What Foreigners Need to Know About America from A to Z: How to Understand Crazy American Culture, People, Government, Business, Language and More: America's Culture (America's Language) Paperback – Import, 3 July 2012

This book begins with the thoughts of well respected reviewers here and abroad. The entire point of the book is to help foreigners understand and be successful in America. He hopes to reduce cultural misunderstandings with everyone. He is well traveled and has taught in foreign countries, and has friendships with people from other cultures. All of his experiences traveling in 49 states and 81 countries give him a wide perspective of this topic. It helps Americans understand foreigners, as well.I found it an informative read as an American. The facts and figures included were a good refresher for me and I did learn many things. Probably many people could review the citizenship test and find they might find they have forgotten a few things. He explained viewpoints both ways. He emphasizes the minority beliefs don’t represent the thoughts of the majority.I really like the hints as many were vignettes which drove home points the author was making. I enjoyed the stories, as I did the facts. It was like looking in a mirror about the USA and seeing ourselves. Quite an interesting experience. I have not read a similar book that examined our country in quite this way.The movie recommendations were good, and I think I’ll consult the book again and again when I can’t find a movie to watch. It is full of ideas.There is a book website, and there is information for purchasing quantity discounts if teaching an ESL class, perhaps.The chapters cover our history, grammar, how to improve English, linguistics, culture, and popular culture.Definitions and explanations within the text were helpful. The index was thorough. Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address was included. There were lists of colleges ranked different ways.He explains the spirit of America, our independence, the population in general, and specific age groups are described. Typical family life is described. Income levels are listed, and there are even trivia questions in this helpful book. I have purchased four copies myself!

This is an extraordinary well presented summary of a country that leeds you to all aspects of state, geography, history, culture etc. Almost everything you want to know about a people and a country is there. What is more, Lance Johnson differentiates American culture, acknowledges immigrant cultures and compares it with other cultures in the world.

I am planning to develop a presentation for my students based on this book. Compared different cultures very well. Very entertaining. You need to spend some time in a country to understand why people there are so different. Last year my trip to US has completely changed my perception about people there. In every country you find good people, you are lucky to have their association. It reinforces your faith in humanity. Must read for anyone who is planning to visit a country. Open your mind and you will find a amazing world around you.

Als erklärter US-Fan wollte ich mir dieses Buch nicht entgehen lassen, habe bis jetzt etwa die Hälfte gelesen. Es ist informativ geschrieben, gut gegliedert in verschiedene Kapitel (z.B. Bildung, Geschichte, Sitten, ...)

Starts with a few chapters on US history. As it goes through the customs, it relates why we have them from the history chapters. At the end there’s questions that could help you get ready for the citizenship exam. I said helps, but you’ll be ahead of your class. I’m American born and raised, there was quite a bit I didn’t know why we do, just grew up doing it. Didn’t even think of them as customs. New brain twist. Anyway this was a good foreign friend of mine who sometimes is a bit off in Manners, giving a gift to the hostess, eating and running, thank you notes or at least email…certain phrases he can take literally, “ One horse town.” Said he didn’t see the horse. Charming really, but may be perceived as stupid to some non-empathic bozo. Anyway, it’s a good book.