The Devil in the White City by Erik Larson is both a fascinating and frightening look at Chicago in the late 1800's. At this time in history, the city of Chicago was growing rapidly. In fact, it was America's second largest city. After months of deliberation, Chicago was chosen as the city to hold the next World's Fair in 1893. This was an enormous opportunity and responsibility. The fair would bring thousands of people into Chicago, some for the very first time, and the city didn't have a sterling reputation. It was known primarily for its hog slaughtering, filth, and crime. The leaders of the city hoped to change that image by building a beautiful city within the city, White City along Lake Michigan. The White City would be home to the World's fair.
In the book, Larkin describes the difficulties that arose while trying to prepare for the fair. Ground had to be prepared, architects selected, buildings erected, transportation arranged, and much more. They were literally building a city over the course of just two short years.
In addition to describing the events that lead to the creation of the White City, Larkin also describes something very disturbing. A serial killer, Dr. Herman W. Mudgett, takes up residency in Chicago, right at the edge of the White City's borders. Through cons and scheming, he gets his hands on enough money to build what he calls a "hotel" to lure people into his clutches. Mudgett, who eventually goes by the alias H.H. Holmes, constructs a building with a basement and vaults to hide his murderous crimes. Because the fair created many job opportunities, the city was flooded with newcomers, and that set up a perfect environment for Holmes to prey on his victims. It is believed that Holmes was responsible for the deaths of nearly 200 people; however, he was only tried and convicted of committing nine murders because of lack of evidence.
Larkin wrote the book in alternating chapters, each describing the events in the lives of either Daniel Burnham (the lead developer of the fair) or H.H. Holmes. It is shoking that such an evil man as Holmes could get away with such terrible crimes right under the noses of construction crews and tourists!
Tuesday, January 8, 2013
Monday, January 7, 2013
Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand
Unbroken, by Laura Hillenbrand, is the amazing biography of Olympic athlete and World War II veteran, Louis Zamperini. Though this book chronicles Louie's life story, it reads like fiction. The people who come into Louie's life and the events that unfold are realistic and gripping.
As a young boy, Louie was always on the lookout for an adventure or challenge. He was known around town as a troublemaker because he was often seen stealing, fighting, or pulling elaborate pranks. Unlike Louie, his older brother Pete was popular and well-liked. He was a good student and an excellent athlete. In fact, it was because of Pete that Louie finally found the right path in life.
When Louie was in high school, Pete convinced the principal to allow Louie to join the track team (in spite of all of his behavior problems). With lots of pressure from Pete, Louie trained hard. He would run for miles and train for hours. Soon, Louie became one of the best young runners in the country. In fact, he was the fastest high school miler in American history! Louie and Pete set a goal for the Olympics. Although Louie's times were amazing, they weren't quite fast enough to make the Olympic team. Louie was devastated, but Pete had an idea. Louie could compete in the Olympic 5000. However, in order to do so, Louie would have only weeks to qualify for the Olympic trials. In spite of everything, Louie was able to qualify for the trials and made the 1936 Olympic team!
At the Olympics in Berlin, it was clear that war was looming. Though Germany tried to put on a nice face for the Olympic crowd, it was clear that Hitler and the Nazis were stirring up trouble. Soon, World War II erupted, and Louie joined the American Army Air Forces as a bombardier.
Louie and his crew mates flew many dangerous missions that nearly resulted in death. Life as a Army Airman in World War II wasn't an easy one. The planes were large, easy targets for the Japanese. They were also quite unreliable. Louie's first plane was destroyed in a Japanese attack, and his second plane crashed in the middle of the ocean. After his plane crashed, Louie and his closest friend, Phil, spent over forty days on a life raft at sea with no food or water to speak of. They lived off of rain water and whatever fish or birds they could capture. After losing nearly half their body weight and being shot at by Japanese planes, the men were finally captured by the enemy and taken to a Japanese POW camp where they continued to endure inhumane treatment.
Louie's story is one of survival, determination, and the will to live. It is an amazing story that I would highly recommend. . . especially if you are looking for an outstanding nonfiction read!
As a young boy, Louie was always on the lookout for an adventure or challenge. He was known around town as a troublemaker because he was often seen stealing, fighting, or pulling elaborate pranks. Unlike Louie, his older brother Pete was popular and well-liked. He was a good student and an excellent athlete. In fact, it was because of Pete that Louie finally found the right path in life.
When Louie was in high school, Pete convinced the principal to allow Louie to join the track team (in spite of all of his behavior problems). With lots of pressure from Pete, Louie trained hard. He would run for miles and train for hours. Soon, Louie became one of the best young runners in the country. In fact, he was the fastest high school miler in American history! Louie and Pete set a goal for the Olympics. Although Louie's times were amazing, they weren't quite fast enough to make the Olympic team. Louie was devastated, but Pete had an idea. Louie could compete in the Olympic 5000. However, in order to do so, Louie would have only weeks to qualify for the Olympic trials. In spite of everything, Louie was able to qualify for the trials and made the 1936 Olympic team!
At the Olympics in Berlin, it was clear that war was looming. Though Germany tried to put on a nice face for the Olympic crowd, it was clear that Hitler and the Nazis were stirring up trouble. Soon, World War II erupted, and Louie joined the American Army Air Forces as a bombardier.
Louie and his crew mates flew many dangerous missions that nearly resulted in death. Life as a Army Airman in World War II wasn't an easy one. The planes were large, easy targets for the Japanese. They were also quite unreliable. Louie's first plane was destroyed in a Japanese attack, and his second plane crashed in the middle of the ocean. After his plane crashed, Louie and his closest friend, Phil, spent over forty days on a life raft at sea with no food or water to speak of. They lived off of rain water and whatever fish or birds they could capture. After losing nearly half their body weight and being shot at by Japanese planes, the men were finally captured by the enemy and taken to a Japanese POW camp where they continued to endure inhumane treatment.
Louie's story is one of survival, determination, and the will to live. It is an amazing story that I would highly recommend. . . especially if you are looking for an outstanding nonfiction read!
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