The Real State of America Atlas, by Joni Seager and Cynthia Enloe

The Real State of  America Atlas is a book that maps the myths and truths of the United States. Real State maps the U.S.’s patterns in religion, race, politics, the minimum wage, the proliferation of guns, the most environmentally dangerous areas and more. These are among many hot-button subjects — daring us to confront the documented facts.  

At the same time they point out that the United States has been and remains a land of social mobiity, economic energy and, most importantly, inidividual freedom to an extent found in few other countries.  It is a vivid and frequently surprising picture of America in the 21st century.

Packed with fascinating facts and illustrated throughout with clear, easy-to-read, four-color graphics, The Real State of America Atlas draws back the curtain on our complex nation to reveal the myriad realities of the American experience –from our changing demographics to patterns of home ownership to the kinds of food we eat.

Co-written by two esteemed authored scholars, this comprehensive, enlightening work upends long-held myths and shows us who we are today. In an era in which Americans are becoming more polarized ideologically, Seager and Enloe want people to look at a factual portrait of us and how we live and then say, “Well, this is what we’ll base our voting on.” They hope that every reading  will spark refreshed conversations — conversations based on reality. 

It is the perfect read for anyone who wants to better understand our ever- changing nation. This is great reading for family discussions.