What do you think?
Rate this book
The Crown Family Saga #2
American Dreams
From America's master storyteller and writer of historical fiction comes the epic story of the Crown family--first introduced in the New York Times bestseller Homeland. As the second generation comes of age, the Crowns strive to find theirplace in a turbulent America which stands at the dawn of a new century. From thespeedways of Detroit to the unbridled glamour of a young Hollywood, to the daringheights of early aviation--theirs is a story of passion and adventure, glory, andambition, with all the wonder, promise, and splendor of...American Dreams.
566 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 1, 1998
294 people are currently reading
1248 people want to read
About the author
John Jakes
411 books961 followersJohn William Jakes, the author of more than a dozen novels, is regarded as one of today’s most distinguished writers of historical fiction. His work includes the highly acclaimed Kent Family Chronicles series and the North and South Trilogy. Jakes’s commitment to historical accuracy and evocative storytelling earned him the title of “the godfather of historical novelists” from the Los Angeles Times and led to a streak of sixteen consecutive New York Times bestsellers. Jakes has received several awards for his work and is a member of the Authors Guild and the PEN American Center. He and his wife, Rachel, live on the west coast of Florida.
Also writes under pseudonyms Jay Scotland, Alan Payne, Rachel Ann Payne, Robert Hart Davis, Darius John Granger, John Lee Gray. Has ghost written as William Ard.
Also writes under pseudonyms Jay Scotland, Alan Payne, Rachel Ann Payne, Robert Hart Davis, Darius John Granger, John Lee Gray. Has ghost written as William Ard.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews
January 2, 2016
American Dreams
John Jakes writes books which capture history in novel form. Thoroughly enjoyable characters set in memorable times, unforgettable scenes and snapshots of times for readers.
John Jakes writes books which capture history in novel form. Thoroughly enjoyable characters set in memorable times, unforgettable scenes and snapshots of times for readers.
May 7, 2020
I really enjoyed this second book in the series, I would read a third no problem
August 26, 2010
This is the sequel to "Homeland", Book 2 in the Crown family saga. Although it could be read seperately, certain passages will make more sense if you read "Homeland" first.
This book focusses on the second generation of the Crown family. The story of Fritzi's struggle to become an actress is well done and she is a very, very interesting character. Jakes mixes in historical characters in his usual way, such as Mary Pickford and Charlie Chaplin.
The book switches back and forth, and we again meet Paul Crown, who dominated the first book. He is still filming real events---newsreels instead of fiction stories--and is caught up in filming events in WWI. He is still an interesting character, more mature, and his sections are well writtens.
We do get some small glimpses of characters from Book I---Fritzi'sparents and her brother Joe--but the third main character is Fritzi's younger brother Carl. Thrown out of Princeton--by the current university president, Woodrow Wilson--he is a ne'er do well. He wants to play sports, then he acquires a taste for speedy cars, then ends up as a mercenary pilot---getting involved with Pancho Villa and so on.
The scenes with Carl are as well written as the rest of the book--as Ususal, John Jakes' historical detail and characterization was up to his usual standards. I simply did not care for Carl as a person, so I enjoyed his sections a little less.
All in all, Carl notwithstanding, this is an excellent historical fiction novel covering the years from 1906 to 1917. Lots of great characters--major and minor--and lots of info about the early history of films; car racing, and early airplanes. Recommended for all fans of historical fiction.
This book focusses on the second generation of the Crown family. The story of Fritzi's struggle to become an actress is well done and she is a very, very interesting character. Jakes mixes in historical characters in his usual way, such as Mary Pickford and Charlie Chaplin.
The book switches back and forth, and we again meet Paul Crown, who dominated the first book. He is still filming real events---newsreels instead of fiction stories--and is caught up in filming events in WWI. He is still an interesting character, more mature, and his sections are well writtens.
We do get some small glimpses of characters from Book I---Fritzi'sparents and her brother Joe--but the third main character is Fritzi's younger brother Carl. Thrown out of Princeton--by the current university president, Woodrow Wilson--he is a ne'er do well. He wants to play sports, then he acquires a taste for speedy cars, then ends up as a mercenary pilot---getting involved with Pancho Villa and so on.
