I liked it, and it is very much of a time and place, the 20s and eastern coast of the USA but I am not sure I would call it the pinpoint of american values and ideals. It is kind of vague social mobility right? Is it more a pinpoint of american values than say To Kill a Mockingbird or Catch 22or even Huckleberry Finn (I liked these much better...). Or Grapes of Wrath? (it is very earnest, very committed, and not enjoyable but it is certainly strong and fluent and a really great portrayal of America as a society in turmoil...)