Not everyone finished The Devil in the White City, but it was pretty decently liked. Quite a few people thought that it was a little slow going, and wished there could be more about the serial killer. Some of us found it quite riveting!
Some highlights:
- The historical facts and famous people involved with the story were really interesting
- Ferris wheel!
- The fair was the perfect environment for a serial killer – it was just too easy for people to disappear, though it does seem a little odd that that the local police never suspected anything
- The death of the mayor put a bleak tone on the close of the fair
- Chicago had tremendous civic honor and pride – and something to prove to New York and to the country – they had to out-do everyone
- The White City was like a dream – people wrote about how amazing it was, and how it almost felt cruel to have it taken away – like people being depressed after seeing Avatar!
- Lasting inventions: Aunt Jemima, Shredded Wheat, Cracker Jack, pledge of allegiance, AC lights, Juicy Fruit gum, zipper, electric kitchen
- Some architects at the time thought that the fair derailed the progression and originality of current American architecture
- Holmes’ motives – he just had the devil in him, looked for needy women
- We’d like to know the motives of serial killers to prevent them from killing
- The amount of money and creative freedom allowed to the minds behind the fair was staggering
- How amazing to be able to imagine, and then build, your wildest dream
- Did Holmes pay for his own burial, since he was so particular about how he wanted to be buried?
- Holmes made a ton of money on his memoir
- Was Holmes the natural dark side to the fair?
- Was Chicago’s attitude an American attitude? (US vs Europe, Chicago vs US)
- Chicago was dirty, and the infrastructure couldn’t keep up with the growth
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