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I started this without high expectations because of mixed reviews, but I enjoyed this travelogue with bits of history and political discussion more than expected. It‘s one person‘s perspective based on his research and travel to the U.S. Virgin Islands, America Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and Puerto Rico. Considering how little I knew of these places, it was a great introduction describing both fascinating and frustrating aspects.

Book 93 of the year. I loved finding out more about the US territories but this felt more like a travel book than actual informational book. Still a good read.

Afternoon reading on this gray, cloudy Saturday afternoon.

The US is made up of more than just states, and beyond Puerto Rico, I think we tend to forget that (I do). I thought this was interesting and informative, looking at the populated US territories, their histories, cultures, and more. I particularly appreciated learning how US law works in each place.

#ReadingAmericas2023 #USVI

I read this for a book club, and I wasn‘t sure what to expect due to mixed reviews here. I ended up enjoying it though I thought some parts were needlessly padded with background information. It seems that this one is better to read than listen from the reviews. #ReadingTheAmericas2023 #USVI

Not a fan. In the guise of “reporting,” the author went into this project with what seemed like a predetermined conclusion (the USA treats its territories terribly) and then pointed out every little thing to support his opinion. He may not be wrong but he turned me off when he belittled the #USVirginIsland‘s museum & then did the same for other territory museums. A reporter, in my humble opinion, should try to remain neutral and see where the ⬇️

I have finally chosen my next audiobook, tagged, for #readingtheAmericas for the #USVirginIslands @BarbaraBB @Librarybelle

USVI stands for United States Virgin Islands.

“The story of the United States is the story of a nation that really, truly believes itself to be exceptional but also can‘t make up its mind what, exactly, that means. More powerful or more just? Ever more culturally diverse, the definition of “American” constantly expanding, or increasingly assimilated around a specific set of static cultural norms? How do you strike the right balance? And who gets to make the judgment?”

Late night reads

I liked this book because it was very informative on the history of the territories (US Virgin Islands, American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands and Puerto Rico). However, it is really depressing how little the USA seems to care about its territories. Makes me angry.

The first chapter exactly expressed my thoughts - I have always been interested in history and geography, yet somehow I have never learned ANYTHING about the territories. I'm so glad to have found this book and remedied that! A good mix of history and humorous travel-writing. Very well-researched, including explanations of the confusing territory legal status by experts. Spoiler alert - the US treatment of their territories is rather depressing.

Probably should have bailed, but I powered through. I didn't realize it would be history mixed in with travel writing; while I didn't dislike either aspect, I did not enjoy the mixing of the two. There seemed to be a lot of ambivalence, if not straight out disinterest, in the answers he was pursuing, which meant he spent a lot of time with his own musings. Still interesting to learn a little something about these disregarded lands.

Good, not great! I listened to this one and every time that I was thinking of stopping, I'd hear this really interesting tidbit about Puerto Rico, Guam, etc. I liked the Puerto Rican section the most (it was the most political). It also reminded me of A.J. Jacobs's style- which was enjoyable! I just wanted a more history rather than travel brochure. However, it is ridiculous that the territories don't have full access to the Constitutional Rights!

#ReadJanuary #BestOfJanuary

As a US citizen born in a territory I have always been amazed at how we are neglected we are by the federal government when creating more enforcing certain policies. I've always felt like a second-class citizen. My country was granted citizenship so that my countrymen could go to war for the States and a huge part of our economic crisis comes from the tariff from the American ships with American crews, the only ones allowed to bring us goods. 👇🏻

Next up on the book: Puerto Rico! Can't wait to read what the author thinks of my colony.

I knew about the Japanese internment camps stateside, but I did not know civilians in the Mariana islands to live in camps as well.

I'm not too proud to admit that I never really understood our territories and what the deal is with them. Review to follow.