The Devil in the White City by Erik Larson

One of the many books I've received as a gift was a Calvin and Hobbes collection from my step-dad. I don't know where he got it -- it's quite possible that it was a golden find at a garage sale -- but I remember that when he gave it to me, he told me not to keep it. Being a book lover, I was surprised. Not keep a book? But I love books! Of course, my step-dad had a different plan. He thought my collection could be a "friendship" book, something to pass along to someone else when I was done reading it -- instead of spreading gossip to two friends, spread the fun witticisms of Calvin and Hobbes.
I can't remember what happened to that particular book, or whether I took his advice or not, but this spring when I was at jury duty, I was given a book by someone I would never see again, and whose name I don't even remember. We were on a trial, and were trying to find something to talk about during lunch that would have NOTHING to do with the trial (very difficult with complete strangers, it turns out), and we started discussing books. I recommended some, he recommended some, and I soon had many new titles to audition.
But the next morning, my jury friend surprised me. He had brought me one of the books he recommended, and told me to read it. I hesitated while taking it, concerned about how to return the book, what to do with it, should I even accept it? But my friend had already thought of that, and told me to just "pass it on" when I was done with it.
So now I've finished it, and it was a fantastic book! Well worth passing on to anyone! First it goes to Buckwalter, but after that, it's any one's game!


The book was The Devil in the White City by Erik Larson. It intertwines the captivating story of the creation of the Chicago's World's Fair and the sadistic tale of a murderer who took advantage of countless visiting women who traveled to view the fair. I am not usually someone who enjoys nonfiction, but the weaving of stories and the color Larson uses in describing characters, buildings, and meetings are intriguing at the least.
His depictions of the murderer, Dr. Holmes, were so chilling at times, I found I really couldn't bring myself to read the book before bed.
The most interesting feature was the architectural interests of both main men. Mr. Burnham, the main architect of the Fair, struggles with his vision for a perfect White City in the heart of a slum-loving Chicago, while Dr. Holmes struggles to create a building of the macabre, with gas chambers, cremation ovens, lost corridors, all without having any of builders' suspicions aroused.
So perhaps when Buckwalter has finished reading it, you'd like to have our copy. Just remember to pass it along when you're done!