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The Last American Man
The Last American Man
Author: Elizabeth Gilbert
In this rousing examination of contemporary American male identity, acclaimed author and journalist Elizabeth Gilbert explores the fascinating true story of Eustace Conway. In 1977, at the age of seventeen, Conway left his family's comfortable suburban home to move to the Appalachian Mountains. For more than two decades he has lived there, makin...  more »
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ISBN-13: 9780142002834
ISBN-10: 0142002836
Publication Date: 5/27/2003
Pages: 288
Rating:
  • Currently 3.7/5 Stars.
 39

3.7 stars, based on 39 ratings
Publisher: Penguin (Non-Classics)
Book Type: Paperback
Other Versions: Hardcover, Audio Cassette, Audio CD
Members Wishing: 0
Reviews: Member | Amazon | Write a Review

Top Member Book Reviews

VickyJo avatar reviewed The Last American Man on + 49 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 7
This would make an excellent book for discussion groups; there is a lot to talk about here! I liked parts of it, and I hated parts of it. First, I'm not sure I like Eustace. He is presented as arrogant, intolerant, and condescending. Then again, I don't have to like the subject of a biography. His message is not without merit, and my heart ached for Eustace the little boy.

Elizabeth Gilbert is not so much a biographer as a publicist! Good grief. Talk about a complete lack of objectivity. I would call this a haggiography. She also inserts herself into this story to an alarmingly distasteful degree. But...her writing flows and is incredibly readable.
Ack. I don't know if I liked this or hated this.

Last complaint: Gilbert is offensively condescending toward the people of Appalachia. Complete stereotypes, each and every time she mentioned someone from the region.
reviewed The Last American Man on + 45 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 3
I think that one of the descriptions on the back cover of the book said that this was a clear-eyed view of the man of the title. Clear-eyed is a good description. I wanted to buy into some fantasy of a hard-working, back-to-nature, let's-all-save-the-planet myth. And Eustace provides all of that. But he's also a real--um--I guess "turd" is the first word that comes to mind. He's not always nice to people. The book is really good at presenting both sides of this guy. You feel sorry for him, you want to run away with him, and you want to kick him all at the same time. Elizabeth Gilbert's multi-dimensional portrait of Eustace makes for a much better (though less idealistic) portrait of Eustace.
reviewed The Last American Man on + 70 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Great, fascinating book. The ending however is somewhat discouraging.
reviewed The Last American Man on + 57 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
A very balanced bio of a remarkable man, Eustace Conway. I guess the shortest synopsis of this book could be: You WILL become your parents. Don't even try not to!
reviewed The Last American Man on + 130 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Everyone should read this book! It will, hopefully, change your outlook. This is one man who has a vision and seems to know his short-comings and his strengths.
Read All 13 Book Reviews of "The Last American Man"

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srhen avatar reviewed The Last American Man on + 10 more book reviews
I see this book as a modern Greek tragedy. The very attributes that make him so heroic and larger than life are the very things that prevent him from ever having a meaningful human relationship.
creativedesigns avatar reviewed The Last American Man on + 2 more book reviews
I loved this book. Eustice Conway is an amazing individual. We should all be a bit more like him.. Elizabeth Gilbert does a fantastic job introducing us to this unique individual.
reviewed The Last American Man on
This book is probably my favorite book of the year. I have to admit, though, I am an outdoor person and did grow up in the south. Eustace Conway is truly a Renaissance Man, doesn't need the outside world for anything, except maybe the attention and an audience. Very refreshing to read about his philosophy of life, religion, culture, etc. I do recommend this book.
logdweller avatar reviewed The Last American Man on + 37 more book reviews
Great book about man and nature. The man its written about is something like a modern day Daniel Boone. Modern only because it takes place in current time. Easy to read and keeps your interest throughout.


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