after forty-two years wrongfully confined in a state institution for developmentally disabled people, anna olson is finally free. however, physically leaving the restrictions of institutional life didn't mean it gave up its grip on her. anna finally got her lifelong dream of moving to minneapolis. once there, she was terrified by the same thing she wanted for so long-her freedom. every new situation was a challenge. managing a checking account, using the city bus, and meaningful work were all stressful experiences for the fifty-seven-year-old.with the help of a social worker, her landlady, and her best friend janice, anna freed herself from the post-traumatic stress that sometimes paralyzed her. the years passed, and a more self-assured anna began to grow from the ashes that used to be her life. the book draws to a close, and the most exciting parts of anna's life are finally known. american dream, along with american genes and american isolation, tells the unique life story of anna olson.