Rating: 
Summary: Honest look at America's faults and strengths by a wise man.
Review: After watching an interview of Mr. D'Souza a few days ago. I was so impressed with his answer, presentation and his intellectual prowess that I put aside my copy of John Adams and my edition of the "Qur'an", a translation by Abdullah Yusuf Ali and picked up his book. I started the Ali translation because as a fan of Sun Tzu I wanted to know the enemy who wanted to make war on my country and me as well. After watching this interview and the unique outlook that Mr. D'Souza brought to the issue of America and its foreign and domestic enemies I picked up "What's so great about America." I must say that I was pleasantly surprised by the time I finished. That I could finish it in only two days meant that it was gripping and an easy and interesting read. What an amazing, rational and reasoned view of America from a past, present and futuristic position. Mr. D'Souza holds a mirror up to all of us from both an outside and an inside perspective and makes us see some unpleasant truths, yet shows us the silver lining as well. Unfortunately most Americans cannot even imagine what we here in this great country look like to the rest of the world. Unless of coarse one has traveled, it is difficult to judge the bounty, in comparison to so many we all, I say again WE ALL, black, red, yellow, white and other, have here in America. Being a military career retiree I have been blessed with that unique opportunity to see the world and develop a healthy respect, admiration and love of country which Mr. D'Souza speaks of. I think that graduation from high school should include a weeklong survival trip to a third world country to open the eyes of our young people. Mr. D'Souza has a decidedly unique perspective on so many issues that face us in the global arena today. It is sad that our TV talk shows host and Newspaper editors have lost this talent for true unbiased reporting and his simple honesty on so many issues. It is just impossible for the Chris Matthews and Bill O'Reilly's of the world to address these issues as candidly and honestly as Mr. D'Souza seems to do. Of course the most refreshing part of this book was that Mr. D'souza was not flaunting any political or particular ideology like most of us do. He was truly being fair and balanced, applauding and condemning both sides equally I think. This impressive "tell it like it was and is" book at first made me a little squeamish, nearly putting it down and going back to my previous reads after the first 10 pages or so. That was because I probably had the same reaction most people do after reading the first chapter. I started to think hey, this guy is just knocking America and is nothing more than an advertising agent for Osama Bin Laden or some other Middle Eastern anti-American wacko and hate monger. Who does he think he is! But I stuck it out and read a little further and then realized with humble reevaluation that he was right in all that he was saying. It was my own ego and personal pride that had flared up in premature indignation at being called so many bad things, which were simply his relaying of what was in the minds of some of those on the outside looking in. I realized after a little more self-critical evaluation as a member of a larger society, and after putting my temper on hold. That what he was saying was true down to the last point. We are a representation of those sinful, deviant, hedonistic and disgusting things, in some parts of our culture, like Hollywood and the film Industries, the Porn Industries and various other institutions, which other cultures see when they evaluate America. Even if we as individuals, families and/or communities do not participate in those degrading acts or industries, it is a part of the American culture and that is what the Islamic and Muslim societies find disgusting and intolerable. In a sense they hate today's excessive liberalism and unethical progressiveness, which seems to have no more of a moral compass than a rabbit or a bunch of Gardner snakes. But what Mr. D'Souza finally begins to make clear is that this is the tendency others have to only see the tarnished brass and pewter fixtures of our society and by doing so ignore the silver and gold that ornaments the American people and many of our institutions as well. There are still plenty of Tocqueville worthy individuals and communities left our there to respect and 9-11 also proved that there is a grand and good spirit in America that rest just beneath the surface in great and vast numbers, just like the Fremen' in the movie "DUNE". We are better in so many areas than most think and we should not be ashamed of it. If I had been advising Mr. D'Souza however, I would have recommended his last statement be a saying from John Steuart Mill, which would have fit our post 9-11 character beautifully. Slightly modified for the 21st century, it goes like this, "War is an ugly thing but not the ugliest of things; the decayed and degraded state of moral and patriotic feelings, which thinks that nothing is worth fighting for is much worse. A citizen who has nothing for which he/she is willing to fight, nothing they care about more than their personal safety, are miserable creatures who has no chance of being free...unless made and kept so by the exertions of better beings than themselves." It would have fit his premise perfectly that America is worth supporting, defending, cherishing and being proud of. Great job Mr. D'Souza and I promise not to say, "I am also writing a book" if I ever get the honor to meet you...
