Review of America: Lost in Place

Joyjim · Post by **Joyjim** » 25 Jan 2023, 11:40

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "America: Lost in Place" by Dr. Joe Brickner.]

5 out of 5 stars

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Over the years, phenomenal advances in technology and other areas of life have transformed everyday life. It is often tempting to assume that these changes are all positive. However, a link between the past and the present can help us come to terms with reality. America: Lost in Place by Dr. Joe Brickner is the much-needed link between our time and the 1950s.

This book of 166 pages analyses how life has drastically changed in America over the past 70 years. Over 17 areas of life were discussed in detail. These include jobs, money, entertainment, travel, family, shopping, health care, faith, comedy, and many others. Each subject was carefully analyzed with comparisons between the past and the present. For instance, on page 69, when discussing entertainment, the author noted, "Technology has certainly changed movies, but I think an even bigger change has been to the content of movies. Gone are the censorship days. You can watch practically anything you want today. Murder, sex, drugs, greed, pornography – you name it, it is available somewhere." The author further provides recommendations for achieving a better society.

It was quite enlightening to find first-hand information about life in the 1960s. I realized that many of the comforts we have taken for granted used to be unavailable in the past. Also, despite the tremendous improvement in technology and other areas of life, there is a subtle decline in morality and other important values. The author's candid opinions shed light on these disparities.

My favorite feature of this book is the author's personal experiences while growing up. It was hilarious to read about the time when numerous families shared a "party line" and how it was difficult to have a private conversation on the telephone. The overall organization of the sections in this book made it quite easy to navigate. At the conclusion of each chapter, there is a "takeaway" section which highlights the author's view in concise words.

I also found the summary section quite helpful. In a tabular form, the author comments on each chapter and provides an assessment on a scale of better, neutral, or worse.

I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars. It was professionally edited. It was enlightening and refreshing to read about a time that is fast becoming a closed book to many. There is much to learn from the author's recommendations for us to achieve a better society. I have no dislikes about this book. Readers who are concerned about the declining values in our society will find the book interesting.

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America: Lost in Place
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Hazel Mae Bagarinao · Post by **Hazel Mae Bagarinao** » 13 Feb 2023, 01:01

While innovations increase making life better and easier, declining morality is one of the negative results of this. It's disheartening for some of the growing numbers of individuals, for example, exposed to pornography which turned them unaware of the sacred value when supposedly doing that act. This book will be a good guide to being aware of how to use the right way the innovations today. Thanks for sharing!

Shedrack A · Post by **Shedrack A** » 27 Feb 2023, 08:32

This book of 166 pages analyses how life has drastically changed in America over the past 70 years. This is insightfu!

Kirsten Wheeler · Post by **Kirsten Wheeler** » 10 Dec 2023, 06:00

What an interesting thought-provoking book. We often talk about advances in our modern society and how beneficial they are - they save us money, save us time, improve our health, improve access etc. It's not often that we take the time to look back and see just how far we have come and how some of those advances have resulted in us losing something.

Jorge Leon Salazar · Post by **Jorge Leon Salazar** » 10 Dec 2023, 06:16

I find it interesting to analyze and compare life today with that of the fifties. I think that advances also have disadvantages. The entertainment field is a clear example. Sounds intriguing!

Stacey Mace · Post by **Stacey Mace** » 10 Dec 2023, 06:18

The author has analyzed so many areas in f life. It’s interesting to note that despite the tremendous improvement in technology and other areas of life, there is a subtle decline in morality and other important values. The author’s candid opinions shed light on these disparities.
It’s great to hear that you enjoyed reading about the author’s personal experiences while growing up. It’s always fascinating to learn about how things were in the past and how much they have changed over time. Thank you for sharing your thoughts on this book!

dsegovia · Post by **dsegovia** » 10 Dec 2023, 06:27

"America: Lost in Place" is a must for those who are interested in social values.
The author, Joe Brickner, discusses the subtle decline of morality and other important values in America over the past 70 years.

Marta Gomes · Post by **Marta Gomes** » 10 Dec 2023, 06:36

America: Lost in Place is a thought-provoking and insightful book by Dr. Joe Brickner that offers a critical analysis of the current state of the United States. The book argues that America has lost its way, and that the country is now facing significant challenges that threaten its future. Dr. Brickner's writing is both engaging and informative, providing readers with a deep understanding of the issues facing America today. Overall, America: Lost in Place is a must-read for anyone who cares about the future of our country and wants to understand the complex challenges we face.

Yvonne Oloo · Post by **Yvonne Oloo** » 10 Dec 2023, 06:43

Thanks for the great review. I just get this warm feeling that reading this book will be like talking to a dad or in some cases grandad who lived during the sixties. I also feel like this book is a gem for us today, with the author sharing how life has changed since his childhood. I'm looking forward to reading this soon.

Hazel Arnaiz · Post by **Hazel Arnaiz** » 10 Dec 2023, 07:03

The book examines the transformation of America over time. The insights into comparisons between the past and the present are beneficial for recognizing current social challenges that must be addressed.

Jacob Mamman · Post by **Jacob Mamman** » 10 Dec 2023, 07:10

One drawback of innovation is that while it makes life easier and better overall, morality is one area where it suffers. It's depressing for some of the increasing number of people who, for instance, have been exposed to pornography and have been rendered oblivious to the spiritual significance when purportedly performing that act. This book will serve as a useful manual for understanding how to apply today's advancements appropriately. Congrats on BOTD.

Kshitija Sonawane · Post by **Kshitija Sonawane** » 10 Dec 2023, 07:17

America is indeed considered a pinnacle of civilization. We had sociology in a class in Europe and I asked my Ma'am why we were learning about American feminism and anti-racism sociologists and she said that that was from where everything started. It feels sad to know that the same USA is now encouraging women to be naked to earn and we now have anti-black as well as anti-white racism in the USA. Change is indeed needed and more perspective should be welcomed with open hands. Congratulations to the author for BOTD and best wishes for future projects.

upma das · Post by **upma das** » 10 Dec 2023, 07:28

The book depicts the present scenario of America and how advancement in every sectors like technology, entertainment, business, industrial area have positively influenced day today life.

_Rhea Jacob · Post by **_Rhea Jacob** » 10 Dec 2023, 07:56

While it is interesting to read a comparison and analysis of the America in the 1960s and the present, I don't think I would be interested in reading the book. Thank you for your review.

Asma Aisha Ansari · Post by **Asma Aisha Ansari** » 10 Dec 2023, 07:59

"America: Lost in Place" offers a captivating journey through time, dissecting 17 aspects of American life from the 1950s to the present. The author's witty anecdotes, especially about shared 'party lines,' have piqued my interest.