critical of historical figures but a good history needs to inhabit the world they are exploring with some understanding. A lot of the book was dry and some of it was incredibly interesting. Utopianism is a great segway into larger American themes, ideas that shaped the United States in its formation. Overall, I didn't regret reading this book but I wish I was a bit more nuanced and less toned with mild arrogance of the present regarding the past.

Writing: C
Story/Hypothesis: A-
Research and Accuracy: B