Enter the Irish-American

Ed Wakin has written here an eminently readable and important book, But it is not just for Irish-Americans. It is for anybody interested in the story of how American was created. With over 40 million Americans today tracing their roots back to Ireland, the Irish-American experience in America far transcends green beet and blarney one day a year. This book puts in historical and human perspective how the immigrant Irish forged a double identity, shaping and being shaped by America. They became Irish-American, and, along with all other immigrants groups, shaped the American Dream. Wakin is a great writer. He makes history interesting and understanding. I highly recommend this book for all Irish-Americans interested in learning about their heritage, and all Americans interested in learning about our shared past.