You can think about Americans in different ways. Those who treat them with sympathy, and those who are not particularly friendly, are probably interested in knowing how they differ from us. The author, journalist and sociologist, has worked at US universities for the last ten years, lived in American families, met people of different professions, and made many friends. Her personal impressions formed the basis of this book. What is marriage the American way? Who helps people through divorce? How is the relationship between parents and children? What is the prestige of being a single mother? Why is old age called the “happy age”? What role do feminism and homosexuality play in society? And finally, how do Americans take care of their health? The author writes about all this easily and with humor. Vivid pictures of today's American life are supported by sociological data and excerpts from the works of prominent American cultural scientists.