A favorite true-crime non-fiction text that I am currently teaching to my Journalism students is truly a hypnotic and powerful read.

I am filled with an overwhelming sense of awe and a profound admiration and love for those who toiled so hard in building the World's Fair. Burnham's segments are exquisitely rendered, offering heart-stopping excitement and joy. I simply did not want it to come to an end. On the other hand, Holmes' section is equally heart-stopping, but of course, it is chilling and horrific.

His murder of the Pietzel family is absolutely gruesome, heartbreaking, and unforgettable. It is inconceivable that Holmes and Burnham were literally within feet of one another, with clear cut examples of evil and good existing side by side. I earnestly hope that the Leonardo DiCaprio film adaptation will be just as faithful to the text in the near future.

Where to begin? This is probably one of the most terrifying books I've read since Mr. Bolano's "2666" two years ago. Methodical, diabolical, and strangely charming yet disarming, real-life serial killer H.H Holmes and his "murder castle" will send shivers down your spine.

However, as horrific as Mr. Holmes' segment is, the story of how architectural pioneer Daniel Burnham built the landmark Chicago World's Fair in 1893 is a beautiful, moving, and joyful reading experience, contrasted with the shades of good and evil, the light and the dark. I absolutely adored this read.

The Devil in the White City: Murder, Magic, and Madness at the Fair that Changed America by Erik Larson is a remarkable book. For most, it might rate 4 Stars, but for me, it got an outstanding 5 White Stars on a black background. This is because it taught me something fascinating about my hometown. My hometown played a crucial role in the 1893 World Expo in Chicago.

The story centers around the heroic efforts to win the event and then build it. Amidst the creation of the dream of the Expo, there is a dark tale of an evil serial killer. He preys upon the innocence and gullibility of women and men of that era.

“The White City” is the name given to the fairgrounds, in direct contrast to the Black City, as Chicago was known in part. Chicago, having just overtaken Philly as the second largest city in the US, desired and obtained the right to host the Expo. The story of how this fair became successful could have been the entire narrative and a great one at that. What truly amazed me was the enormity of the dreams these people had and how they made them a reality. They overcame bad weather, bureaucracy, and politics to build an Expo that had to outdo the 1889 Paris Expo, which featured the Eiffel Tower. I won't spoil it by revealing what the Chicago group did, but they ultimately "out-Eiffel" the Parisians. You will be amazed at the connections among so many familiar people. There are numerous characters like Buffalo Bill, Annie Oakley, Edison, Disney, Frank Lloyd Wright, Teddy Roosevelt, the competition to light the fair by Westinghouse (AC) or General Electric (DC), Clarence Darrow, Archduke Francis Ferdinand, Tesla, Cracker Jack, Shredded Wheat, kinetoscopes, and much more.

The serial killer, H. H. Holmes, is the embodiment of evil, similar to Ted Bundy. He scoured the hinterlands for naïve girls to bring to Chicago for his "use". Larsen weaves a captivating and tense story of how this man created an environment where he could carry out his evil deeds without suspicion until many had died at his hands. The 1893 Expo provided even more victims for his pursuit. Holmes operated with impunity as no one suspected anything untoward when various women "just left". The death penalty exists for people like him, as there is no other way to deal with such a person. It was a well-written counterpoint to the main story of the fair.

Oh, the "hometown" story that clinched the 5 Star rating? It turns out that my hometown of Waukesha, Wisconsin was to supply fresh, clean drinking water to the Chicago fairgrounds from our famous springs. I was aware of the springs but not of the effort to pipe that water 100 miles to the south. It truly shows that you can learn something new every day.

I was truly excited to delve back into this story each time I picked up the book. At certain moments, this chaotic collection of factual events seemed like a narrative I might concoct while aimlessly browsing Wikipedia (even though Erik Larson claims he didn't obtain information from the internet as, allegedly, all data found online is suspect).

Most of the dramatic facts that this book presents can be found near the top of internet searches, and many are proclaimed in bars when someone informs everyone about where Pabst won their blue ribbon and then adds, “A young man named George Farris went to that same fair in Chicago in 1893 — and he built himself a wheel.”

The most captivating story and the reason I craved more was the account of Holmes, who murdered dozens while becoming America's first serial killer. I wasn't particularly interested in the ten-plus pages that described where the fair would be located and then which park in the said city it would occupy. Some of these details were distracting and took an excessive amount of time to read. As a reader, I simply wanted to reach the gruesome parts.

People often like to say that non-fiction “reads like fiction” when they consider it to be good, but that doesn't make much sense to me. Books without dialogue generally give me the impression of Wikipedia, and they are engaging when I'm able to maintain my interest.

4.5 stars.

Who would have thought that the Chicago fair could be this interesting? Certainly not me!

I had initially expected it to be just another ordinary event, but boy, was I wrong.

The moment I walked in, I was greeted with a vibrant and lively atmosphere.

There were countless booths and attractions, each offering something unique and exciting.

