Review of "A Century Turns - New Hopes, New Fears" by William J. Bennett

Preface

I would like to start this review with an assertion that I am a non-US citizen - to be more specific - an "alien'. I felt the need for this assertion because my views might present an alternative perspective to this creation.

About the Author

William J. Bennett comes with unquestionable credentials and hence any further enquiry into his literary facility can reveal nothing but an expertise par excellence. Kudos to his exemplary ability to draw vivid pictures of various events he describes. He has an uncanny knack of describing various events, personalities and circumstances in such simple manner which doesn't question the comprehending capacity of the reader too much. No wonder his earlier books have been adapted as school text books. His interesting narratives grab and retain the attention of the reader. Overall, he has married his in-depth knowledge American history to the fantastic understanding of the needs of the reader, to present an excellent book of reference. 

Structure

William J. Bennett proves he is a past master in structuring the book that grabs the attention of the readers and entertains while educating them. The book is logically structured with the chain of event flowing from seamlessly from the first page to the last. The content is very well organized in such a way that there is enough scope for readers' own interpretation of the content without the author imposing his own. 

Aesthetics

The book sits lightly and comfortably in my palms. The fonts are pleasing and spacing spot-on.

Content

When I started the review of this book, I was not sure if I should be merely be reviewing the content or try to interpret it based on my own perceptions about USA. The more I read the book, the more I realized that it opened up new avenues of thoughts and gave me enough scope to come to my own conclusions. For people around the world, USA is considered to the land of opportunities, the land of milk and honey, a land that has largely been an enigma and largely misunderstood. What William has managed with this book is to simplify my understanding of USA. 

He has covered 20 of the most important years that changed not only America, but also the whole world. We were confronted with two wars, new facets of religious extremism, Fall of Communism, Capitalism being globally recognized as the vehicle for development, changing political and economic equations in America, Europe and Asia.  He expertly drives us through the corridors of white house, to showcase its power, purpose, fortitude and resolve. 

He handheld me through the reigns of four presidents, namely, Sr. Bush, Clinton, Jr. Bush and Obama. While many consider US presidents as "Supermen" launching wars at their whims, he has given valuable and balanced insights into their human side - their patriotism, their courage under pressure, their dilemma while taking decisions, their love for power, their weaknesses, their confessions etc.,  He has showcased the enormous responsibilities on the shoulders of the US President and how the government machinery assists him (I've used a gender specific term because we had only male presidents and Mrs. Hillary, unfortunately, didn't make it).

His personal relationship with the Presidents, spouses, king makers and power brokers becomes apparent through his vivid elaborations of various events that chartered the paths of the rulers of America, and America itself. The greed for power, the sleaze has received equal coverage as the various astounding achievements of the rulers of the country.

Of course, there are some areas which may be interpreted as propaganda - areas like War against terror or oil, the love-hate relationship with Islamic countries; blatant support to Israel’s functioning against Palestine. But, considering the fact that this book will adorn the desks of the young American students, it is acceptable. The book may have been much more balanced if William had endeavored to analyze mistakes committed by US - support to Iraqi regime, arming of Taliban against Russians, to name some. An acceptance and objective analysis might have increased the value of this book. 

Recommendation

For any person, a US citizen or an alien, this is one book that should be an integral part of your library. You may have your own presumptions and prejudictions about USA but you would certainly need this as your starting point in exploring further into its History. I recommend this book to anyone who is interested in USA. 

While he makes the US readers proud of their history, he helped me - an Alien - to begin to understand America better.  This book has been an eye-opener, show-casing America, warts and all - not putting a crown of halo but giving humanly insights into that country which defines and redefines world history time and again. 

By reading this book, one can understand why the world sneezes when America catches flu.