Made in the U.S.A. (edit title)

• Rated 4 stars

“I listened to this as an audiobook on my iPod. I usually have very different reactions to books that I read versus listened to.

I have read all the other books by Billie Letts, so I would have read it anyway, but when I saw that it starts out in Spearfish, SD, I had to read it right away.

I think it's better that I listened to this one. I probably would have found it too dark and depressing if I had read it myself. I have read Billie Letts' other books and I've liked them all, but I have been a bit bothered by the darkness--or maybe just the realness, I don't know.

The young lady who read this audiobook, Cassandra Morris, was amazing. I think I could listen to hear read a dictionary and it would be interesting.

I would say the second third of the book started to loose me a little bit. What is the deal with the circus in books lately??

It had a sort of fairy-tale, neatly tied-up ending, but I liked it. Some might find it a bit hokey and too coincidental, but sometimes it's nice to have a happily ever after ending. ”

• Rated 3 stars

“This was the kind of book I love. The characters were real with quirks, opinions, bad additudes, and an innocent hope. It was very bittersweet to read from the perspective of an innocent, hopeful child and then notice a particular point in the book where the perspective shifted to a dissapointed, "damaged" adult. Both children age a twenty years as the book goes on. I often found myself angry at them, afraid for them, dissapointed with them. The book's title seems metaphoric for "American dreams" and how the reality is different from the plan. I also felt this was a bit of a fairy-tale ending, and maybe the title means that a story like this can only be found in a melting pot like America. I loved this book. Her characters seem like strange and interesting people you might pass by at a Walmart.”

• Rated 5 stars

“Billie is one of my favorite authors. Her most popular book is probably Where The Heart Is since it became a movie, but all of her novels thus far have been excellent. Made in the U.S.A. is no exception. It tells the story of two children, a brother and sister, who are basically trying to find a place to call “home”. Certain parts are heartbreaking and appalling; others are touching and borderline tearjerkers. No matter what, though, you’ll fall in love with the characters and Billie Letts as an author.”

• Rated 3 stars

“Least liked novel written by Billie Letts. Normally, I really enjoy her books. This one was all over the place. Prostitution to circus life? A bit hokey for me.”

• Rated 3 stars

“Billie Letts is a good author. She writes very easy to read novels. This one is heart-warming and cute. Not a challenging read by any means but definitely a sweet, no-brainer.”

• Rated 2 stars

“In the beginning, "Made in the U.S.A." seems to be a comical, slightly absurd story of two children taking on the world. As it progresses, however, the tale becomes sordid and depressing, while the characters veer wildly from naive children to preachy adults and back again. None of it is believable, and the title is never explained. The story could take place in any developed country in the world, the children are pretty generic and nothing seems to reference a "made in..." title. ”

• Rated 3 stars

“Pretty good, but not as good as the other Billie Letts books (Where the Heart Is), but worth the read if you like stories about the mid west.”

• Rated 0 stars

“I have enjoyed all of Billie Lett's books. this one is a light read, and good feeling. As always, a creative triumph over adversity story.”

• Rated 5 stars

“Billie Letts is one of my favorite authors and she only puts a book out every few years. "Made in the U.S.A" is another excellent story by Letts. Great characters.”

• Rated 4 stars

“Lutie McFee is a 15 year old who has lived a hard life having lost her mother at 6 and having been raised by a long list of her alcoholic father's girlfriends. She is both older sister and resentful "mother" to her 12 year old "geeky" brother Fate. When their father's lastest girlfriend" drops dead in WalMart the 2 take her car and head for Las Vegas where they last heard their father was nearly a year ago. Life is rough on the streets of Las Vegas and Letts portrays the life in a very realistic way. Lutie tries her best to take charge and work while keeping them safe, but is not doing a very good job. Someone is watching out for them and leaves small treats or occasionally adds gas to the tank. Over time Lutie and Fate find a place to call home and learn what family means.”