Restless Nation

 In Restless Nation, James M. Jasper isolates a narrative that lies very close to the core of the American character. From colonial times to the present day, Americans have always had a deep-rooted belief in the fresh start--a belief that still has Americans moving from place to place faster than the citizens of any other nation.

Review: "Jasper's thesis... is strong and tantalizing. He does not restrict himself to a single discipline or line of argument, but dazzles readers with a stunning combination of literary critique, cultural analysis and economic estimation." - Publishers Weekly "Jasper travels across the American psyche to explore our unique infatuation with movement and personal reinvention.... To the author, this undergirds the cult of individualism as well as conservative, antigovernment politics in America.... The fluidity contributes to the dynamism of U.S. society but ensures a weak sense of community.... Restless Nation is an engaging essay on why we move so much." - Library Journal