The Making of an American by Jacob Riis is a moving and enthusiastic autobiography, saturated with personality. I read it slowly, over several weeks, and caught myself returning to it each time with an attitude of an honored youth, granted an audience by a beloved grandfather of America. He blesses us across time with the tales of one who lived, and lived thoroughly, changing the plight of a nation through his pure good nature and will. His story is brimming with hope and pride. This book is an amazing visit into the past, to the land and the people we once were--a great homage from one of America's less famous forefathers. I highly recommend it to anyone interested in the history of New York, the period of his life (1849-1914), immigrant stories, or of course, the history of social reform. ( )

131. The Making of an American, by Jacob A. Riis (read Oct or Nov 1943) I confess I cannot remember anything about this book, which I read when I was a sophomore in high school. ( )