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Rating: 
Summary: King of America
Review: I first heard of the book on NPR. It was a quick read and very entertaining. It shows a different side of the rich and powerful trying to find happiness and meaning. There was a stark contrast between the natives in New Guinea and the main character, an heir to an amazing fortune. It also described quite well the feeling in high school and college when all things are possible but the choices can be overwhelming. Minor coincidences or situations can lead to the path that we choose for our future. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading.
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Summary: "Remember that my life is a breath."
Review: Reading THE KING OF AMERICA is like taking a breath of fresh air. It's been a while since I've read a book that moved me the way this one had. At the center is Stephen Hesse, young heir to a fortune and life of privileges. His mother raised him after his parents divorced when he was two years old and throughout his childhood Stephen and his mother have remained close. Although his parents reside in the same building on Park Avenue they live completely separate lives. Father and son are virtual strangers and don't attempt a relationship until his early adulthood when Stephen yearns to win his affection despite his mother's hurt feelings. While attending Harvard Steven joins an anthropological expedition to Netherlands New Guinea to study the native tribes. While he has an interest in anthropology his real intention is to gain his father's admiration. The passages pertaining to the rituals of tribesmen and the descriptions of the physical surroundings were fascinating to say the least. As I was reading I felt that I was accompanying them while traveling through the jungles and watching the death ceremonies. One of the true strengths of this book is how the narrative dove headfirst into Stephen's motivations, inspirations and feelings. It was beautiful how his strained and flawed relationships with his father, mother and girlfriend Sheila were portrayed in a fluid and multi-dimensional manner. THE KING OF AMERICA is undoubtedly a small book but there is so much contained within the 213 pages. Large issues of colonization and the appropriation of native cultures are told in a brilliant and fascinating manner. Highly recommended.
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Summary: EXCELLENT WORK HERE
Review: This short novel is certainly worth the read. The author uses very interesting technique, uses wonderful syntax and is certainly an extraordinary story teller. I found it quite amazing that the author was able to pack so much into just a few pages (a bit over 200). Her usage and conservation of words, while certainly not unique, is nevertheless refreshing. She, the author, obviously spent much time putting this one together. I highly recommend it. It has been one of the brighter spots in my reading year so far. There will no doubt be more from this author and I am looking forward to all of it. Thank you Ms Gillison keep up the good work!
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Summary: Absorbing, Tragic read
Review: When you reach the end of The King of America, you cannot help but mourn Stephen Hesse. A spoiled rich kid, with the most touching of character traits. A romantic soul, who ultimately never finds what he's looking for. His happiness in New Guinea is nothing but a temporary high. Like a drug, which will eventually wear off and return him to the cold, pragmatic world of New York and the responsbility of his father's vast fortune. Life seems to elude the younger Hesse. True love, happiness, even comfort. It all slips through his hands. The "Prince of America" never has the chance to become the King.
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