Community Reviews

Rating(3.9 / 5.0, 26 votes)
5 stars
7(27%)
4 stars
10(38%)
3 stars
9(35%)
2 stars
0(0%)
1 stars
0(0%)
26 reviews
July 14,2025
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My favorite non-fiction book is truly a remarkable one!

Harold Evans has done an outstanding job in profiling 50 of the greatest innovators this country has ever witnessed.

The genius and spirit that are present in all of these individuals are extremely crucial and sorely needed in today's world.

This book should not only be required reading in high school and college but also for anybody who is working for the government.

The contributions made by these men have played a significant role in making America great.

It is essential to study and understand their stories to gain inspiration and knowledge.

By reading this book, we can learn from their experiences and apply their innovative thinking to our own lives and work.

It is a must-read for anyone who wants to make a positive impact and contribute to the progress of our society.
July 14,2025
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By accident, I discovered this remarkable book.

Someone had placed it in the discard box within my condominium library.

Residents often leave books in the return/gift basket, and it's my task to sort through them.

We don't have a formal checkout system; it's a simple "want a book, take a book" policy.

When Uncle Hugh or Aunt Sally pass away, people frequently clear out their books by depositing them in the clubhouse basket.

This particular book is enormous, measuring 9x11 inches and consisting of 496 pages.

It provides detailed information and often includes photos of all the renowned inventors who have contributed to making my country great.

Ranging from the steam engine to Fred Smith, the founder of Federal Express, there are hundreds of inventors listed.

Surprisingly, this book was utterly fascinating to me, considering I've never had much of an interest in history or the history of inventions.

If you happen to come across this book, it is truly well worth reading.

I'm certain it must have cost a significant amount of money.

Unfortunately, the paper cover is missing, so I can't even hazard a guess at its price.

It was published in 2004 by Little Brown.

If you encounter this book, snatch it up, read it, and then pass it on to one of the younger generation.

It's truly fantastic!!
July 14,2025
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A coffee table book is a wonderful thing.

It contains stories of a diverse range of inventors.

I borrowed it from the library specifically for the Sam Insull chapter, and it was truly great.

It provided a concise biography of an amazing man.

I highly recommend it.

However, I gave it a lower star rating for a couple of reasons.

Firstly, it's not the kind of book you would take on a plane or in a backpack as it's a bit bulky.

Secondly, it had other stories that simply didn't interest me.

Despite these drawbacks, the Sam Insull chapter alone makes it worth checking out.

It offers valuable insights into the life and achievements of this remarkable inventor.

Overall, it's a book that has its pros and cons, but for those interested in the history of invention, it's definitely worth a look.

July 14,2025
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This book truly opened my eyes and made me realize the profound truth that we often take for granted all the remarkable technological innovations that surround us.

We go about our daily lives, enjoying the convenience and comfort that these advancements bring, without giving a second thought to the艰辛 and sacrifices that lie behind them.

So many of the things that we have become so accustomed to, such as our smartphones, the internet, and modern transportation, are only possible because of the unwavering determination and hard work of countless individuals.

They have dedicated their lives to research, development, and improvement, facing numerous challenges and setbacks along the way.

By reading this book, I have gained a newfound appreciation for the ingenuity and perseverance of these pioneers, and I now understand that every technological innovation is a testament to the power of human imagination and the drive to make the world a better place.
July 14,2025
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*They Made America* is an astonishingly captivating exploration of the lives and feats of the innovators who molded the United States and, by extension, the contemporary world. Harold Evans skillfully seizes the essence of innovation, spanning from the industrial revolution to the digital era, breathing life into the remarkable individuals who constructed industries, devised inventions, and revolutionized society. The narrative weaves an enchanting tapestry of visionaries, entrepreneurs, and dreamers, their tales abundant with challenges, triumphs, and often, revolutionary change.


Evans doesn't merely chronicle events. He delves profoundly into the personalities, the failures, the unwavering perseverance, and the intense desire to effect a difference. From Samuel Morse and his telegraph to Steve Jobs and the Apple revolution, the book spotlight how the tenacity of individuals pushed the boundaries of the once-impossible. The chapters on each innovator offer not only insights into their achievements but also a peek at the risks and sacrifices they endured to bring their ideas to fruition.


What distinguishes this book is its inspiration. It's nearly impossible to conclude reading without feeling invigorated, motivated, and deeply connected to the concept of innovation. It serves as a reminder that the world we know was erected by those who dared to dream and take action, defying all odds. It reminds me of the kind of person I aspire to be: someone whose ideas can leave an indelible mark on the world.


In fact, reading *They Made America* has instilled in me a fierce desire to be part of that next wave of innovators. I long to be one of those individuals who not only witnesses history but actively shapes it. The book isn't just a gaze into the past; it's a clarion call to action for anyone who dreams of transforming the world for the better.


This book is an absolute must-read for anyone who has ever been inspired by the stories of visionaries or anyone who aspires to become one.

July 14,2025
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I would rate it a 4 for its content, but only a 3 for its readability.

The early chapters of this work seem to be written in a style similar to that of a history encyclopedia. They present a wealth of information in a rather dry and factual manner.

However, as one progresses to the later chapters, which place a greater emphasis on technology, the writing takes on the characteristics of a science textbook. It becomes more technical and detailed.

