Helpful Score: 1
A great reference of events that took place during that time, and what an exciting time it was! I took away a star because the wealth of information conveyed seemed confusing in certain places. When explaining one particular event, the author often refers to a number of others which almost seem like he's going off on tangents - it's hard sharing history without going off topic at times, but it's these aside stories that really make the main topic come to life for me. It was just a bit difficult for me to keep track of it all which forced me to reread certain passages more than once. Overall, an enjoyable read.
A pleasure to read, and amazing to learn about so many events in the world that happened that one year.
This is a wonderful book, a pleasure to read. Bill Bryson brings to life some of the most memorable personalities of the Roarin' Twenties just before it all collapses. If you know the names--Lindbergh, Coolidge, Hoover, Ford, Ruth, Gehrig, Sacco, Vanzetti--but not so much about the people themselves, prepare to be entertainingly educated. Sadly, most of the time you find out how the heroes of the age were not so pleasant as people, and some had some serious faults. But all in all, the book is a great visit to a time that has almost entirely faded away. Bryson reminds us of what an incredible summer it really was.
