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American Utopia

Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
American Utopia is a vibrant collaboration between David Byrne, former Talking Heads frontman, and artist Maira Kalman, blending Byrne's insightful lyrics with Kalman's colourful paintings. The text draws from Byrne's acclaimed Broadway show, now a Spike Lee-directed HBO film, capturing moments of daily life and human connection. This visually rich work is a heartfelt celebration of kindness, hope, and joyful coexistence, designed to uplift and inspire readers to embrace life fully.
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Format: Hardback
$5299
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book is ideal for readers interested in arts and culture, music lovers, and fans of innovative multimedia storytelling. It suits those seeking an inspiring, optimistic perspective on human connection and contemporary life, as well as admirers of visual art combined with lyrical text.

Book Hero thinking about your next read

From former Talking Heads frontman and multimedia visionary David Byrne and revered bestselling author, illustrator, and artist Maira Kalman--an inspiring celebration in words and art of the connections between us all.

Don’t miss the Spike Lee film of the Broadway hit American Utopia--on HBO.
A Beat Most Anticipated Graphic Novel of Fall 2020

From former Talking Heads frontman and multimedia visionary David Byrne and revered bestselling author, illustrator, and artist Maira Kalman--an inspiring celebration in words and art of the connections between us all.

Don’t miss the Spike Lee film of the Broadway hit American Utopia--on HBO.
A Beat Most Anticipated Graphic Novel of Fall 2020

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

From former Talking Heads frontman and multimedia visionary David Byrne and revered bestselling author, illustrator, and artist Maira Kalman—an inspiring celebration in words and art of the connections between us all.

Don’t miss the Spike Lee film of the Broadway hit American Utopia—on HBO.

A Beat Most Anticipated Graphic Novel of Fall 2020

A joyful collaboration between old friends David Byrne and Maira Kalman, American Utopia offers readers an antidote to cynicism, bursting with pathos, humanism, and hope—featuring his words and lyrics brought to life with more than 150 of her colourful paintings.

The text is drawn from David Byrne’s American Utopia, which has become a hit Broadway show and is now a film from Spike Lee on HBO. The four-colour artwork by Maira Kalman, created for the Broadway show’s curtain, is composed of small moments, expressions, gestures, and interactions that together offer a portrait of daily life and coexistence.

With their creative talents combined, American Utopia is a salvo for kindness and a call for jubilation, a reminder to sing, dance, and waste not a moment. Beautifully designed and edited by Alex Kalman, American Utopia is a balm for the soul from two of the world’s most extraordinary artists.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

American Utopia has been widely praised for its uplifting and hopeful message. NPR calls it "an argument for the reincarnation of hope in the American project," while Kirkus Reviews describes it as "a comforting work of art in troubled times." Booklist highlights its themes of freedom, uncertainty, and inclusivity, noting Byrne's use of absurdity and humour to navigate a chaotic world. Library Journal appreciates the colourful and playful presentation, stating it captures the spirit of the show even for those unfamiliar with Byrne’s work. Publishers Weekly praises Kalman's sunny watercolours complementing Byrne's lyrics.

Book Hero reading reviews

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781635576689

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing USA

Format: Hardback

Date Published: 10 December 2020

Country: United States

Imprint: Bloomsbury Publishing USA

Illustration: 4-color throughout, printed endpapers

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 2.0mm

Width: 166.0mm

Height: 238.0mm

Weight: 600g

Pages: 160

About the Author

David Byrne was born in Scotland in 1952 and is now an artist, writer, and musician who since 1974 has lived in New York City. He has a daughter and a grandson.
Maira Kalman was born in Tel Aviv in 1949 and is now an artist, writer, and designer who since 1954 has lived in New York City. She has a daughter, a son, and two grandchildren.

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