The stories of two men: Daniel H. Burnham, the architect responsible for the fair's construction, and H.H. Holmes, a serial killer masquerading as a charming doctor. Burnham's challenge was immense. In a short period of time, he was forced to overcome the death of his partner and numerous other obstacles to construct the famous "White City" around which the fair was built. His efforts to complete the project, and the fair's incredible success, are skillfully related along with entertaining appearances by such notables as Buffalo Bill Cody, Susan B. Anthony, and Thomas Edison. The activities of the sinister Dr. Holmes, who is believed to be responsible for scores of murders around the time of the fair, are equally remarkable. He devised and erected the World's Fair Hotel, complete with crematorium and gas chamber, near the fairgrounds and used the event as well as his own charismatic personality to lure victims. Combining the stories of an architect and a killer in one book, mostly in alternating chapters, seems like an odd choice but it works. The magical appeal and horrifying dark side of 19th-century Chicago are both revealed through Larson's skillful writing.
Everyone seemed to enjoy the book and the discussion was really good. Sylvia picked a good book.
Marlys was chosen to pick February's book and she chose:
I read this book before and its in my past blogs.
From the moment she's struck by lightening as a baby, it is clear that Mary Anning is marked for greatness. On the
windswept, fossil-strewn beaches of the English coast, she learns that she has "the eye"-and finds what no one else can see. When Mary uncovers an unusual fossilized skeleton in the cliffs near her home, she sets the religious fathers on edge, the townspeople to vicious gossip, and the scientific world alight. In an arena dominated by men, however, Mary is barred from the academic community; as a young woman with unusual interests she is suspected of sinful behavior. Nature is a threat, throwing bitter, cold storms and landslips at her. And when she falls in love, it is with an impossible man.Luckily, Mary finds an unlikely champion in prickly Elizabeth Philpot, a recent exile from London, who also loves scouring the beaches. Their relationship strikes a delicate balance between fierce loyalty, mutual appreciation, and barely suppressed envy. Ultimately, in the struggle to be recognized in the wider world, Mary and Elizabeth discover that friendship is their greatest ally.
I wasnt able to go to this bookclub which was held at Rebecca's house but everyone seemed to enjoy it!! And as always, Rebecca's is always a fun place to meet so I was sad to miss this night.
So the March book was decided on by the group. They threw out ideas and the chosen book or books I should say, was Austenland and Midnight in Austenland by Shannon Hale.
Anyone who knows me knows how much of a Hale fan I am and the funny part was I had texted Marlys that night at Rebecca's to see what the book was and had just finished Midnight in Austenland the day before. It had been released on that Tues.
So we met at Gabby's house this time and it was a good attendance and everyone had read the books. yay!! love it when that happens. Very good discussions and everyone seemed to enjoy them.
Now I personally would love to go to a place like this. To live and be in the Jane Austen world would be a dream come true for me! But alas, no place does exist so I'm stuck in my droll life!!!
After discussion, it was time to reveal the next book but Gabby didnt really know what to pick, so once again ideas got thrown out there....but I prevailed and the book for April is Very Valentine by Adriani Trigiani. So excited!!!
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