Books by Barb and Becky - One Summer, America, 1927

This is Barb Lewis reporting on the book "One Summer, America, 1927" by Bill Bryson.

I admit it - I love to read about the past, especially the 20's. This book captured my imagination from the beginning.

When people talk about how bad things are now, they really need to read about the characters, including politicians, from this time frame!

I could not help thinking of my beloved grandma as I read this. She would have been 20 in 1927. I remember her telling me about Charles Lindbergh, the most famous man in the world at that time, being the first to fly across the Atlantic Ocean, when many others before him died in the attempt. I would have loved to have had a discussion with her about what came out after his death, that he had 7, yes 7,children out of wedlock without his family knowing! We also learn, in this book, about Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig and their battle for the home run championship, Henry Ford and the Fordlandia disaster, a huge murder trial, prohibition and Al Capone, Herbert Hoover, the creation of TV and the Model T, boxing champion Jack Dempsey, talkies instead of silent movies, the construction of Mt. Rushmore, a man who spent 12 days atop a flagpole, four bankers who triggered the great depression, and so much more.

There were so many unique people who did some really amazing things in the summer of 1927. Mr. Bryson makes 20th Century American history fun. You're very much entertained while learning.

If you enjoy true historical stories, this is for you. You're taken back to that time, a time that was truly fascinating.