And the Pursuit of Happiness

And the Pursuit of Happiness
by Maira Kalman
Penguin, 2010. 471 pgs. Non-Fiction.

When NPRs Michelle Block was trying to interview Maira Kalman at the Jefferson Memorial about this book, they were kicked off the steps by the National Park Police because interviews are not allowed there. "So much for the pursuit of happiness." But on the other hand, much happiness can be realized by pursuing this book which is the most antic, inclusive, joyful, memorable disquisition on America imaginable. Beginning with the January inauguration of Barack Obama, Kalman takes us month by month through a year's worth of Americana: Jefferson's farm journals, a visit with Supreme Court justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, a visit to the Pentagon's 9/11 memorial, and an expression of love for the Flying Fortress. And the Pursuit of Happiness, in paintings, words, and photographs traces not only the genesis of our freedoms, but their playing out in the smallest details of our lives. Beautifully well done.

LW