The scenes with Carl are as well written as the rest of the book--as Ususal, John Jakes' historical detail and characterization was up to his usual standards. I simply did not care for Carl as a person, so I enjoyed his sections a little less.
All in all, Carl notwithstanding, this is an excellent historical fiction novel covering the years from 1906 to 1917. Lots of great characters--major and minor--and lots of info about the early history of films; car racing, and early airplanes. Recommended for all fans of historical fiction.
July 11, 2011
Sometimes I don't write a review immediately after finishing a book because I didn't like the book or because it had some deep messages I was still working through or because I'm not sure what to make of the book. But, none of those apply to this book. I've just been so busy the past couple weeks that I haven't had time to write up my review. I really loved reading this one. I had not read anything from Mr. Jakes before, so this was a real surprise and a treat. I got the book (along with several others) from my grandma about 4 years ago and put it in my to read pile. Grandma and I don't exactly have the same tastes in literature, but I have liked some of the books she gave me. And this one surpassed all of them. In fact, I have several other books by Mr. Jakes in my to read pile and all of them seem to magically moved up towards the top!
This is a work of historical fiction, but the history mainly forms the backdrop as setting and providing some characters. It is mainly a story about a young lady who wants to be an actress (on Broadway) in the time period right before world war one.
Fritzi is a charming protagonist through most of the book (I did get a little fed up with her attitude toward her career and herself toward the end of the book, but that doesn't mean she is unrealistic (in fact, this character flaw helps make her feel more real).
I look forward to reading more from this author.
This is a work of historical fiction, but the history mainly forms the backdrop as setting and providing some characters. It is mainly a story about a young lady who wants to be an actress (on Broadway) in the time period right before world war one.
Fritzi is a charming protagonist through most of the book (I did get a little fed up with her attitude toward her career and herself toward the end of the book, but that doesn't mean she is unrealistic (in fact, this character flaw helps make her feel more real).
I look forward to reading more from this author.
June 30, 2015
I love all of John Jakes novels. This is the 2nd in he series of the Crown family- german emigrants who came to American in 1860's. The first book was Homeland. This follows the Crowne family thru WW1 and their involvement in the beginning of motion pictures. I completely recommend it.
May 13, 2009
Second in the Crown Family story, as good as the first.
December 30, 2017
The second book following Homeland.
Great book!
Great book!
June 18, 2019
After reading “Homeland,” I could not wait to begin reading “American Dreams,” and find out about the next stages of the Crown family, Joe Sr., Ilsa, Joe Jr., Carl, Fritzi and Paul. Roughly half the length of “Homeland,” “American Dreams” still continues to wonderfully and thoroughly describe and develop the emotional maturity and insights of its characters. Indeed we learn how the dreams of each character are fulfilled - or not. While Fritzi becomes a world-renowned actress, it is not on stage as she first imagined, but in the first “moving pictures.” While Carl’s dreams are at first unclear, he first aspires to be a great race car driver, but finds his ultimate love as an aviator. Paul continues adventures as a motion picture camera operator, bring the “real” news from around the world to the masses in nickelodeons and as news reels and trailers for the “moving pictures.”
Because this novel is approximately half the length of “Homeland,” Mr. Jakes left this reader rather disappointed with regard to the lives of Joe Sr., Ilsa and Joe Jr. We know Joe Sr.’s health is failing and he and Joe Jr. remain at odds. Ilsa remains in the middle between them, all the while continuing her work with Mrs. Adams and Hull House. But, at the end of this novel, many questions remained about these three, especially since much of “Homeland” was devoted to them; at times they seem only to be after thoughts in “American Dreams.”
While this reader was disappointed with the ending, “American Dreams,” is a very enjoyable novel detailing America’s advancement into the Industrial Age as a world power, fully witnessed by the great Chicago World’s Fair and Carl’s interaction with Henry Ford and the infant stages of Model T’s production in Detroit and his adventures as a stunt pilot and fighter pilot during World War I.
