Anthropology of an American Girl

One of my pleasures in life is discovering a great book by a new talent. I was highly rewarded when I picked up Hilary Hamann's "Anthropology of an American Girl" when browsing through my local bookstore and started reading. Her introductory section really grabbed me and she never let go. "American Girl" is a highly intelligent and articulate story of a young woman's life in NY during the late 70's and early 80's. Almost every paragraph has some reflection, observation, or question buried within that deserves greater thought and reflection. It demands a lot from you, but rewards you for your effort. Highly recommended.

I LOVED THIS BOOK! Eveline Aurbach, the heroine of the Anthropology of an American Girl, is destined to reside along with Holden Caulfield as a classic literary character -- the female version of the Coming of Age in America. The author's keen eye and artful command of the language captures the beauty of the mundane with poetic virtuosity. H. T. Hamann continuously calls to mind common events and articulates them uncommonly well - careful observations poetically captured and embellished with thoughtful, sensitive reflection. The author portrays a graphic art student with verbal artistry. Her interior digressions are wistful, keen observations.

I just finished reading Anthropology. The charachters are amazing. I feel like I really know them all. Jack is the closest you will ever come to hanging out with Kurt Cobain.

Anthropology of an American Girl is poignantly true to the time, the place and the culture of the East End of Long Island. This coming-of-age novel, refreshingly free of shame, blame and guilt, describes the indescribable world-rocking nuance of sexual thrall. Readers cannot help but re-live their own urgent youth and will envy Eveline's power to consciously surrender herself to love. The characters are drawn brilliantly, and we believe every word and deed in this remarkable book.Ms. Hamann is also objectively honest in her description of the darkest pockets of a young community, such as casual rape, incidental violence, and drugs. In the end the reader is satisfied and believes in humanity. This is a wonderful book.

Reading this book brought back memories of my own teenage years as well as the relationships developed during that time. Ms. Hamann's description of the choices and difficulties faced during those years are as pertinent today as they were in the 70's. I thank Ms. Hamann for introducing me to Eveline.