Book Review - And the Pursuit of Happiness by Maira Kalman

Synopsis:  And the Pursuit of Happiness is beloved artist and author Maira Kalman's yearlong investigation of democracy and how it works. Energized and inspired by the 2008 elections, on inauguration day Kalman traveled to Washington, D.C., launching a national tour that would take her from a town hall meeting in Newfane, Vermont, to the inner chambers of the Supreme Court.

First Line:  "Hallelujah."

Random Quote:  "Four hundred years ago Henry Hudson sailed in wearing ruffles, which fortunately did not catch on in the New World.  In our family we had very warm feelings about Henry Hudson.  Not only did we live at 2675 Henry Hudson Parkway, but the park where I would sit in a tree reading for hours was called Henry Hudson Park."

Review:  Sort of a graphic novel, sort of a prose poem, mostly a love letter to democracy, And the Pursuit of Happiness is Maira Kalman's story of her journey from coast to coast to discover what democracy means.

Maira Kalman

This is a gorgeous book - as weighty in feel and heft as its contents are light and spontaneous.  Kalman combines handwritten typography, her own illustrations, and photographs into an intimate picture of her thoughts and meditations on subjects as diverse as fast food, mushrooms, Alexis de Tocqueville, and why we should all be in love with Abraham Lincoln.

Abraham Lincoln

 This is a book that made me smile (and want breakfast at a diner on the way to Mount Vernon).  In the midst of our more typical pessimistic screeds about the futility of governing by the people, Ms. Kalman reminds us in her own way just how simple it can all be.

Corned beef hash from Nick's - my favorite diner in San Leandro, CA

FTC Disclosure:  Advance copy received from the publisher for review

Rating:  Orange

I am very happy to be a stop on Ms. Kalman's blog tour, sponsored by TLC Book Tours.  Here's a list of the other stops along the way - be sure to visit!

Maira Kalman’s TLC Book Tours TOUR STOPS

Thursday, October 14th: Suko’s Notebook
Monday, October 18th: Rundpinne
Wednesday, October 20th: Library Queue
Friday, October 22nd: Chaotic Compendiums
Tuesday, October 26th: 1330v
Wednesday, October 27th: Daydream Believer
Wednesday, November 3rd: sfgirlbybay
Thursday, November 4th: Eleanor’s Trousers
Wednesday, November 10th: Til We Read Again
Thursday, November 11th: Booksie’s Blog
Monday, November 15th: Books Like Breathing
Wednesday, November 17th: Sophisticated Dorkiness
Thursday, November 18th: Joyfully Retired
Friday, November 19th: Drey’s Library
Friday, November 19th: Nonsuch Book