Because this novel is approximately half the length of “Homeland,” Mr. Jakes left this reader rather disappointed with regard to the lives of Joe Sr., Ilsa and Joe Jr. We know Joe Sr.’s health is failing and he and Joe Jr. remain at odds. Ilsa remains in the middle between them, all the while continuing her work with Mrs. Adams and Hull House. But, at the end of this novel, many questions remained about these three, especially since much of “Homeland” was devoted to them; at times they seem only to be after thoughts in “American Dreams.”
While this reader was disappointed with the ending, “American Dreams,” is a very enjoyable novel detailing America’s advancement into the Industrial Age as a world power, fully witnessed by the great Chicago World’s Fair and Carl’s interaction with Henry Ford and the infant stages of Model T’s production in Detroit and his adventures as a stunt pilot and fighter pilot during World War I.
November 9, 2021
To be in a family is to be in a story. And the family is larger than any individual of it. Good or ill, up or down, the family are characters of a grander story than just your own.
I appreciated this book's honest look at family and how it truly is larger than the sum of its parts. The author explains that he wrote the book because of requests by fans of the first book to tell more of the story. We want to know more about families than just the story of the one or the two. We want to see the grander picture.
That's why his books are compelling. He focuses in on individuals while still panning back to see more. Sometimes, I'll gaze at pictures of my ancestors and wonder what fragment of them is in me. What part of that scowl, of that smile, of that face are in my face. The characters that Jakes paints in this story have elements from the other characters but they are facing new challenges in the first and second decades of the new century.
I enjoyed this book, yet didn't think it held up as well as the first. Maybe that was because this new age is an age of disappointment, of lives wrecked by WW1. Annoyingly, the author only causes pain to a couple of the characters over the course of the 400+ pages. That's fine but not quite realistic. I learned quite a bit in this story about the development of the auto and the plane, but I didn't see the kind of soul-crushing challenge that accompanied WW1. Hints, yes, but the truth, sadly no.
The writing is good, and breezy, but nothing spectacular. Again, this is a fine piece of historical fiction but isn't as fine as the previous story.
Pick it up as the second helping of the Crown family drama and be impressed by the study Jakes has put into it. It won't wow you, but it likely won't bore you either.
I appreciated this book's honest look at family and how it truly is larger than the sum of its parts. The author explains that he wrote the book because of requests by fans of the first book to tell more of the story. We want to know more about families than just the story of the one or the two. We want to see the grander picture.
That's why his books are compelling. He focuses in on individuals while still panning back to see more. Sometimes, I'll gaze at pictures of my ancestors and wonder what fragment of them is in me. What part of that scowl, of that smile, of that face are in my face. The characters that Jakes paints in this story have elements from the other characters but they are facing new challenges in the first and second decades of the new century.
I enjoyed this book, yet didn't think it held up as well as the first. Maybe that was because this new age is an age of disappointment, of lives wrecked by WW1. Annoyingly, the author only causes pain to a couple of the characters over the course of the 400+ pages. That's fine but not quite realistic. I learned quite a bit in this story about the development of the auto and the plane, but I didn't see the kind of soul-crushing challenge that accompanied WW1. Hints, yes, but the truth, sadly no.
The writing is good, and breezy, but nothing spectacular. Again, this is a fine piece of historical fiction but isn't as fine as the previous story.
Pick it up as the second helping of the Crown family drama and be impressed by the study Jakes has put into it. It won't wow you, but it likely won't bore you either.
April 23, 2018
The children's stories
This tale takes us passed the home life of the 3 Crown children and their cousin Paul to show us what it meant to become an adult during the late 1890's and early 1900's pre-WW1 era. It was still a golden age to make make a living that one also enjoyed doing. Women were able to conduct transactions by themselves without the crutch of needing a man despite the prevailing notions. I especially enjoyed the sections of Fritzi independent success as an actress utilizing the upcoming moving picture venue. The author's description of the California terrain at that point of time puts the landscape of today's time to shame. I was upset to a hear of the injuries sustained by Joe Jr. At the shingles factory but at least he was back home. Paul after learning photography skills becomes a field photographer for many events ,one of which was covering the American battles in the Spanish-American war especially the Bull Run incident with Teddy Roosevelt. He also affects a reconciliation with his Uncle Joe who was a general of a troop of excellent black soldiers, one of whom rescues Paul when he was injured retrieving his camera pack after getting his uncle to safety when he ( the uncle) received a leg injury.
