This book is riveting, much as I suspect Gypsy was. I found myself thinking about the three main characters even when I wasn't reading about them. The...moreThis book is riveting, much as I suspect Gypsy was. I found myself thinking about the three main characters even when I wasn't reading about them. The three flawed and formidable females portrayed in this ?biography were forces to be reckoned with, in a time period when women generally weren't. The backdrops of vaudeville, the great depression, the famous people she interacted with were fascinating on their own merits, but add Rose, and Gypsy Rose and Dainty June, and you have one hell of a story.
Why does one read a book such as this? Certainly not to feel fulfilled or happy. I tend to avoid holocaust literature because it affects me so deeply....moreWhy does one read a book such as this? Certainly not to feel fulfilled or happy. I tend to avoid holocaust literature because it affects me so deeply. This book has sat in my to read pile for many months, and I repeatedly skipped over it because I knew it would be so difficult to experience. I've been trying to decide what it was that finally made me pick it up, and the only explanation I can muster, is the need to bear witness. This story needs to be read and endured so that this type of horror is never repeated. Witness how the deprivation and constant threat of death strips the humanity from all involved: SS, Jewish guards, prisoners. Know that it IS possible, and human nature being what it is, could happen again. The lambs to slaughter imagery and the faith in their fellow man even as they are being herded to the furnaces is heartbreaking, and now it will be quite awhile before I wander into WWII literature again!(less)
Nonfictional narrative detailing the history of George Washington's boyhood home. I appreciated the matter of fact tone , as so much of the history su...moreNonfictional narrative detailing the history of George Washington's boyhood home. I appreciated the matter of fact tone , as so much of the history surrounding George Washington tends to be......overdone. This was interesting not only from the GW angle, but from an overall perspective of how things change and ultimately stay the same over a 200 year or so backdrop. The series of characters that march through the story of just that piece of property are entertaining and varied, but really go to show that people really aren't that different, no matter the time frame. The same emotions and desires that drive us today, drove our forefathers as well. Fascinating little piece of American history. Recommend for American history buffs.(less)
Fascinating story. I thought the author did a great job of pulling together the facts involving the tale, and put forth a fairly plausible explanation...moreFascinating story. I thought the author did a great job of pulling together the facts involving the tale, and put forth a fairly plausible explanation for their disappearance. Truly one of the most riveting legends surrounding the Grand Canyon.(less)
This was fascinating subject matter, but not as well written as some of his later work. I was unaware of this tragic event in our not so distant histo...moreThis was fascinating subject matter, but not as well written as some of his later work. I was unaware of this tragic event in our not so distant history, probably because of the wealth and power of those who were ultimately responsible. History, after all, is usually written by the victors. Recommended for high school history classes and hard core history buffs. (less)
3.5 stars. This book is heavily researched, but poorly written. I felt that with better editing, it could have been more powerful. Th e author tended...more3.5 stars. This book is heavily researched, but poorly written. I felt that with better editing, it could have been more powerful. Th e author tended to get bogged down in mundane details, and skimmed over the momentous events. However,all that aside, what an amazing story and woman!(less)
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