Born in the U.S.A.

“Marshals impressive scholarship to assimilate the Boss into the main currents of American thought.” 
  ~A.O. Scott, The New York Times Book Review

“Jim Cullen writes with authority and empathy about the blue-collar roots that shaped Bruce Springsteen and gave rise to his music of rebellion. This is a provocative look at one of America’s cultural icons.”
  ~Eleanor Clift, Newsweek

“Cullen’s line-by-line analysis of Bruce’s songs crackles with insight.” ~New York Daily News

“In articulating what’s behind the vaguely red-white-and-blue sentiments that Springsteen’s songs so often evoke, he has written a book as unpretentious and good-hearted as its subject.” ~Boston Phoenix

“This is a well-written, painstakingly researched, and surprisingly unpretentious book.” ~Asbury Park Press

“Cullen’s unapologetic pursuit of deeper cultural meanings in Bruce Springsteen’s music and life is refreshing … he proves a sensitive interpreter of Springsteen’s work.” ~Publisher’s Weekly

“Cullen’s study of Bruce Springsteen is a full-fledged cultural critique … his parting words, ‘When I listen to Bruce Springsteen, I remember how to be an American,’ finally ring true.” ~Kirkus Reviews

“Offers illumination and thoughtful, discriminating observations about its myriad subjects. And it has aged almost as well as Nebraska.” ~Eric Alterman, The Nation