Overall, despite the somewhat cumbersome reading experience, I did manage to learn some new and interesting things. For example, I discovered that there was at least as much technology theft as there were cooperative inventions and innovations.

Nonetheless, the book is a bit of a slog to get through due to its overly detailed nature, much like a traditional textbook. It requires a certain level of dedication and concentration from the reader to fully absorb the information presented.
July 14,2025
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Corporate crime and thieves are alive and well, just as they have always been.

In today's society, corporate crime takes on various forms, such as fraud, embezzlement, and illegal insider trading. These actions not only cause significant financial losses to individuals and organizations but also undermine the trust and stability of the entire economic system.

Thieves, on the other hand, continue to target people's property through burglary, theft, and robbery. Their actions not only violate the law but also cause great harm and distress to the victims.

Despite the efforts of law enforcement agencies and the legal system to combat these crimes, they still persist. This is because the motives for committing these crimes, such as greed and the desire for quick wealth, are deeply ingrained in human nature.

To address this issue, it is essential that we continue to strengthen our legal and regulatory systems, increase public awareness of the consequences of these crimes, and promote ethical and moral behavior in all aspects of society. Only by working together can we hope to reduce the incidence of corporate crime and theft and create a safer and more just world for all.
July 14,2025
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The Most Interesting Book


Books have always been a source of knowledge, entertainment, and inspiration. Among the countless books out there, there is one that stands out as the most interesting. This book has the power to captivate readers from the very first page and keep them hooked until the last word.


It may be a thrilling adventure story that takes you to far-off lands and introduces you to exciting new characters. Or perhaps it's a thought-provoking mystery that challenges your intellect and makes you think outside the box. Maybe it's a heartwarming romance that touches your emotions and makes you believe in the power of love.


The most interesting book is different for everyone, as it depends on personal interests and tastes. However, one thing is for sure - when you find that special book, it can have a profound impact on your life. It can transport you to another world,开阔 your眼界, and leave you with a sense of wonder and excitement. So, keep reading and exploring the wonderful world of books, and you're sure to discover the one that speaks to you and becomes your most interesting book.
July 14,2025
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I didn't manage to get past the second CD.

Perhaps my expectations were set too high.

Maybe it simply doesn't function well for the purpose of commuting.

Perhaps I should have bypassed the transcontinental railroad and directly delved into the more recent innovations.

I really don't know the exact reason, but I just couldn't maintain my focus on this book.

Especially when I had "Prodigal Summer" sitting right there in my passenger seat, patiently waiting for its chance.

Maybe it's not entirely fair to make such a comparison, but I have no regrets about my decision.

I guess sometimes our interests and the circumstances just don't align perfectly, and we have to make choices based on what feels right at the moment.

Even though I didn't finish listening to the content on the CD, I'm still looking forward to exploring other literary works that might capture my attention more effectively.

Who knows what wonderful discoveries await me in the world of books?
July 14,2025
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This is an excellent piece of non-fiction.

It is well researched, delving into the lives and works of America's innovators of all kinds.

The book is quite long, which might seem a bit intimidating at first. However, once you start reading, you'll find it fascinating and interesting from beginning to end.

The author has done a great job of presenting the information in an engaging way, making it accessible to a wide range of readers.

If you're someone who has a hard time sitting down and reading a long book, I would highly suggest getting the talking book version.

This way, you can listen to the story while you're doing other things, like driving or exercising.

Overall, this is a great book that I would recommend to anyone who is interested in learning about America's innovators and their contributions to society.
July 14,2025
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This is an awesome bedtime reading book for parents with big kids.

It offers a wonderful opportunity for parents to bond with their older children in a special way. The stories within the book are engaging and captivating, designed to hold the attention of kids who are a bit more grown-up.

Parents can use this book as a tool to relax and unwind with their kids at the end of a busy day. It can also be a great way to introduce new ideas and concepts, sparking interesting conversations and discussions.

The illustrations in the book are beautiful and add to the overall charm and appeal. It truly is a must-have for any parent looking for a quality bedtime reading experience with their big kids.

July 14,2025
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This is the review for the audio version of this book.

I believe it is abbreviated, so I'm not sure what is missing. Overall, it is well worth checking out this book for anyone interested in business/economic history.

The book covers numerous advancements made by Americans over the last few centuries. Most readers, including me, would have read books/articles on most of the inventions/developments made by America. So, some may think the book doesn't offer much. However, I was pleasantly surprised to read about topics or details that aren't widely discussed.

I think one of the strengths of this book is that it covers a diverse set of inventions/advancements over several hundred years. It doesn't focus on a specific time period or type of invention. If you are looking for highly detailed background on inventions, this book probably isn't for you as each topic is only around 10 pages long. Some may not like this almost random short coverage, but I like it.

This is the type of book that will expand your knowledge horizon. For instance, in addition to the important but widely covered revolutions such as Edison's light bulb/electricity and the intercontinental railroad, the book touches on topics such as the Colt revolver (gun), CNN (all-news cable news), and Ebay (online shopping site). Most people may know quite a bit about Google, but how many know much about Ebay? I have read about railroads in the 1800's before but didn't know much about the Colt revolver (which played a big, albeit brutal, part in the 1800's).

If you want to gain a cursory understanding of major American inventions over the last few hundred years, you can't go wrong with this book.
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