Girdwood weaves American political culture and his magnum "Nobill" philosophy. It's rare to find a philosopher today--one who can turn reflections of civil society into pictures of the past. On the other hand, the brilliant narrative provides countless historical events to support the existence of authoritarian doctrine as contributor to American politics. In pointing out so ruthlessly the negative actions of the American government, Girdwood opens you up to possible reforms. There is always a discussion about pragmatic solutions--making this book exceptionally American. For the learned political readers, it's obvious that Girdwood appreciates Nietzsche's "Overman," but he replaces the "Overman" with the "Nobillman"--the will to be noble. Of course, a Nobill culture appears much different than the current political culture / climate. Girdwood is provocative. Throughout this book--honesty and history, narrative and philosophy--go fishing. There is always a comparing and contrasting, which brings the content to life. N. Awakening opens up the political realm to beginners and practitioners alike. Short chapters. It is a novel response to Tocqueville's "Democracy in America." Political theorists and culturalists should see this novel as an expose of American symbols, governance, and debates. In sum, N. Awakening is the common ground between Rousseau a passionate denizen] and Voltaire harsh truth] in America in 2009. Truly light reading.