The truth behind the clichesNovember 25, 2008 I am anti American or at least the American government and many ideals, but this book has helped me to think again about why Americans as are they are, and why we view them as we do. It has challenged my prejudices and helped me to review the good and/or revolutionary things about the US.
Easy to read, with the recognisable and comforting from-our-own-correspondent-style, it was full of amusing stories and thought provoking analysis of events. I am giving it to everyone for Christmas - it will entertain and inform in equal measures. I highly recommend it!
Have a Nice Day by Justin WebbOctober 11, 2008 6 out of 6 found this review helpful
It's very easy to lazily regard America as the country we all love to hate without understanding in any detail how the country works or, more importantly how ordinary Americans think. This book provides a better understanding of America, is written in a clear and accessible style - it's entertaining, informative and goes beyond the myths to make America and Americans intelligible to the rest of us. Read it and then make your own judgement, but at least read it. An excellent book.
Great BookOctober 1, 2008 4 out of 4 found this review helpful
I thoroughly enjoyed the book, It's by a TV correspondent but isn't all about him and has enough interesting stories and points to make the argument in it fascinating. If you're interested in America or wondering which direction it's going in this is great food for thought.
A Case Well MadeSeptember 15, 2008 14 out of 15 found this review helpful
I bought this book to read the work of a respected former colleague. Webb himself is a first rate commentator with an acute mind and a warm conversational style. This book demonstrates all three of those characteristics. It makes the unfashionable case for America in a way that is clearly thought-out and well illustrated with intriguing examples. This is the sort of up to date material that should be in every college library. Justin Webb, he tells us right away, is partisan: he enjoys life in America. Have A Nice Day, however, is an argument rather than a eulogy. Sit down, pour a whisky and enjoy this argument with one of the BBCs senior editors.
Loves a good readSeptember 11, 2008 12 out of 14 found this review helpful
I loved this book. It is fun and easy to read and yet makes a very strong point that we should at least question our prejudice against America. I enjoyed the style immensely. Webb illustrates the argument for America with the places and people he has met during his time in the US. The descriptions are vivid and compelling. A thoroughly good read for any open-minded Brit who is up for a little ribbing about our attitude to the US.