From delicious food to amazing performances, there was never a dull moment.

I found myself constantly drawn to different areas, eager to explore and discover more.

The fair truly had something for everyone, whether you were a thrill-seeker or someone who just wanted to relax and have a good time.

I'm so glad I decided to check it out and would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a fun and memorable experience.

Overall, the Chicago fair exceeded my expectations and left me with a lasting impression.

Fascinating look back in time to the World's Fair in Chicago. It was a remarkable event that brought together people from all over the world. However, beneath the glitz and glamour, there was a dark side. H. H. Holmes wreaked silent havoc on an unknown number of victims. The way this was written was truly captivating. The author skillfully alternated between talking about the process of designing and building the fair and then switching to talk about the sinister actions Holmes was up to. His victims were astonishingly naive, but that was unfortunately the culture of the time. I am eagerly anticipating the upcoming movie of this book, where Leonardo DiCaprio will portray Holmes. I have no doubt that he will bring this complex and terrifying character to life in a way that will leave audiences on the edge of their seats.

Oreos deep fried in pancake batter...

Erik Larson's writing is like the novelty food that was updated from the Chicago World's Fair (such as Cracker Jack, Shredded Wheat, and Wrigley's Juicy Fruit Gum). It sparkles with new tastes and delights.

"The Devil in the White City: Murder, Magic and Madness at the Fair that Changed the World" features the intertwining stories of the creation of the world's fair and the serial killer H.H. Holmes. What is particularly interesting is how the fair shows the changing character of America at the turn of the century.

At the same time, the transformation of Chicago into the fair site, with attractions like the first Ferris Wheel that could hold 2,000 riders and had attendance on some days reaching 750,000, turned the streets of Chicago into an opportunistic killing ground.

The account of Holmes's killings and how he turned his 'castle' into an instrument for deaths (and how his crimes were overlooked due to the market for cadavers and articulated skeletons) is truly compelling.

I enjoyed the book and the time period Larson covers in it. However, especially in the portrayal of the fair's architect, Burnham, I thought there were just too many details that didn't contribute to the overall narrative.

Just like how many deep fried Oreos can you eat and still recognize each bite as a new sensation?

My daily life is replete with non-fiction, which consists of facts gathered to provide information promptly and effortlessly to a reader. However, when I read for pleasure, I typically lean towards fiction.

I was completely unaware that this book was non-fiction when I purchased it. I bought it because it was recommended by Katie, who has excellent taste in books and has never led me astray. As I read the back cover before commencing, I thought to myself: what on earth have I gotten myself into?

Surprisingly, I found myself instantly captivated. This book is a resounding success as Erik Larson conducted in-depth research on this topic. From my daily experience, I know that if you dig deep enough, interesting facts will present themselves. It is a delight to witness someone transform the ordinary into the engaging, and Larson does precisely that.

He alternates between two men of great ambition - Burnham and Holmes - before, during, and after the time of their greatest achievements. Burnham is the architect of the World's Fair (or World's Columbian Exposition), which took over Chicago at the end of the 19th century. Holmes, on the other hand, is a con artist with an insatiable desire to lure innocent young ladies into his lair of horrors. He is America's equivalent of Jack the Ripper, but without the media attention.

Like many others, I was most intrigued by the chapters about Holmes. I often found myself "rewarding" myself by reading those chapters, while the Burnham chapters served as a means to that end. However, a curious thing occurred around the halfway point. I couldn't get enough of the fair - its descriptions, the maddening timetables, the enormous pressures to "outdo Eiffel" and prove Chicago's worthiness of what New York desired.

This is a book for everyone who loves to read. It is suitable for academics, although they may find some flaws in Larson's hypotheses; for serious readers, and for those who are not so serious. Don't just take my word for it. Take mine and everyone else's.

A friend recommended this book to me, and I had the impression that it might be similar to "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil," which I truly loved. I thought it would be a historical account with an interesting story intertwined. However, unfortunately, I was unable to complete it.

I believe Goodreads should have a new category called "got bored, so I gave up." This book combines the true story of two men, an architect and a serial killer, against the backdrop of the Chicago World's Fair. I think it was the extensive details about the difficulties in building the "White City" that ultimately defeated me. I found myself eagerly jumping ahead to the gruesome details of the evil Henry H. Holmes, who seductively entices young women into his creepy lair.

If there were cliff notes available, I would be very interested in reading how the whole story unfolded. But, alas, I don't have the time to wade through all the construction problems, weather issues, ego problems, and so on. I managed to get through half of the book, hoping that the author would finally connect the two stories in some way!

This book truly exceeded my expectations!! I was initially interested in learning more about the serial killer H.H. Holmes and his murderous ways in Chicago during the late 1800s. However, to my pleasant surprise, this book delved more into the 1893 World's Fair than just the serial killer.

