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Rating: 
Summary: Interesting
Review: "Tell them you're a writer." That is a chapter title in this book, and it illustrates one of the differences between Europeans and Americans. For me, this chapter struck home. I have been working towards a career in writing recently, first by applying to graduate school where I hope to complete a Masters of Fine Arts degree. But when people ask me what I plan to do with that degree, I can not tell them the truth: that I want to write. Instead, I have to say that I plan to teach or take an editing position along with writing (which is true--I am not so naive as to believe in a magical diploma that opens up the world of publishing--but it is akin to someone who is studying to be a surgeon to say that they plan to work as an intern). In some ways, I feel like St. Peter denying Jesus; I cannot admit to my true purpose because of what people might think. And that is because writing is not viewed as a proper occupation by the majority of Americans, whereas in Europe, that answer would be sufficient. This is indicative of my feeling for this book of Miller's, which is supposedly about those folk across the water, but ends up helping describe my neighbor and myself much more. Although we are mostly aware of the Puritan and commercial streaks in our national character, to have it compared and contrasted to the Europeans makes it much easier to understand. There are some basic differences between our world views that Miller is able to pinpoint with some accuracy. Understanding Europeans benefits from Miller's use of his own marriage to a French woman as examples, but there are not enough of them to overcome some of the drudgery of his psychoanalytical approach to his subject. While slow at times, perseverance was rewarded by a comprehensive overview of the European state of mind. Although global communication is helping to homogenize the world (not a totally positive thing in my opinion), culture differences are still strong and go much deeper than the simple talk and entertainment that we might share. Nationalism, something Americans only understand to a small extent, once again is making itself known in Europe, and we would be wise to be aware of its past impact in history. Miller helps explain the psychology of Europeans, from the lingering effects of feudalism to the most recent trauma of a war that affected the entire family rather than just able-bodied men.
Rating:
Summary: Interesting
Review: "Tell them you're a writer." That is a chapter title in this book, and it illustrates one of the differences between Europeans and Americans. For me, this chapter struck home. I have been working towards a career in writing recently, first by applying to graduate school where I hope to complete a Masters of Fine Arts degree. But when people ask me what I plan to do with that degree, I can not tell them the truth: that I want to write. Instead, I have to say that I plan to teach or take an editing position along with writing (which is true--I am not so naive as to believe in a magical diploma that opens up the world of publishing--but it is akin to someone who is studying to be a surgeon to say that they plan to work as an intern). In some ways, I feel like St. Peter denying Jesus; I cannot admit to my true purpose because of what people might think. And that is because writing is not viewed as a proper occupation by the majority of Americans, whereas in Europe, that answer would be sufficient. This is indicative of my feeling for this book of Miller's, which is supposedly about those folk across the water, but ends up helping describe my neighbor and myself much more. Although we are mostly aware of the Puritan and commercial streaks in our national character, to have it compared and contrasted to the Europeans makes it much easier to understand. There are some basic differences between our world views that Miller is able to pinpoint with some accuracy. Understanding Europeans benefits from Miller's use of his own marriage to a French woman as examples, but there are not enough of them to overcome some of the drudgery of his psychoanalytical approach to his subject. While slow at times, perseverance was rewarded by a comprehensive overview of the European state of mind. Although global communication is helping to homogenize the world (not a totally positive thing in my opinion), culture differences are still strong and go much deeper than the simple talk and entertainment that we might share. Nationalism, something Americans only understand to a small extent, once again is making itself known in Europe, and we would be wise to be aware of its past impact in history. Miller helps explain the psychology of Europeans, from the lingering effects of feudalism to the most recent trauma of a war that affected the entire family rather than just able-bodied men.
Rating: 
Summary: Anecdotal evidence on Europe
Review: I found this book to be offensive, arrogant and an extremely hard read. The author uses anecdotal evidence to support his case to slight the European hand at every opportunity dwelling on the past and lamenting change. It does give an insight into how Americans are different and how their history has shaped a different perspective on life. It glorifies America's achievements both at home and abroad and glides over similar social problems that exist in America today. If you are prepared to endure the style there are some very solid observations which are creditable.
Rating:
Summary: Arrogant and full of stigmatisms
Review: There was very little I could agree with in this book. It was so annoying to read that I actually finished it, but I can tell you, it did get my blood pressure up. It is another great example of how some Americans see themselves as the 'creme de la creme' of the world.
Rating: 
Summary: A book not primarily for tourists; for Europeans, too.
Review: This book appears to be primarily for Americans who have to live and work in Europe, or with Europeans; less for short-time visitors. It sheds a lot of light on the differences between American and European mentalities. It is well written, intelligent, witty and well-informed; it also nicely _illustrates_ some of the peculiarities (as seen from Europe) of American mentality. It sometimes exaggerates its points and is sometimes -- far from always -- self-congratulatory: Americans in it come out almost always as `outgoing and friendly', whereas, for European sensitivities, they are fairly often overbearing, aloof, and `uppity'. A European having to deal with Americans will profit from the book, but another one, like 'Understanding Americans' will be as helpful. As it would to an American reader.
Rating:
Summary: Arrogant and full of stigmatisms
Review: This is one of the most interesting books I've read in some time. While I can't vouch for its descriptions of the European mentality, I did find that its constrasting descriptions of the American mentality very much rang true. (Of course, being generalizations, they won't always apply to all Americans.) In fact, the book helped me to understand and clarify my own (very American) feelings and attitudes about many of the cultural issues the author discusses, issues on which Americans and Europeans apparently have significant cultural differences.
Rating: 
Summary: Understanding Americans
Review: This is one of the most interesting books I've read in some time. While I can't vouch for its descriptions of the European mentality, I did find that its constrasting descriptions of the American mentality very much rang true. (Of course, being generalizations, they won't always apply to all Americans.) In fact, the book helped me to understand and clarify my own (very American) feelings and attitudes about many of the cultural issues the author discusses, issues on which Americans and Europeans apparently have significant cultural differences.
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