World's Fair book? Kevin's review from 2 weeks ago

[HunnyBunny]

Kevin, or anyone who might remember...

What was the name of that book you were reading (on your kindle, jealous!!) about the World's Fair? It sounded fascinating and I could use a good read for my upcoming vacation.

I think you all need to have a new segment just for book reviews. This is the second book I'm looking for based on your recommendations. I'm reading Creating Magic now and using some of the ideas with my job and family.

Thanks for your help!

 

[medicjch]

I think the title was Devil in the White City, but hopefully Kevin will chime in to let us know if that is correct.

 

[DisneyKevin]

I think the title was Devil in the White City, but hopefully Kevin will chime in to let us know if that is correct.

medicjch is correct. The book is Devil In The White City by Eric Larson.

 

[HunnyBunny]

Thank you!! You all are amazing. The book is now reserved at my library! (Yes, I still do it the old fashioned way!)

Have a great week!

 

[PinkBudgie]

Know what? I was at the library the other day while my boys were at tennis and I picked up that book too! That branch just happened to have it. I'm reading it now. I remember what he said about it being boring and facinating at the same time, and that sounds about right. There are some dry parts but the entire subject interests me. And there are some interesting parts too.

Several years ago I played a text adventure game on the PC that took place at that World's Fair so I almost feel like I've been there while I read it!

 

[MrandMissVacation]

It's a great read (IMHO). Very interesting time in American history. The city of Chicago becomes a great 'character' in the story. Many great minds came together to make this world's fair happen. I found the men behind the fair fascinating. Then there's the serial killer weaved in the story.
I think it would translate to a great movie too.. but then again I try to imagine books into movies and I'm rarely impressed.

 

[MrandMissVacation]

Thank you!! You all are amazing. The book is now reserved at my library! (Yes, I still do it the old fashioned way!)

Have a great week!

When I read it .. I got it from the library too

 

[757hokie]

medicjch is correct. The book is Devil In The White City by Eric Larson.

Slight hijack here, but....KEVIN....what's your fave Walt biography?

I'm requesting one for Father's Day!

Thx.

 

[HunnyBunny]

Slight hijack here, but....KEVIN....what's your fave Walt biography?

I'm requesting one for Father's Day!

Thx.

Love the hijacks! It makes life interesting.

But Kevin, this proves my other point... I'm suggesting a book review segment. Monthly is fine I think ... I can't get in more than 1 book a year as it is with 2 small kids!

 

[BriarRosie]

I thought the book was pretty fascinating. Every once in a while, there would be a little blurb about things that were first shown at the fair itself. The first Ferris wheel, for instance. The city planning parts could be a little dry at times, but I felt that it pretty much kept my attention throughout.

But my jaw hit the ground every time the book flipped back to the serial killer story. I was amazed at how incredibly stupid the police and neighbors were, or how incredibly charismatic the killer was. The end of his story seems to show that charisma really did play out as a major advantage for him. I was shocked throughout, and I'm not sure if it's just me being sensitive. I think everyone should be shocked by him.

I am not usually one to pick up a True Crime book. I think Eric Larson did a good job presenting the interwoven events surrounding the fair.

 

[corky441]

for all of you that are enjoying this book, Erik Larson has another book in that same vein. The title is "THUNDERSTRUCK". It is great

 

[mainegal]

As a librarian, thanks for thinking of borrowing the book (any book!) from your local library

 

[PinkBudgie]

But my jaw hit the ground every time the book flipped back to the serial killer story. I was amazed at how incredibly stupid the police and neighbors were, or how incredibly charismatic the killer was. The end of his story seems to show that charisma really did play out as a major advantage for him. I was shocked throughout, and I'm not sure if it's just me being sensitive. I think everyone should be shocked by him.

No kidding! That guy was downright scary! A psychopathic con man!

I'd love a book review segment- Disney or otherwise. I'm always up for a good book!