This era saw the rise of industrial factories starting with Henry Ford who was a visionary despite his prejudice because he made cars affordable to the working class ( the budding middle-class), plus development of airplanes and submarines, all of which effected the prevailing attitudes of that era.
I enjoyed this book not only for the story but the historical records because it puts you right there. It's funny how history repeats itself.
This tale takes us passed the home life of the 3 Crown children and their cousin Paul to show us what it meant to become an adult during the late 1890's and early 1900's pre-WW1 era. It was still a golden age to make make a living that one also enjoyed doing. Women were able to conduct transactions by themselves without the crutch of needing a man despite the prevailing notions. I especially enjoyed the sections of Fritzi independent success as an actress utilizing the upcoming moving picture venue. The author's description of the California terrain at that point of time puts the landscape of today's time to shame. I was upset to a hear of the injuries sustained by Joe Jr. At the shingles factory but at least he was back home. Paul after learning photography skills becomes a field photographer for many events ,one of which was covering the American battles in the Spanish-American war especially the Bull Run incident with Teddy Roosevelt. He also affects a reconciliation with his Uncle Joe who was a general of a troop of excellent black soldiers, one of whom rescues Paul when he was injured retrieving his camera pack after getting his uncle to safety when he ( the uncle) received a leg injury.
This era saw the rise of industrial factories starting with Henry Ford who was a visionary despite his prejudice because he made cars affordable to the working class ( the budding middle-class), plus development of airplanes and submarines, all of which effected the prevailing attitudes of that era.
I enjoyed this book not only for the story but the historical records because it puts you right there. It's funny how history repeats itself.
May 24, 2022
American Dreams is the sequel to Homeland, a novel in which John Jakes explores the immigrant experience in this country. In Homeland, young Paul Crown leaves Germany to seek a better life in America. He lives with his uncle, Joseph Crown, who immigrated years before and has become a very successful beer brewer.
I’d like to say that American Dreams picks up where Homeland leaves off. At the end of Homeland, Joseph Crown apparently saw the light in that his need to control his family was instead driving all of them away, and it seemed that he was changing his ways. Joseph accepted his daughter’s desire to explore the possibility of an acting career, as well as Paul’s rejection of a top-notch education (paid for by Joseph) to pursue working in moving pictures. Through many twists and turns, Paul ends up as a documentary filmmaker, filming many important events that are shown as short pieces in theaters.
However, in American Dreams, Jakes seems to forget all the change that came over Joseph Crown at the end of Homeland. Instead, he is once again estranged from almost his entire family. Daughter Fritzi is suffering through a lack of success in the theater. Her father’s initial support seems to have made a complete about-face and she struggles to make ends meet.
To read my full review, please go to: https://thoughtsfromthemountaintop.co...
I’d like to say that American Dreams picks up where Homeland leaves off. At the end of Homeland, Joseph Crown apparently saw the light in that his need to control his family was instead driving all of them away, and it seemed that he was changing his ways. Joseph accepted his daughter’s desire to explore the possibility of an acting career, as well as Paul’s rejection of a top-notch education (paid for by Joseph) to pursue working in moving pictures. Through many twists and turns, Paul ends up as a documentary filmmaker, filming many important events that are shown as short pieces in theaters.
However, in American Dreams, Jakes seems to forget all the change that came over Joseph Crown at the end of Homeland. Instead, he is once again estranged from almost his entire family. Daughter Fritzi is suffering through a lack of success in the theater. Her father’s initial support seems to have made a complete about-face and she struggles to make ends meet.
To read my full review, please go to: https://thoughtsfromthemountaintop.co...
