Being American has always been a wonderful thing. But after September 11, 2001, patriotism soared. Not since the 1940s had America been attacked with such unexpected and horrible decisiveness. From sea to shining sea, the response was deafening. Americans raised their flags, raised their voices, and vowed to stand united.Of course, we're still bound by our sense of humor, a cornerstone of our country's proud past and present. In 1,003 Great Things About America, authors Lisa Birnbach, Ann Hodgman, and Patricia Marx perfectly sum up that combination of humor and hope, wit and wonder, that makes America so magnificent.What are some of the best things about America? As this talented trio of authors remind us:o Apple pieo John Wayneo Mount Rushmoreo Elviso BaseballThe list goes on and on. From beginning to end, 1,003 Great Things About America serves as a keen and admiring look at those elements that give our nation its indefatigable character. From Frank Sinatra to the Super Bowl, from hamburgers to the Hamptons, 1,003 Great Things About America rings true and timeless.Our other 1,003 Great Things books have focused on everything from kids to moms to teachers. Most recently, 1,003 Great Things About Getting Older sold more than 150,000 copies. 1,003 Great Things About America is certain to become a best-seller, as citizens from coast to coast yearn to remind themselves about the best parts of the place they call home.

Three witty and wise women--Birnbach, Ann Hodgman, and Patricia Marx--deliver yet another hysterical list of 1,003 great things. Each writer has a unique and much appreciated take on being a modern-day woman.

Finally...something to smile about! Love is not the only thing that blossoms with a smile. Your entire life can be transformed by the simple act of turning up the corners of your mouth. And psychologists have proven that you benefit by smiling-even when you're convinced you have nothing to smile about! Now the power of the smile gets a boost from three grinning fools: Lisa Birnbach, Ann Hodgman, and Patty Marx, the threesome who thought up the deceptively simple, yet highly effective 1,003 Great Things to Smile About. This edition of the 1,003 humor series takes the effort out of smiling by providing just the thoughts needed to produce that all-enhancing smile, including: * Your son remembers your birthday... and doesn't reverse the charges! * Luggage-on-wheels * Your extra-large, threadbare sweatpants * Snow day! * Your sister will do Thanksgiving this year. * Spellcheck * The way Play-doh smells * Sunless tanning creams Smiles can indeed work magic, and these witty writers have concocted enough ideas to keep readers grinning day after day. This is the perfect make-somebody-feel-good book, a semiserious way to bring perspective to your own life and a great tool to help readers smile more at themselves and those around them. A book that offers a warm perspective on feeling right with the world ... now that's something to smile about!

With their trademark quirky perspective, authors Lisa Birnbach, Ann Hodgman, and Patricia Marx have created yet another surefire hit! More Info About 1,003 Great Things About Being Jewish From the trio responsible for the successful 1,003 series-comes 1,003 Great Things About Being Jewish, the perfect humorous gift book to celebrate being Jewish. Just a sampling of the gems within: * They say Aunt Rose's matzo balls could sink a ship . . . in case you're interested in doing that. * Everyone knows that kosher hot dogs rule. * A Hanukkah bush is a lot easier to bring home than a Christmas tree. * Cool-looking blue and silver wrapping paper instead of red and green. * Where else does a 13-year-old get to say, "Today, I am a man"? * "The remarkable thing about my mother is that for 30 years, she served nothing but leftovers. The original meal has never been found. -Calvin Trillin 1,003 Great Things About Being Jewish is sure to have everyone smiling, laughing, and appreciating all things Jewish.

Hodgman . . . [brings her] signature quirky but acceptably outrageous perspective to contemporary American lifestyles and customs." -The Oklahoman * Keep those AARP cards at home, avoid three-way mirrors like the plague, and for goodness' sake, no more groaning. * Extend that youthful longevity with the tenth title in the successful 1,003 series. BOTOX, laser-peels, antiwrinkle creams-an estimated 90 million Americans over the age of 45 are looking for the fountain of youth wherever they can find it. Ann Hodgman offers 1,003 youthful approaches to turn back the hands of time, including: * It's never too late to start using sunscreen. And, if it is too late for that, it's really never too late to get a peel. * Never admit you don't know how to use your iPod. * Keep the news that you take Lipitor to yourself. * "I refuse to admit that I am more than 52, even if that makes my children illegitimate." -Lady Nancy Astor

Teachers are simply the best. They're the special breed of people who strive to infuse us with an appreciation for the miraculous world in which we live and a sincere passion for learning. What better way to sing their praises than by declaring more than a thousand great things about them? That's what the successful author trio of Birnbach, Hodgman, and Marx does in this fourth book of their highly successful 1,003 Great Things series. This wonderfully humorous book features entries such as: o They are as happy about Friday as you are. o They tend to have highly legible handwriting. o Who else knows how important it is to be line leader? o They are excellent spellers. o Teachers know about Roman numerals. o They are more afraid of the principal than you are. o They lend you milk money when you forget yours. o They're not in it for the money.

The authors of the bestselling 1,003 Great Things About Getting Older and 1,003 Great Things About Kids team up again, this time focusing on the delights of friendship.