Rating: 
Summary: the greatness of america
Review: The Greatness of America
In What's So Great About America, the best selling author Dinesh D'Souza argues many points from America's past and present but his biggest argument is the greatness of America it self. He states that anyone, from any country, can be whatever they want, raise their children how they please, marry whomever they wish, and, most importantly, live however they choose. America is the place to live your life to the fullest and in this book he brings about numerous examples, from his life and others, to prove it. Personally, I agree with D'Souza, partly because this is where I have lived all my life, but also since I have lived through some of it's greatnesses and learned about the rest. America has been compared to other countries countless times and, some how or another, it always comes out on top.
To prove America's greatness D'Souza brings about a lot of informative and important views. He uses his point of view, being born and raised in India, and the viewpoints of those such as Jesse Jackson and other famous speakers. He talks about America's enemies, slavery, colonialism, racism and further historical events that shaped the American civilization. In D'Souza's book, he uses each resource that is available from American history and they are used to convince anyone who reads his book that America is great. He believes that America's freedom is a "new way to be human" for all immigrants. Each immigrant that comes to America gets the chance to make all his or her dreams come true. In their homeland, wherever it may have been, they would not have gotten this wonderful opportunity. Dinesh D'Souza says that this is a good enough reason to see America's greatness but he realizes that only immigrants can see this and he wants natural born American's to realize it's greatnesses also.
In chapter one of his book D'Souza speaks of America and it's enemies and why they are enemies. It comes down to the fact that other countries are jealous of the freedom that American's have. Everyone is considered equal, the make their own life, and some countries see these attributes as moral sins. A number of countries believe that their way of life is the only correct one and that America should have to pay even more for their freedom and luxuries. They do not see how we can have all races, religions, and nationalities living in the same places without conflict and despair. Western civilization is spreading throughout the world even though many countries do not seek it; they like how things are ran their way. D'Souza claims that instead of seeking western civilization, some countries bring it to them without knowing it. They allow one law or tradition to change and they make themselves apart of western civilization without intentionally doing so.
D'Souza also declares in chapter three that the American idea is "unique." He points out that America made itself unique by mainly its freedoms but moreover for it's many success stories. Some successes were as complex as the abolishment of slavery and the civil right movement but others are as simple as marrying the person you love and becoming a successful businessman on Wall Street. America is unique because it allows anyone to come to America and "become American." In other countries, there is no such thing as becoming a national of that country; either you were born there and you are a national or you moved there and you are an immigrant. Immigrants come to America to live a better life and to let their children enjoy the pleasures of being a child in the United States. Immigrants and their families do not have these options in their native land so they come to America because of its distinctive satisfactions that they hear so much about through whatever means; may it be the television, the news, the internet, et cetera. It would not be foolish to say that America has become unique and desirable due to the fact that America created ways to show other countries how great the way of American life is.
Lastly, this book shows that America is so great and has become so dominant because it's people practically created the words "science" and "technology." Americans were drawn to the idea of success so once America was established, ideas for improvement came booming. We created democracy, capitalism, and western civilization. Our ideas have spread worldwide and no one can deny the fact that living in America adds value to everything. Deep down, other countries want to make their world as successful as ours but they don't know how to compete.
I think that Dinesh D'Souza sums it up for all the people that have come to realize that they cannot compete with America while staying in their homeland by saying, "I know that my daughter will have a better life if I stay [in America]. I don't mean just that she will be better off; I mean that her life is likely to have greater depth, meaning and fulfillment in the United States than it would in any other country. I have come to appreciate that there is something great and noble about America...." All of the greatnesses that D'Souza spoke of is reflected in his daily life and mine. If you read this book, you would come to realize that America is greater than what you hold to be true.
Rating:
Summary: Graceful, probing and ultimately uplifting
Review: This book blew me away. The author is a wonderful writer, full of grace and reason and humor - also highly educated and knowledgable about history and culture. He writes about America from a fascinating perspective - that of an immigrant well-versed in Islam - and clearly views both the downside and benefits of becoming an American. He looks at American history and culture in all its guises and with all its faults and flaws - and comes to some remarkable and stirring conclusions about what really makes America tick, why there is so much dissent within our borders today and why we are so hated in the world today. But unlike most books nowadays, this one is not pessimistic or hysterical. It is reasoned and wise - and an absolute must read for all AMericans in this troubled election year.
