The Man Who Sold America: Trump and the Unraveling of the American Story

This book is a compilation of offenses by the current administration. While it is an example of the venting most of us have done in witnessing the current debacle, it does nothing to shed light on the why’s and how’s. The author is a brilliant commentator on MSNBC. Her program is well researched, lively and interesting, so for those of us who are loyal viewers, this book is a rehash of her previously expressed opinions and reportage. It is also repetitive; sometimes restating whole sentences from pages before, such as her allusions to the “gilded age”. It is a laundry list of Trump offenses. If you are not yet made crazy by the 24/7 emphasis on Trump, this may be the book for you.

While quoting “unnamed Republican strategist”, “Republican fundraiser” and other unnamed sources, this book loses some power by not having sources who can go on the record. Also, Chapter Five feels like it should have begun the book by giving the reader the historical basis for the current story. Her departure into superheroes, calling Merv Griffin “legendary” and John Wayne’s name change feel like surrealistic asides. While the author gives great credit to her editor, this reader must demur.