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Wednesday, April 2, 2014

One Summer; America, 1927

Opening the pages of a Bill Bryson book is like opening a treasure trove full of wondrous, strange and fascinating facts.  His latest book, One Summer; America, 1927 (#380) is no different.  If you're like me, you'll find yourself constantly saying "I did not know that!"  Better forewarn your spouse, significant other, roommates, relatives and pets that they're about to be bombarded with nuggets of information that are just too good not to share with anyone else in your immediate vicinity!

Bill Bryson always seems to have this effect on me.  By just choosing one season of one long-gone twentieth century year, Mr. Bryson has pulled together an amazing assortment of people, personalities and events that were in the news in 1927.  Some of the events will be familiar, but most are long forgotten, even though they consumed vast amounts of newsprint at the time.  (Much like Miley Cyrus' infamous twerking will be to future researchers of our cultural norms!)  Consider just a few: Charles Lindbergh's solo flight over the Atlantic, the execution of Italian anarchists Sacco and Vanzetti, Babe Ruth's most amazing year as a Yankee and the premiere of the first talking movie, The Jazz Singer starring Al Jolsen.  But wait, there's more!  Much, much more to savor in this survey of one momentous American summer.

It's hard to resist something so entertaining and enlightening!  If you've never read any of Bill Bryson's books before, One Summer is an excellent place to become acquainted.

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