Rating:
Summary: What a fascinating book!
Review: I usually don't write reviews of books that already have scores of them already written. After all, what could I possibly have to contribute that somebody else hasn't already said? But I finished this book literally minutes ago and I consider it one of the best books I've ever read. An Indian immigrant, Mr. D'Souza brings a unique perspective to the topic of American culture and politics. He lays out a realistic and intellectually impressive argument that "there is something great and noble about America." He revisits the history of Western civilization and offers an interpretation that is foreign to any contemporary student of American and European history: that--above all else--the West, with America embodying its ideals, has had an undeniably positive impact on people's lives throughout the world. D'Souza takes on tough issues, like the impacts of slavery, racism, colonialism, and the cultural permissiveness that the non-Western world hates, with skill as a writer and erudition as a philosopher, historian, and political analyst. "What's So Great About America" is my first D'Souza book, but it certainly will not be my last. Mr. D'Souza's writing is personal and smooth; he seamlessly weaves anecdotes with facts, history with philosophy, and humor with logic. I couldn't get enough of this book. One last note that is important to make is that Mr. D'Souza is as far from partisan (or even ideological) as one possibly can be. He takes on everyone from Noam Chomsky to Robert Bork. Don't dismiss the book upon seeing its title. It is not the "feel-good" book that the cover makes it out to be; it is profoundly intellectual, even eye-opening. It will, if nothing else, broaden your worldview.
Rating:
Summary: Another good book
Review: I like this guy D'Souza. His books are not only interesting but also educational. This book is no exception. D'Souza challenges the equalitarian viewpoint that all cultures are equal. He makes the case that in many ways American culture is a superior culture and society and we should be proud of it and not apologize for it, but he does acknowledge that not all is perfect and he points out some of the criticism are justified. This book covers many contemporary topics including race relations and Affirmative Action (he recounts an interesting debate he had with Jesse Jackson) and he gives his perspective on the 9/11 tragedy and its aftermath. He gives his perspective on how we are viewed around the world and his perspective on why some of the criticisms are unjustified (or in a few cases justified). It is refreshing to read a book like this that isn't mindlessly denouncing America or our free society. Considering he is an immigrant, it is astonishing how well informed D'Souza is about American history. He covers some world history and how American Ideals developed. He not only has a deep understanding of world and American history, but he also grasps the transition America has gone through in the 1960' and 1970's. D'Souza is not only a scholar, but he has a great sense of humor (he made me laugh in a couple of areas). This book is a pleasure to read.
Rating:
Summary: Why Muslim's Hate Us
Review: In this book "What's So Great About America", by Dinesh D'Souza, Dinesh explains in many ways how the rest of the world is being Westernized. The rest of the world has many characteristics that they once did not have. For example, "People go to work in Western suits and ties, even though this attire seems utterly unsuited to India's hot climate" (37). He explains that the Muslim religion views Americans as the Anti-Christ, based on how America is influencing all of its bad habits in other countries. So in the Muslims eyes, we are spreading evil all over the world. I believe everyone should read this book that has any opinion on how the Muslim people think our society is so evil. I truly am grateful that I had the chance to read this book because I had a very one-sided view on this subject due to my older brother fighting in the terrorist war. I think the one good thing about this book is, it explains to you in detail on how Muslims mind frame's work. Without reading this book I had no idea why Muslims considered the USA as the Anti-Christ. It has expanded my knowledge and the reason why they hate us makes a lot of since. That also doesn't mean I agree with them on killing off Americans. One thing I disliked about this book was in Chapter five when Dinesh starts to talk about how the Muslims view the sexual domain we as Americans have. It gives a detail of one case that a Muslims newspaper writer wrote in their paper to mock us. A Frenchman comes home and finds an American in bed with the Frenchman's wife. Well, Dinesh and the Muslims have a bad view on the sexual domain the Americans have. They should not take into account just the bad apple of the bunch but a whole in society, just like we cannot judge every Muslim by a few Muslim extremists actions.
