AMERICA, U.S.A.
By Eddie S. Glaude Jr
Publisher: Crown
The author of “Begin Again” delves into elements of America’s difficult and complicated past, and what they portend for our future.
Review by By The Books Reviewer
Eddie S. Glaude Jr.'s latest work, "America, U.S.A.: How Race Shadows the Nation's Anniversaries," is a searing indictment of the United States' persistent failure to confront its deeply entrenched racial injustices. ([penguinrandomhouse.com](https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/AmericaUSA?utm_source=openai)) Glaude, renowned for his incisive analyses in previous works like "Begin Again," ([books.google.com](https://books.google.com/books/about/America_U_S_A.html?id=HbSFEQAAQBAJ&utm_source=openai)) delves into the nation's history with a meticulousness that is both commendable and, frankly, unsettling.
The book's structure is ingeniously crafted, centering on America's milestone anniversaries over the past 250 years. Glaude exposes how these commemorations often serve as smokescreens, perpetuating myths that obscure the harsh realities of systemic racism. ([bookbrowse.com](https://www.bookbrowse.com/bb_briefs/detail/index.cfm/ezine_preview_number/25455/america-usa?utm_source=openai)) His narrative is unflinching, pulling no punches in its examination of the nation's moral contradictions.
Glaude's prose is both eloquent and piercing, weaving together voices from W.E.B. DuBois to Martin Luther King Jr., creating a tapestry that is as rich as it is disconcerting. ([penguinrandomhouse.com](https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/AmericaUSA?utm_source=openai)) He challenges readers to interrogate their own perceptions of freedom and innocence, urging a reckoning with the past to forge a more just future.
However, the book is not without its shortcomings. At times, Glaude's relentless critique may feel overwhelming, leaving little room for the reader to breathe. The density of historical references, while impressive, can also be daunting, potentially alienating those less versed in American history.
In conclusion, "America, U.S.A." is a profoundly important work that demands attention. It is a clarion call for introspection and action, though it may not be an easy read for all. Proceed with caution, but do proceed.
Recommendation: Read with caution.
written on: 6/4/2026