A Day in the Life of America

This collection of photograph’s was taken in ONE day, across the USA, on May 2, 1986. It’s a flash-glimpse into the lives it captured, for just that split-second, and contained within it’s pages. The images are intimate, saddening, joyous, humorous and/or humbling.. and they are almost always interesting. The photograph captions are often just as interesting. They are often short, though some more detailed than others of course, yet never lengthy. I think the real story-teller IS the photograph. The caption, only to briefly describe or add backstory, is just to breathe more life into it. Quite a few are even surprising and make you view the photograph in a different way. It is an enlightening reminder of what a vast melting pot America is. Though we are not able to choose the circumstances we are born into - here, we can freely strive to be who we want and live as we’d like.. or to some extent or version as such. Believe in what we want. Look how we want. Live entirely different lifestyles, different hobbies, different quirks. At our core though, we are all human. It is in plain sight here, as it has captured some of the griefs, joys and moments in time that we otherwise may never have had the opportunity to see. If only it were not for this book. To note; it’s a pretty large book. 10 1/4 x 14 1/4 in. Something I like about it. Well worth being in someone’s book stash/shelves.

I purchased this book when I was in my early teens, because I had never been to the USA and wanted to know more than the touristy things, very good photography with interesting stories to match.

Though the day recorded in pictures (May 2, 1986) may have occured almost twenty years ago, the life (and look) of this nation has only made slight changes or none at all. People are still getting married (page 118). Babies are still being born (pages 28-29). Mount Rushmore still stands (page 50). People still worship their pets (page 59). People are still divided over abortion rights (pages 62-63) Mary Kay salespersons still win Pink Cadillac's (page 140). Siegfred and Roy are still among us (pages 146-147). Young families still share the joys of grocery shopping (pages 234-235). Liza Minnelll, though a lot "heavier," is still entertaining (page 87). The Citadel still graduates cadets (pages 74-75) First graders still share secrets (pages 132-133). Las Vegas showgirls still tout their "wares" (pages 240-241). And a "Bush" is in Washington (page 106). Like I said, little has changed in twenty years and this photographic day in the life of our nation shows that.

It's a fascinating glimpse of life in America, showcasing all walks of life. I'd love to see a followup book of the same subjects (those still living) 20 years later.

This book is full of beautiful photographs that truly show the "melting pot" image of America. Every cultural group, race, age, and income level is represented here. What a great gift idea.

This book is an amazing discription of the different cultures and lives of the people of America. Just by seeing these pictures of ordinary people, you are able to discover the main purpose of this country - freedom. The freedom to live your life the way you want to.