The Devil in the White City

Another well written, intriguing, addictive book from Erik Larson. I don't know what it is about his writing style, but something about it seems to pull me in and never wants to let me go. It's almost like being hypnotized.

I mostly wanted to read this because of the recounting of the crimes by H.H. Holmes, since I enjoy reading and learning about serial killers, but I even found the descriptions of all the struggle and hard work of those creating the Chicago World's Fair to be fascinating. While I knew of the fair, and that the Ferris Wheel had been created to out do the Eiffel Tower, I had no idea so many products we know today first debuted at the fair. Learn something new every day!

At first I did think the two subjects of this books seemed very conflicting and I wasn't to sure how well it would work out, but I have to say, it allowed for some serious swings on the emotion spectrum. One second you are cheering on those working on the fair (or are saddened over their losses during the process) and the next you are cringing when a new woman is introduced into H.H. Holmes' life, because you know things just aren't going to turn out well.

My one complaint is that Holmes' story seemed to be overshadowed at times by the fair, but there are other books on Holmes so I suppose that if you really want an in depth look at his life, there are other sources out there.