These Americans: A Novel

by Aaron Paul Schaut

Lily’s story takes place in various Waffle Houses and small hotels across Michigan, Oklahoma, and Texas. Lily encounters a cast of diverse characters, including a group of inappropriate cat-callers, a revolver-wielding hotel owner on Route 66, and a sexy server at Lily’s first Waffle House.

Back home, Lily is connected to a cast of intriguing characters, including Gus, her chain-smoking, coffee drinking and perpetually stressed-out boyfriend; Stacia, her workaholic and commitment-phobic best friend; Chick, Stacia’s love interest who prefers they/them pronouns while loving a good mystery; Jake, a guy who struggles with every aspect of life; Jesse, the alcoholic veteran living next door; Lainey the cop; and a dog named Tank or Roger, depending on who you ask. Additionally, Morgan Freeman makes an appearance in certain characters’ dreams, serving as their subconscious.

This novella offers an exploration of the interplay between relationships, actions, and human nature through its complex characters. Instead of presenting them as either heroes or villains, the book depicts them as unique individuals with their own struggles and personalities. The story had been recently described as “full of trippy confluence,” which I find an accurate description of the way events converge in the narrative.

175 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 26, 2023

About the author

AP Schaut writes heartfelt and relatable stories about American life. Born in Escanaba and now living in Grand Rapids, Michigan, he remains inspired by experiences and events in his own life. His These Americans series explores identity and belonging, anxiety and peace. He most recently published Lover's Rock, a counterpart to Neda Aria’s Counting Crows. He also appears in Starlite Pulp Review #3 and Outcast Press Slut Vomit Vol. 2.

Reviews

[Carolyn Joy · Rating 4 out of 5]

“What the fuck, Morgan Freeman??”

Rocker-turned-writer Aaron Paul Schaut presents his debut novel- a restless and compelling road trip through certain restless and compelling American hearts. Generation X is not OK, despite the many convenient trappings of middle class modern life. How much coffee, how many cigarettes, how many shots of Jameson would it take to save Lily and Gus from themselves? Though hastily written, there is a tenderness at the heart of this novel that is not nostalgia, but Growing Pain. We long for a guide on this sick and kitschy ride, and it may as well be fucking Morgan Freeman.

[Manny Torres · Rating 5 out of 5]

One part beat novel, written with the optimism of Arthur Miller. The other part reads like the Steinbeck classic Canary Row. This debut novel from musician Aaron Schaut is a collection of small vignettes that make up a greater narrative. It’s a true representation of American slackerdom chased down with some tequila. Characters are real and situations gritty. These are people you know, maybe some are your friends. This book is only the beginning of what feels will be an epic arc. Keep an eye out for the follow up.

[Aaron Voogt · Rating 1 out of 5]

I did not care for it.

But I did like the scenes that took place in locations I’ve been to in Grand Rapids. I’m pretty sure I’ve figured out which dollar store Gus stops at for dog food.

[Kylie Roel · Rating 1 out of 5]

Picked up this book because I’m a Grand Rapids local, interested in supporting local authors as well as hearing stories involving familiar sites. I thought the cover was cool and funny. Love the feel of the physical book, very nice. However, once I started reading, I was immediately turned off by this book. It reads like a book that has not been proofread. Kind of like a journal- thought to paper without thinking about how it will sound when read by an audience. Dialogue was very elementary. For me there was too much emphasis on this grungy lifestyle, constant mentioning of cigarettes, mountain dew, all the unnecessary and abundant “fucks”, etc. which i know was intended, but I felt like it was too focused on this instead of investing in a story/plot/ character building.

[Linda Bieze · Rating 4 out of 5]

I Think I Know These People

Even though I don't know anyone like Lily and Gus, one running away, one running after a nightmare or a dream, I think I know people who could become like them. Schaut draws good characters, but the book needs a good proofreader to clean up all the distracting errors.

[Neda Aria · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recently had the pleasure of reading 'These Americans' and it was a truly enjoyable experience. The book is an easy read, flowing seamlessly from one chapter to the next. It takes you on a journey through various parts of America, introducing a diverse cast of characters that are both intriguing and relatable. What I found most inspiring about this novel is how it paints a picture of the American life, prompting me to start writing my own novel based on this theme. The story's unique blend of everyday realism and its exploration of human relationships makes it a must-read for anyone interested in contemporary American literature. Highly recommended for its engaging narrative and thought-provoking themes!

[Shelly · Rating 1 out of 5]

Nope.