As I started to read the first chapter I thought it may have been a detailed account of the landscapes of America. But I soon realized the first paragraph was just setting the scene for the introduction of the characters.
The first chapter of Americana: Stories by Bill Hemmig takes us into a deep dive into the lives of the four women in a hotel room. Just meeting for the first time in a long time again. Now this may seem obvious from the name but there are a lot of references to the Americana, or American culture, politics, and family life.
Moving from chapter one to chapter two and then on to chapter three. I soon realized that this book is a collection of short stories. Something I never picked up from the cover or title page. Not that it matters too much. I was still able to enjoy the stories once I figured it out.
Some of the stories are long, some are much shorter but each has their own way of showing a different aspect of a situation a person may find themself in at any time of their life. No matter what gender or age, married, engaged, or single.
The stories range from family life to sickness to work life to nature. Each with its own merits, each its own story in its own rights. Though sometimes I feel the story may connect in some way or another with the story before, but I know that is not the case.
The story that stuck with me the most in this collection was ‘Getting Out’ which tells the tale of all the emotions you go through after a big breakup. Some may put it as having to restart your life again but it’s more than that. Author Hemmig really understands how the mind works, how the change is seen, and how a person doubts themself in so many ways. The memories that come back at the smallest detail.
‘Corbett is not here.
When I get out of the house it will be empty.
Is it possible to miss someone’s worst qualities most of
all?’
Then moving on I also liked the story ‘The School Bus’ a simpler story yet one that many people can relate to. A story that many people may have found themselves in. Someone who wants to help feels a little nervous but is also on a time crunch. But doesn’t want to give up so goes ever so slowly to get the job done. It may not work out as fully as you’d hoped but then when it’s done you can get on with your life and be proud that you did it.
If I were to think about who Americana may relate to, I would have to say well anyone who wants to know what it’s like to experience what it’s like to live in America or what it’s like to live as an American person.
However, I’m not too sure if the American population would like it too much as they may feel that some of the stories portray them in a bad light. But on the other hand, I think these stories may also relate to the American population too. I mean everybody is different. And what really sets us apart is our curiosity and how easily we are offended.
So if you’re not easily offended, and curious about the United States of America and the American way of life then you should definitely give this book a try. Reading this book can provide valuable insights into the diverse cultures and perspectives that make up the United States.
By immersing yourself in the American way of life through the pages of this book, you can gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for the country’s rich history, customs, and values.
If I was to share one final thought on this book it would be to give it a chance. You may not know or understand much about America or like it that much so Americana: The Stories will help you to understand just a little about it.
Scribble's Worth 
Leave a comment