The Not-Quite States of America

Both a travelogue and an inquiry into what it means to be an American, this journey through the territories, the "not-quite-states" of the title, is both fascinating and sobering.
Prone to Congressional neglect, local corruption, and, increasingly, the effects of climate change, these adjuncts of American power include islands in the Pacific and the Caribbean which are characterized by both local cultures of exquisite grace as well as rampant American commercialism.
The author takes us on a tour of the people and places he visited over more than a year of research and travel and gives us a personal look at the issues the residents face on a day-to-day basis.
An important examination of a rarely visited topic. Highly recommended.

This book follows Doug Mack, travel writer and knower of all things Americana. That is, until he discovers that the United States has colonies–pardon, territories—and embarks on a quest to visit all five populated territories and try to figure out their weird, confusing non-American Americanness. Throughout his journey—from the United States Virgin Islands to Guam to American Samoa (SAH-moa not sah-MO-AH like the cookies, who knew?) to Saipan to Puerto Rico—he discovers the land, the culture, and most importantly, the people who choose to live as the redheaded stepchildren of America’s semi-forgotten empire.

One of the concepts that floored me was that while these are territories, U.S. law only applies when it is beneficial to the nation (states) and that the Constitution does not follow the flag. American-born territorials are not U.S. citizens, but are a half-step away. And some like it that way. Some don’t. Mack articulates both arguments well, weighing the pros and cons and taking no sides, although he really does show his confusion and attempt at understanding.

Another concept he addresses is the idea of history and culture. Maintaining culture was a theme throughout the book—maintaining being American (which is something the territories really do pride themselves in being) and their culture.

It really was very good and got me thinking about tourism (many of these places are cruise stops or are driven by tourism), Americanism, and the territories in general. Most importantly, I think I got bit by the travel bug. I want to see the beer chugging pigs in the Virgin Islands and scamper through the mountains of American Samoa.

This book is excellent. It delivers the right amount of history (he does not gloss over the nasty bits—and oh my are there a lot of nasty bits) and adventure with a dash of humor and compassion.

I received this ARC from NetGalley and W.W. Norton and Company for an honest review.

I will definitely purchase this title for our undergraduate collection. Great blend of history and contemporary personal experience. Author has good narrative style.