Rating: 
Summary: A Noble Cause.
Review: This book is really a "how to" book. It depicts ways in which you can defend the country that many others are ashamed to say they live in. The author attempts to understand radical Islam as opposed to simply condemning it. His analysis of the Islamic mentality is concise and thoughtful. We will understand those who hate us much better because of his efforts.
What D'Souza does here that is truly unique is that he puts geopolitical events in the proper perspective. There is no denial to be found in his pages. The US is far from perfect. We have committed numerous wrongs but in the final analysis we are the freest, kindest, most generous country on this planet. We should all be as proud as D'Souza.
Rating:
Summary: I LIKE THIS BOOK BECAUSE IT TOLD ME WHAT I WANTED TO HEAR!
Review: I'm glad I read this book! I wanted to read a book that would tell me, an American, that America is the greatest country ever. This book did not fail to disappoint. By comparing America to third world countries instead of first world countries like Sweden or New Zealand, D'Souza makes me feel very proud of my country. Also by rejecting the idea that we made a buttload of money off of slavery and imperialism, and still do to this day. In fact, this selective comparison and omission of facts has caused me to never, ever, believe that America is anything OTHER then number one, despite factual or logical evidence! (It's not like I'm going to read a slave narrative as my next book or anything...DUH!) When somebody tries to rain on my parade by having me compare the feedoms enjoyed by me and those enjoyed by a guy living in Belgium or something, I don't have to pull out "America is the greatest nation ever!" from my butt, because D'Souza has done so for me in book form! For other ways to love your country, not because of what it is or what it does, but rather as if it were a team sport, I suggest the music of Toby Keith, and the fashion stylings of shirts with American Eagles crying about 9-11 on them. Oh and don't forget the flag for your car that's probably made in China! USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA we are the best! Hell yeah!
Rating:
Summary: Wonderful Book: should be required high school reading
Review: This is a wonderful book.
As the study of ecology integrates all the various studies of natural science, geology, weather, etc. So does D'Souza combine the subjects of ancient and recent history, philosophy, anthropology, religion, sociology, politics, science, and current events (terrorism)\ to make sense of the "American" phenomenon. He accurately illustrates why we are both hated and loved in every country of the world and he does it with a profound understanding and education most of us are lacking. Also, he sprinkles in a wry sense of humor.
His balanced evaluations and illustrations help us see how we can discuss these issues with more understanding.
I have lived in the Middle East for 2 years and in Germany. I appreciated the insights I gained while reading this book twice.
Rating:
Summary: Democratic voter who liked this book
Review: I tend to vote for Democratic candidates more than Republicans, and liked this book. The arguments are very well done, and I agree with the vast majority of them. So, why do I give this only 3 stars? Well, I wanted to give it 3.5 but Amazon doesn't let me; but I don't give it a higher rating because of one key weakness. D'Souza would have you believe that there's some monolithic "liberal" philosophy that agrees on all of the subjects that he dissects and discounts one-by-one. Maybe this is the case in the left-leaning wings of academia, but here in the "real world" I don't get the impression that most people care about things like reparations for slavery, believes that the third-world is better than America, or believes that our "decadence" will be our downfall.
Because D'Souza gets to project a boilerplate image of "liberals" that he wants, he gets to choose the easist subjects to argue against. As a result, some less thoughtful conservatives might be inclined to think in "black and white" terms, and use this book to conclude that anyone except a person that always votes for Republicans is against all of D'Souza's arguments. It simply isn't so. In this way, D'Souza uses a similar technique that Rush Limbaugh (and Al Franken and Michael Moore) like to use too. D'Souza provides a much more thoughtful analysis and does a much better job than a conservative like Limbaugh, however. I guess D'Souza sort of had to take this approach. After all, "real issue" books (as opposed to those lambasting "neo-cons" or "liberals") are a lot harder to sell. Thankfully, D'Souza doesn't stoop as far down to the inflammatory level of Rush Limbaugh, Michael Moore, or Al Franken. I give him a lot of credit for that. Anyway, I thought it was a good read and it's well worth the time and money. One more note: Subsequent to reading this book, I read D'Souza's "The Virtue of Prosperity" and didn't enjoy it nearly as much as this one.
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