Readers looking for a feel-good, fun book that will put a smile on their faces and pride for their country in their hearts will find it in Jay Payleitner’s new book. Happy Semiquincentennial can be a part of every celebration of our nation’s 250-year anniversary, and will then make a nice addition to every American coffee table.

The book is a pleasing collection of 250 names, places, and things that are truly “American” — accompanied by lively descriptions.

Without giving away all 250 Americanisms, below are the 17 categories Payleitner lists in his book, with examples from each category. These examples will likely resonate with most Americans, although every citizen will no doubt have his or her own favorites. Categories include:

• Exploring America—Example is Route 66.

• Landmark destinations—Example is the Grand Canyon.
• Routine American Life—Example is Friday Night Football.
• American Stuff—Example is the Teddy Bear, invented in 1902-1903 during the first Theodore (Teddy) Roosevelt Administration. At the same time, German citizen Richard Steiff invented a jointed, stuffed toy bear, which was exhibited in the 1903 Leipzig Toy Fair.
• American Tastebuds—While others might claim credit for some of Americans’ favorite foods, examples include Jerky (Native Americans), Pizza (Italy), Hot Dogs (Germany), Black Coffee. Yes, Americans love black coffee, but coffee from other countries is often so strong that Americans have to add water, in what is referred to as an Americano.
• Americanisms—Many have come from America’s pastime, baseball. Americans are hardly able to speak without using baseball catchphrases, such as “let’s touch base tomorrow”; “those numbers are in the ballpark”; “I dropped the ball on that one”; “they’re bringing in a heavy hitter”; “we need to cover all the bases”; “keep your eye on the ball”; “it’s a whole new ballgame”; etc.
• Very American Places—Example is Corn Mazes.
• American Oratories—Example is Lou Gehrig, “Luckiest Man.”
• The American Way—Example is Participation Trophies.
• Flora and Fauna—Example is the American Bald Eagle.
• America’s Sports GOATS (Greatest of All Time)—Example is Babe Ruth.
• America’s Musical Soundtrack—Example is John Philip Sousa.
• Heroes Among Us—Example is Johnny Appleseed.
• American Ingenuity—Example is Popsicles, which are full of food dye banned in Europe. (And we’re still alive?)
• Land of Opportunity—Example is the Grassroots.
• It’s a Festival—Example is Groundhog Day.
• Emerging Patriotism—Example is the lyrics of the Star-Spangled Banner.

The preceding is a sampling of the America-specific gems the author provides in Happy Semiquincentennial, which readers should find entertainingly familiar. Those wishing to put a smile on their faces and fill their hearts with love for their country should avail themselves of this enjoyable read.

To read the entire book, go to Amazon.com to order!

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