MY AMERICA: What My Country Means to Me by 150 Americans from All Walks of Life

The majority of these brief reflections—many from such musicians, politicians, actors and celebrities as Walter Cronkite, Jesse Ventura and Maya Angelou—speak in often idealistic generalizations about freedom, diversity, opportunity and justice—what America is in principle though not always in practice. Some tell personal stories of how immigrant parents came to America to offer their children a brighter future. Michael Eisner, CEO of Disney, praises the First Amendment to the Constitution; thriller author Stephen Coonts writes of the right to bear arms and finds that "the symbol of all that is American is our freedom to fly"; singer Al Martino tells of his reverence for the flag; Donald Trump praises America's intelligence and bravery. Ultimately, what is left out of these reflections gathered by beloved television commentator and author Downs (Yours Truly Hugh Downs, etc.) is the full scope that the "all walks of life" of the subtitle promises. There is one New York City nurse and one schoolteacher and one firefighter; however, the other contributors are on the top rung of the status ladder: not just businessmen but CEOs, not just scientists but Nobel Prize winners. This collection could have been more thought-provoking had it included more of the diversity the contributors talk about. Readers may wonder where the voices of Barbara Ehrenreich's nickel and dimed are and what America might mean to them. (Oct. 2)

Forecast:This will no doubt be a successful post–September 11 and holiday gift title, given its inspirational tone and Hugh Downs's celebrity.