America

America
Author(s)
Publisher
Age Range
12+
Release Date
February 01, 2002
ISBN
0689857721
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Acclaimed author E.R. Frank writes provocative fiction. America, a foulmouthed, yet endearing 16-year-old, attempts suicide and is placed in the care of psychiatrists at Ridgeway mental hospital.

There he learns to cope with a past filled with neglect and mistreatment with the help of Dr. B. Alternating between Americas present- day stay at the hospital and his past, living in the care of his older brothers, America is a stark exploration of the mind of an inner-city youth.

Acclaimed author E.R. Frank writes provocative fiction. America, a foulmouthed, yet endearing 16-year-old, attempts suicide and is placed in the care of psychiatrists at Ridgeway mental hospital.

There he learns to cope with a past filled with neglect and mistreatment with the help of Dr. B. Alternating between Americas present- day stay at the hospital and his past, living in the care of his older brothers, America is a stark exploration of the mind of an inner-city youth.

User reviews

7 reviews
 
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14%
Overall rating
 
3.7
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3.7(7)
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Thrilling, chilling, and full of emotions
(Updated: June 03, 2026)
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1.0
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Reader reviewed by Kim

the book America is about a 15 year old boy who is the narrator, and he tells his memories and all of his feelings. I think that this book is worth reading. E.R. Frank has done it again! Another good read, and an excellent book.
G
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no words
(Updated: June 03, 2026)
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4.0
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4.0
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Reader reviewed by Ashley

This book was heart touching. The way he felt about himself was heartbreaking. what happened to him as a child was a tragedy.... over all the book in itself was utterly sad. but it had its funny parts as well. after reading this book i looked over my life again and saw how lucky i was. no other book can be compared to America. none. and i work in a library so thats saying alot. my adice? READ THIS BOOK!
G
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America, America
(Updated: June 03, 2026)
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5.0
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5.0
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Reader reviewed by Chantel

Oh, beautiful for spacious skys...
For amber waves of grain... WHAT?
No, this book is not about America. Hate to dissapoint. But pick up this book and you'll be trippin' on some good times. Well... it is a depressing story, but good to read. Infact it is a JOY! A joy to read a depressing book? That's a new concept. (But I like it). I personally could not put it down. I could not keep it down either. I encourage perspective readers to get down with America. God Bless "AMERICA!" (It's that good).
G
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Emotional and In depth
(Updated: June 03, 2026)
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4.0
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4.0
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Reader reviewed by Tiger

America is about a boy who goes through a whole lot of depression. Luckily, he talks to a doctor which helps him with it.

This book is probably one of the most emotional books that I've read. One of the things that I liked about America, which is the main character's name, is that he is not portrayed as the invincible, all-knowing teenager that many of us think we are, but he is vulnerable, confused, and has been through a lot in his young life. Readers get a look into America's past by many flashbacks that he has and many of them are heartbreaking.

Even though this is somewhat of a sad book, it is also a great one. The psychological element in it is amazing and how well the author captured America's pain is brilliant. This novel is a must read.
G
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Makes you want to cry
(Updated: June 03, 2026)
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5.0
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5.0
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Reader reviewed by Tia

After going through hell its self, America, a racially mixed teen tries to put his life back together with the help of Dr.B. This is a sad book and makes you feel nothing but sympathy for America. At other times you might get angry and want to jump in and help because of the things people do to him. This was a great book and I recommend this book to anyone who has been to foster homes or has experinced abuse in any way-this book is it. Due to very, very, strong lanuage and sexual content I suggust that teens 16 and up read this book. Any under that should probably read this with a peer group or with their parents-some things may arise questions, plus this is a great book for reading discussion. Eithier way Ms. Frank did a excellent job on this book.
G
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My Favoirte book
(Updated: June 03, 2026)
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5.0
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Reader reviewed by Tracy

I loved this book and I highly reccomend it. It was a raw moving novel. I think it is one of the best books I have ever read.

It's about a America who has been abused mentally or physically, or sexually by numerous people. But he does meet plenty of people that are not there to hurt him.
G
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Not Worth Your Time
(Updated: June 03, 2026)
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2.0
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Reader reviewed by Diana

America follows a young man named America through his life in different foster homes and care facilities. Normally I really like E.R. Franks work and I would recommend you read any of his other books but I would stay away from this one. Its very off the wall, doesnt have much of a point, and is boring.

Stay away from this book but dont ban this author from your reading list.
G
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