I found myself thoroughly enjoying the history of the planning, building, and showmanship of the World's Fair. It was fascinating to learn about the AC power provided by Nikola Tesla that illuminated the entire grounds and the huge wheel designed by George Ferris. The World's Fair was indeed a wondrous spectacle that attracted hundreds of thousands of people to the city.

An unintended consequence was that the Fair also brought many young women who were new to the city and unchaperoned for the first time. Sadly, some of them fell victim to the charms and murderous intent of H.H. Holmes.

I listened to the audio version of this book, which was just over 15 hours long and narrated by Scott Brick. I liked Brick's voice, and he read at a nice even pace. Despite my hearing loss, I had no trouble hearing and understanding the audio.

Larson clearly did an enormous amount of research into the planning, construction, and details of the World's Fair. He provided so much detail about all aspects of the event, as well as H.H. Holmes' life, crimes, capture, and subsequent prosecution and execution. It's a great story!

However, it's important to note that this book is non-fiction and not written like a narrative story. There are numerous facts and information about the Fair, its planning and engineering, the events, people, and so on, plus copious details about H.H. Holmes. It doesn't read like a fictional novel or story. Readers who don't enjoy historical accounts with a lot of details might not find this book to their liking. But history buffs or those who love great details, such as how many people could ride the first Ferris wheel at one time or how many people attended the Fair each day, will absolutely love this book! I certainly did!

Erik Larson has written several other non-fiction narratives about historical events, including "Dead Wake" (about the sinking of the Lusitania) and "Thunderstruck" (about the capture of the murderer Dr. Crippen).

Historical Fictionistas Group Read December 2015!
Larson's work truly stands out. Just for the research alone, he deserves five stars. It's truly remarkable. And when coupled with his own amazing skill at fleshing out every detail to make it read like a thrilling novel, it's an added bonus. This book was so captivating that it was extremely easy to get lost in. I must admit that in the beginning, Holmes' story held more interest for me than the 1893 World's Fair. However, by the end, I was completely wrapped up in both sagas and the intricate way they intertwined with each other. There is an astonishing amount of detail in this book. It's almost难以置信 that it's nonfiction. One might think that surely something had to be fabricated. But in his author's note at the end of the book, Larson explains how he constructed two of the murder scenes, much like a prosecutor would in a trial, using the most plausible explanations he could find. I also really appreciate that he does his research solely through books and articles and stays away from the internet. In this modern age, there's something to be said for keeping things old-school and still being able to put together such a comprehensive book as this. I ended up listening to the audiobook because my sister took my paperback copy. But I'm not too worried as Scott Brick does an outstanding job reading. In fact, it makes me think that for the next Larson book I read, I might very well listen along as I read. This book is on the book hangover shelf because here I am, sitting and seriously not knowing what to do with myself. I'm longing for more story, but unfortunately, there's no more left. The story has come to an end, and the book is finished. Sad indeed.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading Devil in the White City. This novel-style nonfiction book is truly a treasure trove of information, filled with tons of great trivia that kept me engaged from start to finish. However, I must admit that my appreciation for the book might have been even greater if I had a closer connection to Chicago, perhaps being a city planner or architect, or if I had a particular fascination with serial killers.

What was by far the most irksome aspect for me was Larson's overuse of foreshadowing. He insisted on foreshadowing absolutely every character introduction and event in the book. While some of these foreshadowing elements were clever, the repetitive "one day, he would make headlines" style quickly became tiresome and predictable.

Beyond this stylistic irritation, I was also disappointed by Larson's failure to effectively unite the two main threads of the story. On one hand, we have the story of the World's Fair, mostly centered around its chief architect, Daniel Burnham. On the other hand, we have the tale of "America's first serial killer," H.H. Holmes, who committed dozens of murders during the same period. Each of these stories is interesting in its own right, but the lack of concrete ties between them left me feeling a bit unsatisfied. I couldn't help but wonder why Larson chose these specific lives to parallel. Why not a madam operating in Chicago at the time? Or a Zulu warrior brought to America as an exhibition piece? There were so many other possible stories that could have been explored.

Regardless of Larson's choices, through the intertwined narratives of the World's Fair and H.H. Holmes, readers can still learn a great deal about this fascinating period in American history. The book offers a unique perspective on the events, people, and social context of that time, making it a worthwhile read for anyone interested in history or true crime.

I'm the first reader to admit that I'm not a huge fan of nonfiction. I've read a little, but mostly it consisted of memoirs or young adult books (assigned readings for my daughter). I mostly let my husband do the heavy lifting when it comes to reading nonfiction, and he tells me the interesting parts. So, without further hesitation, I want to say thank you to Mr. Larson. You have managed to make this fiction junkie fall in love with your nonfiction account. I highly recommend this fascinating account of the Chicago World's Fair and the serial killer who was among them. It deserves 5 huge, exclamation point stars!!!!!

Update: This could be interesting. There is a new series that explores the question of whether H.H. Holmes was also Jack the Ripper. You can find more information at http://mentalfloss.com/article/502530...