Summary:
This is a non-fiction book with 2 stories in one. It's the story of the 1893 Chicago World's Fair and also the story of H.H. Holmes, a serial killer who was active around the time of the fair. The fair was nicknamed the White City, and while that amazing thing was going on, a very dark thing was happening in a hotel nearby.
What I Didn't Like:
This book has amazing reviews, so my expectations were pretty high. I also didn't know that it was a non-fiction. Erik Larson does an amazing job of telling a true story in the most accurate way possible. Anytime there is dialogue in the book, it came from a diary or some other first hand account. That being said he does seem to take liberties with describing body language and opinions, inconsistently. That was a little frustrating.
There are SO many facts in this book. SOO many. I honestly think half of them were unnecessary. For example, I was really hooked on one chapter, hanging on every word-and then in the next chapter he starts telling a completely random story about the Mayor of Chicago.
I also expected the two stories to intersect more than the fact that they happened at the same time.
There are SO many facts in this book. SOO many. I honestly think half of them were unnecessary. For example, I was really hooked on one chapter, hanging on every word-and then in the next chapter he starts telling a completely random story about the Mayor of Chicago.
I also expected the two stories to intersect more than the fact that they happened at the same time.
What I Liked:
I learned so much reading this book! From architecture in the 1880/90s, to the invention of the Ferris Wheel. There are some really cool cameos from people like Edison, Tesla and Buffalo Bill. It was just a really interesting time in the world! There hadn't really been any serial killers yet, other than Jack the Ripper. This book really takes you back in time and paints a very vivid picture of the world. I love books that teach me something.
They truly don't know how many people this man murdered. The description of the evidence found was very chilling because of that.
They truly don't know how many people this man murdered. The description of the evidence found was very chilling because of that.
Overall Rating:
3 out of 5 Stars (1: hated it, 2: didn't like it, 3: liked it, 4:liked it, 5: loved it)
Overall I did like this book, but I was incredibly bogged down with the details about dates and facts and names.
Have you read Devil in the White City?
What are you reading??
What are you reading??
This sounds cool!!
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteHonestly, I don't have a good excuse!! I think I was on vacation the first week I missed, and then sort of got out of the habit. Thanks for noticing =]
DeleteI'm always on the hunt for new books to read! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeletexo Jen
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