January 24, 2021
This was a compelling story of the Crown family, a German-American family, in the years that preceded WW I. The father was the owner of a successful brewery in Chicago. The main figure in the story is the independent daughter, Fritzi, who followed her dream to be an actress. Other threads followed her brother, Carl, who shifted from one daredevil interest to another and a cousin, Paul, who lived an exciting and dangerous life as a newsreel photographer who took the reader to several hotspots around the world. The author does a great job of developing the characters and you find yourself empathizing with their struggles. As I was working through this novel I couldn’t help thinking that this was a Forrest Gump-type story. The principal characters often have interactions with historic characters from Charlie Chaplin to Winston Churchill and many others. Fans of historical fiction would enjoy this one because of the way that the attitudes of people in the States toward what was happening in Europe changed over time and how they had an effect on society.
August 30, 2021
Rating it a single star for now. I've not been able to really get into this one. It feels too rushed and scattered. I'm going to set it aside and try it later on, so the rating may change when I do.
Edit a day later: After skimming through it, I decided not to save this one to read later on. I just couldn't get into it and I don't think that down the road it will appeal to me. It was nowhere as good as Homeland. Jakes took his time to flesh the characters out in that one and in this one, they're just one-dimensional. It feels like he hurried through it and the plot suffers. I didn't care much for either Fritzi or Carl, they had no spark to them like Paul did in Homeland. So this one is going out to HPB.
Edit a day later: After skimming through it, I decided not to save this one to read later on. I just couldn't get into it and I don't think that down the road it will appeal to me. It was nowhere as good as Homeland. Jakes took his time to flesh the characters out in that one and in this one, they're just one-dimensional. It feels like he hurried through it and the plot suffers. I didn't care much for either Fritzi or Carl, they had no spark to them like Paul did in Homeland. So this one is going out to HPB.
August 11, 2017
The last of a two-book series took me through the eyes of the Crown family from New York to early Hollywood and its blossoming silent film making to the bloody tragic trenches of pre World War I in France and Belgium. John Jakes' fictional characters met and interacted with real life personalities and made the story so intriguing that I would stop reading the book periodically in order to look up events and biographies. Jakes has a way of drawing you into his stories and keeping you in his grasp until the very end. This was a very satisfying page turner.
September 24, 2018
So continues the Crown saga. I had not read this wonderful book by John Jakes the second one about the Crown family. Although I had read the first book, somehow I never read the second. It is a story of German immgrants coming to America in the 1800's and finishes with their three children's story and how they coped with life in New York City and Los Angeles and the hardships they endured during World War 1. This makes you realize how far we've come with all our modern amenities. I gave it four stars because of it's length.
August 31, 2019
The second and final book of Homeland by John Jakes. A wonderful and well researched look into immigration by German people, in particular, this follows the life of the Crown family, as Pauli Kroner becomes Paul Crown in America. We are drawn into the Crown family, a wealthy and established brewing family in Chicago. Pauli or Paul as he becomes is welcomed into Joe and Ilsa's family of three and the story begins, endinding in the second book, American Dreams. I have read the North and South saga, and enjoy the character and descriptive narratives of Mr. Jakes. Hungering for more.
July 13, 2020
Good book. I always like family sagas. I had read Homeland a number of years ago and a friend recently gave me this second book in the series. I did not waste time getting to it. I enjoyed the story but I feel like a third book would be necessary to push some of the story lines further. It probably won't happen. Regardless, this was a good series and John Jakes is always fun to read.
Reading this book will probably get me to do a re-read of North and South which I read many years ago as well but never read the two follow-up books, which I have in my library. We'll see.
Thanks.
Reading this book will probably get me to do a re-read of North and South which I read many years ago as well but never read the two follow-up books, which I have in my library. We'll see.
Thanks.
July 17, 2019
Didn't finish this but not exactly a 'gave up on'. Jakes tells American history through his stories and this one focuses on early film and the automobile - racing and manufacturing. This is the second in a series - I did not read the first so perhaps if I had read the first I might have stayed the course. There are just too many books on my shelves!
The glimpse into the early film industry was a fascinating part of the book - secret production sites, destroyed cameras, barely-there sets.
The glimpse into the early film industry was a fascinating part of the book - secret production sites, destroyed cameras, barely-there sets.
