Great American Handbook [Paperback]

Cheri Sicard (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 3, 2002

In the wake of last year's terrorist attacks, millions of Americans gave blood, donated money, and volunteered their time, pulling together to overcome the crisis. Yet so many were left wondering "What more can I do-and how do I do it?"

This book offers specific suggestions and information about the many ways Americans can pitch in-in good times and bad. For Americans who want to become more informed and more involved, and to celebrate their heritage, this book shows how to:

€ Write to our troops overseas
€ Visit national parks and historical sites
€ Strengthen the economy
€ Start a petition
€ Help the FBI fight crime
€ Sing all four verses of the national anthem
€ Learn about NASA, the CIA, and other organizations
€ Find volunteering opportunities
€ Protect our food and water supply
€ Learn proper flag etiquette
€ and much more

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

Though somewhat simplistic in approach, this patriotic primer will appeal to a wide variety of contemporary Americans searching for common cultural and moral ground. In order to support and strengthen the nation, Sicard suggests that previously passive Americans become passionately active citizens. Dividing her subject material into three main categories, the author advises readers to get involved in the everyday business of the nation, to be informed about and understand both the history and the government of the U.S, and to proudly celebrate uniquely American traditions and holidays. While many of the practical tips offered--be an informed voter, pay your taxes, etc.--are self-evident, a wealth of trivia and lore transform this rudimentary guide to good citizenship into an irresistible slice of Americana. Margaret Flanagan
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

About the Author

Cheri Sicard has visited 49 of the 50 states (she has yet to see Alaska), and is a freelance travel and food writer as well as the co-owner of Enigma Communications, a website content production company. Her articles have appeared in The Boston Herald and other publications, as well as on numerous websites.

Product Details

• Paperback: 272 pages
• Publisher: Berkley Trade (September 3, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 042518871X
• ISBN-13: 978-0425188712
• Product Dimensions: 7.5 x 6.4 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.9 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,199,630 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Outstanding Reference for Citizens and Citizen Applicants, June 10, 2003

By 

Retired Master Sergeant (Moss Point MS) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Great American Handbook (Paperback)

This is a book that deserves an eye-level center-of-shelf position on your library wall. It's a magic pill for the heartburn that grows when "how does the government do that" questions pop into your brain and you simply don't want to fight through any web site that ends in .gov. Additionally, it turns out to be not just a factual reference but a great read and a true page turner. Remember your old High School Civics classes? Probably not because you slept through them. You won't sleep in the middle of this book! Cheri Sicard is a skilled writer (as fans of the highly reguarded web sites fabulousfoods.com and fabuloustravel.com will attest) who presents the facts in an easy-to-follow progression that flows naturally and succinctly. This is a must buy book!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Handbook for ALL Americans!, September 27, 2002

By 

Brenda Hyde - See all my reviews

This review is from: Great American Handbook (Paperback)

Cheri Sicard shows us how we can do this
on a daily basis. Her book
is one to stick in your back pocket, to keep on your desk or
throw in your backpack...but don't let it just sit there. Highlight it!
Use it as a reference, and most of all, take on the challange to
"Be involved, Be informed and Celebrate". She's broken the book
down into these three
areas, and when you are finished reading it you will never have
to wonder "What can I do for my country today?", because she

has given you a handbook that will guide you, give you purpose
and help you educate those around you. You'll discover sources
online and offline to help you understand our government and
to get assistance. You will find out how to volunteer, how to
send a letter to our troops, how to understand the electoral
college (admit it-not many of us do!), plus you'll find all four
verses of our national anthem and many, many more practical
resources to assist you in helping the country. As a parent,
I especially appreciated the resources for kids, and the fun,
but educational ideas Sicard gives for families.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars America's Owners Manuel, September 24, 2002

By 

Mike Berry (Los Angeles, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Great American Handbook (Paperback)

The Great American Handbook is a primer for anyone wanting to learn more about our great country. It is not only well written but it contains a wealth of information about what you can do for your country and how to become a patriot while doing it. There are chapters on Getting Involved, Being Informed and American Celebrations. Think of this book as an "owners manual" for the USA. Every household in America will benefit from owning this book.