A Good American / Alex George / 381 pages

George, a British transplant and Missouri author, writes a wonderful family saga about 3 generations of a family that settles in a small rural town in central Missouri on the Missouri River near the beginning of the 20th century.  Frederick and Jette are German immigrants who travel from Hanover to New Orleans and make their way to Missouri where they find Beatrice, a small town with German roots.  There they settle and become part of the fabric of the small town and of America.  The story ends in the late 20th century and is told through the eyes of their grandson, James.  The setting, plot, & characters are wonderful.  George perfectly captures rural Missouri, the culture of a small town, the assimilation of immigrants who become good Americans, and the hopes, dreams, heartbreak, and love of each generation as they experience World Wars, Depression, the Flu Epidemic, Prohibition, Prejudice, Assassination of a President, and historical events.  George uses music to weave the threads that bind the family.  Honestly, you really need to read this.  Could make a good Book Discussion Club title.