January 27, 2021
The Crown family of Chicago lives in a time of rapid change: cars are beginning to be manufactured, movie films made, airplanes flown. Beginning in 1906, the Crown children are trying to find their way in the world. Fritzi wants to be on Broadway; Carl wants to drive fast cars; their father just wishes they'd settle down and help him in his brewery business.
An interesting look at the years leading up to and through WWI. Sometimes predictable and slow-moving.
An interesting look at the years leading up to and through WWI. Sometimes predictable and slow-moving.
December 2, 2018
The second book of the Crown Family Saga is concentrating more on Joe Crown’s children and their nephew Paul. It tells of their struggles trying to follow their dreams which at least for Fritzi and Carl aren’t exactly what their father Joe Crown envisioned for them. Both eventually find satisfaction in their endeavors and at long last find a partner to love as well.
March 29, 2020
I just adored this book. More than the first one. I wish there was a third. Set in the early 1900s and focused on Fritzi trying to become an actress in New York and California, I just loved the storyline and the settings. Jakes really transported me with this one, to a time and place that i love, and did not disappoint.
July 15, 2024
I recall reading Homeland but never followed up with the second book in the Crown Family series. Well written and filled with interesting historical information, this book was very good. Ending was rather abrupt, wondering if maybe there had been plans for a third book to carry the saga forward that never happened. Cloud Library.
November 15, 2018
Ok...but lacking...
... A real plot that held My interest. At times, I had to force reading what appeared to be interesting, but not to Me. J.J. is a superb author, but tends to lean heavily on the historical fiction genre with transparent characters.
... A real plot that held My interest. At times, I had to force reading what appeared to be interesting, but not to Me. J.J. is a superb author, but tends to lean heavily on the historical fiction genre with transparent characters.
August 16, 2019
Wonderful characters, authentic history
Following the characters created in the Crown Family Saga through the historical events the story is set in is an easy and painless way to get a history lesson while enjoying a great story.
Following the characters created in the Crown Family Saga through the historical events the story is set in is an easy and painless way to get a history lesson while enjoying a great story.
December 31, 2019
Very good history book
I knew very little about German immigration into this country until I read this book. My husband is German decent and I know he would like this book if I could get him to read it.
I knew very little about German immigration into this country until I read this book. My husband is German decent and I know he would like this book if I could get him to read it.
September 14, 2021
Marvelous book
The inclusion of historical times, people and places kept my attention. I became immersed in all the events and lives of all the characters. Being a Chicago gal, it was int resting to learn about the late 1800’s and early 1900’s
The inclusion of historical times, people and places kept my attention. I became immersed in all the events and lives of all the characters. Being a Chicago gal, it was int resting to learn about the late 1800’s and early 1900’s
January 11, 2022
very disappointing
Loved this author’s other series. This one left the story hanging. What happened to Joe Crown? Joe Jr? Ilsa,?Paul and Julie? The Brewery? I invested hours in this incomplete story.
Loved this author’s other series. This one left the story hanging. What happened to Joe Crown? Joe Jr? Ilsa,?Paul and Julie? The Brewery? I invested hours in this incomplete story.
November 26, 2022
Love historical fiction
Just enough real world to keep each frame timely. The growth of the story as each character follows their own path, that's what I enjoy. John Jake's talent to develop the characters is brilliant. Good read!
Just enough real world to keep each frame timely. The growth of the story as each character follows their own path, that's what I enjoy. John Jake's talent to develop the characters is brilliant. Good read!
April 28, 2023
Skimmed my way through this one, just like I did HOMELAND. Never warmed up to this Jakes series. in spite of their journeys and experiences, the characters never developed. Best part of this book was the historical references and detail. I like his other writings much better.
June 20, 2024
Crown Family books
I've thoroughly enjoyed both of the Crown Family Saga books. I really enjoy reading about the lives of people that my grandparents actually experienced. I always picture my ancestors when I read these wonderful historical novels.
I've thoroughly enjoyed both of the Crown Family Saga books. I really enjoy reading about the lives of people that my grandparents actually experienced. I always picture my ancestors when I read these wonderful historical novels.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews