by Dan Baum
First published 2013
Dan Baum presents himself as an unlikely gun enthusiast: a Jewish Democrat raised in suburban New Jersey who happens to love firearms. He sets out to understand what attracts millions of Americans to guns by immersing himself in the culture firsthand. Baum visits gun stores and shooting ranges, attends festivals and auctions, and talks with people at gun shows across the country. He meets a diverse array of gun owners and enthusiasts, documenting their stories and motivations. Through these encounters, Baum examines whether gun ownership represents something fundamentally American. He presents multiple perspectives on firearms culture, avoiding the polarized rhetoric that typically dominates gun discussions. The book attempts to bridge the divide between gun advocates and critics by showing the human faces behind the statistics and slogans, creating space for genuine dialogue about guns in America.
Genres: american, politics, non-fiction, 21st-century
Vibes: intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: fish-out-of-water
Setting: America, New Jersey, United States
Period: 21st Century
352 pages · Paperback · Vintage